Large-scale agricultural investments and contract farming in Tanzania: A systematic review on the livelihoods, food security and ecological implications

Abstract

In the past decade, contract farming has re-emerged due to the increased opposition to large-scale land acquisitions in many developing countries. During this era, contract farming has been promoted as an inclusive alternative to land grabbing that could help farmers retain their land, and an inclusive business model could help link smallholder farmers to the markets, helping alleviate poverty and promote rural development. Guided by the PRISMA protocols, this article reviews the implications of large-scale agricultural investments (LSAIs) and contract farming on Tanzania's rural livelihoods, food security, and the environment. The study found little evidence of LSAIs and contract farming's contribution to improving rural livelihoods and food security. LSAIs and contract farming exacerbate the ‘dispossession from below’ by accelerating land transfer from poor to rich farmers, suggesting that the schemes do not largely benefit the poor. The schemes have increased pressure on land between outsiders and indigenous farmers and declined the land size used to produce food crops, affecting local food security. The excessive use of synthetic inputs, clearing forests for LSAIs, and contract farming lead to ecological degradation. The study highlights the importance of ensuring LSAIs and contract farming schemes are more sustainable, inclusive and responsible investments. • Contract farming has re-emerged in the last decade as a solution to land grabbing, assisting farmers to keep their land and access markets. • The study found minimal evidence that LSAIs and contract farming positively impact Tanzania's rural livelihoods and food security. • Contract farming accelerates 'dispossession from below’ due to increased land transfer from poorer to wealthier farmers. • LSAIs and contract farming contribute to ecological degradation, highlighting the need for more sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices.

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