Topic: Economic development and Social aspects - Michigan Digital Library Portal

Description:: A contrast is made between economic types of rural development projects, which tend to be quantitative, and social development projects, which are qualitative. A number of evaluation models were studied on particular social development projects. A before-and-after analysis of particular social development group projects generated five indicators by which such development could be quantified: activities, action, changes in group behaviour, nature of intervention, and relationship with other groups. Continual monitoring of these aspects is suggested through a number of methods. The importance of relevance in evaluation procedures for small scale projects is emphasised.
Date Issued:: 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z
Data Provider:: Michigan State University. Libraries
Collection:: Journal of Social Development in Africa

Description:: This paper explores the role of popular participation in development It is indicated that participation in development programmes by the local people is very crucial in order to ensure successful implementation of these programmes. The paper also advances the argument that although participation is seen as being very important, there are as yet few countries which have developed appropriate methods and organisational bases geared towards facilitating the participation process. A fundamental conclusion of the paper is that whilst maintaining existing patterns of intervention in rural areas, efforts should also focus on searching for more appropriate ways in which a participatory approach could underly the whole basis of the intervention.
Date Issued:: 1987-01-01T00:00:00Z
Data Provider:: Michigan State University. Libraries
Collection:: Journal of Social Development in Africa

Description:: This paper takes a critical look at the popular issue of participation, and suggests that a major weakness in the literature of participation is its failure to deal with the realities of statism in the modern world, and particularly the Third World. The paper argues that while many proponents of participation theory claim a commitment to socialism and marxism their views in fact derive from a blend of individualism, populism and anarchism, ideologies which incorporate a basic distrust of the state. In effect the impact of this is that participation theory has an implied distrust of state sponsored development. This distrust, the paper argues, is not necessarily a fair reflection of the current state of affairs in the Third World.
Date Issued:: 1987-01-01T00:00:00Z
Data Provider:: Michigan State University. Libraries
Collection:: Journal of Social Development in Africa

Description:: This paper offers a criticism of modernisation and dependency schools of thought which have retarded the ability of social work to contribute in a meaningful way to the solution of Africa's many problems. A move from a residual to a radical paradigm is urged, reflecting five key dimensions which together offer a blueprint for a way forward. Radical developmental social work of an interdisciplinary nature, guided by informed, forward-thinking profesionals and grounded in African realities may be the only answer if the profession is to survive into the next century. Perhaps only then will the social workers be able to produce a practice that meets Africa's requirements and one that deals effectively with the major concerns faced by the African peoples.
Date Issued:: 1987-01-01T00:00:00Z
Data Provider:: Michigan State University. Libraries
Collection:: Journal of Social Development in Africa

Description:: Economic issues are critical to social development in the African context. The authors examine four areas: economics as a central social development issue, employment creation with particular reference to income generating projects, appropriate technology, and regional economic inter-dependence. Current patterns in the creation of income generating projects are analysed in detail so as to illustrate the central thesis that economic development is an essential part of social development but is more likely to be effective if practiced from a clearly social development orientation rather than from an exclusively economic development framework. The building of human capacities and self-reliance at both community and national level are also emphasised. The authors conclude that, although development is not mere economic growth, nevertheless the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate economic development should be acquired by everyone involved in social development.
Date Issued:: 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z
Data Provider:: Michigan State University. Libraries
Collection:: Journal of Social Development in Africa

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