Review of the book “The Failures of Agrarian Reform: New Land, Old Tricks” by Gerardo Molina

Abstract

The text The Failures of Agrarian Reform: New Land, Old Tricks, written by Gerardo Vega, recounts his memories of his time as director of the National Land Agency (ANT) of the Ministry of Agriculture, a position he held for 15 months. Divided into three parts, each with separate chapters, the book offers a critical and personal analysis of agrarian policies in Colombia. The first part introduces the author's work as a defender of the rights of land restitution leaders and his work at the Forjando Futuros Foundation (FFF), highlighting the challenges and achievements in this area. The second section addresses his time at the ANT, describing both the administrative challenges and the progress made in implementing agrarian policies. Finally, the third part evaluates the results of his management, offering a critical assessment that invites reflection on the structural limitations facing agrarian reform in the country. This book is a valuable contribution to the debate on land redistribution and agrarian justice, highlighting the difficulties and opportunities facing Colombia in this field.