Preparation of Land Sector Policy Papers

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) works with developing countries to promote sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty. The objectives of MCC’s land investments include improved land tenure security and access to land for investment purposes to boost economic activity and growth, as well as to support improved use and productivity of land. In an effort to support decisions on land policy and legal reform actions in Sri Lanka, this project will produce a policy paper investigating the benefits of co-ownership of permits/grants and joint titling between spouses of land and inheritance reform in order to increase land productivity, reduce poverty, and promote gender equity. The research will address the following questions: (1) How will greater gender equity in land rights and inheritance of land benefit the economy and social stability in rural areas? (2) Does the evidence of effects on the economy support a Government of Sri Lanka initiative for changes in policy, law, and implementation?