This looks interesting. A PhD thesis has demonstrated that “a peasant-friendly policy combined with opportunities to buy freeholds” are “the two key reasons for … major agricultural developments”. That sounds about right. Without title to their land, which allows them to seek credit and to benefit from investment, and without policies that support their efforts, how can peasants improve their lot? But hang on. Pablo Wiking-Faria’s thesis relates to Sweden between 1700 and 1900. Could it be relevant elsewhere? Could it be relevant today? Probably.