A profile of sustainable livelihood projects for the poor in the North West Provivince

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of sustainable livelihood projects to the poor, in relation to the development and improvement of the rural communities. Fifteen projects that were funded by the Department of Social Development in the North West Province were targeted . The purpose was to investigate whether sustainable livelihoods projects are making any impact in the lives of the members participating in the project. Questionnaires were distributed to the project members and were returned in good condition. The data was analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software, in order to make a valid and reliable interpretation of the data. The main findings confirmed that the projects have an impact on relieving the poor from poverty. The beneficiaries lives improved since the study indicated that, apart from their stipends, the y also receive proceeds from the garden after they have made the sales. The members of the sustainable livelihoods projects were confident that their project would not collapse, since they have their local markets to support them. There was no correlation between the areas where the projects existed and whether the project would advance. The projects were seen to be recording the same progress despite of the fact that they were placed in rural of urban areas. The study also highlighted that government's support was crucial to sustenance of the projects. The study also confirmed that sustainable livelihood projects are still relevant government programme, in respect of creating job opportunities for the poor in rural communities.