Abstract
Conflict is inherent to development, but the intensity of conflicts over small-scale projects is often severely underestimated. Effectively managed conflict can strengthen relationships and enhance productivity, but unresolved conflict undermines relationships, morale and projects. This paper examines conflict management during the development of ten South African outreach nurseries situated within communities experiencing high levels of poverty. Sources of conflict included: (1) Contestations over scarce or limited resources, or (2) ownership; (3) Disputes over accountability; (4) Struggles over social boundaries or (5) individual or collective identities; (6) Deteriorating interpersonal relationships; (7) Power struggles between community participants and (8) Structural imbalances between implementing organisations and community stakeholders. Conflicts spiraled into violence or near-violence in two cases, with threats of violence in two others. Fostering cooperative relationships and operational environments requires concerted effort from the outset, including the development of effective institutions. Development fundamentals cannot be exchanged for expediency; adequate time, staff, and resources have to be allocated to projects.
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Notes
1 US dollar ($) was equivalent to approximately 8.60 Rands (R) in 2001.
The English definitions of envy and jealousy are often conflated, but it is important to distinguish them as they are caused by different situations and result in distinct responses, although these may overlap (Parrott and Smith 1993; Duffy and Shaw 2000). Envy occurs when a person lacks another’s perceived superior quality, achievement or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it. It is often associated with feelings of inferiority, longing, resentment, ill will towards the envied person, guilt, denial or awareness of the inappropriateness of the ill will (Parrott and Smith 1993). Jealousy is related to relationships, and occurs when a person fears losing an important relationship with a person to a rival. Emotions associated with jealousy include a fear of loss, anxiety, suspiciousness and anger (Parrott and Smith 1993).
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Acknowledgements
This research was funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF2047368 and NRF2053690), the University of the Witwatersrand and the Threatened Species Programme (South African National Biodiversity Institute). The community participants and practitioners who so candidly shared their experiences are gratefully acknowledged. We also thank the two anonymous reviewers who provided useful comments on this paper.
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Botha, J., