This report synthesizes the findings of the global Commercial Pressures on Land research project. 28 case studies, thematic studies, and regional overviews resulting from this project have already been published. In addition, this report incorporates the latest data emerging from the ongoing Land Matrix project to monitor large-scale land transactions.

The aim of this report is not to provide a complete review of the growing literature on land deals and wider commercial pressures on land but to present, summarise, and interpret the evidence that has emerged so far from these two collaborative projects. The aim is to draw conclusions from this body of evidence as to the key features of this land rush, the outcomes that it is having, the contextual factors that are shaping theses outcomes, and the responses needed from civil society, governments, and development partners.

The topic of this report is most commonly referred to as "land grabbing". It has attracted global attention since 2008, with a series of highly publicised transnational agreements involving the lease of land areas of unprecedented size.