This paper takes a critical view of the challenges that lie ahead for land_related development projects in Central America. Drawing upon several sources of information and types of analysis, including literature reviews, field visits and rapid participatory assessments, along with decades of professional experience, the authors examine land_related development policies and projects over the past two decades in Central America (although monitoring and evaluation is admittedly weak). Reflections on past land_related development policies and projects in Central America are based on their contributions to growth and poverty reduction.