The efficacy of incorporating the import substitution industrialisation (ISI) theory into cooperatives: a strategy to enhance rural development in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, South Africa.
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Date
2023
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University of Zululand
Abstract
The study looks at the efficacy of incorporating the import substitution industrialisation (ISI) theory into cooperatives, as a strategy to enhance rural development in the King Cetshwayo district municipality, South Africa. Studies indicate that people in the rural communities of less economically developed countries (LEDCs) are faced with a variety of challenges that have detrimental effects on their daily livelihoods. Studies claim that poverty, unemployment, and income inequality are among the main challenges that these countries endure. Cooperatives represent a resilient, vibrant, and viable economic development alternative for LEDCs. Subsequently, to address the above-mentioned challenges, people in rural areas work collectively in cooperatives in pursuit of economic growth and development. The study aims to incorporate the ISI theory into cooperatives, as a strategy to enhance the rural economic development process in the king Cetshwayo district Municipality. The study followed a qualitative approach and therefore used qualitative data collection and analysis tools. The study used the Interpretivist paradigm. The use of this paradigm was largely influenced by the credence that interpretivism is anxious with the understanding of complex human behaviour and social settings. The exploratory research design was also followed using a phenomenological method to help explore the thoughts, experiences, and perceptions of the selected participants regarding cooperatives and their role in combating poverty, unemployment, and income inequality in King Cetshwayo district. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, focused group discussions, and document analysis. A non-probability sampling technique was used to purposefully select participants for this study. The data was analysed using Atlas.ti. The study discovered that as much as cooperatives do exist their current role has minimal impact in combating poverty, unemployment, and income inequality. The study revealed that cooperative members need to change their mind-set regarding the establishment and running of cooperatives. The study recommends that to strengthen cooperatives, the government should prioritise revisiting the legal framework governing cooperatives. Policies that seek to safeguard and protect cooperatives as local producers from mainstream producers and imports must be established. Incorporating the ISI traditions and ideologies in the conception of cooperatives will ensure that cooperatives thrive sustainably. The study further discovered that the ISI theory can be effective in enhancing the role of cooperatives in the rural development process, which will ultimately help combat the pressing issues of poverty, unemployment, and income inequality in the rural and marginalized communities of South Africa.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa [2023].