The Sam Moyo African Institute for Agrarian Studies (SMAIAS) is an independent policy research institution committed to the development of agrarian systems that enhance equitable land rights and sustainable land uses throughout Africa.

The Sam Moyo African Institute for Agrarian Studies was established as an independent Trust in 2002 to fulfil a need that had been observed through research, for a policy institute focused on addressing Africa’s land and agrarian questions. The SMAIAS interacts with various organisations and countries to assist them in developing capacity for policy formulation and research. It also facilitates policy dialogue among governments, academics, civil society and others on land and agrarian development, especially the land rights of marginalised social groups.

SMAIAS is a regional organisation that  seeks to influence land and agrarian reform policies through  multidisciplinary social science research, policy dialogues, training  and information dissemination. The main focus of the SMAIAS is to mediate  in the policy making processes so as to enhance rural livelihoods  through an improved policy framework.

In its work, the institute interacts with and provides policy advice and  capacity support to various stakeholders who include, governments,  regional bodies, universities, NGOs researchers, students and the donor  community.

The SMAIAS is driven by a desire to contribute towards improved rural  livelihoods which should lead to greater capacities for the rural poor to determine their own destinies and contribute towards national  development. The SMAIAS approach entails encouraging continuous policy debates and refinement of policy.

This is achieved through generation and provision of research based  information, platforms for dialogue, creating and nurturing a policy  community in Africa. The ambition of the SMAIAS is to provide leadership  in land and agrarian policy processes, to become a Centre of Excellence  and remain an independent and credible institute with some level of  financial independence.

Vision
The SMAIAS strives for agrarian systems that enhance equitable land rights and sustainable land uses throughout Africa.

Mission
The SMAIAS is an independent research institute that works with key actors throughout Africa to enhance capacity to develop and implement equitable agrarian policies and promote sustainable land use in support of marginalised groups through undertaking research, policy analysis, training and dialogue.