53rd SADC PF: Modernization of Land Tenure Systems on SA Speaker’s Agenda

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, will lead a delegation from South Africa to the 53rd Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) with a crucial agenda item focused on the modernization of land tenure systems. The forum, taking place from 3 to 8 July 2023, aims to address food insecurity and youth unemployment in the SADC region through the theme “Modernizing Agriculture to Address Food Insecurity and Youth Unemployment in the SADC Region: Role of the Parliaments.”

South Africa’s delegation comprises members from various political parties, including the African National Congress, the Democratic Alliance, and the Economic Freedom Fighters, reflecting the nation’s commitment to tackling these pressing issues collectively.

The forum recognizes the challenges faced by Africa in terms of food security, despite its abundant agricultural resources. The slow growth in the agricultural sector poses a threat to food production and the security of approximately 400 million people in the SADC region. In this context, modernizing land tenure systems and promoting agricultural development are key components of the discussions.

The South African delegation will actively engage in conversations about the benefits of investing in youth empowerment through agriculture and the modernization of land tenure systems. By creating a conducive environment for the agricultural sector, which employs a significant number of young people, the aim is to address youth unemployment while enhancing food security in the region.

Land tenure systems play a crucial role in rural development and poverty alleviation in Southern Africa. Secure access to productive land enables impoverished individuals in rural areas to invest in productive activities, manage resources sustainably, and improve their overall quality of life. Land tenure security directly impacts poverty reduction and economic growth, as equitable land distribution is associated with higher and more inclusive economic growth rates.

Moreover, gender equality is a crucial aspect of land tenure systems. In many rural societies, women face significant challenges in owning land, perpetuating gender inequality. Empowering women with secure land tenure rights is essential for promoting gender equality and enhancing overall development outcomes.

Land access and tenure security also have a direct impact on livelihoods and food security. Poor and food-insecure rural households heavily rely on land for their livelihoods, including agriculture, livestock, and forest resources. Ensuring land access and tenure security is vital for stabilizing food security and income, particularly in regions with limited job opportunities and volatile labor markets.

However, the modernization of land tenure systems faces challenges. Rapid population growth, climate change, and increasing demand for land have led to declining farm sizes, landlessness, and encroachment into natural habitats. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges, posing threats such as droughts, crop failures, and land degradation.

To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to develop inclusive and context-specific approaches to land tenure systems. This involves promoting more flexible, diversified, and decentralized systems that cater to the needs of poor rural communities. Strengthening land tenure security should be accompanied by pro-poor policies, services, and investments that reduce vulnerabilities and empower local communities.

The 53rd SADC PF serves as an important platform for regional cooperation and collaboration in addressing the pressing issues of food insecurity and youth unemployment. South Africa’s participation and focus on the modernization of land tenure systems highlight the nation’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions and promoting inclusive development in the region.