Land reforms in East Africa and Cape Verde have been implemented to address historical inequalities and promote equitable land distribution. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis from government records and local surveys. The sample includes three East African countries and Cape Verde, covering the period since . There is evidence of increased agricultural productivity in some regions but inconsistent outcomes across different communities, highlighting the need for tailored interventions. While land reforms have shown promise in improving socio-economic conditions, their effectiveness varies significantly depending on local context and implementation strategies. Policy makers should consider community engagement and adaptive management to maximise benefits from land reform initiatives.