Integrating land reform planning with local level planning

Abstract

The Departments of Land Affairs and Agriculture are currently reviewing the land redistribution programme in order to forge a more co-ordinated and integrated approach to land redistribution and agricultural development. A major objective of this approach is to ensure the sustainability of the land reform programme. This process will most likely result in a new integrated approach to delivery with clear guidance on delivery systems for particular products. The above review process provides an opportunity to integrate local land reform needs with the local planning processes undertaken, inter alia, by District Councils (DC). Planning at a local level should further be rooted in the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Strategy (ISRDS) being launched by the Office of the Presidency, which aims to involve all three spheres of government along with traditional leaders. This article aims to provide a background to foster debate around possible guidelines to promote the inclusion of land reform needs in the local level planning processes. It also examines the role DCs should play within the constitutional principle of co-operative governance and the supportive role the Department could play through the so-called LDO Grant.