Land Matrix Global Observatory Finds Exaggerated Data Surrounding Land Grabbing

The Land Matrix Global Observatory, a global consortium of five international research centers, has released a report stating that many deals labeled as land grabbing have been significantly exaggerated. Using an extensive database, the researchers have found that despite concerns by the media and campaigners, there is little clear information on the scale of land grabbing. In 756 verified land deals, the database shows that 46 million hectares of land have been secured. Half of the transactions occurred in Africa, especially Mozambique and Ethiopia. The researchers suggest exaggerated figures in initial reports such as a deal in Congo-Brazzaville for 10 million hectares, when only 80,000 was actually included in the contract.