New initiatives in the development of customary land: group versus individual interests

Abstract

In 2007, Papua New Guinea's National Research Institute published a report from the National Land Development Taskforce, Land Administration, Land Dispute Settlement, and Customary Land Development, which supported the current 'customary' system. This document was followed by the National Land Development Program Concept Design Document (National Land Development Program 2007). The PNG Cabinet endorsed the program outlined in this document and 28 million kina was committed for its implementation in the 2008 Budget. The program follows the concept of development through incorporated land groups, as introduced in the 1970s through the Incorporated Land Groups Act. This paper argues that land development in Papua New Guinea will continue to be marred by serious agency problems as long as the legal system fails to give definition to individual rights or interests in land. Show more