A framework for sustainable land redistribution to ensure water and land tenure security: Focus on South Africa

Abstract

Land and water resources are vital resources that sustain rural livelihoods and are critical for rural development as they form the basis of agriculture, the main economic activity for rural communities . Redistributing land without considering the interconnectedness of land and socio-ecological systems could compound existing challenges of food and water insecurity. We developed a framework for sustainable land redistribution, taking into consideration the broad and intricate interlinkages between water, land, and environmental resources. The framework, which is based on transformative systems that are necessary for informing policy - and decision-making on land distribution strategies, is designed to ensure the sustainability of both the agrarian reform and rural development. We highlight the role of land and water accessibility by all in ensuring equality, poverty reduction, job creation and rural development, topical subjects in most developing countries. The study focuse d on South Africa’s land distribution plans and the implications on water and food security, as well as rural development. Land redistribution has the potential to increase the adaptive capacity of rural communities to climate change, enhance their resilience, and provide pathways towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An effective and sustainable land redistribution in achieving sustainable rural development is dependent on the adoption of transformative approaches and the recognition of the interrelationships between land, water, and environmental resources.

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