Cadastral and land information systems in developing countries

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Abstract
The importance of efficient cadastral and land information systems in helping to alleviate poverty in developing countries is being increasingly recognised. This article discusses the importance of cadastral reform to such countries by drawing on the experience of aid organisations and a number of developing countries. The current experiences with such reform in Thailand and Brazil are discussed as examples. The article outlines the cadastral concept and itemises the benefits which may flow from an improved cadastral or land information system in developing countries. The limitations of the concept are highlighted. Strategies for improving or carrying out these systems are outlined, together with major issues which should be considered, in designing cadastral systems. The article emphasises the importance of simple systems which take into consideration the social, economic, legal and institutional needs of individual countries. “At present, the livelihood of more than half of mankind depends directly on agriculture. Nine-tenths of this total agricultural population is in developing countries, where questions of access and rights to land are of paramount interest to more than 2,000 million people”. World Bank, 1975:3 “Between 1975 and the year 2000, urban communities in developing countries will have to absorb close to 1 billion people.” Linn, 1983 : xiii