Problematizing the rural spaces and positioning in the context of rural development: Case of Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Rural spaces and positioning can have a significant impact on rural development, but only if the individuals engaged receive all the assistance. To problematize rural spaces and positioning in the context of rural development, this paper focuses on a research project that was carried out in four rural spaces of Eshowe in the local municipality of uMlalazi. This paper argues that rural spaces offer a plethora of opportunities for investment and social cohesion for the livelihood of members of the self-help groups. This study aims to provide the guidance that rural spaces might require for the activities they execute in the context of rural development. This paper seeks to understand the challenges that the rural spaces and positioning in the uMlalazi municipality encountered. This study was carried out in the uMlalazi local municipality's rural areas, which are positioned in KwaZulu-Natal in Eshowe. In the interest of advancing women in this local municipality, programmes are being run in rural spaces. Both theory and document analysis are employed in this paper to examine this phenomenon. Focus group discussions and structured interviews were employed as part of a qualitative research methodology to gather data for the study. The interviews mainly covered the structures of organisation, activities, and functions that these self-help groups play in the different communities they serve. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The investigation's research design was a qualitative study method. The findings further suggest that there are challenges that the rural spaces and positioning encounter by rural development.