Access to Land and Recognition of Land Rights in GUATEMALA

Table of Contents of the Report

Part 1. Original Features of the Guatemalan Agricultural History

• A Very High Concentration of Land (The Weight of Colonial Heritage; A System of Land Rights Built from the King’s Power;

• Rights over Land, Rights over the People

• Independence and Absolutism of the So-Called Liberal Reforms

• The Failed Attempt at Promoting Modern Capitalism with Moderate Agrarian Reform

• Improbable Land Markets

Part 2. Toward Rural Development for All

• Peace Agreement and Land Issues

• Current Dynamics (Emergence of Dynamic Sectors of Small Mercantile Producers; Difficulties in Some Large Production Sectors)

• Different Visions

Part 3. Contributions to the Debate and Some Elements to Progress

• Deepening Reflection on Some Conceptual Aspects (Where does Legitimacy Concerning Rights over Land Come from?; Land Property. What are we talking about?)

• Some Central Points Requiring Support (Helping to Document the Advantages of Family Production and Training the Professionals the Country Needs; Making Progress in the Local Management of Land; Finding the Ways to Walk Ahead and Not Stumble)

Part 4. The Role and Actions of the International Land Coalition

• The International Land Coalition

• Background, Actions Underway in Guatemala, and Perspectives

• Land and Development in Guatemala. Dynamic Plan of the International Coalition Activities in Guatemala 2003-2005

• LAND Alliance for National Development

5. Annexes