Human rights in tension: guiding cadastral systems development in customary land rights contexts

Land reform in South Africa has failed to meet its objectives. The intended beneficiaries often do not have their land reform needs met. Failures may be attributed to multiple sources. We propose a conceptual framework to assist governments conducting land reform projects. It draws on aspects of human rights, good governance, and pro-poor policy. Existing frameworks are combined with these aspects to derive the conceptual framework. By using the framework, development projects in South Africa and similar contexts may become more Successful, Sustainable, and Significant. The paper holds interest for land tenure and cadastral systems researchers and developers.