Community Development in Sub-Saharan Africa (Community Development Research and Practice Series)

Community Development in Sub-Saharan Africa explores the dynamics of community development thinking, processes, and approaches in contemporary sub-Saharan Africa. This edited collection prioritises how localised community processes foster transformation in resource-poor communities. The book emphasises examples of community resilience and recovery using locally informed approaches that respect local cultures and ways of being. The book further highlights the formative, yet understudied role of community development practice in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on how local actions are critical in reducing poverty, enhancing local innovations and sustainability, diversifying livelihoods, and strengthening the architecture for transformative futures. The primary audience is scholars and students with interests in community development, history of development, international development, African Studies, and development theorising, as well as community development policymakers and practitioners.

Grey Magaiza is a senior lecturer in Community Development and is currently Deputy Director for the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies (CGAS) on the Qwaqwa Campus. His research interests are in social theoretical integration and applied social research in rural development, border studies, and community development, particularly social entrepreneurship, rural innovation, and youth studies.

Savathrie Margie Maistry is currently a research associate at Rhodes University. She was a member of the national task team established by the Department of Social Development, Community Development Directorate in South Africa, for the professionalisation of community development. She is the chief editor of the online, open-access African Journal of Higher Education Community Engagement.