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Collective Capacity to Aspire? Aspirations and Livelihood Strategies in the Zambezi Region, Namibia

Author

Listed:
  • Mascha Aring

    (University of Cologne)

  • Ole Reichardt

    (University of Cologne)

  • Ewaldine Menjono Katjizeu

    (University of Namibia)

  • Brendan Luyanda

    (University of Namibia)

  • Carolin Hulke

    (University of Cologne)

Abstract

This paper investigates rural development from a micro-level standpoint, focusing on individual and collective aspirations. We aim to deepen understanding of how a person’s socio-economic environment shapes their aspirations and simultaneously how aspirations contribute to future-oriented actions. In combining concepts of sustainable livelihoods and aspirations with a context of ‘ordinary uncertainties’ (Pine, Ordinary uncertainties: remembering the past and imagining the future at times of rupture and mobility. In: Paper presented at the conference “Rurality and Future-Making. Comparative Perspectives from Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean”, 22–24 May, Cologne, Germany, 2019), we discuss the role of individual and collective aspirations in developing livelihood strategies. Drawing on qualitative data from field research in Namibia’s Zambezi region, we identify crucial factors that influence aspirations: multiple uncertainties, experiences, and role models. Access to diverse experiences and social exchange shapes future-oriented aspirations, and therefore needs to be included in rural development strategies that account for diversity within communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Mascha Aring & Ole Reichardt & Ewaldine Menjono Katjizeu & Brendan Luyanda & Carolin Hulke, 2021. "Collective Capacity to Aspire? Aspirations and Livelihood Strategies in the Zambezi Region, Namibia," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 933-950, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:33:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1057_s41287-021-00412-1
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-021-00412-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Timothy Besley, 2017. "Aspirations and the political economy of inequality," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 69(1), pages 1-35.
    2. Travis J. Lybbert & Bruce Wydick, 2018. "Poverty, Aspirations, and the Economics of Hope," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 66(4), pages 709-753.
    3. Carolin Hulke & Jim Kariuki Kairu & Javier Revilla Diez, 2021. "Development visions, livelihood realities – how conservation shapes agricultural value chains in the Zambezi region, Namibia," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 38(1), pages 104-121, January.
    4. Bernard, Tanguy & Dercon, Stefan & Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum, 2011. "Beyond fatalism: An empirical exploration of self-efficacy and aspirations failure in Ethiopia," IFPRI discussion papers 1101, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    5. Chambers, R. & Conway, G. R., 1991. "Sustainable rural livelihoods: Practical concepts for the 21st century," IWMI Books, Reports H032821, International Water Management Institute.
    6. Tanguy Bernard & Alemayehu Seyoum Taffesse, 2014. "Editor's choice Aspirations: An Approach to Measurement with Validation Using Ethiopian Data," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 23(2), pages 189-224.
    7. Andrew Dorward, 2009. "Integrating Contested Aspirations, Processes and Policy: Development as Hanging In, Stepping Up and Stepping Out," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 27(2), pages 131-146, March.
    8. Tanguy Bernard & Alemayehu Seyoum Taffesse, 2014. "Aspirations: An approach to measurement with validation using ethiopian data," Post-Print hal-03022496, HAL.
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    Cited by:

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