Magister Philosophiae - MPhil (LAS) (Land and Agrarian Studies)

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An Agrarian History of the Mwenezi District, Zimbabwe, 1980-2004
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Manganga, Kudakwashe; Goebel, Allison; School of Government; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The thesis examines continuity and change in the agrarian history of the Mwenezi District, southern Zimbabwe since 1980. It analyses agrarian reforms, agrarian practices and development initiatives in the district and situates them in the localised livelihood strategies of different people within the Dinhe Communa Area and the Mangondi resettlement Area in Lieu of the Fast-Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) since 2000. The thesis also examines the livelihood opportunities and challenges presented by the FTLRP to the inhabitants of Mwenezi.The thesis contributes to the growing body of empirical studies on the impact of Zimbabwe's ongoing land reform programme and to debates and discourses on agrarian reform.
A case study of Fairtrade labelling and worker empowerment on two wine and fruit farms in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Kruger, Sandra.; du Toit, Andries; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This thesis explores the link between Fairtrade labelling and worker empowerment in the cases of LFFT and Stellar Organics in terms of: the reasons for becoming certified and commercial benefits expected from the Fairtrade labelling; the intergration of the Faitrade requirements into the structures and management of employee equity share shemes; the enabling or disabling factors for Fairtrade certification to contribute to the socio-economic development and empowerment of the workers. This thesis describes the two cases in detail according to these links and concludes that Fairtrade labelling has not significantly changed the trade relationships with large retailers for these two Fairtrade producers even though it has provided additional market access. The link between the Fairtrade requirements and the legal and administrativestructures of employee equity share schemes is complex and open to interpretation. Finally, the possibility for Fairtrade certification to contribute to the socio-economic development and empowerment of workers is dependent on changes in management and communicationbetween white farm owners and bleck workers which confronts deeply held paternalist beliefs.
The challenge of sustainable land-based local economic development in poor communities of South Africa: The case of Groblersdal, Northern Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Parker, Gail Denise; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This research investigated whether local economic development interventions necessarily improve the livelihoods of poor communities. More specifically, the goal of this thesis was to explore some of the reasons why land-based economic development interventions often struggle to meet their main objective of improving the livelihoods of local poor people.
Communal land reform in Zambia: governance, livelihood and conservation
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Metcalfe, Simon Christopher; Kepe, Thembela; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
Communal land tenure reform in Zambia is the overarching subject of study in this thesis. It is an important issue across southern Africa, raising questions of governance, livelihood security and conservation. WIldlife is a 'fugitive' and 'mobile' resource that traverses the spatially fixed tenure of communal lands, national parks and public forest reserves. The management of wildlife therefore requires that spatially defined proprietorial rights accommodate wildlife's temporal forage use. Land may bebounded in tenure, but if bounded by fences its utility as wildlife habitat is undermined. If land is unfenced, but its landholder cannot use wildlife then it is more a liability than an asset. Africa's terrestrial wildlife has enormous biodiversity value but its mobility requires management collaboration throughout its range, and the resolution of conflicting ecological and economic management scales. The paper does not aim to describe and explain the internal communal system of tenure over land and natural resources but rather how the communal system interacts with the state and the private sector.
Crafting a livelihood: local-level trade in mats and baskets in Pondoland, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Makhado, Zwoitwa; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This study explored the dynamics of local-level trade in plant-based mats and baskets in Khanyayo village, Eastern Cape. These dynamics include social aspects of harvesting, resource tenure and trade. It also includes institutional issues such as legislation that enhances or restricts the degree to which local people could benefit from the trade or direct use. The study also explored the contribution of the trading in mats and baskets to the livelihoods of the Khanyayo people.
