Strategies to reduce poverty: a case study of two projects in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Demgne Kamdem, Olivia Armelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6486 , vital:21096
- Description: Poverty levels in South Africa remain high, and have not been significantly reduced since1994. This is associated with grass root challenges such as asset distribution, inequality, unemployment, high rate of HIV/AIDS, insufficient pro-poor economic growth, corruption, and bad governance. The problems of poverty and non-sustainable livelihoods in South Africa are still very persistent and can be attributed to significant lags in investment in human resource development and in the provision of basic social services, such as education, health and inequality growth and development. In view of the above, the necessity for improved standards of living is viewed as a vital issue in addressing poverty and has triggered the introduction of Integrated Development Planning (IDP) and Local Economic Development (LED) by municipalities. This has triggered the implementation of various projects by private and public sectors amongst which are The Institute for Youth Development in South Africa (IYDSA) and The Golden Stitches Trust, which aim to address poverty at the local level. Even though the effort of the local government to look into the immediate challenges affecting the community of NMBMM the influence of apartheid cannot be undermined. A need for pro-active developmental measures is imperative which will engage the entire citizenry on informing and educating them about steps to achieving a better improved life style. This study discussed the literature regarding poverty, the causes, and most importantly two programs undertaken in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality as a mechanism to alleviate poverty. With a view to actualize optimum desired result in the research, a qualitative and quantitative measure was designed for accurate assertions and verification. Data was collected from members of the projects by making use of questionnaires. It is a clear indication that many people are still very much far from development. They are however overwhelmed by low volume of qualitative education, primary health care and social amenities. The need for the local government to intensify their approach to reduce poverty is crucial. The findings of the study revealed that the Golden Stitches Trust lacks funding and faces shortage of members. However the IYDSA is quite successful but have some issues with the DSD pertaining to its name and as well needs more funds to be able to touch more lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The contribution of the Zamokuhle Ngcweleni project to the poverty alleviation
- Authors: Songelwa, Nkanyiso
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9249 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021176
- Description: Poverty in South Africa is vast. This is an open secret as it manifests itself in so many ways. It is widely known that South Africans are faced with one of poverty indicators, such as unemployment; hence our government is committed to fight poverty in various ways like, poverty alleviation, poverty eradication and poverty reduction programmes. This study looked at poverty of targeted people after Zamokuhle Ngcweleni was implemented. The researcher looked at the project’s contribution on poverty under sustainable livelihood approach with guidance of OECD(1991) criteria of judging the project these being; relevance, effectiveness and sustainability South Africa is committed in this regard with policies and strategies directed to fight poverty, Altman, Hart and Jacobs (2009). In the Constitution of South Africa (Act 1996) section 27 (1) (b)-(c) of this country, poverty is set to be fought, that people must have access to food sustainably through food security strategy. Government, through its departments commits to deliver to mostly affected people, services that deal with poverty reduction. The Department of Social Development is one of the vehicles to get these services to poverty stricken people blamed to history, politics and social ills. It is upon this background the study is done. The community of Ngcweleni with the assistance of the Department of Social Development and Special Programme has assumed this project, the Zamokuhle Ngcweleni with two activities, household gardens and egg production. 30 beneficiaries would sell for income and feed from the produce .This project started in 2010/11 financial year by the sub section, sustainable livelihood in the DOSD, based from the socio economic conditions of Ngcweleni where poverty is one the characteristic. The Zamokuhle Ngcweleni project was randomly chosen by the researcher for this study. The research was based on the aims and objective of the study. The study took place in a natural setting and was descriptive. Interviews, focus groups, documents and household survey were used by the researcher as data collection tools. The study was qualitative. Data was analysed using themes and interpreted thereafter. Participants were the beneficiaries of the Zamokuhle Ngcweleni project and officials of the department. Tables and graphs were used for biographical information to show age, gender, educational and marital status of the beneficiaries; for officials it showed qualification, designation and gender. The researcher gathered that the project has contributed positively to the poverty of the beneficiaries because of its relevance and effectiveness. It made beneficiaries food secure and the impact showed poverty is reduced. The project showed unsustainability and the researcher recommends the needs to investigate this further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Integrating natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems for rural economic development: a model for rural enterprise development, health and nutrition initiatives in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Lupuwana, Pumezo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Ethnobotany)
