Evaluating the efficacy of Local Economic Development program on poverty alleviation in Collins Chabane Local Municipality

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficacy of the Local Economic Development (LED) program in alleviating poverty in Collins Chabane Local Municipality, a rural locality with profound socio-economic issues. The research draws on secondary data from municipal reports, government policy documents, and peer-reviewed literature to explore ways in which LED activities facilitate poverty relief. Poverty relief is facilitated in three ways: skills development; small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) support, and self-employment. The research is underpinned by a qualitative desktop-based. The study adopts a constructivist research paradigm. Employing an exploratory research design, the study seeks to investigate the efficacy of the LED program on poverty alleviation in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. The research approach is inductive, allowing for the emergence of Endogenous Growth Theory through thematic synthesis of existing literature. Despite the potential programs with common challenges such as under-funding, low institutional capacity, inadequate technical expertise, and limited infrastructure, LED programs limit their abilities to alleviate poverty. By discussing the inclusiveness and effectiveness of LED methods in Collins Chabane Local Municipality, the study addresses a gap in the body of research on rural LED impacts and provides possible practical solutions in alleviating poverty and promoting service delivery in rural communities.