Impact of previously disadvantaged land-users on sustainable agricultural practices

Abstract

The study was undertaken to determine the impact of previously disadvantaged land users on the use of sustainable agriculture and development practices. There is widespread evidence about previously disadvantaged land users involved in communal farming systems vulnerability to unsustainable practices. The lack of the adoption of sustainable practices due to a variety of factors is high. The stratified random sampling method was used due to its ability to attain representation. The questionnaire and semi structured interview was used for data collection. The study observed that social, economic, institutional and ecological factors have positive and negative impact on sustainable agriculture and development. The understanding among participants is that there exists a strong relationship between the ecological factors, farm practices, productivity, income and institutional arrangements impacting on the area's land users. There are vital farming requisites like recognition of indigenous knowledge, lack of input, capital, marketing, information and land use planning, with effect on sustainable resource use by disadvantaged land users. The need to form holistic approaches that entails all elements of sustainability is vital for the area development.



,i>SA Jnl. Agric. Ext. Vol. 33 2004: 108-127