Integrating indigenous knowledge of selected rural areas of the Northern Cape into development project management

Abstract

This study investigated the extent of the integration of indigenous knowledge of selected rural areas of the Northern Cape Province in South Africa into development project management. South Africa has, in the past endeavoured to develop communities through projects, especially in rural areas but most of them have not done well. In addition, research has shown that high unemployment and poverty levels still seem to prevail. One of the reasons for this is the lack of involvement of communities and their knowledge of the whole project management process; thus, this study was conducted. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent to which IKs of the Northern Cape are part of the development project management process; to conduct a literature review on the project management process and IK; to empirically identify key IKs of indigenous communities in the rural areas of the Northern Cape Province for inclusion in the management of development projects; to integrate identified IKs of indigenous communities in the rural parts of the Northern Cape Province into the management of development projects; and to develop guidelines for practically integrating IK into the management of development projects in rural areas. A qualitative method of investigation was followed where a purposive sample of seven (7) rural development projects was drawn from all five municipal districts of the Northern Cape. These projects were identified as the main rural development projects from the sample frame provided by the Departments of Rural Development and Agriculture, and Economic Development, as well as the National Development Agency. This sample was therefore representative of rural development projects in the Northern Cape. Individual and focus group interviews were conducted with the members of the projects, as well as representatives from the departments mentioned above. The data obtained were then captured and analysed using Atlas.ti. The findings revealed the minimal involvement of indigenous communities and the minimal use of indigenous knowledge in the management of development projects which, in some instances, resulted in project management challenges, such as financial mismanagement and indecisiveness. Even the sparse indigenous knowledge used, was on an ad hoc basis. Based on the the empirical research, a framework for integrating IK into development projects is proposed to ensure that indigenous communities are actively involved, from the project’s initiation phase to the closure of the project.