Complexity theory as a tool for developing assessment criteria for sustainable development projects, such as the MES Port Elizabeth Poverty Alleviation Program

This research focuses on using criteria developed with the help of complexity theory to assess development projects, with special reference to a poverty alleviation project. As a test case it specifically addressed MES Port Elizabeth Poverty Alleviation Program. The first objective of the research was to use the principles of complexity theory and sustainable development to help develop a list of criteria for assessing whether or not any poverty alleviation program is worthwhile. These were laid out in terms of four categories: poverty alleviation, general complexity, social complexity and sustainable development. The second objective was to gather together as much information as possible on how the MES Poverty Alleviation Program operates. For this exploratory case study, a document analysis was conducted and the program leader of the MES Program was interviewed in depth. The final objective was to critically assess to what extent the MES Poverty Alleviation Program meets the criteria laid out for a worthwhile project. The results obtained from the analysis indicate that while the MES program makes a significant impact on the lives of participants, it experiences multiple challenges, particularly in relation to social complexity and sustainable development that reduce its effectiveness as a poverty alleviation program. It is concluded that complexity theory provides useful assessment criteria that enables us to identify diverse kinds of weakness within a program. It is recommended that the MES program should try to improve in its specific areas of weakness. Specifically it should redefine its policy on sustainable development, form more partnerships with external local organizations, increase pressure on government for policy change and increase the investment in service units of the project