Agrarian Reform as a Path to Economic Development and Stability in Bangsamoro Mindanao
Abstract
The ongoing conflict and resulting instability in Mindanao is the result of several factors, including economic disparity and significant unemployment in Muslim areas. No single approach will likely solve this complex and long-running conflict, but the economic grievances of the Moro population could largely be addressed through land redistribution and agrarian reform. Agriculture has long been the main driver of the Mindanao economy, but decades of restrictions and failed land-use programs have hampered production and created wealth disparities and suboptimal employment for the local population. Returning portions of the available arable land to the Moro population, combined with development programs to diversify production and increase yields, could both improve the local (and national) economy and provide a path to prosperity for thousands of disenfranchised youth in predominantly Muslim areas. By simultaneously addressing a key grievance of the Moro people and creating greater economic opportunity for local agricultural workers, increased investment and greater regional stability could result from relatively small and simple steps toward agrarian reform.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1062160
Entities
People
- Stuart H. Blanchette
Organizations
- Naval War College