landless

Landless refers to people who do not own land and have little or no secure access to agricultural land. This can include individuals who work as landless laborers on others’ farms, tenants with insecure arrangements, or households without formal land tenure.

In many agrarian societies, land is a primary asset for subsistence and income. Landlessness is often associated with poverty, vulnerability to shocks, limited savings, and reduced political and social influence. The term encompasses diverse situations, from daily-wage farm workers to long-term tenants who lack secure rights to the land they cultivate.

Causes of landlessness are varied. Historical patterns of unequal land distribution, inheritance practices, and legacies of colonial land tenure can concentrate ownership in a minority while leaving many without secure access. Market forces, fragmentation of parcels, indebtedness, and policies that favor large landholders or urban growth can exacerbate the problem. In some regions, land reform programs aim to redistribute or secure tenure for landless groups.

Consequences for individuals and households can include food insecurity, debt, reliance on informal or unstable work, and outward migration in search of livelihoods. Landlessness also intersects with broader issues such as rural development, poverty reduction, and social equity.

Policy responses typically focus on securing tenure, redistributing land where feasible, simplifying land titling, providing access to credit and services, and supporting non-farm livelihood opportunities. Global attention to land reform and land rights continues to emphasize the protection of the rights and livelihoods of landless populations.