Beyond the development impasse: the role of local economic development and community self-reliance in rural South Africa

Abstract

The failure of successive generations of imported, Western development strategies and projects to deliver meaningful reductions in poverty and achieve basic needs in Africa, has provoked a deep questioning of Western concepts and methodologies of development. Non-governmental organisations and development practitioners are increasingly focusing their attention on strategies which build upon local knowledge, skills and resources. The concepts of ‘self- reliance’ and local economic development are examined in the context of development challenges which face Africa. This is followed by a detailed case study of local economic development in the rural Mpofu District of the former Ciskei Homeland, which was incorporated into the Eastern Cape province of South Africa with the demise of apartheid in 1994.

Local economic development in Africa: Global context and research directions

“…Inclusive growth was sought through LED initiatives that incorporate pro-poor elements, including support for urban agriculture, public procurement systems and small business development (Rogerson, 2004;Robbins, 2005;Harrison et al, 2008;OECD, 2008). Successful LED programmes, however, have proven elusive in most small towns and rural areas because of the slow processes of land reform, failure to emphasise sustainable local economies, weak local government capacity and limited engagement with local economic potential (Binns & Nel, 1999;Nel & Rogerson, 2007).…”

Challenges in Realising Sustainable Community Development in Rural South Africa

“…Binns & Nel [31] state that the march of human progress has become a retreat for approximately one-sixth of mankind. After decades of steady economic advancement many countries have been thrown back into poverty.…”

“…After decades of steady economic advancement many countries have been thrown back into poverty. Binns & Nel [31] further argue that "this meant the effective collapse of social services and infrastructure in many parts of Africa, coupled with hyperinflation, vast debt burdens and the disastrous effects of global trade". Many foreign aid as well as local programs has tried to lift communities out of this pit of despair, yet most have been futile.…”

Critical Reflections on Urban and Local Development in Africa

“…In the African context specifically, Binns and Nel (1999) have argued the need to recognise the importance of locally driven and what are often community-based development initiatives which can play a key role as local coping and survival mechanisms. The reduced role of the state, the negative outcomes of economic changes, and what can be a hostile global environment help to drive such processes.…”