This study seeks to examine the contribution of land reform programmes to beneficiaries and focuses on post settlement development for beneficiaries once they have resettled on the farm. The contribution of land reform programmes is examined in this study through the investigation of the Rocky Drift Farm, a rural area in Muden, KwaZulu-Natal Province, This case study has been chosen because it became one of the first Land Reform Pilot Projects transferred in 1997 to a Trust, representing a large number of owners (232 in total), under the government assisted land redistribution programme. It is now 12 years since the residents have returned to Rocky Drift Farm and this period is regarded as sufficiently long enough to enable the critical examination of development progress relating to land reform since 1997. This research has hypothesized that "whilst the Land Reform Programme does generate some benefits for beneficiaries, it has proved to be an inadequate mechanism for improving the quality of life for beneficiaries, and thus needs to be supplemented by a number of other key support programmes in order to fully contribute to the lives of the poor". While this investigation has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the lives of of the beneficiaries have not fully improved as a result of Land Reform Programmes at Rocky Drift, improvement in infrastructure and service provision such as upgrading of 3 roads. construction and upgrading of 5 schools, building of 1 creche and the supply of portable water, has been noticed. Furthermore, benefits such as a sense of belonging, identity, trust, hope and reconciliation, resulting from the implementation of the Rocky Drift Project have also not gone unnoticed. However, despite the benefits mentioned above, it is strongly argued by this dissertation that these benefits are inadequate to boldly conclude that land reform programmes have improved the standard of life for Rock Drift residents after 12 years of resettlement. Therefore, this study recommends, inter-alia, the following supplementary measures as boost for land reform programmes to enable the beneficiaries to fully benefit from these programmes, during post settlement; • improving communication, co-operation and co-ordination among the government departments, • maintaining the continuity of the key stakeholders, • establishment of agri-villages; • link land reform projects with lDPs: • re-establishing the Rocky Drift community structures and the • letting of unused portions of Rocky Drift Farm, to mention a few. Lastly, since the Rocky Drift Project piloted other farms, this study also recommends that a further investigation needs to be conducted. This will draw a comparative analysis and critically examine whether or not the lessons from this project were used to improve other similar projects. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2009.

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

The Land Reform projects are primarily challenged by post-settlement support. They mainly rely on government grants to survive and in some instances, projects have failed due to lack of sufficient post-settlement support. There are many government and private institutions and mandated and private businesses that offer post-settlement support to LRAD beneficiaries. Their impact can only be measured against improvements in the livelihoods of beneficiaries. While land reform has been in existence in SA, the main source of support evidently seems to have been the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) in the form of a government grants. The existence of other sources of post-settlement support cannot be ignored, but the extents to which these support mechanisms are combined have contributed to the improvement of sustainable livelihood of the beneficiaries, as measured through livelihood assets. The main aim of this study is to explore how the LRAD beneficiaries in the Witzenberg Municipality in the Western Cape employ their livelihood strategies. It explores the types of support received by the beneficiaries and how the support has been used. To determine the progress made through the post-settlement support received by the beneficiaries in an attempt to achieve rural livelihoods strategies, the study discusses the status of the farms during the inception and also the current status. Many studies done by role players and academics in the field of land reform mainly explore the monetary benefit and ignore or pay less attention to the livelihood in five capitals. The needs confronting beneficiaries in the form of livelihood strategies are presented in the form of capital; for example, physical, natural, human, social, economic and financial capitals. This paper seeks to establish an understanding of how beneficiaries of land reform achieve their livelihood, given the constraints of post-settlement support to land reform in South Africa.

