CCMT Programme:
Developing Policies that Cushion Rural Communities from Development Induced Displacements
CCMT is advocating for the development of national and local level policies that protect rural communities from the adverse effects of displacement, where part or all of the land they occupy for communal, residential and agricultural purposes is required by authorities for development purposes.
The policies for which CCMT is advocating, must provide for minimum requirements for an effective relocation process, which balances the interests of government to bring development, and the rights of the affected communities to a fair compensation. It is only through such a win-win situation that conflicts emanating from development induced displacements are minimised.
CCMT has realised that such conflicts have, in several instances, actually stood in the way of development. The policies for which CCMT is advocating must also provide for improved tenure systems, both on communal and agricultural land, so that the occupants of such land’s bargaining power for compensation, in instances where they have to cede part or all of their land to pave way for development, is strengthened.
In order to convince policy makers that development induced displacement is a key driver of conflict that warrants their serious attention, CCMT collects empirical data on development induced displacements and presents it to the policy makers, demonstrating how big the problem is locally, regionally and internationally. Such empirical data also includes international best practices on the subject.
CCMT facilitates processes where government, private sector, academics, parastatals and civil society who have an interest in the subject, interrogate the existing laws, policies and practices on development induced displacements, with a view to identifying gaps which need strengthening.
To amplify its voice on the subject matter, CCMT has mobilised other civil society organisations who have an interest in development induced displacement work, to form a working group at national level so that advocacy efforts can be synergised.