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Vol. 18 No. 1 Price 40c January 1979

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ACR CULTURAL ECONOMICS

Issued by the Department of Agricultural Economics and Marketing, Pretoria SOME RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDE-LINES WHICH MAY LEAD TO MORE SUCCESSFUL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN LEBOWA AND OTHER BLACK HOMELANDS : PART 11*

by

D.F. COETZEE University of the

RECOMMENDATIONS(CONTINUED) enforce these punitive measures, in my opinion attention will also have to be given to adequate The role of the tribal authority sanctioning of this action by higher courts, otherwise, in cases of appeal to higher courts, the The importance of collaboration with existing entire concept may be nullified. In my opinion it tribal authorities in undertaking any agricultural may be advisable to consider ways in which the development is generally accepted. According to the Central Government of Lebowa can take action agricultural extension officers active in Lebowa, the against a tribal authority when such an authority degree of co-operation achieved with the local neglects to act in accordance with its own decisions. population in the field of agricultural development This action need not necessarily be negative, but is in direct correlaion to the extent to which the can also be positive in the form of greater chief or induna co-operates and exerts his development aid if development plans and aims are influence. I therefore wish to suggest that renewed effectively. consideration be given to this aspect and that an promoted As regards the establishment of agricultural investigation be undertaken to determine to what committees, it was also clear, especially in the case extent the tribal authority and other local bodies in of indunas on trust farms, that it is not sufficient to authority can be more directly incorporated into involve these persons in authority indirectly. They agricultural development. This also applies to the should preferably be appointed as chairmen of attempts through the extension campaign to ensure these committees in the initial stages, to eliminate the mutual involvement of the receiving group. In on the one hand friction with and rivalry by certain the research results it is, for example, quite clear leaders and on the other hand disunity in that it is not enough merely to gain the informal co-operation of the people. Although problems co-operation and backing of figures in authority the not experienced with the chief personally, it (and their followers) in undertaking development are be preferable for him to be the plans (Coetzee 1977:429 et seq.). In my opinion would also chairman of the agricultural planning committee there are two options open to us. The local tribal tribal authority area. These traditional authority and/or local bodies in authority, in for his authority can then appoint others to assist addition to supporting these endeavours, must also leaders or even represent them as acting chairmen. consider and agree on punitive measures to be them fact that all the traditional persons in authority enforced against persons who refuse to co-operate The research area, with the exception of the chief, (cf. the lekgotla decisions of the irrigation farmers - in the illiterate also makes it essential that the children Coetzee 1977:325 et seq.). Alternatively, one can go are people (as their successors) should be a step further by also entrusting the implementation of these the first to whom a system of compulsory of certain development measures to the tribal among applies, whether in ordinary schools or in authority once the authority has agreed to back education schools for sons of chiefs and headmen. these measures. Agricultural extension officers and the special In addition to more direct involvement in the other technical and even administrative staff can agricultural committees and in the then be seconded to the tribal authority to assist in various of punitive measures, the traditional enforcing these development measures. In order to enforcement tribal authority, and especially the chief, could also be involved in the concept of demonstration plots. Part I appeared in the October 1978 issue of In my opinion these plots, with few exceptions, do Agrekon. not at present serve the purpose for which they