Idealised land markets and real needs: the experience of landless people seeking land in the Northern and Western Cape through the market-based land reform programme
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Tilley, Susan Mary; Lahiff, Edward; Cousins, Ben; School of Government; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This thesis interrogates the claim that resource-poor, rural land seekers can acquire land through the land market which constitutes the central mechanism of land redistribution in South Africa's market-based land reform programme. The study explores two key aspects in relation to this claim. Firstly, it provides a critique of the underlying assumptions prevalent in much of the current market-based land reform policy, as advocated by its national and international proponents, and the manner in which the market as a mechanism for land redistribution has been conceptualized and its outcomes envisaged. Secondly, it considers the extent to which this conceptualization - which it is argued, draws on idealized and abstracted notions of land market functioning - is realized and examines the extent to which the espoused outcomes of market-based land reform policy are aligned with or contradicted by the functioning of real markets and the experiences of resource-poor land seeking people in their attempts to engage in the land market with limited state support. The details of the market's operation are analysed, with a distinction made between the operational practice of real markets - based on direct evidence-based observation and degrees of policy abstraction and theoretical assumptions regarding how markets should or might operate. The study's methodological framework draws on an agrarian political economy perspective, as used by theorists such as Akram-Lodhi (2007) and Courville (2005), amongst others. This perspective enables a consideration of the various contexts and socially embedded processes involved in land transactions and the extent to which these are shaped and framed by the politics of policy-making. In line with this perspective, the study focuses on the social relations brought to bear on the acquisition of land and the way in which land markets operate. It is suggested that land is not solely viewed as an economic commodity by land-seekers. Furthermore, it was found that markets cannot be understood as neutral institutions in which participants are equal players.
Informal land markets in Rural Mozambique: the case of Mogovolas District in Nampula Province
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Junior, Tomas Manhicane; Lahiff, Edward; NULL; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The challenge of alleviating poverty, especially of the rural poor, is a universal one. Mozambique is also faced with this challenge as well the challenge of redressing the inequality exacerbated by civil war. Among the many strategies suggested for addressing poverty is improving poor people’s access to land. In Mozambique, all land is owned by the state, yet informal land markets do exist. A theoretical review of the models on informal markets in developing countries reveals that economy of rural family depend greatly on land resources, and that often formalisation of land markets leads to land concentration and speculation rather than to the promotion of economic development. The overall objective of the study was to analyse the economic, institutional and social dynamics and determinants of informal land markets in rural Mozambique and how they impact on the livelihoods of poor people. Due to the largely unexplored nature of the topic, this study is exploratory and descriptive in nature. Research methods included a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. To achieve these objectives, a strategy comprising two approaches was used. Firstly, a theoretical review was undertaken, to discuss both international and African debate on informal land markets models with regard to different views on Mozambican informal land markets. This theoretical review also covered the political economy of land in Mozambique. Secondly, empirical evidence was systematized in the form of a case study of the perceptions of determinants on informal land markets that was undertaken in Mogovolas district. The lack of clear policy regarding the informal land market in Mozambique produced a complex range of problems, between local people, between locals and new investors, between new investors, and between all these groups and the state. The large majority of smaller localised conflicts were, and continue to be, resolved by traditional authorities and local social-control mechanisms. Conflicts between local people and investors have proved much more complex. The role of the state has been unclear from the start and the state is still dysfunctional due to a lack of transparency, inefficiency, and corruption in management of land.
Land demand and rural struggles in Xhalanga, Eastern Cape: who wants land and for what?
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Ncapayi, Fani; Ntsebeza, Lungisile; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The study explored and investigated demand and struggles for land in the communal areas of South Africa with particular reference to Luphaphasi in the former Xhalanga magisterial district, in the Eastern Cape. The study argued that despite arguments about proletarianisation and conversion of rural land users into wage laborers, leading to assumptions that there was less interest in land use by rural people, there is and has always been demand and struggles for land in communal areas such as Xhalanga.
Land tenure reform in Namaqualand: elite capture and the new commons of Leliefontein
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Lebert, Thomas Siegfried; Lahiff, Edward; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This thesis provides a detailed examination of the development and implementation of a commonage management system on newly acquired municipal commonage in the Leliefontien communal area of Namaqualand, South Africa. This commonage has been acquired ostensibly for use by all of the Leliefontien's residents. A Commonage Committee made up of community members and state representatives manages this land on behalf of the municipality.
