How community participation influences the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project
- Nsanzya, Brenda Monde Kabika
- Authors: Nsanzya, Brenda Monde Kabika
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Citizen participation , Economic development projects , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9208 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020622
- Description: In recent decades, development thinking has shifted from mainstream development strategies to more alternative development approaches incorporating various aspects of development such as equity, gender, sustainability, and participation. In South Africa, a country emerging from a past of injustice, community participation has become a central theme in social development as a way of addressing past inequalities. However, despite its popularity, there are concerns that its benefits are less visible. The literature on community participation shows that there are a number of factors why community participation in development projects has not been successful in many communities. On the other hand, literature on participatory development also shows that there are benefits of participation in development projects; community participation can be successful when the community has genuine participation in the process. However, there is evidence that even where participatory development has been successful, is not necessarily easy to replicate in other areas. This study sought to evaluate participation and how this affects the sustainability and success of the Ilitha farming project. Using the qualitative and quantitative indicators of participation by Oakley et al. (1991), which were adapted from various sources, I have shown that there was a high level of participation by members of this project who started on a small-scale basis, with minimal contributions in order to address the problem of unemployment, lack of skills and income opportunities, and growing poverty in the Ilitha community. The study has shown that success in participation is linked to the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project. This project is a success because it has achieved its initial objectives and has potential for expansion. In addition, the expansion of project activities has increased and sustains the project income throughout the year, benefiting not only project members but other members of the Ilitha community including the old age home, the HIV Aids awareness centre and households with patients needing assistance. Project success can be sustained on a long-term basis with a high level of participation through commitment, hard work, quality leadership, consultation, team work and respect for each project member as an equal partner irrespective of differences in age, gender and length of membership in the project. The level of internal sustainability i.e. the ability for the project to maintain its own developmental momentum is evidently high. The executive has led the project from its inception in 2003 to date with a clear vision and long-term commitment. However, there is a need for a succession plan in order to ensure continuity of the project as the current executive may not be able to continue due to old age. Secondary partnerships in the Ilitha farming project have had a significant impact on the level of success and sustainability of the project through the provision of funds, training and technical assistance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nsanzya, Brenda Monde Kabika
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Citizen participation , Economic development projects , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9208 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020622
- Description: In recent decades, development thinking has shifted from mainstream development strategies to more alternative development approaches incorporating various aspects of development such as equity, gender, sustainability, and participation. In South Africa, a country emerging from a past of injustice, community participation has become a central theme in social development as a way of addressing past inequalities. However, despite its popularity, there are concerns that its benefits are less visible. The literature on community participation shows that there are a number of factors why community participation in development projects has not been successful in many communities. On the other hand, literature on participatory development also shows that there are benefits of participation in development projects; community participation can be successful when the community has genuine participation in the process. However, there is evidence that even where participatory development has been successful, is not necessarily easy to replicate in other areas. This study sought to evaluate participation and how this affects the sustainability and success of the Ilitha farming project. Using the qualitative and quantitative indicators of participation by Oakley et al. (1991), which were adapted from various sources, I have shown that there was a high level of participation by members of this project who started on a small-scale basis, with minimal contributions in order to address the problem of unemployment, lack of skills and income opportunities, and growing poverty in the Ilitha community. The study has shown that success in participation is linked to the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project. This project is a success because it has achieved its initial objectives and has potential for expansion. In addition, the expansion of project activities has increased and sustains the project income throughout the year, benefiting not only project members but other members of the Ilitha community including the old age home, the HIV Aids awareness centre and households with patients needing assistance. Project success can be sustained on a long-term basis with a high level of participation through commitment, hard work, quality leadership, consultation, team work and respect for each project member as an equal partner irrespective of differences in age, gender and length of membership in the project. The level of internal sustainability i.e. the ability for the project to maintain its own developmental momentum is evidently high. The executive has led the project from its inception in 2003 to date with a clear vision and long-term commitment. However, there is a need for a succession plan in order to ensure continuity of the project as the current executive may not be able to continue due to old age. Secondary partnerships in the Ilitha farming project have had a significant impact on the level of success and sustainability of the project through the provision of funds, training and technical assistance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A critical analysis of the contribution of a poverty alleviatioon programme for youth development
- Authors: Sinukela, Patuxolo Otto
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9099 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012081 , Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Black youth in South Africa has for decades, been marginalized in development programmes and many young blacks are experiencing poverty. With the advent of the new South Africa in 1994, the government initiated poverty alleviation projects for youth development. These projects offered black youth an opportunity to participate in their own development. The current study aimed at critically analyzing the contribution of a „Poverty Alleviation‟ programme for youth development. The study was conducted at Cala in the Sakhisizwe local municipality in the Chris Hani District of the Eastern Cape. The study utilized qualitative and quantitative research methods and took the form of exploratory research. The study revealed factors that appear to contribute to the ineffectiveness of youth development projects. The identified factors include the lack of participation of project members, lack of a sense of ownership and commitment, insufficient skills and non-use of policy and guiding documents by project members during the implementation stage. Stakeholder participation and sharing of expertise was identified as another important factor in determining the contribution of poverty alleviation projects to youth development. Lastly, the study shows that monitoring and evaluation of the project functions are necessary to ensure that a project like this achieves the desired outcome. A key recommendation made is that project members must be involved and participate fully in all project phases to enhance a sense of ownership and commitment to fellow project members.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sinukela, Patuxolo Otto
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9099 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012081 , Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Black youth in South Africa has for decades, been marginalized in development programmes and many young blacks are experiencing poverty. With the advent of the new South Africa in 1994, the government initiated poverty alleviation projects for youth development. These projects offered black youth an opportunity to participate in their own development. The current study aimed at critically analyzing the contribution of a „Poverty Alleviation‟ programme for youth development. The study was conducted at Cala in the Sakhisizwe local municipality in the Chris Hani District of the Eastern Cape. The study utilized qualitative and quantitative research methods and took the form of exploratory research. The study revealed factors that appear to contribute to the ineffectiveness of youth development projects. The identified factors include the lack of participation of project members, lack of a sense of ownership and commitment, insufficient skills and non-use of policy and guiding documents by project members during the implementation stage. Stakeholder participation and sharing of expertise was identified as another important factor in determining the contribution of poverty alleviation projects to youth development. Lastly, the study shows that monitoring and evaluation of the project functions are necessary to ensure that a project like this achieves the desired outcome. A key recommendation made is that project members must be involved and participate fully in all project phases to enhance a sense of ownership and commitment to fellow project members.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
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