On the occasion of the Second International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ICARRD+20) from 24 to 28 February 2026 in Cartagena, Colombia, agricultural expert Johanna Entrup and Misereor's Africa policy advisor Selina Wiredu give their views:
Johanna Entrup: "Land grabbing, hunger, displacement and increasing conflicts over land are not a side effect of global crises, but the result of decades of unjust structures. The future of humanity will be decided by the question of how we deal with our land. Day after day, our partners in Africa, Latin America and Asia report how massively land loss is affecting their lives: When soils disappear due to mining, growing cities or erosion, food, income and security are lost. The climate crisis is further exacerbating the problem. We therefore expressly welcome the fact that the German Federal Government and 49 other countries are involved in the ICARRD+20 conference. "
Selina Wiredu: "We expect the participants to clearly identify key problems and the responsibilities of German and international players. In northern Tanzania, for example, questionable carbon projects are being implemented on Maasai land with the involvement of German companies such as VW, threatening their livelihoods. We hope that the outcome of the conference will send a clear signal to the international community to consistently implement a fair and forward-looking land policy. The German government should endeavour to ensure that the results are translated into binding follow-up processes. The case in Tanzania shows: The expansion of economic cooperation as a development policy instrument envisaged in the BMZ's reform plan must be flanked by clear human rights protection mechanisms."
Background:
Twenty years after the last ICARRD, the conference in Colombia is once again putting land policy and rural development high on the international agenda.With the participation of ministers and high-ranking government representatives from Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, the conference offers a key opportunity to set a political course with global impact.
Misereor is committed to land rights. Land conflicts are often linked to global supply chains, investments and climate financing. German companies therefore have a responsibility to comply with human rights due diligence obligations along their value chains.This is exemplified by the involvement of the Volkswagen Group (VW) and its subsidiary Volkswagen ClimatePartner in carbon projects in northern Tanzania. According to the Maasai International Solidarity Alliance (MISA), in which Misereor is also involved, these projects are criticised for disregarding land rights. Misereor supports a transparent examination of allegations and complaints as well as access to effective remedies for those affected.
Misereor at the ICARRD+20:
As part of ICARRD+20, Misereor is actively involved in the conference process together with partner organisations. Through the international network CIDSE, the umbrella organisation of Catholic development organisations, we are supporting several side events that strengthen the dialogue between affected groups, civil society and politics.
Get in touch with us:
Johanna Entrup
Expert on agricultural policy and global nutrition
johanna.entrup@misereor.de
Selina Wiredu
Consultant for Africa policy lobbying
selina.wiredu@misereor.de
