Agricultural land acquisitions unlikely to address the food security needs of African countries

In recent years, Large Scale Land Acquisitions (LSLA), direct land tenure changes have been gaining momentum in developing countries. this study, we evaluate the potential extent to which agricultural deals Africa are able address host countries’ food security needs, a commonly cited motivation for their establishment. First, develop framework priority needs of 38 African countries 2000 based on indicators availability, accessibility, stability, and utilization. Second, estimate whether crops from would be sold export or local markets origin investments (domestic, foreign mixed), type investors (eg. agribusiness, finance, government) intended food, cash crop, biofuel). This enables us how likely investment is improve in-country security, versus serving other purposes (e.g., speculation, enclosure natural resources). Third, account characteristics locations where happen (population density, cover distance markets) order level conflict deforestation that they could exacerbate. We find LSLA only identified 7 also at risk increasing pressures conflicts 83% acquired area, including meet needs. more productive lands most often allocated flex crops, while produced marginal lands. thus argue even when purpose production, not security; rather, serve financial interests transnational companies elites with support governments. Finally, recommend elaborated consultation communities marginalized groups sustainably socio-ecological systems.