Rural Community Perceptions on Land Use Change and its Effects on Their Agricultural Practices in Vulindlela Traditional Area, Kwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa

Abstract

This study assessed the level of awareness among the Vulindlela rural community regarding land use and land cover changes occurring  in their community. Additionally, this study sought to examine the effects of these land use and land cover changes on the agricultural  practices of the Vulindlela rural community. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative  methods. Secondary data from Statistics South Africa and the Msunduzi Local Municipality were used to determine the relationship  between population growth and housing unit expansion. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews to capture the  community’s perceptions of land use change and its impacts on agricultural activities. The study results indicated a strong relationship (r  = 0.81, t = 2.39, df = 3, p = 0.10) between population growth and an increase in housing units. Respondents also noted that land use and  cover change has occurred in Vulindlela. The driver of this change is an increase in residential housing units built on land designated for  agriculture (crop and pastoral fields). Residential development on agricultural fields is a result of the deagrarianisation by the local  community. De-agrarianisation drivers in Vulindlela include a lack of agricultural equipment, high costs (time and money) associated with  agriculture, inadequate government support, increased dependence on government grants and lack of interest in the younger  generation in agriculture.