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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Mistaken identity? Markets and the strategy for poverty alleviation in rural South Africa
Authors:May, Julian
Vaughan, Ann
Year:1999
Periodical:Indicator South Africa
Volume:16
Issue:1
Pages:67-72
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:market economy
economic policy
rural poverty
agricultural policy
Abstract:With the active encouragement of international organizations, there has been a contraction of State activity (especially in the area of social spending) and the simultaneous liberalization of economies. This approach is based on the belief that the benefits of growth will 'trickle down' to the poor. All that is needed for successful development is the freeing of markets and the removal of State controls and intervention. These views are now being challenged. In many instances, the poor have not benefitted from market-oriented macroeconomic policy reforms because of multiple market imperfections. This is especially so in the rural areas in which the bulk of the poor are located. This article focuses on South Africa and examines government policies and programmes in three areas which are of critical importance to rural communities: land reform, small-scale agriculture, and water rights. The foundation for successful initiatives appears to have been laid in present government policies in these three domains. Since poor households have been found to operate in highly distorted markets, however, the ownership of assets does not necessarily translate into an improved level of living. This requires State action that also seeks ways in which markets can be restructured in a manner that benefits the poor. Bibliogr., sum (p. 9-10).
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