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The Demand for Land Regularisation: Theory and Evidence from Tijuana, Mexico

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  • Paavo Monkkonen

Abstract

International organisations increasingly encourage land regularisation programmes as a component of urban policy in developing countries, yet research on the mechanisms of these programmes is limited. This paper examines the land regularisation system in Tijuana, Mexico, which has had limited success after several decades of operation. A theoretical model of the demand for land regularisation in urban areas is developed based on models of demand for registration of agricultural land. A unique combination of census and administrative data on informally developed neighbourhoods in Tijuana is used to test the model empirically. Results are mostly consistent with theory. One of the central predictions, however—that more valuable land will have a higher rate of regularisation—is rejected. When considered alongside the incentives to regularise land, this result suggests that the land regularisation system is not well structured to encourage land market efficiency or the upgrading of low-income neighbourhoods.

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  • Paavo Monkkonen, 2012. "The Demand for Land Regularisation: Theory and Evidence from Tijuana, Mexico," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 49(2), pages 271-288, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:49:y:2012:i:2:p:271-288
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098011405691
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Harris Selod & Lara Tobin, 2018. "The spatial sorting of informal dwellers in cities in developing countries: Theory and evidence," PSE Working Papers halshs-01703178, HAL.
    2. Monkkonen, Paavo, 2016. "Where do Property Rights Matter More? Explaining the Variation in Demand for Property Titles across Cities in Mexico," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 67-78.
    3. Honig, Lauren, 2017. "Selecting the State or Choosing the Chief? The Political Determinants of Smallholder Land Titling," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 94-107.

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