Land Inequality Metrics and Data for Chile using Agrarian CENSUS 2021

This article explores the complex relationship between Chile's institutional framework of private property rights and the persistent geographical manifestation of land concentration. By linking the rural property geography with their material expressions, I uncover the contradictions between current private property system and the principles and policies promoted by the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT). Analyzing Chilean Agricultural Censuses from 1965 to 2021, I reveal a striking historical continuity in land concentration, particularly in regions vital for agricultural production. The Gini coefficient and land concentration ratios expose the intensity of this phenomenon across both irrigated and non-irrigated lands.I argue that the challenges posed by climate change may catalyze a reexamination of the legal frameworks governing land ownership in Chile. The VGGT emerge as a mediator, offering new possibilities for land management, use, and coordination. As environmental pressures mount, the repeated application of absolute private property rights appears insufficient. My findings underscore the urgent need for land policies in Chile to engage with this persistent historical geography. The VGGT provide a framework for questioning the sustainability of Chile's current rural development instruments and open the door for alternative approaches.