Livelihoods and HIV /AIDS: a case study of Nhamoinesu Village, Zaka District, Zimbabwe
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Makonese, Loveness; Tapela, Barbara Nompumelelo; School of Government; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The Human Immune Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) isa pandemic that has worsened the plight of vulnerable communities and environments in Africa. It is estimated that 40,3 million adults and children are living with HIV and AIDS and 3.1 million adults and children died in 2004 in the world. Southern Africa is the most affected region with a very high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate. The primary objective of the proposed study was to examine livelihoods and coping strategies of HIV/AIDS-affected households of Zaka District in Zimbabwe. Attention was given to institutional frameworks for HIV/AIDS interventions as district and village level. A second objective of the study is whether interventions are appropriately aligned and responsive to household livelihoods and coping
Opportunities for and constraints on crop production within Zimbabwe's fast-track resettlement programme: a case study of fair Range Estate, Chiredzi District, South Eastern Zimbabwe
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Chaumba, Joseph A.; Cousins, Ben; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The government of Zimbabwe started implementing its fast track resettlement programme in July 2000, the objective being to accelerate both land acquisition and land redistribution. This programme witnessed a massive movement of people from various localities into mainly large-scale commercial farms in search of agricultural land. Under this programme, people were settled under the A1 model (which involves villages and land use pattern similar to those found in communal areas) as well as the A2 model, which involves commercial farming. This study investigates, documents and analyses the opportunities and constraints currently being faced by newly resettled crop production farmers in one example of an A1 model resettlement project (Fair Ranch Estate in Masvingo Province). A questionnaire was used to gather data on livelihood sources, income, assets and also aspects of the associational life of crop production farmers. Seventy households were interviewed, and a number of key informant interviews were undertaken with both government officials and the local leadership. The greatest opportunity that A1 crop production farmers in Fair Range Estate experienced was the fact that they now have access to land that they can call their own, without having to go through the market to try to acquire such land. In terms of crop production, however, farmers in Fair Range Estate face a number of challenges and constraints: they lack adequate access to tillage and livestock; the supply of inputs is inadequate; generally negative socio economic conditions prevailing in the country have led to sharp increases in prices of all basic commodities, including inputs such as fertilisers and seeds; they lack tenure security; the amount of rainfall received in the area is generally not sufficient for crop production; and many lack crop production skills. Measures to reverse this decline must include the availability of foreign currency to buy spare parts for tractors, rebuilding of the national herd, which was greatly affected by both drought and the disturbance of commercial agriculture as a result of the controversial land reform programme. Fuel should also become more readily available, and urgent policy measures be put in place to revamp institutional frameworks in the agricultural sector to make them more farmer-oriented.
Post settlement challenges for land reform beneficiaries: three case studies from Limpopo Province
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Manenzhe, Tshililo Justice; Lahiff, Edward; School of Government; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This thesis presented a study of post-settlement experiences of land reform beneficiaries, with a focus on three case studies from Limpopo Province. Since 1994, the South African government has implemented a land reform programme that aims to redress the injustices in land ownership patterns in the country. This study included a review of international and local literature on land reform with particualr interest in what happens after land transfer and settlement.
Reconciling poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation: The case of expanded public works progeamme (EPWP) in Hluleka and Mkambati Nature Reserves, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Kobokana, Siviwe; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This study aimed at analysing the South African government's attempt at reconciling poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation in the context of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The study analyses this, using the cases of Hluleka and Mkanbati Nature Reserves in the Eastern Cape Province. To achieve this aim, the study used qualitative research methodology, which employed a three-pronged approach.
Reviewing farm worker equity schemes: a case study of Saamwerk wine farm in the Overberg region, Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Tom, Boyce; Hall, Ruth; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This research investigated experiences of the Saamwerk equity scheme as a framework to analyze the ways in which the scheme has achieved the objectives of land reform. It reviewed the role of this scheme in relation to the experiences and perceptions of beneficiaries about the extent to which this scheme has or has not improved their living conditions.
