The effect of land restitution on sustainable livelihood : the case of Tale Ga-Morudu Communal Property Association

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of land restitution on sustainable livelihood with reference to Tale Ga-Morudu CPA. Communal Property Associations (CPAs) were introduced as a legal entities and custodian of the restituted land in South Africa to improve the living conditions of beneficiary households of the land restitution. This study employed survey design and data was collected from 45 randomly selected respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study found that the CPA has adopted and implemented land use and development plan with various types of land use management composed of agricultural activities and other alternative land uses, namely, game farming, contract livestock grazing, contract crop cultivation, rental and strategic partnership. However, food gardens, resettlement and poultry enterprises of direct land use management were planned and yet not implemented by the CPA. The CPA has made some progress in terms of creating access to land, cultural wellness, employment opportunities and skills development. However, the CPA has underutilised its communal resources such as arable land, recreational facilities and game farming. It should minimise dependency on contract farming by developing and adopting other land use plans such as food gardens, strategic partnership and resettlement. It should also emphasise on income generation and distribution, education, integration of women and youth in the CPA and food security.