- Identifier: vital:11884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/81 , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study demonstrated that the demographic profile of the Eastern Cape Province portrayed high levels of poverty and underdevelopment in the mostly rural population. This is despite the fact that the Eastern Cape is characterized by a rich endowment of natural resources, hosting a wide range of natural plant species, numerous rivers, water springs from mountains and no less than six biomes due to the variety of climatic conditions prevalent in the Province. In contrast, the natural resources found in the Province were regarded to have a high potential to grow and transform the economy of the Province. In this study, the integrated approach was conceptualized, developed and implemented in action within the rural communities selected with varying degrees of success, as a function of the material and objective socio-economic conditions prevailing in each community. A model for rural enterprise development based on agricultural production utilizing the principles of Community-Public-Private Partnerships was conceptualized and executed with the assistance of specialist professionals from various disciplines and organizations. Case studies structured on the basis of methodologies derived from the integration of natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the conceptual framework of the study as indicated by the following case studies. The first case study undertaken was the development of agricultural enterprises in the selected rural communities in joint ventures through the commercial production of food and vegetable crops for local markets and to provide nutrition for the rural communities as the first line of therapy against the HIV/AIDS infection and other diseases associated with malnutrition. The second case study was the establishment of an agricultural enterprise in partnership between rural communities, government agencies and agricultural specialist for the commercial production of grain crops, namely, Sorghum alternating with Wheat to satisfy the demand of local markets for these crops. The third case study was the establishment of a community-based enterprise through the commercial production of two Pelargonium plant species, namely, Pelargonium reniforme and P. sidoides. The two species had a high market demand in the pharmaceutical industry; hence, the plant species were V domestically cultivated to satisfy the industry demand and to ensure the survival of the plant species. The enterprise succeeded in sustaining the livelihoods of the rural communities and conserving the plant species. The fourth case study was the commercial production of essential oil-producing plants in six selected rural communities providing employment for some of the members of these communities even though the initial phase of the start-up enterprise was a trial cultivation to determine the suitability of the environmental and climatic conditions for the propagation of the selected essential-producing plants. The demand for essential oils in local and international markets was determined to relatively high. The incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems of the rural communities in the planning and implementation processes in the areas of Commercial Agricultural Production and Primary Health Care resulted in a gradual paradigm shift on the part of rural communities from a dependence mindset to one of self-reliance that is critical for sustainable rural economic development and the improvement of rural livelihoods. An integrated approach in the strategic planning and execution that involved the rural communities by government stakeholders, the academic community and other stakeholders from the Private Sector was piloted. The recognition of Indigenous Knowledge Systems by all the relevant stakeholders and their essential role in rural enterprise development, food production and primary health care as a pre-requisite for a successful transformation agenda was highlighted as never before. An all-inclusive approach that accorded the rural communities the status of equal partnership had a positive impact on most aspects of planning and implementing programmes for sustainable rural economic development and biodiversity conservation. Working in partnership with rural communities was found to be a challenge; hence, an understanding of the sub-cultures and the social dynamics that often manifested themselves in the form of internecine conflicts became necessary for successfully initiating the research programme in the rural communities. Furthermore, recognition of the rural communities as an integral part of the solution towards biodiversity conservation and the sustainable exploitation of natural resources was found to be a critical component for an effective strategy to ensure the continued survival of the endangered plant species. This attitude underpinned the co-operation of the rural communities and the overarching goals of rural transformation towards the consistent and sustainable improvement of rural livelihoods. Theapproach also marked a radical shift from all the preceeding practices in biodiversity conservation and the management of sustainable natural resource utilization. The study demonstrated that the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Natural Sciences for sustainable rural economic development with the ultimate strategic objective of contributing towards the reduction of poverty, the improvement of the quality and cost-effectiveness of primary health care and adequate food production is feasible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An assessment of the role of agricultural projetcs in poverty alleviation at Ngqushwa Local Municipality
