Is the relationship between agricultural performance and land tenure security uniform across the world? Evidence from meta-analysis

This meta-analysis investigated the association between land tenure security (LTS) and agricultural performance in various geographic and institutional contexts. It examines critical factors, such as agricultural productivity, investment, food security, poverty alleviation, climate change adaptation, soil and water conservation, and youth engagement, based on empirical research conducted from 1990 to 2024. The results indicated that, while LTS was generally associated with agricultural development, the degree of these advantages can vary significantly due to geographical dynamics and governmental frameworks. The effect can be especially strong for agricultural investment in regions in which institutions were strong and policies work together. The study stresses that land tenure reforms must be tailored to specific contexts and incorporate institutional capacity, social equity, and regional priorities to enhance resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods, and further advance the larger goals of agricultural transformation and rural development. The findings underscore the necessity for context-specific land tenure frameworks rather than one-size-fits-all proposals for policy.