Can land reform be an effective means of reducing the absolute numbers of people living in poverty in rural areas? The social and economic importance of land ownership in developing countries is widely acknowledged, yet there is a declining concern for land reform in the international community. The author has drawn on extensive first hand experience to explore the extent to which such policies are successful in rapidly reducing poverty and increasing agricultural growth rates. Using a wide range of case studies this book illustrates the impact of schemes which result in a partial, complete or non-existent re-allocation of land. He finds that land reform can play a major part in stimulating the rural economy, particularly by providing the rural population with greater command over their own food supply. As the incidence of poverty and landlessness increases and food productivity continues to fall in developing countries, what are the prospects for re-establishing land reform as a high priority? Discussing countries as diverse as China, Kenya, India, Bolivia, Egypt and South Korea the book offers new insights to anyone working in rural development.