The role of land reform and rural development in sustaining small-scale agriculture : a case study of the Comprehensive Rural Development Program (CRDP) in Dysselsdorp, Western Cape

This short dissertation aims to contribute to the academic discussion centered on land reform and rural development efforts to date and their effectiveness in supporting livelihoods rooted in small-scale agriculture for those living in a former Group Area. Research was conducted in February/March 2013 in the Karoo community of Dysselsdorp in the Western Cape. Dysselsdorp was identified as a pilot location for Comprehensive Rural Development, a relatively recent program by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform blending rural development and land reform efforts for the first time. This study used a combination of quantitative survey and questionnaire data with extensive qualitative data in the form of farmer focus groups and key informant interviews. Results gathered from this demonstrated conflicting views about the capacity of the Comprehensive Rural Development Program to support livelihoods based on small-scale agriculture. Coupling discussions with community members and government officials with literature written on rural development in southern Africa revealed that stakeholder involvement within the CRDP structure is both a bane and a benefit to the progress of economic development in the community.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Environmental and Geographical Science

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Magnusson, Angela R

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Ramutsindela, Maano

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11170

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/11170