In a collaborative effort to shed light on evolving socio-economic dynamics within South Africa's former homelands, the University of the Free State (UFS) and Walter Sisulu University (WSU) have forged a research partnership focusing on ‘Livelihood Transitions in Former Homelands’. This initiative, spearheaded by Dr Grey Magaiza, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director in the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies on the Qwaqwa Campus, and Prof Tom Were Okello, Associate Professor of Geography on the Qwaqwa Campus (formerly of WSU), is funded by a Competitive Support for Unrated Researchers Grant from the NRF.

The primary motivation behind this partnership is to conduct an in-depth study of livelihood transitions in the former homelands of Qwaqwa and the Eastern Cape. The research aims to provide crucial insights that will inform the development of policies and strategies amid changing socio-economic landscapes.

The partnership leverages the unique strengths and expertise of both institutions through an interdisciplinary approach. The project team comprises human geographers, GIS experts, development experts, and anthropologists from both the UFS and WSU. By focusing on a holistic understanding of livelihoods, the project seeks to enhance scholarly visibility of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), land use and land cover changes, and other livelihood diversification activities in both Qwaqwa and the former Transkei.

The selection of the Eastern Cape and Qwaqwa as primary focus regions is strategic. Transkei was chosen for its historical significance as the first homeland to be created, boasting a long history of territorial self-governance. Qwaqwa was selected due to its status as the smallest and most densely populated homeland. Both regions exhibit livelihood convergences around subsistence agriculture, migration remittances, and some level of industrialisation. Exploring the complexities of livelihoods emerging from these distinct spatialities is deemed essential to ascertain the quality of life and identify pathways towards achieving the SDGs.

The partnership aims to contribute significantly to broader national goals related to sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and climate change adaptation in South Africa. Research outputs are already addressing these critical themes, with papers on land use and land cover changes currently under peer review for reputable journals. Book chapters are also being developed with established publication houses, discussing the expansion of livelihood indices and exploring livelihood diversification as a means of poverty reduction. Furthermore, other continuing research is examining vulnerability reduction and climate change adaptation strategies for subsistence farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs. A key outcome anticipated by the third year of the project is the development of policy briefs for local government authorities.

Looking ahead, the partnership has ambitious future plans. Beyond the policy briefs, there is an intention to contribute to the development of climate change adaptation strategies and frameworks in both localities. A book project is also underway to further amplify livelihood scholarship. Critically, the project serves as a nurturing environment for younger colleagues involved, providing a platform for them to apply for NRF ratings, pursue promotions, and complete further studies, including master's and PhD degrees.

Dr Magaiza emphasised that this project extends beyond a typical individual-focused grant, fostering a supportive ecology of like-minded academics. “The approach is not only pragmatic in scholarship but also seeks transformative outcomes in the research areas. The process is data-led, while also deliberately embedding local voices and aspirations. Fieldwork is planned for the third quarter of 2025 to gather local perspectives from both Qwaqwa and the Eastern Cape. The team expresses deep gratitude to the NRF for their support and funding, enabling this community-based research project on such a seminal topic,” concluded Dr Magaiza.