Abstract
The research on which this article is based drew a comparison between the asset-based community-led development (ABCD) approach and the more traditional needs-based approach to community development with regard to stakeholder engagement. The main finding of the qualitative study was that communities which were sensitised to ABCD were more self-motivated, self-driven and self-organised, and utilised their own assets and resources in collaboration with external assets and resources. Participants adhering to this approach tended to spell out the kind of support they wanted from external stakeholders. In comparison, in the needs- and problem-based approach, community initiatives were dependent on external funds, while organisations driving the process felt responsible for the success of community initiatives.
Highlights
IntroductionIt is evident that the practice of community development has evolved from South Africa’s unique history of the violation of human rights and of the inequality under colonialism and apartheid (Patel, 2015; Republic of South Africa 1996; White Paper for Social Welfare, 1997)
Community development is a crucial component of national development in South Africa, but what is the best way to engage stakeholders in community development? It is evident that the practice of community development has evolved from South Africa’s unique history of the violation of human rights and of the inequality under colonialism and apartheid (Patel, 2015; Republic of South Africa 1996; White Paper for Social Welfare, 1997)
The following people were identified according to their experiences in the projects/communities: staff members of an non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Johannesburg involved in development work; members of an NGO Technical Support and Development Programme (TSDP); the lecturer and four MA students of the University of Johannesburg (UJ); and a reference group from the Eastern Cape involved in asset-based community-led development (ABCD) projects/communities
Summary
It is evident that the practice of community development has evolved from South Africa’s unique history of the violation of human rights and of the inequality under colonialism and apartheid (Patel, 2015; Republic of South Africa 1996; White Paper for Social Welfare, 1997) It is recognised in legislation and in practice as necessary to address poverty and inequalities in South African society (e.g. National Development Plan; Batho Pele principles; the Sustainable Development Goals) (Republic of South Africa, 1996; Republic of South Africa, 1998; Republic of South Africa, 2000; World Bank, 2010).
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