“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