Has Colombia Finally Found an Agrarian Reform that Works?

Abstract

This article assesses Colombian agrarian reforms from the beginning of the 20th century. It shows the positive and negative effects of Law 200 of 1936, criticizes the impact of INCORA in land distribution in the seventies and the failure of 'campesino' organizations that sought pacific agrarian reforms. The essay highlights the positive effects of DRI on 'campesino' income but recognizes its negative effects on social inequality. Also, it argues that the adoption of free market policies in the nineties deteriorated rural conditions and social inequality. Finally, it evaluates the scope of recent projects and offers some policy recommendations.

Note: Downloadable document is in Spanish.

Keywords: Agrarian reform, landlords, squatters, agrarian policies, property rights

JEL Classification: N56, Q15