IS ‘SOMETHING BETTER THAN NOTHING’? THE IMPACTS OF TEN OUTREACH NURSERIES ON SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The impacts, both positive and negative, of small-scale outreach projects on local stakeholders are frequently under-estimated. The effects of ten South African outreach nurseries on the well- being of community participants are assessed in this collective case study. Income generation was a major objective in all projects, but few individuals derived financial returns. It took 5–8 years for three nurseries to generate regular incomes; the remainder were barely breaking even, or were running at a loss. Those who had started earning incomes gained self confidence and personal satisfaction, increased respect from others, and freedom of choice. Although increased knowledge and experience was valued, 35% of the participants felt that no benefits had been derived, and 41% believed that they had not achieved any success. People lost not only material well-being, but also social capital and self esteem, with many experiencing varying degrees of depression. In several cases, conflicts spiralled or threatened to escalate into violence, threatening peoples' physical security. Before embarking on projects, organisations have a moral obligation to consider the potential impacts of projects on local stakeholders, and to assess project viability as well as their own willingness and ability to commit to the extensive time frames and resources that are inevitably required.