Theoretical and methodological guidelines for research on the development of Southern Africa∗

The aim of this article is to give a broad and fairly uncomplicated overview of two main aspects of developmental thinking with the purpose of proposing a framework within which development research could be coherently structured and hopefully advanced.

The first aspect concerns development theories. These are categorised as the orthodox, political economy and counter‐modernisation approaches. From an overview, certain conclusions are drawn and presented as possible guidelines for the structuring of research.

The second aspect attempts to highlight certain methodological implications of doing research which aims at improving the lot of the poor. It is stressed that this may imply certain uncomfortable reversals in what researchers should focus on.     

An appropriate development strategy for Southern Africa∗

The limited successes achieved with development in the Third World and the national states in Southern Africa have necessitated a considerable change in development thinking and practice. The conventional developmental approach, which is based on growth models, is inappropriate for the conditions in the LDCs. A new development approach, coupled with an appropriate development strategy, has culminated in the development literature.

In this article the poverty problem in Southern Africa is outlined as a general background, whereafter the new development approach and a few guidelines for an appropriate development strategy is discussed. The application of the new strategy in the circumstances of Southern Africa is highlighted.     

Utilisation of indigenous workers and its relevance to human service organisations and development projects in South Africa∗

The article discusses major issues related to the employment of indigenous workers in human service organisations and development projects.

Main motives for introducing this new type of worker and the essential tasks they perform as well as their unique attributes are presented.

The discussion concludes by advocating the expansion of the efforts in the South African context.     

Ciskei's business reforms in the context of regional development∗

In the May edition of Development Southern Africa (Vol 2, No 2), four papers discussed various aspects of the taxreforms in Ciskei. The general conclusion was that the steps would most probably not greatly assist Ciskei's economic development, in fact the opposite could be true: that the steps would harm the country's economic development

In this reply, Dr DHM Bridgman does not react to any of the papers in particular, but states the case for Ciskei: why the steps were taken and in what frame of reference; what Ciskei's expectations are, and why the previous situation could not continue.     

Globalization and socialization in China∗

The end of the Cold War has marked the rise of globalization as one of the contending issues in international relations. As a dominant wave of world transition, globalization requires the states to coordinate their behavior and align their policies and standards to a generalized principle of conduct or to certain suggested directions. While some states have actively and positively responded to these changes, a few others have struggled to retard the influence of globalization, viewing it as a threat to social stability, state sovereignty, and national and cultural identity. However, China shows a dual response to this challenge. It welcomes globalization as a way to enrich national competitiveness, and it confines the impact of globalization exclusively within the economic field only, lest its regime stability be shaken. Hence, this paper argues that the impact of globalization on Chinese international behavior falls short of a fundamental change in Chinese worldview. To prove this argument, this paper explores the Chinese characteristics of globalization and China's domestic impediments to limit socialization.     

Social networks and electronic commerce in China∗

Communications technologies that make up the emerging global information infrastructure have the power to regulate online behavior. Social networks in Chinese society have survived the growth of formal legal institutions and liberalization of China's economy, but it is not clear whether they can survive the regulatory pressures created by global information technology networks. The spread of electronic commerce technologies in China may strengthen legal institutions and open local markets to international competition, but is likely to be resisted by all the same interests that resist those changes in other contexts. The Chinese response to the spread of electronic commerce might take several forms: assimilation; marginalization; or localization of new forms of commercial activity that rely on new technologies.     

Land tenure in Mhala: Official wisdom ‘locked up’ in tradition and people ‘locked up’ in development∗

One of the main objectives of development in Gazankulu is the economic utilisation of the area's resources. A dominant perception underlying development in the region is that land as a resource is ‘removed from productive use’ because it is ‘locked up’ in the traditional tenure system.

However, what is officially taken to be traditional patterns of land use, actually has very little to do with tradition. Current patterns of land use in rural areas of Gazankulu are directly related to the history of the creation and the development of the national entity. In Mhala it is indeed not a question of ‘land locked up in tradition’ as official wisdom holds, but of people ‘locked up’ in development.     

Non-Agricultural Activities and Income Distribution in Rural Java∗

This paper addresses two problems relating to non-agricultural employment in rural Java, First, four possible determinants of non-agricultural income at the village level are examined: agricultural income, agricultural density, land distribution and location. Of these, the first two appear most significant. Second, the relationship between non-agricultural activities and rural income distribution is evaluated. In relative terms, income from non-agricultural activities is most important for landless and small farm households, although in absolute terms, large farmers derive sizeable income from this source. The evidence is that non-agricultural income serves to moderate income differences within villages.

