Degrees of contestation – relations between smallholders and investors in large-scale agricultural investments

The purpose of this research project is to analyse the diversity of reactions among smallholders to large-scale agricultural investments by domestic investors. The degree of smallholders' contestation of these investments is explored in relation to two factors:
1) the terms of inclusion of smallholders in the land deal
2) the relations between the smallholders, investors and political/state power holders.

Case studies of large-scale investments in the sugar and rice sectors in Uganda are conducted. The project is affiliated with the Hierarchies of Rights research programme at Roskilde University which analyses the political economy of large-scale investments into natural resources in Africa. The programme includes theory development with regard to the political economy of large-scale investments.