Research Reports

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Annual report 2014
(Institute for Poverty Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), 2015) PLAAS
Very often, in our work at PLAAS, we encounter two common misunderstandings about what it is that we do and why it is important. One common misunderstanding is that we are some sort of technical agricultural education institute, concerned in a general way with improving the productivity of small farmers or supporting processes of rural modernisation. Another is that we are concerned with rural issues, narrowly conceived – addressing the ‘injustices of the past’, or the land rights of distant and isolated rural communities: commercial land-owners versus farm tenants, for example, or ‘traditional leaders’ and people living on communal land. Issues, in other words, that are not of direct relevance to the modern, urban world of Southern Africa’s cities and rapidly changing economies.
Annual report 2015
(Institute for Poverty Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), 2016) PLAAS
The year 2015 was a momentous one for PLAAS. It marked twenty years since the day that PLAAS started off as an organisation with some generous start-up funding from the Ford Foundation. PLAAS started life small: initially it was conceptualised as an academic programme within the School of Government, and comprised only two members of staff: Ben Cousins (who had been seconded from the Department of Social Anthropology) and a postgraduate student, Thembela Kepe. (I joined a month later, and became the third member of staff). The new unit was quite disconnected from the University of the Western Cape (UWC)’s academic mainstream, operating out of cramped and poorly lit basement offices in what had been the Department of Coloured Affairs in Voortrekker Road, Bellville. It was modest in its aims and narrowly focused, being concerned mostly with providing policy advice and backup to the newly created Department of Land Affairs. It seemed a fragile creature, unable to pay for researcher salaries from the University coffers, and therefore entirely reliant on donor funding for most of its staffing requirements. I still recall a visiting UK anthropologist and well-known development scholar (no names!) telling me bluntly over tea one day that given any realistic model of organisational viability, PLAAS had no chance: ‘I am sorry to say this’, this person said, ‘but I give you about three years’.
Backing small-scale fishers: Opportunities and challenges in transforming the fish sector
(Institute for Poverty Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), 2015) Isaacs, Moenieba; Hara, Mafaniso
Globally, small-scale fisheries play a significant role in food security, poverty reduction and income generation (Béné et al 2007; Heck et al 2007; Béné et al 2010; FAO 2003). At the 2008 Global Conference on Small-Scale Fishing in Bangkok, Thailand, organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), it was indicated that small-scale fisheries contribute to more than half of the world’s marine and inland fish catch. The importance of this sector is further underlined as it employs over 95% of all men and women engaged in fisheries worldwide and that, of these, more than 90% are to be found in developing countries (FAO 2009). In Africa, it is estimated that the fishing sector provides income for over 10 million people engaged in fish production, processing and trade. And the sector contributes to the livelihoods and food security of over 200 million people on the continent1. In South Africa, however, fisheries have historically been dominated by the commercial marine sector.
Bakwena ba Mare a Phogole (Klipgat) community restitution claim
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2007) Tilley, Susan; Nkazane, Ntombizabantu
This diagnostic study examines the case of the restoration of the remaining extent of the farm Klipgat 18 IQ, falling under the Ventersdorp Local Municipality in the North West province, to the Bakwena ba Mare Phogole community in July 2000. The restored land of the Klipgat farm is approximately 873 ha in extent. This report outlines the community’s attempts to develop and use the land that has been restored to it in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994 (‘Restitution Act’). It examines the nature and content of the post-settlement support received and draws lessons from the community’s experience that might inform the development of a strategy for post-settlement support provision by land reform institutions and associated agencies. At the outset, the report describes the location and physical features of the restored land, the history of ownership and dispossession, and the changes in land use that took place in the post-dispossession period. The process of the claim lodgement, verification, negotiations and settlement are then traced. The developments and support provided during the post-settlement phase are examined in some detail.
Bakwena ba Mare a Phogole (Klipgat) community restitution claim
(PLAAS, University of the Western Cape, 2007-08) Tilley, Susan; Nkazane, Ntombizabantu
This report outlines the community’s attempts to develop and use the land that has been restored to it in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act 22 of 1994 (‘Restitution Act’). It examines the nature and content of the post-settlement support received and draws lessons from the community’s experience that might inform the development of a strategy for post-settlement support provision by land reform institutions and associated agencies.
