The feasibility and community perceptions of the Caprivi Development Project

[摘要] There is a great need for development, especially in impoverished rural areas. One sucharea is the Caprivi in Namibia. This study analyses the viability of the CapriviDevelopment Project and how it is perceived by the communities in terms of improvingtheir livelihoods. The first part of this study sets out the theoretical framework on ruraldevelopment over the past half century. Theories such as the modernist, small-farmorthodoxy, neo-liberalist, integrated rural development, participation models and thesustainable livelihood framework are reviewed. The usefulness of participation and thesustainable livelihood framework for the purpose of this study is emphasised. Thereafterthe lessons learned from mechanised dry-land crop farming initiatives are explored. Theextent to which the natural environment such as rainfall and soil fertility andorganizational structures which include the project design, technology and infrastructure,the formation of cooperatives and finance, government policies, training anddevelopment and the project objectives that affect the permanence of agriculture areassessed. The importance of community commitment to a project for its sustainability isemphasised. Hereafter, the case of the unique Caprivi and the need for development inthis impoverished and isolated region is presented. The history, environment and politicsare discussed. The economic activities in the region, the people and their lifestyles alongwith the livelihood strategies they pursue are outlined. Against this background, the aimsof the Caprivi Development Project, the project design, its structure, the stakeholders andthe challenges faced in making this project a success are presented. The study thenreports on how this project is perceived by the farmers involved in this rural developmentproject, with special reference to its perceived benefits this project holds in terms ofimproving their livelihoods, and what could contribute to its possible failure. In the finalchapter, theory, lessons learned and research findings are brought together, beforereaching some final conclusions relating to the two research questions posed, namelywhether this project has the elements of a successful development project and whetherthe community supports and see this project as an opportunity to relieve poverty andimprove their livelihoods.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University