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Going for Broke: The Fate of Farmworker in Arid South Africa
Author(s): Doreen Atkinson (Author)
- Publisher: HSRC Publishing
- Publication Date: 15 April 2007
- Language: English
- Print length: 302 pages
- ISBN-10: 0796921768
- ISBN-13: 9780796921765
Book Description
This is a timely analysis of a forgotten part of South African society – the farmworkers who live on remote arid farms, or who have become unemployed in recent years and have drifted to the towns and cities. It takes the question of farmworkers’ fortunes beyond the heated land ownership debate, to consider their current and future livelihood, and argues that the question is part of a broader spectrum of economic and social questions. Where should farmworkers live? Should rural-urban migration be encouraged? What kind of job prospects can be fostered? How can their participation in the rural and peri-urban economy be promoted? Do farmworkers need land, or jobs, or municipal services? Who should provide support to this neglected segment of society? A valuable study of past policy failures and future policy options, it is explicitly aimed at promoting new approaches, synergies and partnerships amongst stakeholders, including government, commercial farmers, agricultural co-operatives, municipalities, training agencies, and farmworker trade unions. Atkinson offers suggestions that transcend the South African rural experience. This book can therefore serve as a case study for students and practitioners of rural development internationally.
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Doreen Atkinson was a Research Director with the Human Sciences Research Council. She was based in the Bloemfontein office of the HSRC during the time of the study. She has research and consulting experience in the following fields: * Local Government
