COMPETITIVE RIGHTS, COMPETITIVE CLAIMS - LAND ACCESS IN POSTWAR MOZAMBIQUE

This article examines the complex struggles for land in Mozambique bef ore and after its civil war and how these dynamics may undermine the c ountry's fragile peace process. It notes that dubious government activ ities and official unwillingness to confront land tenure reform issues are exacerbating an already confusing situation marked by competitive and overlapping land claims. Drawing upon field research throughout t he country, it reveals that in the past three years, government agenci es have been haphazardly distributing land rights to new and returning private national and foreign enterprises as well as to government off icials through privatisation of the vast state farm sector reactivatio n of former colonial titles, and granting of concessions. It is estima ted that as of May 1994 40 million hectares of land, more than half of Mozambique's total area, have been granted in concessions or 'sold' t o commercial enterprises. This practice is leading to the emergence of a new category of post-war displaced families. A case study of land a ccess and competition in two locations in Gaza Province reveals that, contrary to government predictions, not. all refugees and displaced fa milies are returning to their 'areas of origin'. Motivated by continui ng security concerns and economic considerations, many are locating in areas near infrastructure, markets and transportation The case also i lluminates how war and colonial and post-independence policies have ge nerated multiple layers of competitive claimants. Resolving these land conflicts will necessitate more secure and transparent land rights an d clarification of who has power to distribute rights and adjudicate c onflicts. The article concludes that the government, in redesigning it s land laws in ways conducive to long-term economic growth and politic al stability, should encourage a dialogue with all segments of Mozambi can society and, rather than viewing smallholders and customary rules as impediments, incorporate them as active partners.