
The population of South Africa faces the triple challenges of high levels of inequality, unemployment and poverty, with those living in rural areas and women being the most affected. The national government has implemented rural development plans to help address these challenges through land reform, job creation and increasing agricultural production. However, progress is slow. A team of local researchers found that land redistribution and agricultural capital spending boost economic growth, household welfare, and reduce gender inequalities. However, complementary policies are needed as if the policies are implemented as planned, poverty persists. Find out more about the research methods, findings and policy recommendations in the following PEP publications: