Dr. Bikram Lamba

Dr. Lamba spoke about the developing phenomena of Global Land Grab.  This is a new form of colonialism where countries short of resources and corporations desperate for profits are buying up arable land in emerging nations.  Food insecure governments that rely on imports to feel their people are snatching up vast areas of farmland abroad for their offshore food production.  Food corporations and private investors see investment in foreign farmland as an important source of revenue.  The result is fertile agricultural land is becoming privatized and concentrated.

Among the target countries are Philippines, Cambodia, Uganda, and Brazil.  The countries seeking concessions are Arab countries in the Gulf, China, Egypt, India, Japan and South Korea.

One example is South Korean Daewoo Logistics negotiating with Madagascar for 1.3 million acres of land on a 99 year lease to produce maize and corn oil.  The investors remove the land from local production, and local farms .   Thousands of hectares in Pakistan have been sold to Abu Dhabi investors.  Laos has signed away 15% of its viable farmland.   Some of the farmland will be used to grow for biofuels rather than food.

The process of land grabbing is historical and continues today.   This type of land grab puts small farmers at risk,  and improvishes the poor and disadvantaged.   If this continues it will result in slavery for millions, said Dr. Lamba.  He expressed concern that there is no one speaking up for the marginalized people - a role usually adopted by the United Nations.     Dr. Lamba addressed questions about the reported argument that this process creates employment - but in reality it is doing the opposite.  In fact, child labour continues in many developing countries.   Dr. Lamba concluded with the need for countries to act humanely.

Brad Goodison thanked Dr. Lamba who received a Certificate of Appreciation.