60 research outputs found
Water scarcity for most people in africa is socially-induced
No full textThe physical lack of water is often not the cause of a community’s water scarcity. In Africa, socially-induced water scarcity is a more prevalent reason for people’s lack of access. Professor Horman Chitonge explains the different dimensions of water scarcity, including the infrastructural and socio-economic factors that can reinforce one another to exclude certain groups
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Beyond parliament ::human rights and the politics of social change in the global south /
No full textIn Beyond Parliament Horman Chitonge offers a unique combination of the conceptual dimensions with the practical examples of human rights discourse deployed as an instrument for social change in the global south. He uses the right to water and the right to food to illustrate that human rights are never given on a silver platter; giving effect to human rights is always an outcome of a continuous struggle to protect human dignity and value. To implement this view of human rights, the book argues, requires going beyond the parliamentary politics of recognising and acknowledging human rights in statutes and bill of rights to the radical democratic politics of giving effect to the recognised rights, especially among the poor and marginalised
Assisting Africa: a critical analysis of technical assistance in low carbon development practice
No full textClimate change mitigation efforts are increasingly forming part of the agendas of African nations, particularly since the inclusion of voluntary targets for these countries within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement of 2015. This focus towards the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, together with the need to achieve development objectives, has become combined in the practice of ‘low carbon development’ within developing countries. Technical assistance programmes have been set up to support the achievement of low carbon development, and these activities typically flow from the global North to Africa. However the power structures and flows of benefit that underlie these practices have not been the subject of much enquiry and are largely occluded within the climate change mitigation community of practice. With the inclusion of climate change mitigation targets for developing countries together with a direct call for increased capacity building within the Paris Agreement, the volume of technical assistance support focused towards Africa is likely to increase. As such the need to consider what effective technical assistance, that is both equitable and appropriate to the African context, might look like becomes a priority. This study engages with these issues. By considering the literature arising from
decolonial studies and development theory together with bringing to the fore the perceptions of African climate change mitigation professionals, it provides a critical analysis of the tacit assumptions that are legitimated within the technical assistance practice in climate change mitigation. The study finds that current modes of technical assistance practice within low carbon development continues to entrench the hegemonic nature of knowledge of the global North, and perpetuates the placement of Africa in a position of extraversion towards the North, assuming African government and climate change practitioners as lacking in knowledge and expertise. The study
advocates for a more equal and bilateral flow of knowledge between the two regions in order for African nations to faster and more effectively reach the twin goals of development and mitigation within Africa. It considers the lack of the critical theories of decolonial studies and development theory in climate change scholarship (particularly the absence of African voices in the debate) and brings these alternative voices and theories into low carbon development technical assistance practice
“This is the place that the women built”: A case study of the nexus of formalised land rights and housing recognition on spatial justice in Cape Town
No full textMany citizens and residents of Post-Apartheid South Africa suffer from past spatial planning policies that deprived black South Africans of access to economic opportunity. This research investigated how formalisation of land rights inhibits the capability of the urban poor in Cape Town to access urban opportunity. The main research question explored whether the formalisation of land rights affects alienation of the residents of Victoria Mxenge (VMX) settlement from urban access. The study uses the VMX case study to highlight the challenges associated with formalising land rights in poor urban areas. VMX is a non-residentially zoned settlement in Cape Town that consists of approximately 140 homes constructed under a formal Communal Property Association (CPA) title deed that allows for communal land ownership. Informal processes and citizenship, the themes of the research, were drawn out of the main study question and objectives. The theory of access was selected as the research' conceptual framework. This framework helps to explain the relationship of the VMX community to land, housing, and access to associated urban opportunity. The research methodology was founded on qualitative data collection, specifically interviews with seven members of the VMX community, supported by secondary review of provincial data and policy documentation. Formalisation and municipal policy were reviewed for the