- Authors: Guzana, Andile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020351
- Description: This study assessed the role of agricultural projects in poverty alleviation at Ngqushwa local municipality. These projects are very important for poverty alleviation and to fight the growing levels of unemployment in the Eastern Cape. Despite the advantages of these projects, there are challenges that impact negatively on the implementation of these projects such as conflict, lack of resources, market failure and these projects are too disconnected. Consequently, the projects do not achieve their intended objectives and there are high levels of dissatisfaction among project members. The study was conducted in two wards of Ngqushwa local municipality, and two projects were selected from each ward and ten members were selected from each project and the total number of a sample for the study was forty project members. The research utilized both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected through questionnaires, document analysis and observations. The sampling method that was used to select respondents or participants was purposive. The findings of the study indicated that agricultural projects in this area did not bring about any significant reduction in poverty, and they did not bring about any significant economic development. The study also revealed that there was lack of community participation in matters pertaining to community development and lack of support by all relevant stakeholders which resulted in failure at the implementation phase. The researcher also discovered that the poverty alleviation approach was mainly focused on one type of project, other than looking at other avenues to ensure that those who do not have interest in food gardens are given alternative opportunities like cattle farming. In view of these findings, the study recognises a need for empowerment in terms of knowledge and skills, understanding and resource management of agricultural projects. The study thus recommended that community members should be actively involved in community development projects. Additionally, the study recommended for the establishment or formulation of new policies or amendments of the existing policies in order to boost agriculture in rural areas so as to be able to alleviate poverty effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Government-sponsored community development projects as poverty alleviation tools: evidence from Mdantsane, East London
- Authors: Gedze, Ntombebhongo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Poverty alleviation , Community participation , Mdantsane Township
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11948 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005995 , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Poverty alleviation , Community participation , Mdantsane Township
- Description: The study investigates whether government-sponsored community development projects in the township of Mdantsane, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa, have achieved the intended goal of alleviating poverty among the beneficiaries. The specific outcomes of poverty alleviation are: improved income, acquisition of new skills, reduced dependence on welfare grants. Four urban farming projects were selected, namely: Buffalo City Organic Producers, Sakhisizwe Nursery, Lusindiso Farmer’s Trading Co-operative and Mbombela Co-operative. Focus group discussions and a mini survey were conducted with project beneficiaries, while relevant government officials were interviewed. Conceptual insights were drawn from community development theory. The findings showed that the broader context within which the projects occurred was characterised by a pro-poor social policy, relative availability of resources with which to translate it into action, and a measure of entrepreneurial potential amongst community members. However, while one of the projects showed some promise (in the sense that beneficiaries acquired new skills and had a generally positive attitude despite not enjoying any improved income status), all the others appeared doomed and trapped in dynamics such as: excessive government control of the management of the initiatives, ineffective project monitoring, and the mischaracterisation of the initiatives by both the government and the beneficiaries. A distorted sense of ownership and perverse community participation seemed to prevail, which in turn robbed the initiatives of their poverty alleviation potential. The study thus concluded that specific benefactor-beneficiary dynamics are crucial for the success of a given anti-poverty intervention. A robust pro-poor social policy, availability of resources with which to translate it into action, and local entrepreneurial potential do not in themselves bring about success; they must operate in a certain way and be undergirded by certain principles for them to become a powerful mechanism for alleviating poverty. It is against this background that the researcher offers some recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The role of local economic development funded projects in Stutterheim
- Authors: Hanisi, Knowell Mtutuzeli
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9339 , vital:26582
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the of a role of local economic development (LED) project in the rural town of Stutterheim, with reference to Mgwali Cultural Village and Abenzi Woodhouse project in town. The main objective was to gain understanding as to whether these LED projects have contributed to the positive change in the socio-economic conditions of rural people in the area. The study also sorts to ascertain and understand at challenges the projects face and the role played by various government departments, and private sector organisations in supporting the projects. In depth case study was used in the study involved various data collection instruments, tools like interviews, questionnaire and observations. Findings suggest that if LED projects are properly managed and supported, they can play a vital role in poverty alleviation in rural areas. They can provide employment and can definitely improve socio-economic conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The effectiveness of poverty alleviation initiatives in Buffalo City Metropolitan municipality
