ABSTRACT

The current era of land and water ‘grabs’ in sub-Saharan Africa is attracting much critical analysis. There is, however, a long and troubled history of ‘land grabbing’ in the region. Key features of that history can contribute to contemporary analysis because there are lessons and insights to be derived from the past and the historical literature on the fate of the land and indigenous occupants is rich and detailed. This chapter will provide an overview of how land alienation from indigenous peoples was accomplished in the past, the geographical patterns of land division established, and the outcomes of the process for indigenous rural livelihoods. Where appropriate, consideration will be given to the water issues involved in the choice and use of land alienated from the African population and comparisons made to the current issue of land ‘grabbing’.