Exploring adult education and community development in a rural project: A conceptual framework

Abstract

Conceptual frameworks developed during community development research are important in that they synthesise thinking about project dynamics (summative value) while also serving as frameworks for future research (heuristic value). This article discusses a conceptual framework developed from a case study of the Human Rights, Democracy and Development (HRDD) project, an adult education and development project in rural KwaZulu-Natal. The framework presents key features of the micro and macro environments of the project, while discussion of the framework engages with some of the dynamic interactions between these environments. After briefly presenting the features of the micro environment, the article then focuses in greater depth on the macro environment, examining the major forces in the macro-system of this project. This focus stems from the view that the socio-political character of the macro environment requires more explicit exploration in conceptual frameworks of a project operating in a post-conflict rural context such as KwaZulu-Natal. This brings to the fore the socio-political character of the macro-system within which family and community are located. Development interventions could benefit from being sensitive to these forces in project planning, implementation and evaluation phases.