Cross-Sector Impact

Land and the systems that govern land, resources, and property rights are central to many of our most pressing development issues: eliminating extreme poverty, reducing hunger and malnutrition, preventing conflict, empowering women, sustainably managing resources, and addressing a rapidly changing climate. From the Sustainable Development Goals to the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the New Urban Agenda, the global community is increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing land governance as a powerful tool to help achieve these critical priorities.

Yet in many countries, land and resource governance systems remain weak, opaque, fragmented, or ineffective. Rights to land and natural resources may be undocumented, overlapping, contested, or unequally protected. These challenges affect not only landholders, but also broader outcomes in agriculture, climate resilience, housing, investment, peacebuilding, biodiversity, and social inclusion.

Understanding how land governance systems function, how they can be strengthened, and how they affect other development sectors is essential. TenureSecurity.org shares research, tools, evidence, data, practical examples, and diverse perspectives to support better understanding of land tenure and property rights.

By helping clarify and strengthen the land and resource rights of all members of society, especially women and communities with insecure tenure, stronger land governance can contribute to broad-based economic development, gender equality, conflict prevention, food security, climate resilience, and sustainable natural resource management.