Systemic land insecurity affects over a billion people globally
Original framing: “Over a billion fear losing land and homes within five years” — Global Issues
Land insecurity is deeply rooted in colonial histories, where land was seized and redistributed to create extractive economies. Post-colonial states have often failed to rectify these injustices, perpetuating cycles of land dispossession and inequality.
The land insecurity crisis is a systemic issue rooted in historical injustices, legal exclusion, and economic inequality.
Indigenous and customary land systems offer alternative models of stewardship that are often overlooked in favor of Western property paradigms. Recognizing these systems and integrating them into formal governance can help secure land rights for marginalized communities. Scientific evidence supports the link between secure tenure and sustainable land use, while participatory governance can ensure that land policies reflect the needs of the most vulnerable. Without addressing the structural causes of land insecurity, efforts to provide housing and livelihoods will remain superficial and ineffective.