     

Guidelines for services and amenities in developing communities∗

Urban development in Southern Africa has reflected western values and standards relating to health, safety, order, amenity, convenience and general welfare, and only incidentally to efficiency and economy. This article describes a project which relates to different value systems, and has different objectives. It highlights the imperatives for change, namely population growth, urbanisation and declining per capita GDP growth. In this milieu, the objective of affordability becomes paramount Standards are related to resources and are based on consultation with the developing community.

The article describes four key elements in the ‘Guidelines for Services and amenities’ being prepared by the CSIR for the Department of Development Aid, namely stormwater management, public transport, road layout and development density. It concludes by cautioning against development policies which deny or misunderstand the economic forces which drive the process of urbanisation.     

An overview of the capacity of existing institutions and structures in the less developed areas of Southern Africa to achieve rural development∗

A basic assumption of this paper is that the ultimate aim of rural development is to promote the well‐being of rural people. A conceptual framework is given of the interrelatedness of various subsystems in the rural development process, as well as of institutions which are necessary for successful rural development.

This paper systematically highlights important industrial and related operational factors responsible for the general failure of rural development efforts, and also focuses on the obstacles, limitations and constraints which have thwarted success. It is clear from the review of development institutions and their functional components that the present institutional arrangements for rural development in Southern Africa do not have a high probability of success due to glaring deficiencies. Changes must be brought about in the organisation and management of bureaucracies before rural development is likely to have any major impact.     

Renminbi internationalisation and China’s financial development

There is a widespread view that China’s currency can be used in international markets only after the liberalisation of China’s domestic financial markets and the opening of its capital account. Yet evidently the renminbi’s internationalisation is preceding these so-called preconditions. This article assesses the tensions inherent in renminbi internationalisation starting at a transitional period in China’s financial development. For now, effective capital controls allow the Chinese authorities to retain regulated deposit and lending rates, quantitative credit guidance and bond market rationing. Relaxation of the capital controls would put these policies at risk. Reserve requirements can be extended to bank inflows from the offshore market but only at a price.     

Harmonious development between green marketing and high-tech product

The green marketing is a popular marketing method. It has some advantages and characters. It meets the mordent man＇s need in large part. If we combine the green marketing with the high-tech product, we will see the better development in the high technology area.     

A proposed institutional framework for successful rural development in less developed areas of Southern Africa∗

Whatever aspects of institutional change are important for successful rural development, political power will inevitably be a determining issue. A strong national planning and development organisation to facilitate co‐ordination between government departments, parastatal and other organisations is essential. Coupled with this is the need for a national policy for action, with supporting services and adequate financial support. Suggestions have been put forward for decentralised, co‐ordinated and effective administrative organisations at village, district and regional level, with particular emphasis laid on village‐level participation in rural development programmes.

There should be an autonomous institution for the promotion of input supplies and marketing, consistent government financing, rural infrastructure and rural service centres, all of which are essential for successful rural development. It is important that the activities of the private sector be co‐ordinated at various levels as part of the national rural development effort. A politically acceptable land tenure code with appropriate legislative and judicial support needs to be built in to a rural development strategy.

It is essential that there be appropriate co‐ordination of research and extension through proper institutional mechanisms, so that it becomes an integral part of rural development planning.     

Information and Price Setting in a Rural Javanese Market∗

The paper examines the thesis established by Geertz and Dewey that Javanese rural trading practices, although well suited to the pasar marketing system, are maladaptive to larger scale trade. Focusing on a chilli marketing depot in Java the paper outlines the network of trading links which stretch from farmer to end-market, as well as the mechanisms of price setting and credit arrangements. The conclusions reached are that the volume and value of goods handled at this level are considerable and that both price setting and commercial relationships are largely stable. Constraints on entrepreneurial activity are attributed not to a Javanese peasant ethos of “shared poverty” but to lack of capital, dispersed markets, perishable goods and discontinuous information on supply of produce and current market prices.

     

Capital Utilisation in Indonesian Medium and Large Scale Manufacturing∗

This article presents the main results of a survey of the utilisation of existing productive capacity in the Indonesian manufacturing sector. It was found that although prevailing levels of capital utilisation in Indonesian manufacturing do not appear to be out of line with levels observed in other developing countries, there is scope for improvement in some sectors. The paper suggests some policy reforms which would improve the competitive environment for Indonesian manufacturing and increase the price ratio of capital to labour, thus promoting more intensive capital utilisation in the manufacturing sector.

