What does a rural destination area look like? Institutions and livelihoods in KwaDumisa

Abstract

Migration is a common strategy used by poor people to change their livelihood options. This case study looks at KwaDumisa, a rural destination area on the Eastern Seaboard which is allowing the indigent opportunities for enriching their lifestyle. It highlights the fundamental prerequisites for development to take place and identifies possible pitfalls which can inhibit development. The attractors to the area are good leadership and a resultant sound institutional system, provision of infrastructure and the possibility of pursuing multiple livelihood strategies in an economic climate of high unemployment. Pitfalls include uncontrolled and unplanned in‐migration which can give rise to violence and instability, slow delivery of infrastructure which leads to environmental degradation and loss of economic opportunity and, finally, the development of economic opportunities without thought to their forward and backward linkages, thus reducing the impact of these developments and the sustainability of the area.

Notes

Researcher, Rural Urban Studies Programme, Centre for Social and Development Studies, University of Natal, Durban.