Land, identity and socioeconomic transformation in southern Africa : the issues

Abstract

The study on “Land, Identity and Sustainable Socioeconomic Transformation in Southern Africa”, commissioned by the ECA Subregional Office for Southern Africa, reviewed the nature and impact of social identity dimensions such as race, gender, age, ethnicity, class and political affiliation, as well as farmer category on access to land, ownership and utilization, and on socioeconomic development in Southern Africa. The Policy Brief emanating from the study is of great importance because land, especially from the identity perspective, has recently emerged as an issue of intense policy debate in the region. The study sought to elaborate on the key issues, dynamics and policy options surrounding identity, and proffer recommendations to address challenges. The analysis of the identity issues focused on the experience in three countries – Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe – and elaborated on and highlighted the impact of identity on land governance and administration, and brought to light some of the challenges of not factoring in these identities. The study also interrogated the role and impact of continental and regional policy declarations and their impact on agriculture in the region, as well as the impact of largescale investments in the agricultural sector on productivity and livelihoods.