This report tries to answer two basic clusters of questions. The first is related to the way in which bethma is practiced. What are the rules that govern it, how do farmers make use of them and what is the role of the government, are questions that will be asked. A literature survey forms part of this. The second cluster of questions is related to the supposedly harmonious character of bethma. How come that. indeed conflicts happen less frequently during bethma, why do farmers practice bethma and what are their perceptions, are some of the questions.