     

Integrated development planning or strategic paralysis? Municipal development during the local government transition and beyond

The launch of the Local Government White Paper in March 1998 provides a blueprint for the final form of local government in South Africa after its progression from apartheid structures, through the democratisation of councils, t.o the creation of developmental local government. According to the White Paper local government will centre on municipalities which will coordinate all development activities at national, provincial and local level, from private and public sectors. Municipalities will need to gain control over their devel opment resources, including land use. This article scrutinises the municipal planning legislation that has emerged since the end of apartheid in the form of the Development Facilitation Act (DFA) and the Local Government Transition Act, and argues that the Land Development Objectives (LDOs) of the DFA may not be an appropriate way to achieve developmental local government. The article argues that development tribunals could usurp the executive authority of municipalities to determine land use and therefore risk being both unconstitutional and counterproductive. It recommends that existing plan ning legislation is rationalised into an integrated framework that gives local government structures both legislative and executive authority over land‐use planning.     

Evaluation of hotboxes in rural and peri‐urban areas∗

A hotbox, or wonderbox as it is commonly known, is a simple time, energy and money saving device for cooking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of wonderboxes on cooking patterns and household energy consumption in rural and peri— urban areas, and to make recommendations about the design of wonderboxes and about dissemination strategies. The research consisted mainly of questionnaires and interviews. In addition, practical experience was obtained in establishing a small wonderbox‐making enterprise.

The fuel most commonly used in conjunction with a wonderbox is paraffin, and in some cases possession of a wonderbox facilitated the transition from firewood to paraffin. There is little doubt that wonderboxes reduce energy consumption, but data on energy savings are inconsistent. It appears, however, that a wonderbox will recover its cost (usually about R12 in 1987) in less than six months.

While users of wonderboxes are appreciative of their fuel‐saving capabilities, the primary motivation in buying a wonderbox is usually convenience, time‐saving and the ability to leave food cooking while away at work. In fact, there were three times as many women in paid employment in the sample of wonderbox users, compared to non‐users.

Wonderboxes are apparently not perceived as being an inferior technology, which is often a problem with appropriate technology. They are rather seen in the context of advancement the transition from subsistence to wage employment, from noncommercial to commercial fuels, from drudgery to time‐saving. In promoting wonderboxes, this perception should be given as much or more emphasis than energy‐saving, and the drab appearance of the box should be changed.

While possession of a wonderbox has sometimes introduced changes in the pattern of food preparation and fuel use, it does not impose an inflexible and unfamiliar domestic regime on the household, which might have made wonderboxes unacceptable.

Many people are unaware of wonderboxes and their advantages, and this lack of knowledge is a constraint on dissemination. However, it is suggested in this report that the most serious constraint is that wonderboxes are unavailable except through a few, mainly non‐commercial, outlets. Two possible solutions to the problem of distribution should be investigated. The first is to make use of existing wholesale and retail networks. The second is the establishment of several small scattered wonderbox‐making enterprises in rural and peri‐urban areas, assisted by a central service organisation.     

The Indonesian Petroleum Industry: Current Problems and Future Prospects∗

The world price of oil weakened during 1985 and fell sharply in the first few months of 1986. This paper discusses the balance of payments and budget implications of these trends and looks at the long term future of Indonesia 's oil and gas sector. Issues analysed in detail include contractual arrangements with foreign companies, exploration activities, and developments in marketing, pricing and refining. The paper concludes with a discussion of natural gas developments.

     

Co-Morbidity and Other Complexities Affecting Black Women’s Health

This paper presents some of the major health concerns that affect black women, and examines how various individual health problems co-exist and coincide to create complex health concerns for women. It posits the idea that to effectively address a Black woman’s health, her mental, emotional, social, economic and even spiritual health must be considered as well as her physical condition. The paper focuses largely on the information from individual health-related research presentations at “The Invisible Woman” conference held at Bennett College in March 18–19, 2011 in Greensboro, North Carolina. At this event, scholars presented new research on HIV, obesity and mental health—three areas of critical concern for African–American women—examining ways in which these conditions affect Black women. The paper also addresses the role of health care access and policy in addressing these and other health concerns among women and within the black community. The review of the literature highlights the importance of examining health—perhaps especially Black women’s health—from social, cultural, behavioral, environmental and economic perspectives. It also points out the continued need for research that includes women and people of color.