Page 52 - Research Report 2025.1

resources, and training. The implication is that government and NGO support should focus on enhancing agricultural productivity through better access to markets, extension services, and financial support. This would help rural farmers scale their operations, diversify their income, and strengthen food security.
5. Expanding Market Access through Craft Exhibitions:
Craft exhibitions and festivals provide rural artisans with a platform to access broader markets, increasing their sales and income potential. This highlights the importance of creating opportunities for SMMEs to connect with buyers and investors. The implication is that these exhibitions could be expanded and held more frequently to provide continuous market access for rural entrepreneurs. Additionally, partnerships with organisations like SEDA and DEDEAT should be strengthened to identify funding gaps and provide support for these small businesses. Expanding digital marketing platforms or online exhibitions could also allow rural crafters to reach a wider audience.
6. Collaborative Economic Forums for Community Empowerment:
Collaborative forums, such as the Local Economic Development (LED) forum and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) forum, provide essential spaces for rural communities to address their economic challenges. These platforms facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaboration among farmers, community members, and other stakeholders. The implication is that these forums should be supported and expanded to include more sectors of the rural economy. Encouraging broader participation from diverse community members and expanding the scope of these forums could result in more comprehensive and inclusive economic development strategies.
7. Diversification into Manufacturing for Income Stability:
The shift toward manufacturing, particularly in producing aluminium doors and windows, represents a promising avenue for income diversification in Alfred Nzo. Manufacturing offers new employment opportunities and helps stabilize local economies by introducing non-agricultural income sources. The implication is that investment in rural manufacturing, infrastructure, and skills development could significantly enhance economic resilience. Government policies that encourage rural industrialisation and provide the necessary training and financial support for small manufacturing businesses would promote diversification and long- term economic stability in rural areas.
4. How significant is the contribution of social networks and indigenous knowledge in strengthening resilience?
Theme 1:
Contribution of Social Networks in Strengthening Resilience
This theme explores the vital role that social networks play in fostering resilience within rural communities, partic-
ularly during disasters and times of economic difficulty. These networks, rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu
which emphasises mutual care and interdependence operate at multiple levels to provide formal and informal support, including emo- tional, financial, and informational assistance.
Social cohesion
Social cohesion in rural communities is deeply rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasises mutual care and interdependence. Participant 1 highlighted the importance of Ubuntu, explaining how community members, including friends, families, and religious leaders, come together to help one another during disasters. This mutual support system ensures that those affected by disasters receive shelter, food, and emotional care. Traditional leadership, church leaders, and local community figures play a key role in coordinating these efforts, promoting a sense of unity and responsibility for the well-being of others. Formalised support structures, such as Community- Based Organisations (CBOs), Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), and Special Programs Units (SPUs), also play an essential role in fostering social cohesion. Participant 6 discussed how these organisations, including AIDS councils and other support groups, provide communication and coordination channels during times of crisis. Social networks among farmers are particularly strong, fostering mutual aid during agricultural crises. Participant 5 recalled a significant disaster in Matatiele, where farmers came together to support one another. Even farmers from neighboring areas, such as Harding and Drakensburg, offered handouts and assistance, helping their peers cope with the loss of cattle and other hardships. This solidarity ensured that affected farmers could navigate the crisis without falling into severe economic distress.
Participant 1
“The community based bodies, you know, people, they are able to listen to their their structures, in local structures to their leaders. Maybe, church leaders and people like that when they in their traditional leadership with their friends and families. And they they help each other. You know, there’s still err in rural areas, there’s a spirit of Ubuntu. Mhmm. So, people care, they they they kind of, will help each other through disasters and house each other and provide each other with with stuff”
Participant 6
“Of course, community-based organisations and NPOs. Because we have we have a program, the SPU, Special programs Unit. Yes. Aids councils. There’re the support groups. Yeah. We have the support groups. That are assisting people. Those are the all means of com- munication. Okay. Oh. Our office that is special programs unit.”
Participant 5
“I think in the past 3 or 4 years, there was a disaster that was very, very critical in Matatiele. But I could see the way the farmers, worked together and the way they supported one another in making sure that no one would lose his life out of depression. We could see farmers from Harding. Drakensburg coming and giving handouts and support farmers affected. A lot of cattle had died,
it was painful to see. By the time the premier arrived the farmers where already supporting each other. I am not sure if it is the mindset of the white farmers within the district. That’s where I saw, social networks and families assisting each other.”
Focus Group participant
“In terms of social networks, it is the relationships and the arrange- ments that we as communities build so that in the event of issues, we can come together to support each other.”
50 | STUDY OBJECTIVE II