An examination of the natural resource asset base of rural households : a case study of KwaDube, a rural community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
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Date
2013
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Abstract
The spotlight on rural developed and sustainable livelihoods has increased over the years.
Additionally, the importance of natural resources (specifically in poorer contexts and
rural areas that have limited infrastructure and services) is well documented. This
research focuses on examining the natural resource asset base of rural households in
KwaDube, a rural community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It argues that natural
resources are central to rural households. The research further asserts that, for rural
households to have sustainable livelihoods, their natural resources should be available,
diverse and accessible. A diverse natural resource asset base provides rural households
with a variety of strategies and means for strong livelihood outcomes and coping
mechanisms during times of shocks and stress. The research establishes that KwaDube
has 28 natural resources used by households of which land is the primary resource.
However, households of KwaDube have limited control and access to land and other
natural resources in their community. Research further establishes that due to the
influence of patriachal traditions which favor men over women in the allocation of
resources and opportunities, there is limited equitable access to natural resources. Added
to the impact of partriarchy, this study observes that the other main challenge to natural
resource accessibility and use is the continuity of Apatheid policies and traditional
administrative arrangements which provided access and entitlements to specific groups of
people at the expense of others (age, race and gender). The research notes the numerous
challenges faced by rural households that highlight their inability to have adequate
resources. There is generally very little if any ownership in the form of private property.
The available natural resources such as land, forests and water are public property and are
degraded. There are inadequate laws protecting use of public property, hence households
find themselves exposed to over-consumed natural resources associated with the tragedy
of the commons. Diminishing resources mean households continue to struggle to build
strong natural resource asset bases. Consequently, households adopt livelihood strategies
that are survivalist in nature such as seeking jobs elsewhere, diversifying their income by
engaging in off-farm employment and engaging in petty trade using some of the natural
resources in KwaDube.
Description
Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.
Keywords
Natural resources--KwaZulu-Natal., Natural resources--Management., Rural development--KwaZulu-Natal., Sustainable living--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Geography.