4 were made available (Coetzee 1977:328 et seq.). people be specifically assigned to activate the Because the lands of the chief's headwife are people on such farms. These officers could also, if traditionally cultivated by the entire tribe it is need be, gradually enlighten the people on the proposed that on each trust farm and tribal farm advantages of planning their area of land, or at plots be made available for her, to be cultivated by least discuss this aspect with them. the people concerned at prearranged times. The Because the receiving group does not remain chief, as the father of the tribe, can then "decide" static as regards the acceptance of improved to donate the proceeds from these "community agricultural methods, follow-up research ought to plots", which can also serve as demonstration plots, be undertaken on a continuous basis as regards the to the community concerned, provided that they applicability and success of the existing method of use these proceeds for their mutual benefit, for the extension and methods used in a specific area. The purchase of seed and fertiliser, the building of findings of this investigation do in fact indicate that store-rooms, etc. There will thus be a link-up with in some cases, especially as regards the field of traditional culture in the promotion of agricultural empirical, rational extension, the entire method of development and people will be indirectly obliged extension is of too static and general a nature. to participate. In many cases the people are convinced of the advantages of the demonstrably better new agricultural techniques Extension campaign and require extension of a more practical nature, for example, how to get As regards the extension campaign in its things done with the least possible expenditure and entirety, I would like to make the following equipment. More attention can definitely also be recommendations: given to extension on simple book-keeping and a Without deviating from the community record system, if necessary on an individual basis, approach, more purposeful attention ought to be for those persons who can make use of such advice, given to more successful farmers. Successful as there is a relatively high level of literacy among farmers can set the pace for others and ought farmers on private plots (Coetzee 1977:384). definitely to make a considerable contribution to Courses in the maintenance and handling of the more rapid seeping through of new agricultural agricultural equipment would also meet a great practices to the doubters and some of the unwilling need. Written extension pamphlets (preferably in ones. At the moment it seems that too much time the local Bantu language) dealing with aspects such and energy is wasted on people who will not put as pest control measures, hints on the use of successful Western agricultural practices or any fertiliser, better seed, programme planning, etc., other form of farming into practice and have no could also be introduced on a selective basis. desire ever to do so. If the present nucleus of Although illiteracy is a great problem, the help "successful" farmers do not receive special these farmers receive from their school-going attention, but are merely fobbed off with empty children seems to be going a long way towards words and are not given more opportunities, as solving this problem. It is, however, strongly enumerated above, there is a very strong possibility recommended that when using this method it be that generation an entire of young people will be applied not only selectively, but also in a lost to agriculture, because they will observe that specialised basis, depending on specific needs. their parents and others cannot make a decent Because it has been found that all Black farmers living out of farming in spite of their willingness use calendars, which are in great and hard work. demand (Coetzee 1977:369), it is recommended that an agricultural Coupled with this, is the more obvious calendar be distributed annually concentration of extension services on inhabitants on a general basis. On this calendar useful farming of planned trust farms, whereas results in this hints of a more general investigation have shown that the most promising nature could be printed and Black farmers are farming on private plots and recommendations could also be made as to when there are indications that these farmers are and how certain crops should be cultivated. The receiving less attention (Coetzee 1977:443 et seq.). times and dates of farmers' days, agricultural It is therefore recommended that this aspect be shows, demonstration, films and agricultural duly considered and corrected as far as possible. courses in each separate district could appear on Presumably a start could be made by organising this calendar and in this way it could become one agricultural committees on all farms and in all of the most useful and appreciated ways of areas where private plots exist. In this way contact distributing information. can be made with Black farmers interested in In view of research results, the importance of extension and aid without the risk of time and personal follow-up work by agricultural extension energy being wasted on a group of unwilling officers cannot be over-emphasised. This applies people. especially to farmers with individual problems or ; As regards tribal farms still refusing to accept those evincing special interest. Even if staff planning, but nevertheless in need of agricultural shortages make follow-up work difficult it ought extension, it is proposed that only those always to be high on the list of priorities of an agricultural extension officers who have proved agricultural extension officer in a developing themselves able to gain the co-operation of the situation.