Biennial report 2016-2017
(Institute for Poverty Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), 2018) PLAAS
Besides research and postgraduate teaching, PLAAS undertakes training, provides advisory, facilitation and evaluation services and is active in the field of national policy development. Through these activities, and by seeking to apply the tools of critical scholarship to questions of policy and practice, we seek to develop new knowledge and fresh approaches to the transformation of society in Southern Africa. Our mission emphasises the central importance of the agro-food system in creating and perpetuating poverty — and also in eradicating it. For much of our existence, our work has concentrated heavily on issues of production in these systems. But our focus is broadening to consider crucial issues in land governance, agricultural production, tenure insecurity, the informal economy and social policy.
Bjatladi community restitution claim
(PLAAS, University of the Western Cape, 2007-08) Tilley, Susan; Lahiff, Edward
This report focuses on the restitution case of the Bjatladi Communal Property Association (CPA) and the development and use of the land that has been restored to it in terms of the restitution programme. It examines the nature and content of the post-settlement support which they have received, and draws lessons from their experience of a strategic partnership arrangement
Bjatladi community restitution claim
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2007) Tilley, Susan; Lahiff, Edward
This diagnostic study examines the restitution case of the Bjatladi Communal Property Association (CPA) and the development and use of the land that has been restored to it in terms of the restitution programme. It examines the nature and content of the post-settlement support which they have received, and draws lessons from their experience of a strategic partnership arrangement. It is hoped that the documenting of these initiatives will contribute to the development of a strategy for post-settlement support provision by land reform institutions and associated agencies. The report describes the location and physical features of the restored land, the history of ownership and dispossession and the changes in land use that took place in the postdispossession period. The process of the claim lodgement, verification, negotiations and settlement are then traced. A detailed assessment of the Settlement Agreement and its implementation is made and the establishment and functioning of the various landholding, shareholding and management structures are considered. The activities undertaken during the post-settlement period and the extent of post-settlement support provision are examined. The study highlights issues for consideration regarding the strategic partnership arrangement as a model for the provision of post-settlement support, and draws conclusions about the central issues emerging from the investigation. In summary, the conclusions focus on the unique set of circumstances surrounding the settlement of the claim; the exclusive nature of the relationship between the community and the strategic partner and the implications of this for support provision; the extent to which the wider land needs of the community, such as land for housing and for smallscale food production, have been addressed; the nature and flow of benefits accruing to the community; the extent to which the rights of individual members have been defined; the sources of potential competition and conflict; and the potential impact of ambiguously drafted agreements.
Business models in land reform
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2007) Lahiff, Edward
This paper reviews the types of business models, or landuse models, being implemented in land reform projects involving the transfer of rural land to communities and other groups in South Africa, under both the restitution and redistribution programmes. It draws heavily on the series of Diagnostic Studies prepared as part of the Sustainable Development Consortium’s (SDC) work on post-settlement support, but also draws from other studies on restitution, notably that conducted by the Community Agency for Social Enquiry (CASE) in 2005, and the wider literature on redistributive land reform in South Africa. The aim of this paper is first to identify the types of business model emerging within land reform, and to analyse how they have been implemented and the implications for sustainable development and poverty alleviation. The subject matter inevitably overlaps with other thematic papers in this series, particularly that on livelihoods, but focuses specifically on the business models and aims to avoid repetition of issues discussed in more detail elsewhere
Business models in land reform
(PLAAS, University of the Western Cape, 2007-08) Lahiff, Edward
This paper reviews the types of business models, or landuse models, being implemented in land reform projects involving the transfer of rural land to communities and other groups in South Africa, under both the restitution and redistribution programmes. It draws heavily on the series of Diagnostic Studies prepared as part of the Sustainable Development Consortium’s (SDC) work on post-settlement support, but also draws from other studies on restitution, notably that conducted by the Community Agency for Social Enquiry (CASE) in 2005, and the wider literature on redistributive land reform in South Africa.
