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

Social science that makes a difference

Bambanani Sewing Co-operativeBambanani Sewing Co-operative

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