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Theories of Land Reform and Their Impact on Land Reform Success in Southern Africa

Author

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  • Simon Hull

    (Division of Geomatics, School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X1, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7708, South Africa)

  • Kehinde Babalola

    (Division of Geomatics, School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X1, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7708, South Africa)

  • Jennifer Whittal

    (Division of Geomatics, School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X1, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7708, South Africa)

Abstract

Our purpose is to present and test a typology of land reform theories as a means of understanding and interrogating the motives behind land reform and to better equip land administrators and policymakers to enact land reform programs that are appropriate for their contexts. Here, land reform is understood to include the related concepts of land redistribution, land restitution, land tenure reform and land administration reform. The theory typology thus has application for land restitution programs specifically operating in the global South. The continuum of theories is derived from literature and tested through a multiple case study of land reform in Nigeria, Mozambique, and South Africa, drawing from a combination of primary and secondary data. The findings suggest an over-reliance on replacement theories in all three contexts, although the Mozambican experience draws on theories towards the middle of the continuum (the adaptation theories). This is recommended as the most viable approach for the context.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Hull & Kehinde Babalola & Jennifer Whittal, 2019. "Theories of Land Reform and Their Impact on Land Reform Success in Southern Africa," Land, MDPI, vol. 8(11), pages 1-28, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:8:y:2019:i:11:p:172-:d:286268
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    References listed on IDEAS

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