ICAD- A tool for decision making launched

Abstract

An integrated and coordinated agrarian land use decision making tool - ICAD for short – was launched recently. Developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Univen’s Institute for Rural Development, the Nkuzi Development Association and the Vhembe District Municipality, the ICAD is a simulation game with a manual in both English and Tshivenda. The ICAD was developed, piloted and validated over three years, engaging four community property associations in the Makhado Municipality. It is intended for use by community-level decision makers and farmers to help eliminate fragmented and uncoordinated decision-making in the use and management of land in rural areas, particularly in restitution areas. A key feature of the ICAD is the identification and participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including people potentially affected by the proposed land use. Environmental, social and economic impacts of proposed land use are also identified and decisions on how to mitigate any detrimental effects made before implementation is rolled out.