5 Exploiting traditional crops, ect. methods and secrets of Western agricultural research and experiments. If need be, less important tests and experiments could also be Because of the Black man's love of vegetables carried out at the various training centres for Black only in the research area) and because of the (not farmers. The acceptability of new knowledge on the importance of vegetables in their traditional and usefulness of these indigenous crops and foods can present diet (Coetzee 1977:121 et seq. and 155 et be virtually guaranteed by the present state of it is incomprehensible that the exploitation seq.) cultural practices and judgement of values. and commercialisation of traditional wild leaf vegetables (meth'gb), in praticular, have not yet planning been investigated. In my humble opinion the field Partial of research into the possibility of commercial In view of what has come to light in the field cultivation of two types of vegetables, in particular, of research as regards resistance to has been left to lie fallow. The first and most physico-biological planning measures on tribal important of these vegetables is lerotho lands, planners ought in such cases to adopt a (Gynandropsis pentaphyla D.C.), which has been much more flexible policy and attitude as regards fully described and analysed by Quin (1959:64 et the position and allocation of lands, pasturage and seq.). These wild leaf vegetables are extremely the laying out of residential area. Here one could popular not only in the research area, but also refer to an orderly duplication of the traditional throughout Lebowa. As far as can be ascertained residential layout, for example, in the form of this vegetable realises high prices when sold dry. several semi-circular residential layouts with streets One of the Black farmers in the research area who forming the spokes of a wheel, if this appeals to the cultivates and dries this plant on a small scale for inhabitants. As regards the allocation of lands on a commercial consumption has reportedly realised up tribal farm whose inhabitants refuse to accept to R50 a bag. The possibilities inherent in this modern planning, and orderly sanctioning of the vegetable result from its hardiness, the fact that it is traditional system of small plots to each married easy to propagate, its great popularity,' the fact woman, together with the necessary extension and that it is eaten fresh or dried, its relatively high organisation of modern tractive power and other nutritive value and its labour-intensive nature if it equipment could definitely lead to increased is cultivated and dried (dehydrated) on a large production. In the case of the Bantwane, partial scale. Because few Blacks in the homelands or in planning, cast in the traditional mould and with the the White urban areas have refrigerators the fencing-off of grazing could lead to an immediate availability of dried vegetables is of great increase in production on tribal farms, as it has commercial importance. If one bears in mind the been ascertained (Coetzee 1977:380) that the lands astonishing results achieved with Nguni and Pedi on two of these farms are no longer even cultivated cattle, lerotho could, with the necessary seed because the cattle destroy all seedlings. selection, develop into an exceptionally successful cash crop.' To a lesser extent, an equally popular Uniqueness of local conditions leaf vegetable, namely the leaves of the traditional bean manawa (Vigna sinensis), also has The previous aspect leads one immediately to possibilities. This leaf vegetable is also eaten fresh the question of the unique nature of local and in dried form. conditions, not only at district level, but also within The same argument applies as regards certain each district. In order to ensure the co-operation insects, with special reference to the extremely and trust of the receiving group, cognisance must popular mopani worm (conimbrasia belina) and the be taken of this uniqueness of local conditions both similar cerina forda, which are found in large in historical perspective and as regards present numbers in mopani trees and wild lilac trees in the problems. Ignorance in this regard could greatly early summer. In dried form these popular foods hamper development in the field of agriculture and can also be stored for long periods. It is also well in general. As regards the Bantwane, it is obvious known that these foods are sold even in White how the history, origin and occupation of the urban areas at high prices. territory of these people throws light on some of One could also point out the possible good their beliefs (Coetzee 1977:371 et seq.). The same genetic characteristics of traditional poultry at this applies as regards a knowledge of their internal stage. The fact that at least two Black farmers have socio-cultural environment. It is therefore "tame" guinea-fowl (those with the white breasts) in recommended that a knowledge of these aspects be their farm-yards, also gives rise to questions as to an absolute prerequisite for magistrates and their potential in the field of egg production, their agricultural extension officers and the existing fertility and survival rate, their resistance to disease, district records concerning these matters (including etc. All these aspects and possibilities need to be a detailed definition of the area of each tribal investigated by agriculturalists. authority) ought to be brought up to date correctly This entire interesting field at present and reliably. unexplored can very easily be incorporated into the A lack of knowledge and understanding of the idea of establishing an experimental farm or farms fact that the receiving group is involved in various in Lebowa where Black agricultural officials can be fields in a never-ending process of cultural change initiated, through experimentation, into the and is adapting to the overwhelming effect of the

