Abstract

MANENZHE, T. D.; ZWANE, E. M.  and  VAN NIEKERK, J. A.. Factors affecting sustainability of land reform projects in Ehlanzeni District Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. S Afr. Jnl. Agric. Ext. [online]. 2016, vol.44, n.2, pp.30-41. ISSN 2413-3221.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2016/v44n2a377.

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.

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