rezoning of the VMX settlement as a formal township, as well as the replacement of the CPA deed with individual title deeds for VMX residents. Interviews with the VMX community found that residents felt a necessity for additional formalisation to access further value from the rights under the CPA deed. Residents of VMX experienced benefits from the CPA title deed, however, found limitations in their manufactured forms of access. Informal tools and solutions are perceived as unacknowledged by government and government assistance to individualise ownership is slow and not prioritised. Comparisons to superior services in nearby communities led respondents to see individual title deeds as preferable to the CPA deed. VMX exemplifies how, in an urban setting, having land and housing still presents limitations for access to services and opportunity. Further formalisation, such as residential zoning and/or individual title deeds, would reduce alienation for VMX residents, increase urban access, and enhance citizenship. Recognition as citizens is fundamental to access. Lessons learned from VMX can be applied by government and community members manufacturing forms of access. Community-led solutions are valid and should be further legitimised in the sphere of land and housing
Regional integration in SADC: the role of BRICS countries
No full textThe purpose of this study is to examine the influence of bilateral BRICS-SADC trade connections on SADC's regional economic integration. The issues that were explored included among others whether or not the SADC countries' trade relations with BRICS countries contribute to SADC's goal of promoting deeper regional economic integration. The impact of the trade relations with BRICS countries on the development of intra-SADC trade has been analysed, as development of intra-trade is one of the most important factors that can ensure economic integration of SADC region. This research applied the dependency theory in order to articulate what type of trade relationship exists between SADC and BRICS countries. This research was a desktop study that relied on existing secondary data gathered by the United Nations Comtrade. In order to engage with the issues of trade relations, the study explored how exported and imported goods between member countries are dealt with. The research therefore has analysed trading operations between BRICS nations and SADC countries through using data from the United Nations Comtrade database. The United Nations Comtrade database has been used as the principal source in analysing trading operations between BRICS and SADC states. Statistics of commerce within SADC countries as well as outwardly with BRICS are based on taking SADC countries as the reporting countries in the UN Comtrade trade statistics. While BRICS operations are expected to contribute to the growth of African countries, there appears to be substantial concerns about BRICS countries, particularly China, influence expanding in SADC region with several studies claiming that establishing economic contacts – particularly with China, has led to de-industrialisation in SADC. The region appears to be sliding more into large-scale reliance on resource exports thus creating deeper dependence on raw material or primary product exports. This study expounded the core argument that trade relations of SADC countries with those of the BRICS may actually be hindering the development of intra-SADC trade and ultimately SADC economic integration progress. This research found that BRICS countries' trade relations with SADC countries are not compatible with the specified targets for SADC regional economic integration. While Russia and Brazil are BRICS countries with low trade volumes within SADC region, China has the largest portion of bilateral trade with SADC region. This investigation also found that it is highly possible that trade with China and India has a negative impact on the domestic economic development of SADC countries especially their infant industries since it curbs the domestic industries' opportunities to achieve the expected benefits in the integration process. Another outcome of the analysis is that SADC intra-trade rate, which is already limited, remains extremely low if South Africa is excluded from intratrade statistics – pointing out that South Africa dominates trade within SADC region
Contestations and conflicts over land access between smallholder settler farmers and nomadic Fulani cattle herdsmen in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District, Ghana
No full textThe study examines the contestations and conflicts over land access between smallholder settler farmers and nomadic cattle herders in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District. Current studies on the farmer-herder conflict in Ghana have emphasised the conflict between indigenous farmers and nomadic herders. This study has contributed to existing knowledge by highlighting the conflict between two migrant groups. As migrants, both settler farmers and nomadic herders are renting land and, in the process, come into conflict. The tension in the area is that both migrant groups have no ownership of land, which exposes their vulnerability to the landowners in the sense that they have no firm land rights. The study's main objective is to examine the root causes of the conflict between crop farmers and nomadic herders in the case study area of the Afram Plains. The environmental scarcity and political ecology theories were utilised to analyse the conflict in the study