Using a wide range of case studies, The Political Economy of Rural Poverty illustrates the impact of schemes which result in a partial, complete, or non-existent re-allocation of land. The author finds that land reform can play a major part in stimulating the rural economy, particularly by providing the rural population with greater command over their own food supply. As the incidence of poverty and landlessness increases and food productivity continues to fall in developing countries, what are the prospects for re-establishing land reform as a high priority? Discussing countries as diverse as China, Kenya, India, Bolivia, Egypt and South Korea, this book offers new insights to anyone working in rural development .