Key Dimensions on Land Tenure Security from the Perspective of Basic Sectors and CSOs in the Philippines

Despite the recognized importance of land rights for sustainable development, the land agenda has been overlooked in recent SDG reporting of governments. Official SDG reports and indicators used for land tenure security (SDG 1.4.2) have not accurately reflected the views and concerns of the rural poor who lack land access or have insecure tenure.

Through consultations, farmers, indigenous peoples, fisherfolk, rural women and CSOs in the Philippines have come to an understanding of what constitutes tenure security for them. Thus, appropriate indicators for land tenure security should include: documented legal rights; de facto possession of the land; the absence to threats to one’s tenure; access to sufficient support services and markets (in the case of those who rely on agriculture and related livelihoods); and, equal rights for women.