Abstract
This article examines the pro-market critique of state-led agrarian reforms (SLARs). This critique has become the imperative for, and foundation of, the contemporary market-led agrarian reform (MLAR) policy model. Various criticisms of the MLAR have been put forward, but none of these analysed MLAR's theoretical starting point, that is, its critique of SLARs. Looking at the various experiences in different countries, this article analyses the pro-market critique and concludes that it is theoretically flawed and largely without bases in fact. This conclusion hopes to expand and deepen the breadth and depth of the current debate on land reform.
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I thank Jennifer Franco, Cristóbal Kay, Ben White, Armin Paasch and Manuel Quiambao for their constructive comments and suggestions on various earlier related draft papers. I also thank the anonymous referee for the comments and useful suggestions. However, I am directly responsible for the analysis, and any errors, in the final article.
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Borras, S. Questioning the Pro-Market Critique of State-Led Agrarian Reforms. Eur J Dev Res 15, 109–132 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1080/09578810312331287505
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09578810312331287505