- Authors: Benya, Zoliswa (Nqolase)
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Squatter settlements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poor -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9048 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1613 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Squatter settlements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poor -- Services for
- Description: The South African democratic government has, since 1994, implemented various programs that aim to alleviate poverty through policy interventions. The Provincial Growth and Development Plan (Eastern Cape 2004-2014) commit its self to halving poverty by 2014. The research seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of poverty alleviation initiatives in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), East London; focussing in Nompumelelo informal settlement. The study applied quantitative and qualitative approaches for biographical and socio economic information; and for in-depth understanding and verification respectively. Data collection was through structured interviews and survey questionnaires. The findings reveal that there are random, short-term poverty alleviation initiatives taking place in Nompumelelo informal settlement area. Projects that could have been self-sustaining collapsed due to lack of skills and training. The study indicates that the level of unemployment is high at 68 percent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An assessment of the impact of local economic development on urban poverty alleviation: a case of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Mbeba, Roland D
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poor -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11424 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/548 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poor -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Local Economic Development has in recent years, gained wide spread acceptance, as a locality-based response to economic challenges. It is now firmly on the agenda of many national and local government and key international agencies. Adopting a desk study approach, reviewing extensive literature on LED, the study sought to establish the impact of LED strategy employed by Buffalo City Municipality, and assess the extent to which it has alleviated poverty. The study shows that the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) LED strategy has limited impact on poverty alleviation due to a myriad of factors, which reinforce and interact with each other thereby limiting development and trapping residents in poverty. The thesis argues that there is significant room for a paradigm shift from predominantly pro-growth to pro-poor LED, and the need to adopt a comprehensive LED strategy that seeks to include of both pro-growth and pro-poor strategies. Both cannot operate without the other in the bid to promote development in Buffalo City, mainly with Agriculture, Tourism, and SMME having significant potential to bring about local economic development. Moreover, the promotion of Private-Public Partnerships play an integral role in the socio-economic development of Buffalo City, and more so the participation of local people is even more fundamental, which will give them the opportunity to take charge of their own development. Therefore, the study suggests a new LED agenda, which is pro-poor, holistic, and moves away from ‘piecemeal’ project based LED activities, and adopts comprehensive economic programmes so that LED has significant impact on poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Developing assessment criteria for successful poverty alleviation with special reference to the Nomzamo Special Care Centre
- Authors: Gidi, Banele Anthony
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9050 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1601 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child care services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: While this study is partly theoretical it includes an exploratory case study in which theoretical insights are applied. In the theoretical part of this study, criteria for a successful poverty alleviation project were developed, guided by sustainability theory and complexity theory. It was proposed that researchers could assess existing projects according to these criteria to show where they were successful and where they could improve. The second part of this research consists of a case study, where an actual poverty alleviation project (The Nomzamo Special Care Centre, Peddie, Eastern Cape) was assessed according to the criteria developed in the first part. For this exploratory case study a non-random sample of 9 participants was drawn from the Nomzamo Special Care Centre and other stakeholders in the Ngqushwa Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Data was collected using questionnaires, observation and interviews. The results obtained from analysis indicate that project members particularly experience challenges pertaining to financial resources, infrastructure and maintenance. It is recommended that project members receive assistance from the government departments in order for the project to remain sustainable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011