The present study attempts to clarify questions concerning the validity of participatory strategies by comparing the practical results with the theoretical objectives. To accomplish this, an internationally renowned participatory project, Brazil's Garbage-Purchasing project located in the municipality of Curitiba, is evaluated using the qualitative-based RRA methodology. The findings reveal a project colored by municipal political objectives and where the supposed beneficiaries, residents of the Jardim da Ordem area, refuse any further involvement with the project. The study details how the social and political contexts are determining factors in the development of the participation. Furthermore, it is clearly demonstrated that the absence of appropriate measures to address the community's social structure shows that participation alone does not result in the theoretical objectives---the community's involvement in the decision-making process and the achievement of sustainable development.

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This thesis interrogates the Matabeleland disturbances of 1980-1987 by analysing the conflict narratives promulgated by the ZANU-PF and how these narratives directly impacted the socio-political construction of violence that was enacted during that period. Of critical relevance is the interplay between the revolutionary narratives manufactured and imposed by the ZANU-PF regime and the myriad of contrasting, yet subjugated counter-narratives that were formulated as alternative resistances by the recipient communities. Through in-depth interview and document analysis methodologies, this research deconstructs the generative nature of scripted violence through the exploration of five salient themes employed by the ZANU-PF to produce its political meta-narrative: Ethnicity, Nationalism, Loyalty, Legitimacy and Unity. This study explores the power and function of narrative discourse in the formulation of ethnic identities, nation-state ordering, historical exclusion, political discipline, and social uniformity. The premise of this dissertation suggests that durable peace in Zimbabwe will only be realised to the degree that the silenced victims of the Matabeleland massacres are afforded a public voice and a sustained recognition in the historic, collective memory of that nation. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2009.

This study, Women's participation in housing delivery in South Africa: the extent of empowerment in post 1994 era, with specific reference to case studies in KwciZulu-Natal, begins with the premise that post-apartheid housing policies, compared to those of the apartheid era, have provided women with greater access to housing. In 1994 the housing backlog was estimated to be about 3.5 million units, with the majority of those in need of shelter being African women. This backlog was due to past policies that largely excluded women from ownership and access to capital or resources to build formal housing. The changes wrought by the democratic dispensation, such as constitutional provision for gender equality, promised women greater participation in the social , political and economic spheres of the country. The recognition of gender equality and housing as rights protected within the constitution was reinforced by pronouncements in various policy documents, such as the housing White Paper that underlined the need for women's involvement in shelter development. The aims of this study are to examine women's participation in housing delivery and to assess the extent of empowerment arising from their involvement in post-1994 housing development. The emphasis in this study on empowerment arises from the fact that housing development.is set within a participatory and empowerment paradigm in the current housing policy. The study discusses participation in "shelter" as embodied in notions of self-help and as appl ied by implementing agencies such as the World Bank, local government municipals and non-governmental organisations. The analysis indicates that to understand women's role in the housing process, there is a need to move beyond the project approach used by implementing agencies, to a multi-relational approach that focuses on the relationships, processes, and levels of involvement at the implementation and post-implementation stages. The scope of empirical material is confined to KwaZuluNatal , although South African national past and present policy is analysed in the earl y chapters. The question this study raises is whether women will be able to make substantial improvements to the core structure provided through the subsidy, due to their weak economic position. Through a gender analysis of the participation process, the study sheds light on women's roles and examines the extent to which women, in particular, have been empowered. Both qualitative and quantitative research instruments were employed to gather data on women's involvement in housing development in the KwaZulu-Natal region chosen for the case studies. The specific areas studied were Nthutukoville, Glenwood II and Thembalihle in Pietermaritzburg and Luganda and Ezilweleni in Durban. The findings of this study show that women were involved at various levels in the housing delivery process and at varying degrees. The findings of this study yielded different levels of participation which were taken to be indicators of the level of empowerment. These were for instance, decision-making, implementation, post-implementation activities and small business development. In all the areas studied, all the top leadership positions were held by men; in the lower levels the gender representation was equal. In two areas, women played a central role in decision-making and this appears to have been influenced by the high level of consultation with the community. In three areas, women played a marginal role in decision-making, an issue that appears to have been influenced by their roles in the household as well as the influence of the local authorities in the projects. In all the areas except one, women held their stereotypical position of secretary. Where they held the position of treasurer, it was based on the stereotypical notion that they were more trustworthy in money matters than men. The representation of women in decision-making did not challenge the gender ideology that entrenches their subordination, an area that has to be addressed in housing projects if women are to take control of their lives. Few women compared to men were trained in construction. The reasons for this point to both a strong male bias as well as societal attitudes about gender roles in society. Both men and women learnt skills such as plumbing, plastering, and painting, on the job through their involvement in providing labour. The role of women in housing delivery extended to the post-implementation level where they were involved in urban greening and microenterprises. Women were also involved in the production and distribution of bricks in three communities but they did not benefit from selling to the subsidy beneficiaries, a situation that calls for government support of their activities through the awarding of supply contracts. The elements of these indicators point to the level of women's empowerment as shown in the areas studied. These indicators combined to form what this study refers to as the multi-relational linkages approach to women's participation in shelter delivery. Although various factors are shown to constrain women's involvement at the different levels, the model highlights the role of women and the sustainability of their empowerment as well as the gaps, and points to ways in which these can be addressed. This study therefore recommends the adoption of the multi-relational linkages approach in understanding women's empowerment in shelter delivery and future policy framing . The conclusion argues that women's participation in shelter development cannot be understood by examining their role in one aspect of delivery; the role of women in various aspects is what constitutes their empowerment. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

