Assessing the impacts of Venezuela's state-led agrarian reform programme on rural livelihoods

Abstract

The debate surrounding land reform is back on the development agenda with a consensus that the severe unequal distribution of land in developing countries is the main cause of persistent levels of poverty and inequality in the countryside. In Venezuela, a state-led agrarian reform programme is being pursued. This programme is designed with the most promising elements to offset strong landlord resistance, alleviate poverty, and increase agricultural productivity; but key weaknesses in the implementation and institutionalization of the programme hinder its ability to be fully effective. Three key weaknesses have been identified - corruption and political sabotage; private intermediaries; and a lack of regulation. The ability of the state and society to overcome these key weaknesses will dictate whether this agrarian reform programme can make for a successful and productive agrarian transformation or whether its inconsistency and its lack of capacity will lead to a crisis of legitimacy and increased conflicts.