<P> These property rights are extremely important as, not only do they empower farmer workers (who now have the opportunity to become farmers) and reduce inequality, but they also increase production due to inverse farm size productivity . Farmers with smaller plots who live on the farm often use family members for labor, making these farms efficient . Their transaction costs are less than larger plots with hired labor . Since many of these family members were unemployed it allows previously unemployed people to now participate in the economy and better the country's economic growth . </P> <P> Despite this view, it is also argued by some that the opposite has happened . Many South Africans and foreign commentators have voiced alarm over the failure of the redistribution policy . Around 50% of farms are said to be failing, whilst the South African government has said the figure could be as high as 90% . Critics use these figures to suggest that the ANC government's current policy will be detrimental to the South African agricultural industry . </P> <P> The Land Reform Process focused on three areas: restitution, land tenure reform and land redistribution . Restitution, where the government compensates (monetary) individuals who had been forcefully removed, has been very unsuccessful and the policy has now shifted to redistribution with secure land tenure . Land tenure reform is a system of recognising people's right to own land and therefore control of the land . </P> <P> Redistribution is the most important component of land reform in South Africa . Initially, land was bought from its owners (willing seller) by the government (willing buyer) and redistributed, in order to maintain public confidence in the land market . </P>

Reasons for implementing a land reform programme in south africa