International standards of good practices have multiplied in the last decades. They are promoted by Non-Governmental Organizations, required by some financial institutions, demanded by final consumers and the civil society. The socio-political, economic and ecological impacts of responsible standards in the agricultural sector will be assessed and analyzed through case studies in Central Africa, specifically in Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Cameroon. The role of financial backers in promoting and implementing these standards will be examined. From this analysis, the authors draw on lessons learned and suggest measures to influence local, national and international stakeholders when designing, and developing large scale land based investments. International standards participate in ensuring a proper preparation of large-scale land based investments in agriculture. They might be used in a risk-limiting strategy by investors and as requirements by the hosting State to evaluate the investment proposal. Added to these tools, strong business plan and operational plan are necessary to ensure the trustworthiness of the investment project. The commitment of a society to develop in a socially and environmentally sustainable manner and the actual implementation of a corporate social and environmental responsibility policy might also help to overcome historical background of conflicts.