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

Author

Listed:
  • 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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    14. Owuor, Patrick Mbullo & Awuor, Diana Ross & Ngave, Emily Mwende & Young, Sera L., 2023. "“The people here knew how I used to live, but now I have to start again:” Lived experiences and expectations of the displaced and non-displaced women affected by the Thwake Multipurpose Dam construction in Makueni County, Kenya," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 338(C).
    15. Yacim Joseph Awoamim & Zulch Benita G. & Merafe Boitshoko Grace & Partson Paradza, 2026. "Socioeconomic Implications of the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy on Beneficiaries in Mahikeng, South Africa," Real Estate Management and Valuation, Sciendo, vol. 34(1), pages 97-114.
    16. Dugasseh, Frank Akowuge & Aapengnuo, Clement & Zandersen, Marianne, 2021. "Land tenure regimes for women in Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs) in Northern Ghana: Opportunities and threats," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    17. Adekola, Oluwafemi & Krigsholm, Pauliina & Riekkinen, Kirsikka, 2023. "Adapted institutional analysis and development framework for understanding customary land institutions in sub-Saharan Africa – A case study from Nigeria," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    18. Manara, Martina & Pani, Erica, 2023. "Institutional pluralism and pro-poor land registration: Lessons on interim property rights from urban Tanzania," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    19. Manara, Martina & Pani, Erica, 2023. "Institutional pluralism and pro-poor land registration: lessons on interim property rights from urban Tanzania," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 118651, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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