Contains arguments for a more radical approach, policy development, the National Land Policy, developing and approving the law, the political context, the Land Law Regulations, the open border model, and the persistence of old approaches. Argues that the 1997 Land Law represented a significant effort to integrate customary and formal legal frameworks, to secure land rights for communities, and stimulate rural development. Analyses from the vantage point of an FAO technical advisor the process by which the law and regulations were developed from unparalleled dialogue and collaboration between government, civil society and technical specialists. Highlights important lessons the process holds for other countries and concludes with an assessment of the challenges of implementing the law and making its promise a reality.