Introduction: Agrarian change, rural poverty and land reform in South Africa since 1994

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Date

2013

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Blackwell Publishing

Abstract

This introduction sketches the context and dynamics of agrarian change, rural poverty and land reform since the end of apartheid in 1994, drawing attention to structural continuities and new elements in the countrysides of South Africa, and of the Southern African region in which South Africa must be located. Two key historical and theoretical reference points help focus attention on some central issues: the ‘classic’ model of dispossession/accumulation in South(ern) Africa, and ‘decentralized despotism’ as the distinctive mode and legacy of colonial governance. In conclusion, we introduce the papers as contributions to answering some central questions which require further research and debate.

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Keywords

Agrarian change, Land reform, Rural poverty, South Africa, Southern Africa

Citation

O'Laughlin, B. et al. (2013). Introduction: Agrarian change, rural poverty and land reform in South Africa since 1994. Journal of Agrarian Change, 13(1): 1-15