Cattle ownership and production in the communal areas of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2002) Ainslie, Andrew; Kepe, Thembela; Ntsebeza, Lungisile; Ntshona, Zolile; Turner, Stephen
This report documents a study of the social and economic structure of cattle ownership and production in the communal tenure areas of the Eastern Cape (i.e. the former Bantustans of Transkei and Ciskei). The report begins with a review of the conventional arguments relating to cattle production systems in communal tenure areas, i.e. that they are inefficient and irrational. In seeking to challenge these pervasive assumptions concerning the way in which cattle production systems in these areas apparently work, it is argued, first, that very little systematic and detailed knowledge of these systems actually exists on which to base arguments that have had considerable impact and, second, that cattle ownership and production for African people in the Eastern Cape, quite apart from its obvious utility and cultural resonance, has been, for many decades, expressly about political-economic struggle against the state and its varied policies, which have had the effect – if not always the explicit intention – of the gradual proletarianisation of the rural population.
'Celebrating ten years of research, training and policy engagement on land and agrarian reform, livelihoods, community-based natural resource management, and poverty'. A ten year review report 1995-2005
(Institute for Poverty Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), 2006) PLAAS
The Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Over the last ten years we have undertaken research on land and agrarian reform, the changing composition of livelihoods and poverty dynamics in both rural and urban contexts, rural governance, community-based natural resource management, fisheries management, and linkages between land and water rights. All of our work has had a strong applied dimension, and PLAAS researchers have often engaged in policy debates and argued strongly in favour of particular objectives and ways to achieve them. Recurring themes within PLAAS research are patterns of poverty and inequality, the character and distribution of property rights, and contested power relations, all of which are central to the task of socioeconomic transformation after apartheid. These are complex aspects of social reality, and understanding their structure and the underlying causal processes at work is extremely challenging. We have striven to balance our concern for policy relevance and our commitment to social change with a strong emphasis on rigorous and theoretically well-informed scholarship. We have also developed a post-graduate teaching programme in land and agrarian studies, the only one of its kind in the region, and delivered a wide range of short training courses for government officials and NGO workers. In celebrating our 10th anniversary this year, we will be reflecting on whether or not we manage to live up to our mission, and asking what key questions and issues we should address in the decade to come.
Challenging the stereotypes: small-scale black farmers and private sector support programmes in South Africa
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), University of the Western Cape, 2016) Okunlola, Adetola; Ngubane, Mnqobi; Cousins, Ben; du Toit, Andries
This report represents one of the outputs of a research and social dialogue project undertaken over 18 months. It explores a number of private sector partnerships and projects launched in support of black farmers – some of them highly innovative, others of dubious merit. Hardly a week passes by without news of some new initiative to ‘train’, ‘help’, ‘empower’ or otherwise assist ‘small-scale black farmers’. The findings of this research suggest that many of the current programmes of support on offer from the private sector are built on somewhat shaky foundations. These are often based on problematic assumptions and normative ideas about what constitutes desirable agricultural development, most of them deeply (if not consciously) informed by the experience of fostering a successful large farm sector in South Africa in the past. The problems that many small-scale black farmers experience in their attempts to enter the competitive world of formal value chains suggests that a fundamental re-think is now required.
Challenging the stereotypes: Small-scale black farmers and private sector support programmes in South Africa
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2016) Okunlola, Adetola; Ngubanei, Mnqob; Cousins, Ben; du Toit, Andries
This report represents one of the outputs of a research and social dialogue project undertaken over 18 months. It was carried out by researchers from the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), based at the University of the Western Cape, in collaboration with the Southern Africa Food Lab, based at the University of Stellenbosch, between January 2013 and July 2014. The project focused on the role of the private sector in supporting small-scale black farmers to participate in agricultural value chains. This was not a purely academic research project. Although empirical research formed its backbone, it fed into a broader process of social dialogue and learning, convened by SAFL and facilitated by Reos Partners1. Research insights informed ‘learning journeys’ and ‘innovation labs’ that took place concurrently with the research.
Climate change and rural livelihoods in Southern Africa: An agenda for policy-oriented research
(Institute for Poverty Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS), 2022) Bennie, Andrew
This report is the outcome of an extensive review of the literature and the debates on climate change and landbased livelihoods in Southern Africa. In the context of the converging climate and food crises, it provides an overview of the politics of climate change, its impacts, and responses in Southern Africa, and sketches the outlines of PLAAS’s research agenda on the intersections of climate change, agrarian change and rural livelihoods. As such, it is an open-ended document, intended to identify and formulate questions, not to present answers. The purpose of the report is to set out in broad terms the way in which seek to connect our work on agrarian change and rural livelihoods to the questions raised by the climate crisis currently facing our societies.
