CONSIDERATIONS WITH REGARD TO LAND REFORM IN THE FREE STATE: LAND USE, AVAILABILITY AND NEEDS / OORWGINGS MET BETREKKING TOT GRONDHERVORMING IN DIE VRYSTAAT: GRONDGEBRUIK, BESKIKBAARHIED EN BEHOEFTES

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to contribute to the process of land reform through highlighting important considerations with regard to land reform in the provincial context of the Free State. It deals with land use, ownership, tenure and availability as well as land needs. Some considerations regarding some major groups of beneficiaries are crucial in the land reform process; equity, and political and economic stability may be enhanced through land reform in the Free State. To a lesser extent, efficiency may also be improved if problems with regard to land utilisation are addressed, particularly land tenure and security of farmers. Land markets, natural resources and administrative infrastructure appear to be adequate to facilitate market assisted land reform. However, agro-ecological diversity agro-ecological and pressures on local TLC's to provide services, strongly suggest that environmental aspects and town and regional planning must be important considerations in the land reform process. It is impor...