An evaluation of the integrated sustainable rural development programme highlighting stakeholder mobilisation and engagement

Abstract

The contribution of government, non-governmental organisations and the private sector towards rural development has surfaced in many forms during the different rural development experiences since the 1950s. The South African Government’s Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme (ISRDP) is characterised by a notable emphasis for intensified stakeholder participation in rural development. The ISRDP established certain principles that impact on the level of stakeholder mobilisation for the programme. This study aims to explore the level and nature of stakeholder engagement in the implementation of the ISRDP. The experiences by selected nodes (municipalities) on these stakeholder relationships are explored. The involvement of the three spheres of government, the private sector, the community, funders and other partners is also discussed. The results of the study indicate that stakeholder mobilisation for the ISRDP in the nodal municipalities has not reached its maximum level in terms of the integration of existing rural development projects, resource mobilisation, community participation, and communication. Arguments of why this is happening and recommendations to improve the situation are provided.