Joshua Humphreys, Ann Solomon, Emmanuel Tumusiime

Feburary 2013

In the past decade, investment in land used for agriculture and forestry in low- and middle-income countries has grown dramatically. This study provides an analysis of the substantial role US investors have played in this phenomenon over the past 10 years. This influence is particularly noticeable in the financing of agribusiness companies that employ monoculture production in low-income countries at the expense of biodiversity and greater food security. Many obstacles to transparency obscure a complete understanding of farmland investment activity. To achieve a more complete understanding of these issues, it will be crucial to strengthen public disclosure requirements and reporting on investments in farmland and forestry.