Thesis (M. Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / Land reform in a form of land redistribution has been implemented in developing countries including South Africa. Land reform in South Africa was introduced to address the effects of the racial discrimination practices of the apartheid government, which led to black people being denied access to land prior 1994. The objective of land redistribution is produce commercially viable land reform projects, which will be able to sustain livelihoods of the poor. However evidence from some studies suggest that a large number of these projects have failed. This study aimed to explore the impact of land redistribution programme on the livelihoods of beneficiaries of the Monyamani, Lwalalemetse and Maboi3 (MOLWAMA) farms in the Polokwane municipality, Limpopo province who have benefited from Settlement Land Acquisition Grant (SLAG) a sub-programme of land redistribution. A quantitative research design was used. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using the SPSS software. Since the main objective was to determine how the standard of living, the researcher used key indicators such as household income, access to services, production of food for food security, empowerment, security and health. The main findings of the research are that while beneficiaries indicated a positive change on their standard of living, it was evident that because the land was not optimally utilised, the benefits could be much higher but for a number of challenges that they were still experiencing. Beneficiaries highlighted a number of challenges which include water shortages, drought, financial mismanagement, conflict amongst beneficiaries, uncommitted beneficiaries, low wages, low representation of women and youth and lack of financial assistance. In order to resolve these challenges, the study recommends a number of policy interventions. Specifically, on building capacity of beneficiaries by providing entrepreneurship and financial management trainings. The government and other stakeholders should encourage the youth to participate in land reform projects and provide them with necessary skills which, will enable them to work productively. Provision of infrastructure such as access roads, water, electricity and markets is very crucial for successful and sustainable projects.

Thesis (MPAM.) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Globally, land reform has been a burning issue and where it was implemented, it has resulted in both successes and failures. The problems that engulf land reform illustrate that government’s programmes often fail to address the socio-economic conditions of the land claimants. As such, this study undertook to examine government interventions in addressing beneficiaries affected by land restitution in Limpopo province with specific reference to Tshifhefhe community located in Makhado Local Municipality. The study is an examination of governmental interventions in addressing beneficiaries affected by land restitution. The institutional mechanisms used to support land restitutions are considered for discussion. The study focused mainly at the Tshifhefhe community in Limpopo province where the need to restore the land forcibly taken from the community was considered. The restoration is necessary for improvement of their wellbeing, intensification of democracy and emancipation as well as restoration of previously marginalised people. The study adopted a qualitative approach and a case study design. The utilised approach described and explored Tshifhefhe beneficiaries’ perceptions, attitudes, views and feelings about the government’s interventions in their restored land. The findings point to the fact that government has been found to have provided inadequate support in terms of training on land management, marketing and administration of these beneficiaries including the Tshifhefhe restituted land. It is recommended that the government should intervene in the restored land projects by providing capacity building programmes, assessment of failures and successes in other restored land, mentoring, development and implementation of progressive and sustainable land policies and programmes.

Thesis ( M. Sc.((Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017. / Wildlife farming has become an important land use alternative, especially in most developing countries where there is an abundance of wildlife resources. In South Africa, integrated wildlife/livestock was mostly practiced by commercial farmers on a privately owned land but in recent years, potential for income generation in the industry has grown. Smallholder farmers are increasingly being assisted to explore practicing integrated wildlife/livestock on communal land after receiving land through restitution programme. The aim of the study was to examine costs and benefits associated with integrating livestock with wildlife in a smallholder agricultural context. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 71 respondents situated in Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality selected using multistage random sampling technique. Cost-benefit approach and weighted decision matrix were used for economic analysis and also to identify potential trade-offs. Furthermore, the study used descriptive statistical analysis to identify opportunities and challenges faced by farmers. Some of the livestock costs identified include feeds, vaccines and labour costs. Benefits of wildlife include income from trophy hunting and selling meat from wild animals. Cost-Benefit Ratio (CBR) as a tool of cost benefit analysis techniques, was used in order get 0.67 in livestock farming, this shows that the project may not be sustainable whereas that of wildlife farming was 1.13 which indicate that the project will yield positive outcome for community involved. There are trade-offs that farmers will have to consider when shifting towards integrated wildlife/livestock such as reduced livestock benefits and increased wildlife benefits. Livestock diseases, stock theft and others are the identified challenges associated with integrated wildlife/livestock. Descriptive results indicated that 40% of livestock farmers mentioned that they are strongly affected by stock theft and disease transmission. The identified opportunities of integrated wildlife/livestock were business and job creation for rural households. Given the findings, the study therefore, recommends that government and private sector should assist farmers with training in wildlife farming so that they can be competitive in commercial wildlife farming. Funds should be made available for setting up infrastructure suited for wildlife land uses. / Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF)

