Re-thinking the value of land-based livelihoods in former Bantustans of post-apartheid South Africa

This paper explores the value of land-based livelihoods in former bantustans of post-apartheid South Africa. South Africa, particularly the former bantustans continue to endure massive inequalities with respect to economic opportunities and poverty remains highly prevalent in the former bantustans. However, agriculture-based livelihoods (crop and livestock production) contributes to sustenance of female headed households. This study applied in-depth interviews and questionnaires to a sample of female headed households, selected using a purposive non-random sampling procedure using Cala, in Eastern Cape province of South Africa as a case study. Findings indicate that, besides farming economy dwindling in the rural areas, land-based livelihoods continue to provide a safety net for households for both consumption and generation of income. This contribution cannot be underestimated as households continue to hang on in face of ever-increasing poverty. The study concluded that it is important for the government and civil society to build on the current farm livelihoods and augment their economic value.