Assessing the Impact of Community Participation on Rural Development Initiatives in the South African Municipalities: A Case of Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, Limpopo Province

Description

Page: 168-174

Mabunda Nhlamulo and Kekana Paballo Penny (Department of Public Administration, University of Limpopo, South Africa)

The study assesses the impact of community participation on rural development programs at the grassroots as a means for minimizing the crisis of rural development issues. Community participation is a key element in successful rural development initiatives although it has its own set of challenges that hinder their overall development and it is often characterized by social, economic and infrastructure problems. Involving the local community in the planning and decision-making process can lead to more effective and sustainable development. This paper employs a qualitative methodology. Furthermore, the paper contends that community participation in rural development issues remains a challenge. However, the study uncover various factors and strategies that can be employed to augment community participation in rural development initiatives. The study concludes that effective community participation will reduce problems associated with rural development within communities. Problems such as unsustainable use of resources, inadequate access to socio-economic and cultural infrastructure, and lack of access to development initiatives.