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2017. / The aim of the study was to investigate elements that compromise the success of Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS) in Mopani District, Limpopo Province. There is a general view that PLAS intended to fast track the land reform process. The emerging farmers as soon as they get the land through PLAS are expected to use the land for production so as to improve their socio- economic status and contribute to the local economic growth. The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform proactively acquires the land and redistributes it to the previously disadvantaged people in a lease contract. Emerging farmers do not need to own the land and have title deeds as the land belongs to the government. PLAS is state driven because only the government can proactively acquire the land and lease it out to prospective productive emerging farmers from previously disadvantaged groups. Qualitative research design was used to collect data. The target group in this study were direct beneficiaries of PLAS or emerging farmers. Data was collected using focus group discussions with emerging farmers and one-on-one interviews in all three local municipalities: Ba-Phalaborwa, Tzaneen and Maruleng. One- on- one interviews were conducted with the key participants from the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and the Limpopo Department of Agriculture. The results of the study show that the emerging farmers are not effectively using the land as expected. They do not have the necessary support from government or Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. It was also revealed in the study that the Limpopo Department of Agriculture is expected to support the emerging farmers with technical support. In practice there is no visible form of support from the provincial department and farmers are left to fend for themselves. Emerging farmers usually lack farming skills and need regular training and support to be able to continue with their farming and businesses. The findings further reveal that the emerging farmers face serious challenges such as a lack of funding, water shortage, and lack of access to markets and their recapitalisation is reduced. These findings show that the strategy is not responsive enough because of lack of resources from the government. While there are instances where the white farmers are willing to sell their land, the government do not always have resources to acquire such lands. Also most of these land prices are often inflated and it is where these sellers are taking advantage of the government. This study recommends that the government should support the emerging farmers by all means possible. That will lead to profitable farming and the lives of the people will change qualitatively, leading to social and economic development. It is recommended further that the emerging farmers be given appropriate training so that they can be equipped with skills and be able to run and manage their farms

Thesis ((MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research deals with post-settlement support in Namibia‟s land reform process. Post-settlement support (PSS) is seen as vital and critical in all land and agrarian reform processes, as can be told from experiences worldwide. Its absence or presence can have a number of consequences or successes in the whole process. PSS can be viewed as the “after care” to be provided by government to new farmers after resettling them. It could be in the form of financial support, extension services and maintenance of infrastructure as well as training services for the farmers. The paper deals with the current status of post-settlement support in the country for land a reform beneficiary, who provides PSS, if it is provided and how it is done. It further looks at perceptions and practices about land reform, in some regions of the world as well as in Namibia. The methodology used was through extensive literature review of policy documents, interviews with different stakeholders and two case studies, looking at beneficiaries of the land reform, specifically the national land resettlement programme beneficiaries. The paper found that there is definitely a link between the poor productivity and lack of PSS in Namibia‟s land reform process. PSS is not consistent; it is selected or sometimes randomly carried out. Most of the PSS programmes currently provided is not initiated by government but by donor agencies and Non-governmental organisations. There is no coordination between the different stakeholders such as the line ministries. The paper illustrates that choosing the correct beneficiaries of the land reform process is vital in achieving sustainable, land use and management, as well as equitable land redistribution in an arid Namibia. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsing handel oor ondersteuning wat hervestigde boere ontvang na vestiging. Die ondersteuning aan hervestigdes is krities en belangrik in alle fasette van grond en landbou hervormings prosesse. Die huidige wêreld verleen groot steun aan hierdie gevolgtrekking. Daarvoor hou die toepasing oftewel nie-toepasing van na-hervestigings ondersteuning groot risiko vir die sukses van die hele hervestigings proses. Hierdie tipe ondersteuning vir hervestigdes kan as 'n noodsaaklike na diens wat die staat kan lewer aan die nuwe grond eienaars. Sulke ondersteuning deur die staat kan verskeie vorms inneem. Dit kan geskied deur finansielle hulp oftewel landbou dienste wat ook die instandhouding van plaas infrastruktuur kan behels. In hierdie navorsing kyk ons na opvattings rakende hervestigings ondersteuining soos ervaar deur die hervestigdes. Die navorsing is gebaseer op literatuur van reg-oor die wereld aangaande hierdie vraag stuk. Ons het ook onderhoude gevoer met verskillende belanghebbendes met twee gevalle studies wat handel oor die ervarringe van hervestigdes. Die navorsing vind dat daar 'n definitiewe verband tussen swak produksie opbrengste en na-hervestiging ondersteuning is. Ons vind dat hierdie tipe ondersteuning ad hoc is met baie min koordinering deur die staat masjienery. Ons vind dat dit op die lange duur belangrik is om die regte mense te selekteer vir hervestiging programme, veral as in ag geneem word dat Namibie 'n taamlike droë land is.

