social science that makes a difference michael gastrow bongani nyoka 15 november 2013 linking...
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Social science that makes a difference
Michael Gastrow
Bongani Nyoka
15 November 2013 15 November 2013
Linking universities and communities to promote livelihoods:
What are the enablers of academic interaction with marginalised communities?
Linking universities and communities to promote livelihoods:
What are the enablers of academic interaction with marginalised communities?
Social science that makes a difference
Social science that makes a difference
Research focusResearch focus
What facilitates or constrains interactions between universities and marginalised communities in relation to livelihoods in
informal settings?
Innovation
Liveli-hoods
Informal settings
Marginalised communities
AcademicEngage-
ment
Department of Science and Technology Engagement between CTTS and Bambanani: University of the Western Capefundiung, governance
TIA Tshumisano Trust governance Product innovation: Amy Biel Foundation Social work students
Technology Stations Programme designs, patterns, prototypes HIV Yabonga informal relationships
Emavundlenifunding Process innovation:
CPUT Faculty of Engineering efficiency, productivity, quality, process flow Bambanani (NGO/social enterprise)Dept of Clothing and Textile Technology Sewing project Schools programme
Clothing and Textiles Technology Station Tech upgrading: (social enterprise) Food gardenInstitutionalised new equipment, access to CPUT equipment 5 employees Creative artsrelationship training 15 people
Service Learning Unit Market access: Centre for Community Engagement (DVC's office) access to CPUT market, buyers, strategic assistance
funding
Strategy development: strategy workshops, ongoing dialogue WC Department of Social Development
Community Chest (NGO)Skills development: National Lottery (Government agency)training, students placements, intern placements Old Mutual (firm)
Knowledge transfer: formal/technical knowledge (CPUT->Bamabanani)tacit knowledge (Bambanani->CPUT)
Participation: activities decided upon by both partners
Drivers of interactionDrivers of interaction
Micro-social enterprise
• NGO as agency to broker
relationships • Need to access to formal markets• Shortage of skills • => proactive innovation strategy
UoT interface structure
• Technology Stations mechanism• National HE policy • UoT mission • CTTS mission
=>intellectual and social
developmental imperatives
Social science that makes a difference
EnablersEnablers
• CTTS:• Availability of high-technology equipment and expertise • Funding and technical expertise of the national technology station• Approach to identify niche areas and to work in an inclusive manner • Ability to access government funding programmes• Funding for interns to work directly with the social enterprise and lead
teams of students • Mission and role of the university of technology
• Student placement• Strategic and proactive leadership of the NGO • Tacit skills and knowledge that the women in the micro-social enterprise have
to offer • Capacity of the NGO to learn from the interaction, and the capacity to source
technology support
Social science that makes a difference
Ebenhaeser fishing communityEbenhaeser fishing community
• History of marginalisation in informal settings
• Community livelihood built on traditional fishing practices
• Need for new knowledge about the sustainability of these practices
• Increasing pressure from government actors to demonstrate
sustainability
Social science that makes a difference
National Research Foundation Innovation:funding New fishing practices with smaller net
University of Cape Town mesh size Ebenhaeser fisher communityOther Faculties Social innovation: new organisational Fishers committee
postgraduate students, knowledge structures and improved capacity to engage research participation, local and indigenous knowledge
Environmental Evaluation Unit with government actorscommon social agenda knowledge, facilitation, research, Codification of traditional and local k.collaborative advocacy capacity-building
project partners Research and Knowledge:Masifundisi New knowledge about sustainability ofCoastal Links facilitation and advocacy fishing practice
Bi-directional knowledge flow, includinglocal and traditional knowledge
Legal Resources Centrelegal support Capacity building:
Research trainingOrganisational trainingIntellectual benefits for HEI actors
Intermediary roles:Facilitation of meetings with governmentAdvocacyInstitution-buildingCatalyst for further NGO partnerships
Drivers of interactionDrivers of interaction
Ebenhaeser community
• Sustainability
• Knowledge
• Skills
• Technologies / resource balance
• => innovation strategy has aspects
of ‘passive’ and ‘proactive’
UCT
• Contribution to the academic field
• Dissertation projects for postgrads
• Building inter disciplinary research
• Social conscience / agenda
=>intellectual and social
developmental imperatives
Social science that makes a difference
EnablersEnablers
• Personal relationships
• Long-term relationship
• Formal structures
• Mutual benefit
• Bi-directional knowledge flows
• The livelihood problem is ongoing
• University provides some recognition
Social science that makes a difference
Innovative solutions for sustainable urban settlements: the community of New Rest
Innovative solutions for sustainable urban settlements: the community of New Rest
Interaction between NMMU and the community of New Rest is focussed on
the question of housing, and pursued under the rubric of the Sustainable
Settlements Pilot Project (SSPP)
The project is divided into three phases:
I. The first phase of the project included action research – to conduct a
baseline study
II. To research and test appropriate technology for housing and services
provision with the community
III. To compile a comprehensive plan for the in-situ development of the
community
fundingNelson Mandela Metropolitan University Department of Human Settlements
School of Economics and Development
Department of Development Studies Innovation: New Rest Communityknowledge, facilitation, research, capacity building Social innovation : permaculture design, Community researchers/participants
food gardening research participation, local and indigenous knowledgecommon social agendacollaborative advocacy Organisational innovation : election of a project partners team of community researchers
NMB Transition Networkfacilitation and advocacyspecialised knowledge re Knowledge:sustainable settlements New knowledge: sustainable settlements
Bi-directional knowledge flow
Capacity-building:Nelson Mandela Bay Research training, workshopsMunicipality implementation of the intellectual benefits for the community
housing projectIntermediary roles:Facilitaton of meetings with the municipalityAdvocacy
Drivers of interactionDrivers of interaction
Community of New Rest• Housing• Sustainability• Knowledge• Jobs
NMMU• Contribution to knowledge• Community engagement• DoHS mission
Social science that makes a difference
• One of the main enablers of the interaction between actors is the motivation
and cohesion in the New Rest community – facilitated by the participative
methodology
• The relationship between the actors is also sustained by:
I. Generation of new knowledge i.e. sustainable settlements
II. Bi-directional nature of knowledge flow
III. Intellectual benefits for the community (through research training,
workshops etc.)
EnablersEnablers
Social science that makes a difference
What can we learn from these cases?What can we learn from these cases?
The community:• Cohesion within the
participating community• Capacity development in the
community• Tacit knowledge flowing
from the community to the university
Leadership:• Personal relationships
between academics and community leaders
• Long-term engagements• Strategic and proactive
community leaders• Socially committed
academic leaders• Mutual benefit
Knowledge and learning:• Participative research
methodologies• Generation of new and
relevant knowledge• Bi-directional knowledge
flows• Involvement of students and
interns
Structures:• Formalised interface
structures• Student interface structures• (Otherwise not a major
driver)• Recognition from university
structures• Funding