Analysis and mapping of basic communal land administration systems using participatory GPS and GIS : a case study of Makurung Village.

Abstract

Participatory GPS and GIS mapping is a mapping process that involves active participation of the local communities with the assistance of outsiders who are experts in the field. The objective of Participatory GPS and GIS mapping is to produce a technically accurate and socially acceptable participatory map and to facilitate skills transfer to the participant community. A basic communal land administration system is a land administration structure responsible for the administration of a local, elementary area of jurisdiction (a village) occupied by a tribe whose rights to land are derived from shared rules determining access and is normally led by an Induna. The analysis of such a structure could provide a foundation for the implementation of Communal Land Rights Act, 2004 (Act No 11 of 2004) that is, the transfer of communal lands to communities. A sub-metre accuracy is obtainable after post-processing differential correction as acclaimed by Trimble on the Geo-XT™ GPS unit and proven in the Ukulinga case study. Participatory GPS and GIS mapping guarantees effective and efficient skills transfer to participant communities and accurate recording of boundary data. Maps produced through Participatory GPS and GIS mapping are widely acceptable since they are preceded by discussions and subsequent consensus on boundary data points prior to actual recording, thereof. The study was designed to analyze basic communal land administration systems and to develop a methodology for mapping them. A successful implementation of the Communal Land Rights Act, 2004 required spatial and related information on land administration structures A Participatory mapping methodology designed was tested in two case studies and found to be reasonably accurate.