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Indigenous peoples, land and conflict in Mindanao, Philippines

Author

Listed:
  • Madrigal, Lucia
  • Cuesta Leiva, Jose Antonio
  • Somerville, Sergio Patrick

Abstract

This article explores the links between conflict, land and indigenous peoples in several regions of Mindano, the Philippines, notorious for their levels of poverty and conflict. The analysis takes advantage of the unprecedented concurrence of data from the most recent, 2020, census; an independent conflict data monitor for Mindanao; and administrative sources on ancestral land titling for indigenous peoples in the Philippines. While evidence elsewhere compellingly links land titling with conflict reduction, a more nuanced story emerges in the Philippines. Conflicts, including land- and resource-related conflicts, are generally less likely in districts (barangays) with higher shares of indigenous peoples. Ancestral domain areas also have a lower likelihood for general conflict but a higher likelihood for land-related conflict. Ancestral domains titling does not automatically solve land-related conflicts. When administrative delays take place (from cumbersome bureaucratic processes, insufficient resources and weak institutional capacity), titling processes may lead to sustained, rather than decreased, conflict.

Suggested Citation

  • Madrigal, Lucia & Cuesta Leiva, Jose Antonio & Somerville, Sergio Patrick, 2024. "Indigenous peoples, land and conflict in Mindanao, Philippines," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10700, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10700
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    File URL: https://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099605402122420595/pdf/IDU-344414f7-079c-43dd-826b-a7e6ecd4a71d.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Reyes, Celia M. & Mina, Christian D. & Asis, Ronina D., 2017. "Inequality of Opportunities Among Ethnic Groups in the Philippines," Discussion Papers DP 2017-42, Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
    2. Joseph J. Capuno, 2019. "What drive the local incidence of crime, shadow economy and resource-related conflicts in Mindanao, Philippines? Evidence of spillover effects," Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(1), pages 42-65, January.
    3. Mina, Christian D. & Reyes, Celia M. & Asis, Ronina D., 2017. "Inequality of Opportunities Among Ethnic Groups in the Philippines," Discussion Papers DP 2017-42, Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • Q15 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Land Ownership and Tenure; Land Reform; Land Use; Irrigation; Agriculture and Environment

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