How can land tenure and cadastral reform succeed? An inter-regional comparison of rural reforms

In a synthesis of studies in English, Spanish and French, cadastral reforms in Peru, Colombia, Albania, Hungary, Burkina Faso and Senegal were examine d, confirming that rural reforms are successful only if they acknowledge th e existence of traditional landholding systems. Comprehensive, well-intenti oned measures that are pursued only partially - without commitment from gov ernments to planning and full implementation, and without the necessary sup port services - generally do not succeed The studied reforms were successfu l only in: consolidating and registering customary tenure, and in promoting the conservation of natural resources. They were neither successful in inc reasing security of tenure; promoting improvements to land; facilitating ac cess to credit, nor creating a viable land market. Mixed results were obtai ned in reducing land disputes, increasing agricultural production, and redu cing fragmented holdings.