An investigation of the impact of support services in land restitution with reference to Masakona community in Makhado municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

This research presents a study to investigate impact of support services rendered to land restitution claim settlement, with a focus on Masakona community in Makhado municipality in Limpopo Province There is encouraging evidence from a number of studies, however that the period after land settlement or restitution is the most critical because the success of land reform is not only measured by the number of hectors restitution, but by the support services rendered to those restituted projects.

However, in this study, indicators were developed with overall purpose of determining or assessing whether specific improvement is been realized after implementation of agricultural support services. The indicators include improved access to financial,( implements , mechanization and job creation), access to extension support (improved crop production owing to provided advisory services); access to market information; and capacity building (change in farmer’s skills and knowledge).

The study includes a review of international and local literature on land reform (especially land restitution). It is based on repeated field visits to Masakona land restitution projects, interview with employed beneficiaries of Masakona restituted project, CPA management committee members and extension officers from Limpopo Department of Agriculture who are servicing the restituted projects.

The findings of this study point to the need for the state to rethink its strategy on post- settlement support and the involvement of a range of institutions, especially local government, for the sustainability and productivity of these projects.