A systemic review of the socio-economic status using participating rapid appraisal: case study of Ikageleng community in north-west province

Abstract

In the present era, which seeks the global development agenda driven by the Sustainable Development Goals, a plethora of developments are taking place. A comprehensive assessment of the socioeconomic status of Ikageleng village was conducted in the North-West province, South Africa, in order to profile the rural community using a participatory approach. The study on which this article is based revealed the villagers' potential towards coping strategies, along with the region's abundant yet untapped resources that could yield positive sustainable livelihoods for the inhabitants. The article contributes to the existing knowledge on stakeholder mobilisation, which is required for establishing an inclusive economy while aiming to improve the knowledge and practice of community development practitioners. The article advances critical theory on socioeconomic aspects and environmental benefits. The current conditions involve community problems, potential for job creation and a possibility of combating poverty. The catalyst for rural transformation in this instance is through a possible exploitation of the identified mineral resources for small-scale mining in Ikageleng village. The study orbits around the policy developments in the broad area of Local Economic Development. Further research is needed to operationalise the recommendations.