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Reforming Land-Tenure Systems in South Africa: Routes to Socio-Economic and Agricultural Sustainability

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  • Céline Hoeks
  • Hossein Azadi
  • Parisa Rafiaani Khachak
  • Enrique Troyo-Dieguez
  • Steven Van Passel
  • Frank Witlox

Abstract

type="main"> Given the historical development of land tenure in South Africa, the aim of this article is to examine the best routes to alleviate poverty and retain sustainable agriculture in the country. First, a theoretical framework is presented that relates land tenure to sustainability, and three historical periods (pre-colonial, colonial, and apartheid) are then considered to explain the changes in land tenure and their consequences. The progress and main limitations of post-apartheid land reform to approach agricultural sustainability and alleviate poverty are discussed. Based on the analysis, different possibilities for future land reform are elaborated, followed by some recommendations for future land-reform policies in South Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Céline Hoeks & Hossein Azadi & Parisa Rafiaani Khachak & Enrique Troyo-Dieguez & Steven Van Passel & Frank Witlox, 2014. "Reforming Land-Tenure Systems in South Africa: Routes to Socio-Economic and Agricultural Sustainability," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 32(6), pages 647-674, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:32:y:2014:i:6:p:647-674
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/dpr.12083
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    References listed on IDEAS

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