This study investigated the nature and impact of the challenges in the decision-making process. However, external challenges such as unbalanced power relations are usually impossible to resolve during the PPP.
INTRODUCTION
- BACKGROUND
- PROBLEM STATEMENT
- AIM OF THE STUDY
- RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
- OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGY
- THESIS STRUCTURE
The focus of the study is purposively based on the PPPs conducted under vulnerable IAAPs. This chapter also recommends effective PPP approaches for effective inclusion of the vulnerable IAAPs in the decision-making process.
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION OF KEY CONCEPTS USED IN THIS STUDY
- Description of Public Participation
- The Notion of Community
- Interested and Affected Parties
- Vulnerable Interested and Affected Parties
This process ensures that stakeholder input is included in decision-making (Glasson, Therivel, & Chadwick, 1995). Understanding community participation in decision-making should begin with an introduction to the concept of community.
DYNAMICS OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
- Power relations
- Social Empowerment
- Manipulation of Public Participation
- Rural Traditional System Influence on Public Participation
- Rural Traditional System Influence on the Role of Youth in Public Participation
- Rural Traditional System Influence on the Role of Women in Public Participation
Social empowerment programs can enable even the most vulnerable groups to participate effectively in the PPPs. Women and youth are identified as the most vulnerable subgroups in a traditional rural context.
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE OF COMMUNICATION MODES
- Oral Culture
- Definition and Functioning of Oral Culture
- Strengths and Limitations of Oral Culture
- Literate Culture
- The Nature and Functioning of Literature Culture
- Strengths and Limitations of Literate Culture
Aspects of oral culture in Africa include interpersonal communication and folk media channels predominantly in rural areas (Lejakane, 1997). Low literacy rates and lack of communication infrastructure are associated with oral culture and rural communities.
AN OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION
The PPP culminates in the preparation and submission of the EA report to the relevant authorities. Based on the EA report, the relevant authority issues a ROD for or against the proposed development (Greyling, 2002; Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, 2002; Galpin, 1995).
CASE STUDY RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- Brief Background of Case Study Methodology
- Designing Case Studies
- Case Study Data Collection and Processing Steps
- Selecting Units of Analysis in Case Studies
- Case Study Data Collection
- Case Study Data Analysis
- Reporting Case Studies
Yin (1994) also suggests that the weakness of the case study method appears to be severe on a case-by-case basis. The image of the case study method remains in the 21st century (Yin, 2003).
CONCLUSION
The purpose of data analysis is to process the collected data and create meaning from it. The primary goal of data analysis is "...to bring order, structure and meaning to the mass of data collected" (De Vos, 2002:339). Case study analysis also involves examining, categorizing and tabulating evidence to address study propositions (Yin, 2003; Elsenhardt, 2006).
As a result, the structure of the report is guided by the principles of academic writing. This chapter argued that the participation of vulnerable IAAPs in rural areas is also limited by social inequalities that form an integral part of the socio-cultural context. Such limiting factors make it difficult for vulnerable IAAPs to participate effectively in PPPs.
In addition, the chapter discussed the theoretical aspects of the methodology used in this research study.
RESEARCH METHODS
- INTRODUCTION
- STEPS FOLLOWED TO CONDUCT THIS STUDY
- SAMPLING METHODS
- DATA GATHERING METHODS
- DATA ANALYSIS
- CHALLENGES IN PLANNING RESEARCH METHODS
- CONCLUSION
As discussed in Chapter 2, the literature was reviewed to develop a theoretical context of the topic of this study. The literature review also helped to become familiar with the theoretical aspects of the phenomenon examined in this study and the context of the PPPs. Observed hints have been incorporated into the presentation of the PPP cases and the research results in Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 respectively.
Evidence gathered through observation is important to understand the real context of the PPP cases. Presentation of the emerging understanding generalized on the participation of the vulnerable IAAPs in the PPPs. The total population of the PPP cases conducted under the vulnerable IAAPs in KZN is large.
This challenge should be included in the debate about the validity of the case study method.
PRESENTATION AND PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF CASES
INTRODUCTION
THE DESCRIPTION OF CASES
- Irrigated Agricultural Project
- Description of the Irrigated Agricultural Project
- Public Participation Process for the Irrigated Agricultural Project
- uMzumbe Regional Cemetery
- Description of the uMzumbe Regional Cemetery
- Public Participation Process for the uMzumbe Regional Cemetery
- Shemula Citrus Farming
- Description of the Shemula Citrus Farming
- Public Participation Process for the Shemula Citrus Farming
- P69 Road
- Description of P69 Road
- Public Participation Process for the P69 Road
- Estcourt / Ladysmith Community Access Roads
- Description of the Estcourt / Ladysmith Community Access Roads
- Public Participation Process for the Estcourt / Ladysmith Community Access Roads
This case study presents the background and context of the proposed project and the reasons for the changes in ownership. After the withdrawal of the proposed project, the EA and PPP were also withdrawn. This was followed by the withdrawal of EA and PPP (Natural Resources Institute, 2005c).
IAAPs indicated that they became aware of the proposed development and public meetings through the KKD. The traditional leader of the area, Inkosi Nyawo and local residents supported the proposed project. The participation of local youth in PPP was hindered by cultural values.
Young people had different ideas about the value of the proposed development project than the elderly.
