Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS)
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The Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) does research, policy engagement, teaching and training about the dynamics of chronic poverty and structural inequality in Southern Africa, with a particular emphasis on the key role of restructuring and contesting land holding and agro-food systems in the subcontinent and beyond. Our focus is on the analysis of marginalised livelihoods in Southern Africa, especially of subsistence and smallholder farmers and farm workers, of coastal and inland artisanal fisheries and fishing communities; and of informal self employment in rural and urban areas.
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Movement of Zimbabwean immigrants into, within and out of the farm labour market in Limpopo province of South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)This thesis presents findings from ethnographic research conducted over a period of 17 months in the Blouberg and Molemole local municipalities of Capricorn District in Limpopo province with the aim of exploring mobility ... -
Role of water as a resource in hygiene and sanitation
(University of the Western Cape, 2019)Water supply and sanitation remain a huge problem in townships and rural areas of South Africa, in effect affecting the water supply, hygiene and health of marginalized communities. Following democracy in 1994, South ... -
Agricultural investments in the communal areas of the Eastern Cape: The impacts of joint ventures on livelihoods and land rights
(University of the Western Cape, 2018)A major and unresolved challenge facing South Africa’s post-apartheid government, is how best to overcome the historical injustices of land dispossession and the resultant poverty now found in the communal areas of the ... -
Trade of fish imported from Sub-Saharan Africa in the Cape Town Business district
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)Fish remains a vital source of food, income, nutrition and livelihoods for millions of people in Africa. This study investigated the modalities of trading in fish imported from sub-Saharan Africa into South Africa in the ... -
Assessment of the type, extent and modalities of intra-regional fish trade: A case of South Africa and other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)This study assessed the type, extent and modalities of intra-regional fish trade between South Africa and other SADC countries. Cross-border fish trade and its importance in boosting intra-regional fish trade between ... -
Trajectory from government-managed to farmer-managed smallholder irrigation and its effects on productivity, operation and maintenance: An analysis of Mamina Smallholder Irrigation Scheme in Zimbabwe
(University of the Western Cape, 2016)Government's decision to devolve irrigation management to farmers was partly influenced by international policy imperatives, which were propounded mainly by institutions associated with the Consultative Group for ... -
Urban land tenure, tenancy and water and sanitation services delivery in South Africa
The aim of the study was to develop a clear understanding of the relationship between land tenure, tenancy and water and sanitation services development planning and delivery in the context of rapid urbanisation in ... -
Rural livelihoods and agricultural production in smallholder irrigation schemes: The case of Hoxane Irrigation scheme
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)This mini-thesis explores rural livelihoods and agricultural production in smallholder irrigation schemes in South Africa. The study sought to determine the livelihoods of plot-holders and the various production practices ... -
Institutional dynamics in a small-scale organic farming organisation : the case of the Ezemvelo Farmers' Organisation
(University of the Western Cape, 2017)This study explores institutional dynamics within an organic farming organisation, the Ezemvelo Farmers' Organisation (EFO), based in uMbumbulu in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The main objective of the study was to identify the ... -
Water resource management in the era of fiscal austerity : an exploration of the challenges of managing the Rietvlei dam and Centurion lake in the City of Tshwane, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape., 2011)The strain brought to bear on fiscal resources of municipalities in South Africa has had a negative effect on the ability by these municipalities to fulfil their obligations; that of delivering quality services to residents, ... -
In or out of court? Strategies for resolving farm tenure disputes in Limpopo province, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2011)In this thesis I explore dispute resolution mechanisms within the context of the Extension of Security of Tenure Act, 62 of 1997 (ESTA) and more generally the extent to which the law and the court can be used to effect ... -
Gendered land rights in the rural areas of Namaqualand : a study of women's perceptions and understandings
(University of the Western Cape, 2011)This study focuses on women's perceptions of land rights in the communal areas of Namaqualand in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Here women farm land which they can access only through their relationships with ... -
Agrarian change and the fate of farmworkers : trajectories of strategic partnership and farm labour in Levubu Valley, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)This thesis examines the trajectories of agrarian change on community-owned commercial farms in the Levubu Valley in the northern part of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Levubu is a locality where fertile land was developed ... -
(Re)constructed communities under land restitution : a case study of the Popela land claim
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)This dissertation explores the notions of community identity as they relate to land restitution. Specifically, the dissertation examines how community is (re)constructed in the Popela case study by examining how the claimants ... -
Accumulation and differentiation: the dynamics of change in the large-scale commercial farming sector of South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)The general image of large-scale commercial farming in South Africa is one of technological dynamism and international competitiveness. However, such a generalisation obscures considerable differentiation in terms of size, ... -
Rural livelihoods and women’s access to land: a case study of the Katuli Area, Mangochi District, Malawi
(University of the Western Cape, 2015)Insecure access and limited rights to land are major factors contributing to poverty among rural women (Ellis,2000; Havnevik et al,2007). Despite that, rural women’s livelihoods are directly linked to land; they generally ... -
The livelihood impacts of commercialization in emerging small-scale irrigation schemes in the Olifants catchment area of South Africa.
(University of the Western Cape, 2012)This thesis examines livelihoods in the wake of agricultural commercialization under the Revitalization of Smallholder Irrigation Schemes (RESIS) Programme and similar revitalization initiatives within the Olifants River ... -
The livelihood impacts of commercialization in emerging small scale irrigation schemes in the Olifants catchment area of South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2012)This thesis examines livelihoods in the wake of agricultural commercialization under the Revitalization of Smallholder Irrigation Schemes (RESIS) Programme and similar revitalization initiatives within the Olifants River ... -
The potential and limits of the proactive land acquisition strategy: land reform implementation in Gauteng province of South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2013)Land reform in South Africa emerged as one of the important policies for reconciliation, reconstruction and development of the country after years of racial segregation. Its implementation has been three-fold i.e. land ... -
Poverty dynamics and livelihood challenges among small-scale fishing communities on lake Kariba - Zimbabwe
(University of the Western Cape, 2013)Poverty dynamics and livelihood challenges among small-scale fishing communities on Lake Kariba (Zimbabwe) The aim of this study was to assess poverty among small-scale fishing communities on Lake Kariba (Zimbabwe) as ...
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