6 Western way of life is also a specific deficiency in agricultural development is stimulated. The three the training and approach of White agents of most important of these, are firstly, creating change (Coetzee 1977:417 et seq.). An ability to possibilities for development of true farmers over give adequate guidance in this process and to make and above the existing Black small farmers, correct evaluations of progress and problem secondly creating alternative work opportunities situations requires a wider education than mere outside agriculture and thirdly involving tribal scientific or administrative training. However, it authorities more actively in agricultural planning appears to be unrealistic to expect an intimate and the implementing of improved practices. knowledge of local problems and attempt to give the necessary attention to these aspects when REFERENCES officials are transferred within two years or less. In this regard it may be repeated that it is 1. Some White farmers in the Northern recommended that as Black agricultural officials specially plant this vegetable for take over agricultural positions now held by their seasonal labourers. Whites, demands for higher academic qualifications 2. After I mentioned this possibility to officials should gradually be made for certain promotion of the Department of Plural Relations in a possibilities. For example, one thinks of lecture and report, this aspect was investigated matriculation being a requisite for the post of in Lebowa. The results of this investigation senior agricultural official, otherwise there is the are not yet known. risk that qualifications for posts in the Department of Agriculture of Lebowa will compare unfavourably with those for posts such as Black BIBLIOGRAPHY clerks in the Department of the Interior of Lebowa. BENBO. 1976. Swart ontwikkeling in Suid-Afrika. Perskor Publishers Johannesburg. Agricultural extension officers as farmers BOTHMA, C.V., 1975. "Sosio-kulturele faktore en My final recommendation, which, in my landbou-ontwikkeling". A report to the modest opinion I feel should receive special Director of Homeland Affairs, Department of attention and consideration, is the possibility of Bantu Administration and Development. training some of the serving Black agricultural COERTZE, R.D., 1974. Volkekunde en extension officers as a nucleus of true farmers in ontwikkeling. Publication of the University of the Western sense of the word. These people are Pretoria No. 81. Van Schaik, Pretoria. not only completely literate and theoretically well COETZEE, D.F., 1977. Kulturele faktore wat versed in Western farming practices, but have doeltreffende landboupraktyk in Lebowa absorbed this knowledge particularly well, because bepaal met besondere verwysing na die gebied they have had to relay and demonstrate it to other van die Bantwane. Unpublished D.Phil. people. With sufficient land (for agriculture or dissertation University of Pretoria. stock-farming) and enough support, they ought, in DE LANGE, J.H., 1973. Small industry a first step my opinion, to be one of the best investments for towards industrialization. Southern Africa future farming developments in Lebowa. Technology Development Group, Newly-purchased trust farms would offer an ideal Johannesburg opportunity to give some of these people, if DE WILDE, J.C., 1967. Experiences with necessary together with other promising Black agricultural development in Tropical Africa. farmers, the opportuniyy of showing their (Vol. I & II) Johns Hopkins Press, Baltimore. capabilities. Interest should not be lacking since • DUMONT, R., 1969. False start in Africa (revised 93% of the Black officers in Lebowa who were asked if edition). Andre Deutsch, London. -they would like to farm, reacted favourably. One of FIRTH, R., 1969. Social structure and peasant those questioned stated enthusiastically that he was economy: the influence of social structure willing to start the following day. To avoid disrupting upon peasant economies. In WHARTON, the extension service one would have to proceed C.R. (Ed.) Subsistence agriculture and selectively and give preference to people who have economic development. Aldine Publishing been agricultural extension officers for 10 years or Co., Chicago. longer. These people however, are sceptical of the HUGHES, A.J.B., 1971. Tribal land tenure - an present prospects of survival offered by the obstacle to progress? Special reference to the economic units of the Tomlinson Commission. tribal trust land of Rhodesia. The South African Journal of African Affairs, Vol. I pp. 56-71. CONCLUSION HUNTER, G., 1969. Modernizing peasant societies. A comparative study in Asia and Africa. In conclusion it should be clearly stated that Oxford University Press, London. the time is ripe for accelerated agricultural LILLEY, H.W.L., 1974. The Bantu extension development in the research area. The existing officer's knowledge and understanding of culture certainly does not place insurmountable agricultural facts, principles and practices. obstacles in the path of progress. Major changes, South African Journal of Agricultural however, will have to be made in the way Extension, Vol. 3 pp. 17-19. 1975. A critical analysis of the present position UNITED NATIONS (E.C.A./F.A.0.) 1966. of agricultural extension in the Bantu African agricultural development. Reflections Homelands of . South African on the major lines of advance and the barriers Journal of Agricultural Extension, Vol. 4 pp. to progress. United Nations, New York. 61-66. MOLETSANE, R.I.M., 1974. Lesotho credit union VAN DE WALL, G., 1970(a). "Landbouvoorligting scheme for agriculture. Unpublished M.Ed. in die Bantoetuislande." Tegnikon, year 19, thesis, University of Botswana, Lesotho and June 1970 pp. 53-59. Swaziland. 1970(b). The influence of institutional factors QUIN, P.J., 1959. Foods and feeding habits of the on agricultural development in less developed Pedi. Witwatersrand University Press, areas. Agrekon, Vol. 9 No. I pp. 50-88. Johannesburg. BECKER, L.H., 1975. 'n Strategie vir TOMLINSON COMMISSION. 1955. Commission landbou-ontwikkeling in die Suid-Afrikaanse for the socio-economic development of the Bantu areas within the Union of South Bantoetuislande met spesifieke verwysing na Africa. (both the original and the summary Lebowa. Unpublished M.Sc. thesis, University report) U.G. 61/1955. of South Africa.

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