Land tenure reform and food security: a systematic review of agrarian policies in the Global South

This systematic review examines the impact of land tenure reform on food security in the Global South, synthesizing findings from 87 peer-reviewed studies (2016–2025) identified through Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This assessment, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, evaluates land titling, redistributive policies, recognition of customary tenure, and tenure security programs, examining their impact across various dimensions of food security. Despite considerable research on land tenure reform, few studies explicitly address the contextual nuances and adaptive policy approaches required for sustainable food security in diverse settings within the Global South. This review aims to address this limitation by highlighting the shortcomings of land titling and redistributive policies when implemented without robust institutions, complementary services, and inclusive participation. The analysis advocates a paradigm shift in policy design, robust state-led institutional frameworks, and adaptive governance that prioritize institutional capacity, the provision of complementary services, and equitable inclusion as essential drivers of successful, sustainable reform. Future research should focus on the long-term impact of these adaptive policy approaches, particularly in areas such as hybrid governance, inclusive participation, and climate resilience, within specific and contextual contexts.