Complex and interacting drivers of arable field abandonment in villages of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Significant areas of agricultural land have been abandoned globally since the 20th century. Although extensive research exists on the drivers of agricultural land abandonment, patterns vary across regions, necessitating site-specific studies to assist in the detection of broader-scale patterns. This paper evaluates how socio-economic and environmental factors influenced decisions of small-scale farmers to abandon field cultivation in four villages, two in the Eastern Cape and two in KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to households in four villages: Gotyibeni (39), Manqorholweni (30), Mawane (41), and Melani (58), totalling 168. Households were randomly selected using ArcGIS Pro. Each had access to arable fields, most between 4 and 5 ha. However, three-quarters had abandoned their fields for an average of 19 years, with most abandonment occurring 11–30 years ago. Results show that female-headed households are less involved in cultivation. Non-cropping households had a higher proportion of individuals over 55 (51 %). Cultivation required hiring tractors and purchasing seeds and fertilisers, which respondents found costly due to large field sizes. The most cited constraint was fencing, which tied into broader financial limitations. These financial challenges were linked to heavy reliance on social grants, itself related to low education levels and limited employment opportunities. Other barriers included crop damage by animals, aging farmers, and distance to fields. These factors span social, economic, and environmental domains but are interlinked. The study recommends policy interventions such as targeted farmer support, youth involvement in agriculture, better land access, revitalised tribal authority roles, and promotion of climate-smart agriculture. • Drivers span social, economic, environmental, political, yet are interlinked. • Fencing emerged as a key driver linking both economic and environmental issues. • The study calls for better land access for the youth. • The study calls for revitalising tribal roles in future field cultivation efforts. • Site-specific responses are needed to address diverse field abandonment causes.