Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This thesis discusses the effect of delays in large-scale agricultural investment (LSAI) in resettlement on the local population when resettled. Empirical material was gathered in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, for the case of the investor Agro EcoEnergy Ltd. (‘EcoEnergy’) and its investment in sugar. EcoEnergy is an agro industrial development company that has gained title to land on the Razaba ranch, where it plans to grow sugarcane for the domestic sugar market. Because of this planned investment, the local population living on the land today will have to be resettled in new areas. EcoEnergy has agreed to comply with the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards, where Performance Standard 5 (PS5), on land acquisition and involuntary resettlement, is applicable. This thesis explores how delays in the investment and the resettlement process are affecting the local population and how this is handled in PS5. Interviews were held with the local population, EcoEnergy representatives and consultants working with the resettlement process. Theoretical perspectives are drawn from Giddens’ ontological security, the livelihood framework and Scott’s planning for the unknown.