ECD centres as change catalysts in sustainable rural livelihood development: Griekwastad, South Africa, as case study

Planning interventions in Africa that support sustainable rural development, and sustainable rural livelihoods as an extension thereof, are often considered in terms of broad-sweeping central government approaches. However, these homogenous approaches often disregard the differentiation that exists between different rural areas. In this article, the development of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres as micro-level planning interventions situated within the specific community circumstances of the rural areas of South Africa, are investigated as a change catalyst in sustainable rural livelihood development. This has been done by means of a literature survey and practical research. The main objectives were establishing a theoretical framework through literature studies pertaining to sustainable rural livelihood development, determining whether a community-integrated empowerment approach in this regard was a feasible option, and considering if the development of ECD centres in rural areas aligned with local community priorities and could consequently serve as entry point for sustainable rural livelihood development, and to reflect on the benefits and limitations of this approach as an integral part of sustainable rural livelihood development. In examining the relevance and applicability of the theoretical perspective, the Footprints of Hope ECD centre (a non-governmental organisation) in Griekwastad, Northern Cape (South Africa), was examined as case study. The main findings of this study indicate that the establishment of ECD centres could be an effective change catalyst in sustainable rural livelihood development, especially when approached in an integrated and multidimensional manner. Specific aspects highlighted are the importance of community-driven grassroot initiatives, circumstance-specific approaches towards sustainable rural livelihood development, and the empowerment of local communities through the provision of ECD, employment, skills training, and food security. However, isolated instances of micro-development initiatives cannot effectuate broader sustainable rural livelihood development, and thus, an enabling policy and legal framework as well as the mobilisation of non-governmental organisations is required in this regard.