Re-Inventing Community Development: Utilizing Relational Networking and Cultural Assets for Infrastructure Provision

Abstract

Utilizing relational networking and cultural assets provide an arena for village development associations (VDAs) to fill the gaps in infrastructure in resource-limited communities of Cameroon’s north-west region. This case study interrogates the foundational thesis of relational networking and cultural assets deployed to deal with social development challenges. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with community participants. Purposive sampling was used, and data were analyzed and critically synthesized with comparative literature. Communities increasingly shoulder their own development through a multiplicity of the agency displayed by internal and external stakeholders. The analysis captures a typology of incremental cultural assets, galvanized and re-engineered, promoting a rejuvenated community. A multi-layered approach centered on intersecting elements with unvarying input from community members are perceptible. Though the translational benefits are not clear-cut, relational networking and incremental cultural assets hold the prospect for community transformation in infrastructure provision, for example, supply of fresh water, equipping schools, community halls, and building roads, bridges, and community halls. In the process, social inequality and other barriers of disadvantage are narrowed.

Social Solidarity Economy and Village-centric Development in North-West Cameroon

“…This exploratory case study uncovers the basis of solidarity economics. We utilise a resourceful VDA and explore a re-invention of CD to resolve issues of peripheral disadvantage (de Haan, 2017;Fonchingong, 2018). Exploratory case study constituted the totality of information obtained from varied sources.…”

“…Most rural areas are trapped in poverty, compounded by weak infrastructure, unprecedented levels of economic and social dislocation, exacerbated by institutional failings and government wavering on its decentralisation policy promise (Fonchingong, 2018). Although the impact of COVID-19 on rural communities is unknown, it is certain that many communities will be pushed further into poverty (WHO, 2020).…”

“…It is unclear how these social solidarity networks are positioned in improving livelihoods and service provision in resource-constrained communities. At a time of increased clamour for citizen-driven alternatives for the dominant neoliberal economic model, SSE and relational networks provide a pathway to re-focus community development (CD) on everyday livelihood challenges and people's ecological realities (Fonchingong, 2018). Our mandate in this article is to interrogate the role played by solidarity groups and VDAs as a spatial catalyst.…”

Relational place-making in Latvian countryside: Straupe and Kaldabruņa case

“…Relational place-making approach as well as cultural assets is also proved as an alternative for filling the gaps in infrastructure in resource-limited communities. Theoretically, significant components of relational approach are traditional authority, strategic leadership of non-profit sector, funds, diaspora linkages, social and cultural assemblages, and inclusion of all stakeholders [12]. Necessity to have strong leadership is confirmed by several studies [7,13] and real needs of rural communities.…”

“…The importance of relational place-making is also recognised by the OECD and the European Commission, thus bringing new philosophy and style of operating [12]. There have been several attempts to implement it into policies.…”