Ncumbi Maziya

Publication Date

12-1999

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Alvin Bedel, David Coffey, David Stiles

Comments

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Degree Program

Department of Agriculture

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to research agricultural production on Swazi Nation Land (SNL) versus Title Deed Land (TDL) in the Kingdom of Swaziland. This study will also present options and strategies to increase the sustainable crop production in Swaziland. Crops remain the major export earnings commodity for the kingdom. They are also one of the leading sectors in the contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). There are three main objectives of the study.

The first objective is to analyze crop production on Swazi Nation Land (SNL) versus Title Deed Land (TDL). SNL accounts for over 70% of the total land area and has less positive economic influence with the exception of repurchased farms. Maize (corn) is concentrated in a larger hectarage in the SNL. Cotton is the second most important commercial crop produced by farmers. Title Deed Land is based on more commercially developed large scale, enterprises with high employment. The TDL thrives mainly on the production of sugarcane, pineapple and cotton.

The second objective is to identify strategies and options to achieve efficient and sustainable crop production in Swaziland. One strategy includes crop specialization while another would be diversification to more fully utilize all the available resources. Moreover, looking into the future allows one to hypothesize that the economic growth in the Kingdom is going to be determined by how well the Kingdom improves its agricultural production. Improvement means efficient use of farmland to ensure better quality and production of crops.

The third objective of the study is to examine the need for more land reform in the Kingdom in order to increase crop production, especially in the SNL. In this respect, land reform must involve the development of a comprehensive institutional framework that ensures rights and security on land. Even though politicians play a major part in the national discussion of land use, everyone must recognize that the view of good land utilization encompasses the broader view of a better quality nation for all the population.

Disciplines

African Languages and Societies | Agricultural Economics | Agricultural Science | Agriculture | Agronomy and Crop Sciences | Arts and Humanities | Life Sciences | Plant Sciences

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