The effects of the underutilisation of the restored farmlands in Taung: North West province

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of the underutilisation of the restored farmlands in the Taung area of the North West province, South Africa. The study was based on the two communal property institutions: the Sebuemang-Khaukhwe Communal Property Association (CPA) and Rethabile Mosimane Trust. This study was grounded in the theory of the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). A qualitative research methodology was used to guide the study, while the SLF was used to guide the study, relevant data gathering methods, and the selection of measuring instruments led to the acceptable findings. The findings of the research study have confirmed that there were some effects of the underutilisation of the land in the two communal property institutions (CPIs). The underlying factors of the underutilisation of the land were found to be the institutional weaknesses of the state, and to a lesser extent, the institutional weaknesses of the CPIs. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the effects on the beneficiaries of the two CPIs, were not as massive as contemplated due to the contribution of the state’s social welfare programme on the livelihoods of the beneficiaries. Some of the effects identified were namely: no farm production, no sale and income of farm production, no home consumption of farm produce surplus and no employment. Additional to that host of the factors of vulnerability there are that rose from them i.e.: poverty, destitution, and emotional effects (frustration and anger) and ultimate conflict eruption in the CPIs. In conclusion, the study made recommendations based on key issues which some are: Adequate livelihoods and technical support by state, state’s policies review, retention of the state’s social welfare support, requesting of the private sector to contribute to land reform and rehabilitation of the old gravel road by a relevant state organ (Dept: Public works).