Paper short abstract:

This paper examines the impact of collective land title intended to preserve indigenous forest-based livelihoods in Paraguay. Titling communities as opposed to territories permitted large-scale agrarian change despite titling efforts, causing livelihood changes within communities due to renting.

Paper long abstract:

Collective land title promises to preserve indigenous forest-based livelihoods, and in turn is often in step with conservationist goals to prevent deforestation of native forests. In northern Paraguay, collective title, when achieved, is based upon smaller fragments of community-based title, as opposed to extensive territorial claims of the indigenous Guarani 'retã' or nation. This paper examines how agrarian change impacted collective land titling claims, disputes and successes, which formalized Guarani lands as part of the Paraguayan property regime. Collective title concentrated land claims on communities, fragmenting Guarani territory and opening it to large-scale agroindustry and massive forest loss. Many titled Guarani communities, despite renting being unconstitutional, rent their land to cattle ranchers, furthering agrarian change within communities. despite collective land title aims to conserve livelihoods. It closes with a reflection on the role of anthropology on issues of conservation, indigenous ways of life and title.