ASPECTS OF CHALLENGES MANIFESTED IN THE FIVE CASES
- Origin and ownership of the Proposed Development Projects
- Required Land Size and Current Use of the Proposed Sites
- Prospects for Benefits Associated with the Proposed Projects
- Jobs
- Service Delivery
- Modes of Communication Used to Consult Stakeholders
- Levels of Cooperation by Interested and Affected Parties
- The Nature of Participation by the Vulnerable Interested and Affected Parties
- Local Experience in Relation to the Proposed Development Projects
- Imbalanced Power Relations Among Interested and Affected Parties
- Outcomes of Public Participation Process
It is evident that the extent of land required for proposed development projects and the effect this development may have on current land use has influenced the perception and behavior of the IAAPs in the PPPs. As has been the case with land-related issues, it is assumed that the IAAPs assessed job opportunities to determine the value of the proposed development project. The limited use of the written word to comment on the proposed development projects corresponds to the limited effect of print media to communicate with the IAAPs.
In the case of the Shemula Citrus Project, a group of stakeholders that did not support the proposed project made it difficult for other IAAPs to participate in the PPP. One interviewee indicated that one of the community's seventeen access roads, the Catchment Road, was planned in the 1960s. The experiences of the recent past were raised in two projects, the Shemula Citrus Farming and the P69 Road.
On the other hand, it is assumed that the community engaged the proposer on the basis of the intrinsic value of the land.
CONCLUSIONS
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
INTRODUCTION
KEY PUBLIC PATICIPATION CHALLENGES
This section identifies and categorizes the key challenges that have arisen during the implementation and management of public-private partnerships. The nature and impact of the challenges are not discussed in detail in this section. Each key challenge may include one or more of the nine challenge aspects presented in Section 4.3.
The EAPs do not have full control over the external environmental factors of the PPPs. Factors related to the planning of the proposed development projects are not entirely internal to the PPPs, as the proponent alone is responsible for this process. However, the EAPs can have input by advising proponents in dealing with certain aspects of the EAs.
In some cases, the magnitude of impact of proposed development projects may be overstated or underestimated based on stakeholder perception.
INFLUENCES OF CHALLENGES ON THE ROLE OF INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES
- Lack of Environmental Legislation Awareness among Vulnerable Stakeholders
- Imbalanced Power Relations Among Interested and Affected Parties
- Negative Past Experience
- Threats to Environmental Autonomy
- The State of Project Readiness
Lack of awareness about environmental legislation is one of the challenges that limits the participation of vulnerable IAAPs in PPPs. Lack of awareness about environmental policies is not a challenge that can be sufficiently resolved within the context of PPP cases. Socially defined roles have implications for the participation of vulnerable IAAPs in PPPs.
The challenge of unbalanced power relations was not solvable, as this would require efforts beyond the scope of public-private partnerships. A key challenge faced by the EAP in the case of the irrigated agriculture project was related to the state of readiness of the project. The irrigated agriculture project is a classic example of the consequences of poor project preparation.
Had it not been for the socio-economic interest of the local stakeholder, there is a possibility that the delays could have hindered the PPP.
APPROPRIATENESS OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESSES APPROACHES
Guidelines for implementing the PPPs set out in environmental legislation require the use of print media to notify and consult IAAPs on proposed development projects. Due to high levels of illiteracy and lack of access to information technology, most IAAPs were unable to submit written comments. Le Roux (1998) and Barberton (1998) also believe that the success of print media in rural areas is limited by high levels of illiteracy and a lack of access to communication facilities.
Although the challenges posed by inappropriate means of communication did not hinder the PPPs to any great extent, the use of print media among vulnerable IAAPs limited the accessibility of information. It should be noted that although the print media faces a number of challenges, this is not a fatal flaw for the PPPs as this can be addressed through alternative communication approaches. In both cases, notices about the proposed development projects were first announced through the print media before returning to word of mouth.
This approach emphasized the written word for audiences with poor access to print media and high levels of illiteracy.
COMBINED IMPACT OF CHALLENGES AND APPROACHES ON THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS OUTCOME
- Combined Impact of the Challenges and Approaches for Irrigated Agricultural Project
- Combined Impact of Challenges and Approaches for uMzumbe Regional Cemetery
- Combined Impact of Challenges and Approaches on the Shemula Citrus Farming
- Combined Impact of Challenges and Approaches on the P69 Road Project
- Combined Impact of Challenges and Approaches on the Estcourt/Ladysmith Community Access Roads
The researcher of this study developed a template with the aim of showing the combined impact of the challenges and the suitability of the PPP approaches. In this template, text boxes provide examples of the key challenges and the types of PPP approaches that impact a particular PPP outcome. In this case, the combination of solvable problems and the application of an appropriate approach led to the successful completion of the PPP.
Successful completion of the PPP simply means that the VM was completed by the PPA. Except for the lack of awareness of the EA legislation, the other three challenges were part of the external environment of the PPP. Two of the three challenges are related to external environmental factors of PPP.
However, it was also apparent that creating awareness of EA within a PPP was not necessarily sufficient.
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- INTRODUCTION
- SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
- UNDERSTANDING EMERGING FROM THIS STUDY
- RECOMMENDATIONS
- Planning stage
- Initiating and managing Public Participation Process
- TOPICS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
The discussion on the nature of the challenges in Chapter 5 culminated in the presentation of the PPP results. Discussions on the combined impact of the challenges and the suitability of the PPP approaches. Fourth, the appropriateness of the PPP approaches is crucial for involving the IAAPs in decision-making.
Fifth, the combined impact of PPP challenges and approaches affect the PPP outcome. A combination of solvable challenges and appropriate approaches often lead to the successful completion of PPPs. Sixth, the impact of PPP challenges and approaches affects the quality of participation by vulnerable IAAPs.
The flexibility of the PPP approach will be useful in the event that the EAP encounters circumstances that require adjustments to.
Eds) Land, labor and livelihoods in rural South Africa: Vol.2, KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Province. Shemula Citrus Farming: Minutes of Public Participation Meetings held on 07 April 2005 at Jozini Municipality Council Chambers.
GUIDELINE QUESIONNAIRE
