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Rich Nations Snap Up Third World Farmland

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 22, 2008 3:24 PM CST

(Newser) – Rich nations are buying up farmland in developing countries and drawing the ire of some critics, the Guardian reports. One UN official said the purchases, designed as a hedge against food shortages, could put poor nations at risk of starving to feed the wealthy. In "this scramble for soil I don't see any place for the small farmers," said one analyst, who added that African and Southeast Asian countries will make good money from the sales.

One insider called the trend "unprecedented," adding, "we're used to seeing 100,000-hectare sales. This is more than 10 times as much.” Governments in wealthy but land-poor states, most in the Middle East, are spearheading the drive. But they run the risk of inciting political rage, said one expert: "Land is an extremely sensitive thing. This could go horribly wrong if you don't learn the lessons of history."

Flooded farmland in Afghanistan. (AP Photo)

A young girl pauses in a cornfield in Zimbabwe. (Getty Images)

Farmers harvest vegetables in Wulian county in east China's Shandong province. (AP Photo)

A farmer in Cuba. (AP Photo)

An industrial farming operation in Mexico. (AP Photo)

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KFC Looks to Conquer Africa With Fried Chicken

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Competitors say they can save millions with cheaper alternative to French peanut paste

Developing Nations Were In on 'Danish Text'

China, India helped draft leaked agreement they railed against

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Starving country's ruling party gets tough to tackle champagne, caviar shortage

As World's Belly Rumbles, Gluttonous US Tosses Food

27% of available food ends up in the trash

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Rich Nations Snap Up Third World Farmland

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

food • Africa • globalization • farmland • Third World • food shortage • food security

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

KFC Looks to Conquer Africa With Fried Chicken

Chain to open hundreds of restaurants in a dozen countries

Patent Fight Over Miracle Food for Malnutrition

Competitors say they can save millions with cheaper alternative to French peanut paste

Developing Nations Were In on 'Danish Text'

China, India helped draft leaked agreement they railed against

Mugabe Thugs Collect for Presidential Pig-Out

Starving country's ruling party gets tough to tackle champagne, caviar shortage

As World's Belly Rumbles, Gluttonous US Tosses Food

27% of available food ends up in the trash

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?