The FAO (UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization) secretary general, Jaques Diuf, declared that land reform can do more than give people access to land ownership. It can make it possible for the poor to obtain a decent income, he said.
Speaking at the opening of the 2nd International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development, Diuf pointed out that the question of land ownership is an important aspect of the problem of food security.
According to Diuf, land access is political, social, economic, cultural, religious and even patriotic. "Because of all this, land reform deserves a hearing at all levels of society, not just in the government. And it is essential that the excluded, those who do not have land, be included in the discussion."
Brazilian Vice President José Alencar, speaking at the same Conference declared that land reform can prolong growth and stimulate development.
"Land reform is a good example of the virtuous moment the country is going through as we rebuild and develop for a long cycle we need a strong domestic economy," said the Vice President, who is also the Minister of Defense.
"But our land reform must be intelligent and responsible. We cannot harm those who are producing and expanding abroad in world markets," declared Alencar, adding that land reform has to be peaceful and just, a land reform with quality, so that the most needy can have an opportunity to live off the land and build their future there."
Agência Brasil