area. The study adopted the qualitative approach with the purposive and snowball sampling methods used to select participants for the research. The study's findings reveal that increasing land scarcity due to population growth, climate-induced migration, and large-scale land acquisition is a major cause of the land conflict. The study further reveals that, aside from the core issues leading to land scarcity, what instantly ignites conflict between farmers and herders includes crop destruction, burning of grasses, and alleged vices perpetrated by the herders. The findings of the study also reveal that the mitigation measures put in place to address the conflict have been ineffective because of corruption, poor land governance, and greedy chiefs. The study concludes that the farmer-herder conflict is complex and needs to be examined from diverse perspectives to appreciate the nuances of the conflict
The contribution of pro-poor growth programmes to poverty reduction in Rwanda : a case study of the Girinka Programme in rural Rwanda
No full textThis study investigates the contribution of the Girinka Programme, a pro-poor growth programme in Rwanda, to poverty reduction. Recent studies have placed increasing emphasis on the contribution of pro-poor growth to poverty reduction and have argued that pro-poor growth has the potential to reduce poverty more effectively than economic growth. Poverty, for this study, is measured based on the following indicators of poverty derived from the United Nations (1998) definition of poverty: nutrition, access to health care services, access to water, education, and access to credit. Income or the lack thereof, is not the sole determinant of poverty, and is not “the sum total of human life” (United Nations Development Programme, 1990), therefore relying solely on quantitative measurements of poverty that are based on income can paint an incomplete picture of the reality on the ground. Therefore, since poverty is multidimensional, this study uses a multidimensional approach to its analysis and goes beyond the quantitative aspects of poverty. Qualitative research methods were used for this study, and fieldwork was conducted in Kayonza District, located in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. In-depth interviews were held with beneficiaries and prospective beneficiaries of the Girinka Programme in order to determine the programme’s contribution to a meaningful reduction in poverty. In addition, interviews were held with Girinka local and national programme officials. Secondary data in the form of programme documents was also collected, reviewed and analysed
Implications of customary land conversions on the authority of traditional leaders: a case of Mungule Chiefdom, Chibombo District in Central Province of Zambia
No full textThis thesis examines the intricate dynamics surrounding the implications of customary land conversions on the authority of traditional leaders, with a specific focus on Mungule Chiefdom in Chibombo District, Zambia. The study investigates the multifaceted interactions between land administration and indigenous rights preservation in various political regimes. It underscores the central role of traditional leaders in managing customary land and the challenges they face, particularly the erosion of their authority resulting from land conversions. The study employs the theory of traditional leaders' authority to elucidate key concepts and their connections to customary land conversions. Using a case study approach, the research methodology involved purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews. The participants include headmen and headwomen, local members of the Mungule community, key informants from the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, Ministry of Lands, House of Chiefs, academicians, historians, and representatives from the private sector. The empirical evidence analysed in this study reveals the complex dynamics and adverse implications of land conversions on traditional leadership's authority. They include conflicts with cultural beliefs, economic challenges, and the blurring of legal boundaries. Customary land conversions fragment loyalty within culturally diverse communities, as individuals align themselves with leaders who resonate with their specific identities and interests. This fragmentation is exacerbated by land conversions that shift land from communal to individual ownership under statutory tenure, thus transforming land into an economic commodity. The study also highlights the challenges posed by newcomers and external forces that challenge traditional norms and practices, further weakening traditional leadership's authority and disrupting community cohesion. The economic consequences of losing control over valuable resources compound the struggles of traditional leaders. These consequences underscore the erosion of their authority resulting from converting customary land to leasehold tenure systems, the disruption caused by the influx of newcomers, and the complexity of land exchanges negotiated financially. This study offers significant insights into the impacts of customary land conversions on traditional leadership and local communities. It reveals that the shift from customary to leasehold tenure weakens traditional leaders' authority, challenging existing understandings of land governance. Additionally, the research explores nuanced dynamics like the detachment of newcomers from cultural practices and the fragmentation of loyalty within culturally diverse communities. It underscores the importance of inclusive approaches in land governance to address challenges while preserving cultural heritage and promoting equitable development
