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Accessing and retaining access to the sandbars by the extreme poor: experiences from the Practical Action Project

Published by:
Publication date
19/03/2012
Language:
English
Type of Publication:
Working Papers & Briefs
Focus Region:
Asia and the Pacific
Focus Topic:
Land / Water / Resource Management
Type of Risk:
Biological & environmental
Commodity:
Crops
Source
http://www.dfid.gov.uk/r4d/pdf/outputs/EEP/Shiree-WP9.pdf
Author
Khan Areef Ur Rahman; Imran Reza

This study investigates the processes of negotiation undertaken to gain access to the sandbars. In so doing, the study tried to identify the main factors that facilitated successful access to sandbars by the extreme poor and to question which approaches and methods are likely to continue to work in the future. In order to do this, the study looked specifically at the advantages and disadvantages of existing modes of access to sandbars, including free access to crop-sharing, and explored the different roles of relevant stakeholders (current and future). Key questions included: what are the factors that could change future access modalities? How long will land claimants allow free access by the extreme poor if sandbar cultivation proves profitable (despite the fact that the land remained unused before the project)? What is the role of local government and local administration in the on-going access negotiation process in relation to protecting the potential long-term gains secured by the extreme poor? Are there characteristics or features of sandbars (which change in size and location every year) that give the extreme poor leverage or greater chances of access?