In close collaboration with Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa, Wageninegn UR Centre for Development Innovation just ran the first edition of the regional course on Local Economic Development – Catalyzing vibrant rural economies. 17 mid-career professionals from research and educational institutes, governments and non-governmental organizations from different sub-Saharan countries participated in this short course that was organized in South Africa. The training focused on the changing roles of rural policies and services in fostering inclusive, market-led rural economic development in sub-Saharan Africa.
Market-led economic development is considered to be an important vehicle for poverty reduction and sustainable development these days. As a consequence of international trade current policies tend to focus on global and niche markets. Most smallholder producers are however driven by the dynamics of local-to-local markets. Partly as a result of this ‘biased’ global approach there is a low level of industriousness and service provision within rural communities. Consequently, there is a reduced capacity of these communities to be able to cope with shocks. Another concern is the lack of individual and organizational capacities of rural stakeholders to promote action-oriented and local market-based approaches to economic development.
Innovative approaches
The course participants were stimulated to think of innovative approaches that promote market-led, local economic development leading to rural wealth creation. Modular approach of discussion, lectures, participative group sessions and technical excursions were all part of this process. An adapted version of Porter’s Diamond was used as a guiding model for situation analysis and the identification of effective development interventions.
By building on the participants’ own experiences and personal cases, new insights were tested vis-a-vis the rigidity of reality. These ‘lessons learned’ in the course were integrated into the selected cases, transferring them into realistic project proposals on a step-by-step basis. The outputs were four draft project proposals which participants could take back to their own work environment.
The next edition of this course will also take place in South Africa, from 24 September – 5 October 2012. NFP eligible. Keep an eye on our Calendar: more information will follow soon.
Technical excursion to Tongaat Hulett Starch Factory in Johannesburg