Investigating the implication of agricultural projects in Ngqushwa local municipality in the province of the Eastern Cape

The Department of Social Development, in collaboration with Ngqushwa Local Municipality, administers many community development projects in this local municipality. These projects aim to help local communities alleviate poverty. Scholars of community development advocate for people-centred approach to successful and sustainable community development, thus promoting community participation. Some Department officials have to ensure that community development projects are implemented in needy communities in accordance with development principles. Despite the advantages of these projects, there are challenges that confront their implementation. These projects are too formalised and too discrete, thus curtailing their chances of success and sustainability. Also, due to the complex nature of some of these projects, they are often poorly run, and do not achieve their intended objectives. Consequently, project membership is constantly decreasing. The aim of this study was to investigate the implementation of agricultural projects in Ngqushwa Local Municipality. In investigating these projects, the objectives of the study were to explore the extent of community participation and challenges in the implementation of these projects. In addition, this study sought to provide an understanding into inherent factors that have an impact on the implementation of these agricultural projects. The ultimate aim was to share with community development agents where outdated paradigm regarding implementation of projects is still prevailing and the lessons learnt about holistic and integrated strategies in order to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life. This study used a qualitative approach in gathering data. It combined the survey of literature and administration of questionnaires in gathering of empirical data. The sampling method used to select participants was purposive, which is the most important non-probability sampling. In this type of sampling, researchers rely on their experience, ingenuity, previous research experience and findings to deliberately obtain units of analysis in such a way that the sample researchers obtain may be regarded as being representative of the relevant population. This iv iv type of sample is based entirely on the judgment of the researcher in that the sample is composed of elements that contain the most characteristics, representative or typical attributes of the population that serve the purpose of the study best. The researcher personally administered the questionnaires to four project members who were unable to read and write. The rest of sixteen project members, three officials who are directly involved in the implementation of agricultural projects in the Department of Social Development and an Office Manager, were given questionnaires to complete. This study revealed that in most instances, decisions have been taken unilaterally by the officials of the Department of Social Development. All the planning for the implementation of agricultural projects is the prerogative of Department officials. The high level of dissatisfaction among project members is likely a direct result of this approach by the Department. Inviting community members to participate in projects when decisions have already been taken, or where there is no meaningful issue to decide on, results in community members losing their interest in projects. It also emerged from the study that the Department of Social Development does not have criteria to select who should be the members of a particular project. This potentially results in deserving community members being excluded. There is a strong sense among project members that poverty alleviation energy is focused on one type of project, rather than looking at other ways to ensure that those who are not interested in food gardens are given alternative opportunities. The findings have also shown that lack of capacity is considered critical in explaining reasons for the failure in the implementation of these agricultural projects. This research has also shown that there is some degree of uncertainty about the role that can be played by the Department officials who are directly involved in the implementation of agricultural projects to ensure active and meaningful participation of communities. Moreover, this study has established that support is lacking from Department officials. Their inability to support project members may be attributed to their lack of experience in their work as their profiles pointed to this. During the conduct of the survey, it has also emerged that educational qualifications of two Department officials who are directly involved in the implementation of projects do not tally with their actual work. This is likely to minimise their capacity to drive the implementation of agricultural projects in Ngqushwa Local Municipality. It also emerged during the conduct of this study that there were no indicators in place to measure the success and impact of agricultural projects on improving lives of communitie