A critical step in land access and resettlement programs is often the selection of one or more resettlement sites where those affected will live, post-displacement. This is, in fact, where many resettlement programs are weakest, resulting in the selection of sites that are (a) technically challenging, inflating development costs and extending timelines, and/or (b) do not facilitate the re-establishment of existing social networks, livelihoods and quality of life of those displaced.

In this short Briefing Note, Steyn Reddy Associates identifies a number of key considerations that project proponents should keep in mind whenever they consider the selection and/or development of resettlement sites, as well as some key steps to follow in the process.