The role of social capital in the creation of sustainable livelihoods : a case study of the Siyazama Community Allotment Gardening Association (SCAGA)
Date
2009-03
Authors
Jacobs, Cindy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Cape Town’s growing economy has benefited greatly from its natural resources. The city
boasts the unique Table Mountain; Blue Flag beaches; and the distinctive fynbos of the Cape
Floral Kingdom, all of which have contributed considerably to the revenue generated by the
tourism industry. Even though the city’s economy appears robust, many people living in
townships on the Cape Flats continue to face a reality of being trapped in a state of
deprivation; unable to access those natural resources as a means to make a living; and unable
to cope with shocks, trends and seasonality in a dynamic, vulnerable society plagued by
inequitable distribution of wealth and environmental degradation.
Yet, while access to financial, natural (and other) assets is limited, poor people can rely upon
their social assets – or Social Capital (SC) in order to make a living.
This case study explores the three types of Social Capital – (i) Bonding SC (between project
beneficiaries), (ii) Bridging SC (between project beneficiaries and implementing agents) and
(iii) Linking SC (between implementing agents and local government organs) – in an attempt
to understand their impact on the livelihoods of project beneficiaries involved in the
Khayelitsha-based Siyazama Community Allotment Gardening Association (SCAGA). This
was done with the purpose of enabling development practitioners, government officials and
local people to work together to plan sustainable initiatives that enhance peoples’ quality of
life.
Although case studies have been criticised by some authors as lacking scientific rigor and do
not address generalisability, this study employed a case study approach due to its
appropriateness when dealing with a small number of participants and the specific context of
their complex real-life activities in great depth. By taking a post-positivistic stance, the
researcher was able to appreciate the different constructions and meanings that people place
upon their life experiences.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (Sociology and Social Anthropology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Sociology and social anthropology, Theses -- Sociology and social anthropology, Dissertations -- Community and development, Theses -- Community and development, Siyazama Community
Allotment Gardening Association, Social capital (Sociology) -- South Africa -- Khayelitsha, Social networks -- South Africa -- Khayelitsha, Squatter settlements -- South Africa -- Khayelitsha, Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Khayelitsha, Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Khayelitsha