“Quasi-formalization of informal” land markets in communal areas to facilitate increased arable production: A case study of Thaba Nchu, Free State Province
“Quasi-formalization of informal” land markets in communal areas to facilitate increased arable production: A case study of Thaba Nchu, Free State ProvinceM.N.Baiphethi, S. Manona, M.F. Viljoen & G. Kundhlande
BackgroundBackground
• WRC funding a 5 year research project in rural villages around Thaba Nchu: Social and economic factors affecting the adoption of rainwater harvesting and conservation practices. • The project follows on other WRC funded projects in the
same area that aimed at the improving arable production through the use of IRWH techniques developed by ARC-ISCW
• The success of IRWH on homestead gardens, led the community embarking on a drive to extend (upscale) the technique to the arable fields • A soils analysis (soilscape) of the arable fields was
undertaken (Hensley et al., 2007). • Arable soil survey found suitable area of land was
1,177 ha in Gladstone and 183 ha in Feloane and Potsane.
ObjectivesObjectives
• Develop a land register for all high potential arable land in the villages of Potsane, Feloane and Gladstone
• Provide accurate information and clarity on land sizes, land rights on all arable fields
• To provide a tool that will be understood by community members in support of local land administration systems
Methodology/processesMethodology/processes
• Initial consultation with statutory bodies,
• Initial consultation with the community, • Tache Survey and creation of a land
register • Final consultation and development of
rules and regulations
Land registerLand register
Code Ownership Size (Ha)
23 Moipone Ntono 3.58
24 Ben Mothupi 12.23
25 Ben Mothupi 3.13
Land utilizationLand utilization
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Frequency
Grow crops Use home garden Own livestock
YES NO
Interest in land exchangesInterest in land exchanges
In favour of land exchange.Reason
Frequency (N) Percentage (%)
1. In support of land exchange agreements 54 68
Not interested in arable production. 1 2
Too old to work the fields. 8 19
Household unable to cultivate fields. 25 60
Assist those without arable fields. 8 19
Total 42 100
2. Against Land exchange agreements 25 32
Interested to use the field 21 95
Afraid to lose rights to arable land 1 5
Total 22 100
Land exchange arrangements and duration
Land exchange arrangements and duration
Arrangement Frequency (N) Proportion of total sample (%)
Sale 2 3
Lease 5 6
Share-cropping 36 46
Free loan 12 15
Total 55 70
33%
41%
11%
15%
1-2 years 2-4 years 5-6 years More than 6 years
Processes and structuresProcesses and structures
Local Land Admin Committee(DLA, DoA, Tribal Authority, LM, Ward Com.)
Tribal authority notes agreement
Headman & ward comm. record agreement & sign it off
Agreement between consenting individuals.
ConclusionsConclusions
• General willingness to extend cultivation to arable fields
• 70% of the land rights holders will participate in land exchange arrangements. • “Outright sale” (3%), • Lease arrangement (6%), • Share-cropping (46%) • Free loan (15%) .
• Therefore scope for vibrant rural land market• Development or rules and regulations to effect the
innovation
AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements
• Financial support from the WRC• TIPS for funding participation in this
conference