Abstract:
Water is a basic need and everybody has a right to have access to it, be it for
consumption or irrigation. The principle of rights is applicable in every sphere of
life even in the utilization of water resources.
South Africa is faced with a problem of water scarcity and deterioration of water
resources. The country is in a process of transforming water resource
management and has developed different policies and strategies aimed at
achieving effective and sustainable utilization of water resources. On the other
hand the government has an obligation to meet set national and international
targets. The latter can never be achieved without water which is at the center of
both economic and social development.
The integrated water resource management has been initiated and different
institutions have been established i.e. Catchments Management Agencies and
Water Users associations. The WUAs are aimed at managing water resources at
local level and have been established to replace whites-only Irrigation boards.
The National Water Act 36 of 1998 aims at addressing past imbalances provides
for WUAs to control, maintain and operate water resources and to ensure equal
distribution of water to all users. The act also provides for complete involvement
of historically disadvantaged individuals in water resource management
processes.
The emerging black farmers have been given an opportunity to participate in the
WUA activities. The farmers can now utilize water resources equally like other
users which has given emerging black farmers an opportunity to engage in
farming activities and contribute in the economic growth of the country. Emerging
black farmers can farm products which are sold at local, national and
international markets.
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Emerging black farmers can now earn a living and improve their standard of
living. The farming activities have made it possible for farmers to provide for their
families, pay through their children’s education, health services, provide shelter
and food security. Farming has created jobs for community members.
This research is aimed at assessing the socio-economic impact of LWUA on
emerging black farmers of Mariveni and Mavunda farming schemes under
Mopani district Municipality in the Limpopo Province. The inclusion of emerging
black farmers in LWUA activities has made it possible for them to get water
allocation which has made it possible for them to engage themselves in farming
activities. The farming activities that the farmers are engaged in have made it
possible for the farmers to contribute towards the economy of the country and
provide for their families by paying through their children’s education, health
services, food and shelter.
