Security of land tenure for the urban poor is fast becoming one of the major problems for developing cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Based on extensive research this book presents and analyses the main conclusions of a comparative research program on land tenure issues. Based on extensive case studies, it gives a comparative perspective of land tenure at a global level. It looks at how solutions can be found and implemented to respond to the demands and needs of the majority of urban households living in informal settlements, and analyses how urban stakeholders, under particular social, legal and economic constraints, are devising and employing innovative and flexible responses."Holding Their Ground" fills a gap in the current literature on comparative research on tenure policies and will be invaluable to researchers, and professionals involved in defining and instigating tenure upgrading policies and programs.