Synergy of agriculture, community development, and eco-tourism Agri-tourism Farm complex

The meaning of a place results from accumulated interactions between an individual's life history and a setting. Place experiences often include some feeling of ownership. Ownership in this case is a psychological phenomenon that does not require legal title to a piece of land or a building, but rather, a sense that the person has some uncommon, special relationship with that particular setting. Although much of what characterizes a place may be very personal. Groups and even entire communities can develop place attachments. The objective of the study is the design of agri-tourism facilities within the realm of local community development. These facilities need to meet a variety of criteria to fulfil the expectations of the three main stakeholders, being agriculture, tourism and local community. A design that is context, and energy conscious, with a sympathy to existing ecological systems and self-sustainability, will determine the success of this project. The design, including before mentioned criteria, of an agri-tourism complex , incorporates local skills training which form part of the activities on the farm Madi A Thava, Makhado district in the Limpopo province. These facilities must meet the needs of the different clientele for each of the three entities. Each facility has its own identity arising from its specific function. The agri-tourism complex will have a dominant agricultural character, as this facility houses the main activity to ensure self-sustainability of the farm as a whole.Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2007.Architectureunrestricte

Progress with different land reform options in South Africa

The land reform programme of the South African government has three focus areas, namely restitution of land rights to the victims of forces removals, redistribution of land to the disadvantaged and tenure reform aimed at promoting security of tenure for all. In realising a programme of rapid and effective land reform it is important that all possible options of land transfer to previously disentitled South African should be pursued. This paper briefly describes the different options for land reform in South Africa and discusses the progress made in implementing the land reform programme of the government and each of the options outside the programme. Based on current trends in the land redistribution programme and private land and a number of other assumptions it is estimated that around 0,39 percent of commercial farm land in South Africa could be transferred through a combination of models to less advantaged groups by the end of 1996.For more information on the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa or subscription to Agrekon, visit http://www.aeasa.org.zahttp://aeasa.org.z

Strategic focus areas and emerging trade arrangements in the South African agricultural industry since the demise of the marketing boards

This paper investigates the responses of agribusiness managers to drastic changes in the policy and marketing environment of South African agriculture. The process of deregulation and liberalisation of agricultural markets exposed agribusiness managers to international trends, which required new institutions and relationships. Based on a survey conducted among business managers, we explored emerging growth strategies, strategic focus areas and coordination preferences. Results suggest that managers prefer a growth strategy based on market penetration and market development. Important strategic drivers are value-adding and power drive. Managers expressed their preference for increased coordination and cooperation resulting in relation-based contracts and equity-based alliances

Land reform in South Africa : options to consider for the future

The paper examines alternative modalities for the forthcoming process of land reform in South Africa. It is argued that the criteria of relieving rural poverty and maximizing allocative efficiency will conflict to some degree. However, it is possible to visualize a range of land reform options which encompass both of these objectives as a basis for the operations of the new multiracial government which will take office in South Africa on 27 April, 1994

Contractual relationships between smallholder sugarcane growers and millers in the sugar industry supply chain in Swaziland

This paper proposes and analyses a model of relationships between smallholder sugarcane growers and millers in the Swaziland sugar industry supply chain. In particular, it identifies the behavioural factors that contribute to the level of satisfaction that sugarcane growers perceive in their relationship with the millers. Using recursive models and multiple regression analysis, the results indicate that higher levels of trust lead to higher levels of cooperation that, in turn, lead to higher levels of commitment by the smallholder growers to the business relationship. Cooperation is also an antecedent of the benefits and of the satisfaction that these growers gained from the relationship. These results agree with a priori theory that trust, cooperation, strategic benefits, commitment and absence of opportunistic behaviour are essential elements for a successful relational exchange. The findings imply that both cane growers and millers need to focus on initiating, signalling and disclosing their behaviours in an effort to improve their relationship with each other. A relationship founded on trust and mutual respect is more likely to succeed than a relationship of convenience supported by legal contingencies. Therefore, relationships characterised by trust and physical and psychological commitment as well as cooperation between exchange parties is more important for mutual benefit and good quality relationship.For more information on the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa or subscription to Agrekon, visit http://www.aeasa.org.zahttp://www.aeasa.org.z