To What Extent Is Addressing Property Rights an Effective Strategic Tool for Supporting the Rural Poor in Colombia?

Abstract

Considering former FARC members’ re-integration into society as well as farmers longing for a return to their lands, it is clear that Colombia must devise a plan for inclusive rural economic development and economic growth that helps lift people out of poverty. Such a plan must address land tenure issues and help integrate Colombia’s farmers and rural workers into the formal economy. Yet, there is no simple, seemingly magical, solution to the complex challenge of rural poverty in Colombia. This essay discusses how property rights can serve as an effective strategic tool for supporting the rural poor. Moreover, property rights combined with an effective land reform process can help improve the lives of thousands of Colombians as long as these efforts are supported by other complementary policy prescriptions.

Keywords: Poverty, Inequality, Land Reform, Property Rights, Economic Development, Colombia

JEL Classification: I30, O10, O13, P14, Q15