An investigation into the impact of Land Reform on women empowerment with reference to Masakona Land Restitution Project at Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The research study focus on an investigation into the impact of land reform on women empowerment with reference to Masakona land restitution project at Makhado municipality, Limpopo province. South Africa land reform programme has three sub- programmes namely, Land Restitution, Land Redistribution and Land Tenure. The promotion of women economic empowerment in land restitution projects facilitates the achievement of other important public policy goals such as economic growth, improved human development and reduces poverty. A specific focus on women in land restitution is necessary given the reality that women comprise the majority of economically disadvantaged groups. The support for women economic empowerment as part of overall development programming is important. There should be enough capacity building targeted at women to help them increase their participation in land reform programmes and projects. Land will serve as a means of creating opportunities to enable women to develop in numerous sphere of life, therefore giving them independent economic status. The research findings in this study were done to employed females beneficiaries and the management of Masakona land restitution farms. The measurement of women empowerment were established focusing on economic empowerment, poverty alleviation, participation, decision making and capacity building at Masakona land restitution farms. The findings of this study require the land reform programme to recognize the benefits received by women when lands are transferred to their household and community.