ECONOMETRIC-ANALYSIS OF PRIVATE ACCESS TO COMMUNAL GRAZING LANDS IN SOUTH-AFRICA - A CASE-STUDY OF CISKEI

Private access to communal grazing land promotes economic efficiency in the utilization of grazing resources. At the same time the social costs are low. In this study probit analysis is used to identify personal attributed distinguishing stockowners with private access to grazing land from those operating under conditions of communal grazing. The study shows that the probability of gaining private access to grazing land is skewed in favour of stockholders who exercise more influence with tribal authorities responsible for allocating land, an indication that customary allocation of land rights is perhaps less equitable than a market allocation. Policy recommendations include privatization of grazing land with an efficient rental market likely to solve the problem of overstocking, low investment and also efficient and equitable distribution of land.