As a social anthropologist and development manager my past and current research interest link specifically to my teaching. Past interest, see list of publications, focused on migration, urbanisation and social change issues (rural and urban anthropology); ethnicity and cultural diversity; the case for an holistic understanding of the realities of development, calling for, inter alia, interdisciplinary research regarding the role of NGO's, CBO's, indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and development theory and strategy.
The above interest shifted to the current research theme of the so-called "building blocks of development". In this regard the focus still is public participation; the social learning process, community capacity building, empowerment and sustainable development (Development Studies). The strongest current theme relate to public participation in development. This interest, inter alia, led to collaborative research with a social forester (two articles, a workbook and training manual on public participation strategies; a few articles and chapters in books and guidance of MA and MPhil-programme students on similar topics. (See list). In addition to public participation, a recurrent past and present theme has been integrated development planning, (IDP) specifically the IDP programme for Developmental Local Government in South Africa and the reconstruction and development programme (RDP). The last has lead to numerous capacity building short courses.
The strongest past and present research interest relates to appropriate social research methodology, specifically participatory action research (PAR), and participatory learning and action (PLA). The abovementioned research interest cover social anthropology and development studies fields of interest. It has lead to book reviews, articles, books, chapters in books, workshops, short courses, conference papers, numerous pre- and post graduate teaching programmes and the International Winelands Conference programme of which the 10th takes place on 5-7 April 2006. See website 10th Winelands Conference.
Research interests:
Development philosophy, theory, strategy, management and policy issues
- Development planning and project management
- Urban and Rural development management
- Public participation, social learning process, capacity-building and self-reliance, empowerment and sustainability issues
- Community development theory and strategy
- Local government planning (IDP, PPP and LED)
- Poverty issues
- Strategic planning and project management
- Social research methodology
Fields of interrest:
- Art, music, theater and film discourse
- Organic vegetable gardening
- DIY metalwork and electrical projects
- Electronics, audio-visual and sound technology
- Outdoor adventure/hiking/nature conservation