The role of night paddock manuring in the reduction of poverty and conflict amongst farmers and Grazers in small Babanki (Cameroon)
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Ndikintum, Ndjinyo Fouda; Aliber, Michael; NULL; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
Agriculture and livestock production were the mainstay of the economies of many sub-Saharan African countries, including of Cameroon, in the 1970s. Things began to change with the discovery of petroleum products and natural minerals, and the push to industrialise. This led to a shift from agricultural production to other more 'beneficial' sectors. In the 1990s there was an 'imposed' liberalisation of the agricultural sector. This liberalisation was marked by a disengagement of most governments in developing countries from assisting agriculture. In Cameroon, disengagement was achieved by the promulgation of law No. 92/006 of 14th August 1992 and its decree of application No. 92/455/PM of 23rd November. This law encouraged the creation of common initiative groups which could independently pool their resources to increase agricultural production. Although there has been a shift to non-agricultural sectors in many sub-Saharan countries, on the whole, however, many rural areas in these nations have remained essentially agro-pastoral. nfortunately some rural areas, like Small Babanki in Cameroon, whose livelihoods are land-based are faced with soil erosion, population pressure and farmer/grazer conflicts which undermine the little economic gains made in these places. Rural-dwellers have resorted to several innovations to circumvent these constraints to agricultural production.
The role of traditional authorities in rural local governance in Mozambique: case study of the community of Chirindzene
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Cau, Boaventura Manuel; Ntsebeza, Lungisile; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This study is about the place of traditional authorities in local level land administration and rural governance in contemporary Mozambique. It came about as a result of the publication of the Decree 15/2000 that recognised traditional authorities after their abolition more than 20 years earlier. This study seeks to examine four inter-related themes: the role of traditional authorities in local level land administration in Mozambique; why the government recognised traditional authorities in the year 2000 after having abolished them more than 20 years earlier; whether the recognition of hereditary traditional authorities is consistent with principles of democracy; and lastly to investigate whether the practices taking place on the ground are an expression of democracy as envisaged by the country’s constitution. The study is based on documental research on the subject, as well as on fieldwork in the community of Chirindzene, Gaza Province in Southern Mozambique. It argues that generalisations about the role of traditional authorities in local level land administration may be misleading. Drawing from the case study in Chirindzene, it shows that it was only the lowest level of the traditional authority structure (the lineage level) that continued having influence in land allocation and distribution after independence in this area. With regard to the recognition of traditional authorities, the study argues that an appreciation of the changing global context is important to understand this dramatic shift. The study argues that the Decree 15/2000 and its regulations are weakening the democratic experience initiated in 1970s by allowing rural populations be ruled by hereditary rulers who are not elected. For this reason, the rural population does not enjoy full citizenship rights because they are ruled by both elected structures and appointed ones.
Smallholder agriculture as local economic development (LED) strategy in rural South Africa: exploring prospects in Pondoland, Eastern Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Manona, Siyabulela S.; Kepe, Thembela; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The aim of this study was to explore the role and the prospects of smallholder agriculture as local economic development in Eastern Pondoland, in the former Transkei homeland. The study explored the role of agriculture in contributing to local economic development and the upliftment of the rural poor. It also explored the role that government and its agencies have played and could play in stimulating agricultural development.
Surviving in a Socio-Economic Crisis: Strategies of Low Income Urban Households in Dzivaresekwa: Zimbabwe
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Magunda, Douglas.; Du Toit, Andries; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
For close to a decade, Zimbabwe has experienced a protracted socio-economic crisis. Although it is affecting both rural and urban areas, major forms of formal safety nets by the Government and Non-Governmental Organisations have been confined to rural areas. On the other hand the virtual collapse of the formal food marketing system in urban areas and the high formal unemployment rates have contributed to increased vulnerability of low income urban households to food insecurity. Using qualitative research methods, the study set out to understand livelihoods of low income urban households in Dzivaresekwa. In particular strategies low income households employ to cope with the negative macro-economic environment prevailing in Zimbabwe.
What is the agenda of the rural land social movements in post apartheid South Africa?: a case study of the Tenure Security Coordinating Committee (TSCC)
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Mkhize, Siphesihle Ceswell; Lahiff, Edward; Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This was an original case study that aimed to locate South African post-apartheid rural land social movements within existing theoretical approaches. The land social movements organize around land rights and access for landless people and for those whose land rights are weak or threatened. The study analyzed conditions contributing to the emergence of land social movements in the post-apartheid South Africa and struggle methods they employ, using a case study of the Tenure Security Coordinating Committee in KwaZulu-Natal.

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