The role of social capital in the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) of Zimbabwe: a case of Rouxdale (R/E) Farm, Bubi District, Matabeleland North Province
No full textThis study investigates the role of social capital towards the realisation of the positive benefits of land through the A1 crop-based villagised model of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP), which has been largely viewed as successful in academic literature. The study emerges out of a large gap in scholarly literature, which largely side-lines social outcomes of the FTLRP while focusing mostly on material outcomes. The study contributes to limited research on the non-material outcomes in the Matabeleland North Province, an under researched area in the subject of land reform in Zimbabwe. Thus, social capital was selected to investigate these non-visible outcomes of FTLRP. A qualitative research design was used, with semi-structured interviews, informal conversations, observation, archives and secondary literature being the main sources of data. The study focused on a single case study, beneficiaries of Rouxdale (R/E) farm in Bubi District. The study brings the following insights: first, social capital played a pivotal role in accessing land. Second, ordinary people acquired land. Third, women were empowered through access to land. Fourth, land is an asset whose benefits far surpass livelihood creation. Fifth, land reform models have an impact on social capital. The main contribution of the study is that social capital promotes solidarity and the tackling of collective problems in land reform models with a communal component. The study illustrates that social capital creates a conducive environment for the attainment of the benefits of land. This is facilitated by beneficiaries’ effort to maintain healthy social network relationships. The study demonstrates that various decisions of the state have a potential of hindering social capital in resettlement areas through the destruction of social network relationships, such that its positive impact becomes limited. This portrays the fragile nature of social capital, which can easily be destroyed by external negative factors, regardless of the length of time taken in establishing it. Social capital can be applied in different spheres. However, its outcomes are directly informed by different contexts, thus making it context specific in nature. The study stresses that governments that use social capital in land reform should be conscious of local contextual dynamics before developing programmes that affect beneficiaries, in order to preserve existing social network relationships. The fragility and context specific nature of social capital is missing in the conceptualisation of its main scholars, yet they emerge as important aspects in this study. The study points to the need for these to be incorporated into the core elements of the concept of social capital to create a more holistic framework of analysis. The study therefore argues that social capital is vital in land reform and the post-settlement phase
The impact of coal mining on the living conditions of rural communities in Mozambique: a case study of Cateme
No full textIn mineral-rich countries, large-scale extractive industry projects often offer mixed blessings. On one hand, mining royalties and taxes provide funds that amplify state coffers allowing for investments in infrastructure, social services and community development. In addition, jobs are created and local enterprises find new opportunities to provide goods and services to transnational companies spearheading the projects, enhancing livelihoods and contributing towards economic growth. On the other hand, large revenues from the mining sector may create opportunities for corruption, undermining public transparency and accountability from public officials. Furthermore, mining booms may hamper productivity and competitiveness in other industries through real exchange rate appreciation. Mining also has hazardous environmental effects often exposing surrounding communities to long-term health risks. The fairly recent large-scale extractive industry projects in central and northern Mozambique are not exempt from some the above-mentioned factors, particularly in the booming coal mining town of Moatize. The current study examines the impact of mining operations by Brazilian mining company Vale on the living conditions of resettled communities in the district of Moatize. The study focuses on the period from 2010 to 2013, which corresponds to the first stage of active exploration of coal in Moatize and the first years of integration of the resettled families in their recently built community. The Moatize Coal Reserve in Mozambique is deemed to be the largest reserve of untapped coal in the world (Audu, Ribeiro, Scott, & Taniguchi, 2006). The world’s largest mining companies, accompanied by a massive crowd of investors and fortune-seekers, are flooding the country with prospects for astronomical profits in the mining industry. In addition to coal, the country possesses over 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas (Verma, 2012). Other lucrative natural resources in Mozambique include gold, rubies and tantalum. These latest discoveries undeniably position Mozambique as a resource-rich country
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