Social capital as a mechanism for socio-economic development amongst agricultural producers in Vhembe, Limpopo

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Periodical article

Title:	Social capital as a mechanism for socio-economic development amongst agricultural producers in Vhembe, Limpopo
Author:	Vermaak, Jaco
Year:	2009
Periodical:	Africanus
Volume:	39
Issue:	1
Pages:	40-51
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	social networks farmers
Abstract:	The popularity of the concept 'social capital' has evoked wide debate across academic disciplines. With the help of various theoretical viewpoints on social capital, this study aims to provide insights on the social and economic opportunities of capital for agricultural producers in Vhembe, a municipal district in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study found evidence of various forms of social capital in the district, but these differed from mainstream Western theory which focuses on associations and other formal groups. The study argues that although social capital appears in various forms across Vhembe, these forms of social capital resemble informal social relations which provide socioeconomic leverage for subsistence households which depend on agriculture. Due to the scarcity of formal groups in the rural areas of Vhembe, the forms of social capital here can be described as indigenous social capital. Collectively, these forms of social capital provide a mechanism for individuals to remain connected to informal groups and to strengthen local communities. Bibliogr. [Journal abstract]