Environment & Urbanization

World leading environmental and urban studies journal

Land Access and Resettlement: A Guide to Best Practice

Author(s): 
Gerry Reddy, Eddie Smyth, Michael Steyn

Publisher: 
Greenleaf Publishing

Year: 
2015

Land Access and Resettlement: A Guide to Best Practice seeks to limit the negative impacts of natural resource exploitation and infrastructure projects, such as mining operations and dams, on local communities. Negative impacts can stem from economic displacement (loss of incomes or assets) or physical displacement (loss of shelter or land). The book argues that any unavoidable resettlement should be undertaken with due care, early planning, and genuine participation of affected communities. Overall, it is guided by the following principle:

“You just have to ask the question—‘How would I feel?—to be reminded that we owe it to affected communities to ensure that displacement impacts are fully and fairly addressed, whilst enabling them to also enjoy the benefits that flow from projects.” (emphasis in original)

The book explores ways to ensure that this principle is met. In the authors’ framework, there are five steps to minimising the disadvantages of land access and resettlement: 1) stakeholder engagement, 2) assessment, 3) planning, 4) implementation, and 5) monitoring and evaluation. Each of these components is discussed in detail, with attention to general aspects such as objectives and key questions.

The book was written by consultants based on an analysis of over 100 projects in over 40 countries. It is intended as a practical guide for those involved in land access and resettlement projects, whether carrying them out or reviewing them. Therefore it contains an abundance of frameworks, standards and plans: resource framework, social impact assessment, livelihood restoration plan, etc. This applied focus is also evident in the attention to specific aspects that may be overlooked during project-induced displacement. Some examples are:

·         providing emergency health care to the pregnant, elderly and disabled

·         asking resettled households about their preferred time of day to move (e.g. in some cultures it is unacceptable for certain household belongings to be visible to others, making night-time moves preferable)

·         conducting follow-up visits after resettlement

·         ensuring that any cemeteries in the affected areas are also considered

Land Access and Resettlement does not engage with theory or debates. Instead, it offers prescriptions: for instance, that cash compensation to resettled households should be minimized in favour of replacement land and housing. Along the same lines, case studies are short (one-paragraph) snapshots rather than extended analyses. Therefore the book is perhaps most useful to practitioners and planners.

               

Book note prepared by Christine Ro

 

Further reading:

Ndezi, Tim (2009), “The limit of community initiatives in addressing resettlement in Kurasini ward, Tanzania”, Environment and Urbanization Vol 21, No 1, pages 77–88, available at http://eau.sagepub.com/content/21/1/77.abstract.

Patel, Sejal, Richard Sliuzas and Navdeep Mathur (2015, forthcoming in print), “The risk of impoverishment in urban development-induced displacement and resettlement in Ahmedabad”, Environment and Urbanization Vol 27, No 1, available at http://eau.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/03/09/0956247815569128.abstract.

Patel, Sheela, Celine d’Cruz and Sundar Burra (2002), “Beyond evictions in a global city: people-managed resettlement in Mumbai”, Environment and Urbanization Vol 14, No 1, pages 159–172, available at http://eau.sagepub.com/content/14/1/159.abstract.

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