Land dynamics and future trajectories of structural transformation in Africa

Abstract

It is a great honour and a formidable challenge to have been invited to deliver the 2013 Simon Brand Memorial Address to this gathering of the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa. The more I read about Simon Brand in preparation for this address, the more humbled I quickly became. His professional achievements, and more importantly his character, have provided inspiration in preparing this address. Having chosen the commemoration of South Africa's 1913 Natives Land Act as its theme for the 2013 Annual Meeting, the AEASA Organising Committee has encouraged me to touch on the major land-related challenges in the broader region of sub-Saharan Africa. As complex and unique as South Africa's land issues are, I increasingly conclude that the same can be said for many if not most African countries, each with their own historical and political peculiarities. Generalisations therefore often invite trouble. However, one of the contributions of our profession derives from being able to identify underlying trends and patterns emerging out of apparent idiosyncrasies that are influencing the trajectory of economic development and which can guide public and private sector stakeholders. Hence, generalise I will - but not without considerable trepidation.