Substantial increases in agricultural investments in developing countries are needed to combat poverty and realize food security and nutrition goals. There is evidence that agricultural investments can generate a wide range of developmental benefits, but these benefits cannot be expected to arise automatically and some forms of large-scale investment carry risks for host countries. Although there has been much debate about the potential benefits and risks of international investment, there is no systematic evidence on the actual impacts on the host country and their determinants. In order to acquire an in-depth understanding of potential benefits, constraints and costs of foreign investment in agriculture and of the business models that are more conducive to development, FAO has undertaken research in developing countries.This publication summarizes the results of this research, in particular through the presentation of the main findings of case studies in nine developing countries. It presents case studies on policies to attract foreign investment in agriculture and their impacts on national economic development in selected countries in Africa, Asian and Latin America.

This paper summarizes the good practices by nine selected OECD countries that seek to promote responsible foreign investment in developing country agriculture, primarily by investors in their territory or jurisdiction. The study provides examples of the increasing trend of home countries in establishing binding legal norms and other mechanisms as safeguards that are relevant for agricultural investment. It finds that states apply some specific provisions to hold private corporate actors investing in agriculture abroad accountable, for example in regard to bribery of foreign public officials. Investment home countries are also increasingly using safeguards relevant for agricultural investment by companies that are controlled by the state or seek its support. Furthermore, Public‑Private Partnerships are increasingly used in development assistance projects as a means to promote responsible agricultural investment. In these cases, the safeguards usually imply the use of negotiated and approved instruments such as the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security (VGGT). The Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI), endorsed in 2014 by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), are likely to become a major guidance instrument, given recent declarations by the G7 and G20.

Ukraine is currently undergoing a series of land reforms that will result in the creation of a private market for the sale of agricultural land. These reforms will lead to drastic changes in Ukraine's agricultural industry and are intended to promote economic and regional growth. Ukraine is still faced with daunting challenges with security and a high degree of corruption, however, the Zelensky government is working to address some of the major issues and has also worked out a plan to begin undergoing land reform this year. The creation of a private market for agricultural land through lifting the current moratorium on the sale of agricultural land will create vast opportunities for foreign agricultural investors. Ukraine needs foreign investment to develop the agricultural sector, acquire new technologies and farming strategies, improve infrastructure such as roads, and create jobs in rural regions. This thesis examines Ukraine's plan for land law reforms to evaluate the risks and benefits of the proposed strategy on foreign investment in the agricultural sector.

... Evaluates the World Bank's experience with the fifty agricultural adjustment operations (agsecals) approved ... since 1979 and reflects the impact on Bank programming of a worldwide shift in the development paradigm--P. [i].