The land reform initiated in Madagascar in 2005 introduced legal recognition for private untitled land (PPNT) as well as titled private land. Landholders can apply for certificates that constitute legal proof of private ownership. These land certificates are issued by local land offices which operate at the communal level and follow a procedure that ensures local social consensus on landholdings.
The reform has certainly made progress in the 17 years since implementation began, but has also faced various operational challenges and legislative reversals (see Briefing Note 1).

This briefing note is also available in French.