Barriers to the Participation of the Traditional Leadership Institution in Promoting Rural Agricultural Development

The Traditional Leadership Institution (TLI) is constitutionally recognised to promote rural development in South Africa. It works with local government in a cooperative governance system to support agricultural development. However, it is increasingly viewed as a weaker development partner that lacks initiative and understanding of its sector-specific roles. 

This explains why, since the dawn of democracy in 1993, the TLI has not been fully integrated to drive rural modernisation and development. This challenge entrenches the status quo and contributes to the failure of important economic sectors like agriculture to uplift the livelihoods of rural communities. 

This exploratory study investigated factors that deter the TLI from effectively participating in community practices that promote agricultural development in South Africa. Data was collected from traditional leaders and council members; farmers participating in agricultural projects; municipal officials; and extension service officers in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Focus group discussions and face-to-face interviews were used. 

The findings reveal four broad themes that describe barriers to participation. Barriers of a “political and relational” nature emerged as the most prominent. Further, the barriers were found to be horizontal, diagonal and vertical related. 

Studying and examining the complex network linkages of the barriers that were identified is critical for understanding the failure of the TLI to contribute meaningfully to agricultural development. Such an understanding serves as a springboard for adapting and devising appropriate intervention measures that could improve the integration of the TLI and community decision practices that promote agricultural development.