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The study was conducted in the Amazizi Traditional Administrative Council Area, in the Obonjaneni community, which is the closest community to the Royal Natal Park, KwaZulu-Natal. The aim of the research was to evaluate how trust-based relationships can affect the ability of protected area managers to meet the objective of biodiversity conservation. The objectives of the study involved determining the nature and basis of the current relationship between communities and park authorities in the Royal Natal Park; determining the resilience of their relationship and commenting on how these relationships might be better developed. Data collection was undertaken using focus groups from the community; key informant interviews with Park authorities (represented by the Officer in Charge), the Community Conservation Officer, and the Tribal Authority (represented by the inkosi). Three dimensions of trust, adapted from Grunig and Hon (1999), were used as a conceptual framework in investigating the extent to which trust can be assessed in the case study. The dimensions of trust are: integrity, competence, and dependability. The researcher found that there is no forum for the exchange of ideas where the Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW) authority can act to address community concerns and facilitate the formulation of greater levels of trust. Several issues came up during data collection which showed that all the three dimensions of trust were under serious threat. There was inadequate communication amongst all the parties involved. Misunderstanding and the lack of adequate communication are key threats to trust between these parties. Findings draw attention to deficiencies in the competence and dependability of all parties and in the ability to develop and maintain trust-based relationships. In order to develop a better relationship between the community of Obonjaneni and the Royal Natal Park authorities, it is recommended that the Park involves the community members of Obonjaneni, who are the interested and affected party, in decision-making processes that directly affect them. This entails the formation of a forum for the exchange of ideas and one where the EKZNW authority can act to address community concerns – and where the community can voice its concerns. Furthermore, success in meeting the main objective of the park, that of biodiversity conservation; requires recognition among all stakeholders that the Park alone cannot solve poverty and underdevelopment in the surrounding areas. Other Government Departments also need to be involved in poverty reduction. The Park also needs to continue to play its role of providing resources and improving the communication with surrounding communities: these are critical areas of competency of the park authorities. Communities, because they have different levels of understanding and capacity, need to be helped to understand issues of conservation. Sharing the same set of values, which in this case is biodiversity conservation, may be successful if people, despite issues of poverty, are made to understand the critical importance of such a conservation ethic. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.

In recent years within South Africa, good governance has become a governmental goal with sound public participation processes becoming a core element of good governance practices. As a result of this goal, most decision-making tools have an element of public participation within them: a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is one such tool. This study aimed to examine the governance processes within the draft Mkhondeni Stream Catchment (MSC) area SEA with particular reference to public participation. Five objectives were conceived to achieve this aim. The first objective involved an examination of the public participation processes as articulated by the legislation. The second objective involved an examination of the public participation processes of the draft MSC area SEA. The third objective was to determine whether the ‘deliberation’ or public participation process was adequate. The fourth objective was to investigate how the draft MSC area SEA was framed and reframed by key stakeholders. The fifth and last objective of this study was to reflect on the public participation process and how it may be strengthened. Against the background of a focused literature review on good governance practices, public participation and SEAs, the fieldwork undertaken involved a qualitative approach using key informant interviews and random community member’s interviews. The key informant interviews were held with what are widely considered to be the key stakeholders within the MSC area SEA process. Random interviews were held with Ashburton community members to add value to this study by allowing for a wider perspective from general community members to be understood. There were 5 objectives that are set out for this study and they were achieved. Objective 1 is achieved through an examination into the public participation processes as articulated by the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and legislation. The findings reveal that there is sufficient legislation and processes with regards to public participation in terms of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs); however it is noted that there is a lack of clarity with regards to the public participation processes and legislation within the SEA process and at present there are only recommendations for best practice. Objective 2 and 3 are achieved as they dealt with the understanding and adequacy of the public participation processes within the draft Mkhondeni SEA. The findings generated allow for the public participation methods and process used to be noted and in relation to the methods and process used the public participation process was deemed to be inadequate as it did not meet the minimum requirements stipulated by legislation in terms of public participation within an environmental assessment as well as the recommendations for best practice. Objective 4 is achieved by investigating how the draft SEA is framed by the key stakeholders. Out of the results the emerging themes that were identified within this study were that of: (a) Misrepresentation of the community by the Preservation of the Mkondeni Mpushini Biodiversity Trust (PMMBT); (b) the SEA being viewed as a learning process in which a lack of clarity emerged amongst interested and affected parties (I & APs) about the exact process that needed to be carried out to achieve the SEA; (c) a lack of trust in the government to take the comments of the community into consideration; (d) the importance of education within society about environmental tools, such as the SEA, and their uses; and (e) the need for social development to be considered alongside environmental concerns within the Ashburton area. And lastly, objective 5 is achieved as the public participation process within the draft SEA is reflected upon and recommendations are made. These recommendations deal with the following: (1) Involvement in the Formulation of the ToR, (2) Identification of I & APs, (3) Feedback, (4) Capacity Building and Education needs and (5) Management of the SEA Process. The intention of the researcher is that the knowledge derived from engaging with interviewees and from researching relevant literature will be used to improve future decision-making processes with the overall aim of improving the relationship between the relevant authorities and communities affected by so-called development. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.