Commercialisation of land and ‘Land Grabbing': Implications for Land Rights and livelihoods in Malawi
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2015) Zamchiya, Phillan; Gausi, Joseph
This study investigates the processes and impact of commercialisation of land in Malawi – specifically the acquisition of huge tracts of communal lands by foreign companies and local elites for sugarcane production in Nkhotakota and Chikwawa districts. The main finding was that ‘land grabbing’ for large-scale commercial agriculture in these two districts negatively affected the livelihoods of the poor communal farmers. The costs to the affected communities outweighed the benefits. In the two districts studied, land grabbing was driven by a weak communal tenure legal framework and the Malawi government’s support for large-scale agro-investments. The key players behind land grabbing were local elites, traditional leaders, foreign companies, international agencies, the coercive apparatus of the state – the police and army – and politicians. The land acquisition processes in both districts were violent and arbitrary, with no compensation offered to the displaced communities. The way in which the land was acquired resulted in the destruction of people’s properties, crops and household incomes, leading to increased food insecurity and poverty among the rural poor. Even though Malawi is a signatory to international land governance frameworks1, there was a disjuncture between policy and practice due to the players not complying with the statutes.
Commercialisation of land in Namibia’s communal land areas: A critical look at potential irrigation projects in Kavango East and Zambezi regions
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2015) Thiem, Maarit; Muduva, Theodor
Large-scale land acquisitions by both foreign and local investors for agriculture, forestry and wildlife purposes, among others, remain a major challenge for African governments. In recent years, the Namibian government through various ministries received proposals from multinational agribusiness to develop large-scale agricultural irrigation projects. However, only a few of these proposed largescale projects have materialised or have been operationalised. This study is aimed at investigating land acquisitions by private and/ or foreign investors (large-scale agricultural investors) in Namibia’s communal land areas. The purpose of the study is, among others, to ascertain the socio-economic impacts of such deals on communities, whether legal requirements are adhered to before land for such deals is acquired or allocated, and whether community members can protect or defend their land rights or successfully oppose such deals if such is not in their interest.
Community views on the Communal Land Rights Bill
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2003) Claassens, Aninka
The Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) and the National Land Committee (NLC) responded to the lack of effective government consultation with communities on the draft Communal Land Rights Bill (CLRB) by initiating a joint project to broaden civil society participation in the legislative process.
Community-based natural resource management in the southern Africa region: An annotated bibliography and general overview of literature, 1996–2004
(Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape, 2007) Whande, Webster
This bibliography is aimed at collating information relating to community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) in the southern African region across different sectors and themes. It was primarily compiled to offer material support to researchers participating in the ‘Breaking New Ground’ – People Centred Approaches to Natural Resource Management and Development Programme – a joint venture of the Centre for Applied Social Sciences, University of Zimbabwe (CASS) and the Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape (PLAAS). It is also aimed at providing a resource to practitioners, policy- and decision-makers and researchers in southern Africa.
Community-based natural resource management in the Southern Africa region: an annotated bibliography and general overview of literature, 1996–2004
(PLAAS, University of the Western Cape, 2007-02) Whande, Webster
This bibliography is aimed at collating information relating to community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) in the Southern African region across different sectors and themes. It was primarily compiled to offer material support to researchers participating in the ‘Breaking New Ground’ – People Centred Approaches to Natural Resource Management and Development Programme – a joint venture of the Centre for Applied Social Sciences, University of Zimbabwe (CASS) and the Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies, University of the Western Cape (PLAAS). It is also aimed at providing a resource to practitioners, policy- and decision-makers and researchers in southern Africa. The bibliography includes references to a variety of previously undocumented sources of information. The focus of this work, whilst including annotations on wildlife, moves beyond this traditional view of CBNRM to include other sectors. It embraces second or third generation issues ranging from the contribution of CBNRM to rural livelihoods and resource condition, to investigating policy issues around CBNRM and issues of power and authority over land and natural resources.

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