Factors affecting sustainability of land reform projects in Ehlanzeni District Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Abstract

The study evaluated factors affecting sustainability of land reform projects in Mpumalanga Province in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM) of Ehlanzeni District. The study was conducted between July and September 2014. A random sampling technique was used in selecting 31 key informants from the projects. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews with key informants that had benefited from the projects using a questionnaire administered as an interview schedule. Data collected were analysed using SPSS. The results shows that both males and females were well represented (50% males) and (50% females), 42% of participants are above 50 years, 83% does not have farming skills, 42% had formal education up to High school level, 75% received agricultural training. Training improved project performance (67%), sustainability (67%), enhanced job creation (58%) and boosted project profitability (92%). 67% received post training support, 92% received training through top down approach. The most factors affecting projects sustainability are lack of government support (75%), failure to receive training on time (75%), and complicated bureaucracy in accessing training (67%).

Keywords: Land Reform Projects, Sustainability, Beneficiaries, Agricultural Training, Extension Implications, Ehlanzeni District, South Africa