Generating the power for development through sustained dialogue: An experience from rural South Africa

Abstract

This article describes a project to promote development in a rural area of the KwaZulu Natal Province of South Africa. Using a methodology called sustained dialogue, this project engaged a cross-section of leaders from several villages to reflect on past development efforts, design and implement new projects, and then evaluate their success. This project shows that a key contribution that action research skills can make is helping communities to see development not as a destination characterized by material conditions, but rather as a process of learning that results in economic advances. At the same time, this article highlights the political and conflict challenges inherent to community development. In responding to these challenges, this article argues for a focus on changing relationships and presents sustained dialogue's five elements of relationship as a tool for doing so. © 2008, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.