Thesis Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Geography and Environmental Studies University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies January 2017. / Political transformations in most developing nations have been accompanied by vast land claims by indigenous communities who were forcibly detached from their traditional land during colonisation and apartheid-like dispensations. In the context of sub-Saharan African countries (including South Africa), the need for land reform has been aggravated by the great scarcity of farmland. However, most of the reclaimed land is in areas pursuing conservation activities. Now, caught between owning the land and pursuing conservation as a land use option to improve livelihood; local communities have tended to form partnerships and collaborations with external stakeholders in managing communally owned natural resources. Collaborative management is perceived as a sustainable route in governing common pool natural resources in re-claimed areas. It is in this regard, that this research aims at establishing the role to which social capital can be instrumental in promoting sustainable governance in co-managed community game reserves in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This study follows a case study approach, with Zondi and Gumbi communities in Umvoti and uPhongolo Districts of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa respectively being used to obtain empirical evidence. Two basic criteria were taken into consideration in selecting appropriate case study areas to attain the aim of the study. Firstly, whether the area had successfully claimed the land and secondly, if there were collaborative efforts from different stakeholders in managing available common resources. To ensure equal representation, research participants were drawn from households, community leaders, conservation organisations and policy makers from the government. This study’s methodological positionality is interpretive in nature, and its operational framework base is qualitative research. It therefore uses a number of qualitative techniques in an attempt to establish the role of social capital in governing Somkhanda (in Gumbi) and Ngome (in Zondi) Community Game Reserves. For instance, systemic-resilience thinking and socio-ecological learning approaches were used to analyse the participatory relationship and effects in managing community natural resources in Gumbi and Zondi communities. It has been revealed in this study that the key to successful collaborative environmental management projects revolves around issues of participation, transparency, reciprocity and effective communication. These elements are important ingredients in building strong social capital. Community social cohesion builds trust between internal and external actors, especially in communities that were once subjected to various forms of segregation and corrupt systems of governance. The presence of trust in managing common pool resources ensures effective stakeholder participation as well as involvement in decision making processes. Furthermore, the evidence from this study suggests that the frequent exclusion of rural populations from participation in processes with a direct influence on their lives, undermines efforts to pursue Community-Based Ecotourism. More profoundly, the study found that, as an analytical tool, social capital seems to provide a dynamic and holistic explanatory approach to the pursuance of Community-Based Ecotourism in land-claimed communities, compared with the dominant evaluative techniques in the tourism field. Another important practical implication is that social capital can be used to promote the analysis of communities as heterogeneous and evolving, as opposed to the assumptions of their homogeneity and static state. There is a strong possibility that social capital can also address power-relations, social exclusion and inequality, through consideration of both structural and cognitive indicators. The findings from this study make several contributions to the body of knowledge. Firstly, they provide a better understanding of social capital variables influencing community participation in conservation activities. This is of use when designing or developing future Collaborative Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CCBNRM) projects. Secondly, from a broader perspective, the study advises policy makers not to ignore related community policies which might impact community participation in CCBNRMs. This is essential in considering the direction of future conservation and rural development policy. Thirdly, they provide a framework for empowering local people and their communities to enhance participation in CCBNRM. In view of this, a binding conclusion can be made that social capital can be a vehicle through which the accumulation of different forms of capital can be achieved and contribute towards sustainable environmental management. / MT2017