Pro-poor local economic development as a development tool to address unemployment and poverty
Loading...
Date
2021
Authors
Ntetha, J. T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Unemployment, poverty and inequality are the most pressing challenges facing South Africa, and countries globally. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of pro-poor local economic development in addressing unemployment in the uThukela District Municipality. In addition, the study aims to determine how the local economic development agencies contribute to poverty alleviation in the uThukela District Municipality. The study adopts a qualitative research approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the subject matter. It uses participants like municipal officials, local economic development beneficiaries, dialogue groups, community members and local economic development agencies. A sample of 15 participants was selected for the study. The data collection instrument used in the study is interviews. Of the total sample, only 12 participants actually took part in the interviews. The interviews with the participants were audio-taped. The data has been analysed using the NVivo (version 120). Thematic analysis is conducted to identify, organise and report the themes and sub-themes that emerged from the interviews. The study found that local economic development has been introduced globally to achieve four important objectives: to alleviate poverty, to create sustainable jobs, to share important information about government policies and initiatives and to create enabling business environment for investors. Moreover, the findings show that the participants have a common understanding and knowledge of unemployment and poverty. The overall findings show that local economic development interventions contributed to addressing unemployment and poverty in the uThukela District Municipality. The study is unique as it sheds light on how local economic development can help address unemployment and poverty in South African municipalities. The study recommends that the municipality invest in research and development, support local businesses, appoint competent personnel and create awareness about the local economic development interventions.
Description
Dissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2021
Keywords
Job creation, Local economic development, Poverty, Unemployment