Paper short abstract:

This paper investigates the dynamisms behind the Malagasy land policy reform and the difficulties in translating it into reality. Assemblages of proponents and opponents have been constituted. These use various forms of power to resist, gain force and consolidate their own ideas and practices.

Paper long abstract:

In this paper, I examine the complexities in translating policies into reality through the example of Malagasy land tenure policy reform that is on-going since 2005. By recognising rights to land based on its current appropriation and use, the policy placed the security of tenure of farmers on the foreground and questioned state control over land. Its development was initiated by civil society, and international and national 'experts'. It benefitted from Ministerial and donor support during its early days. Its implementation, however, has faced difficulties due to institutional power battles, resistance of the state administration rooted to bureaucratic ideas, weak demand on the ground and political changes.

The paper builds on field work conducted in Madagascar in 2016 which combined ethnographic observations in various policy arena and interviews with global, national and local players. These enable to investigate the complexities of interactions between levels, players, ideas and practices. Relying on the concept of assemblage, I show how assemblages of proponents and opponents have been constituted around the reform. Yet, these are not homogenous groups of players, but interaction exist between, and divergent ideas and practices emerge inside of them. Furthermore, players use similar forms of visible and invisible power to resist, gain force and consolidate their positions. The analysis underscores the importance of paying attention to the way in which policy processes are led, managed and controlled as a way of creating legitimacy and ownership over ideas and practices.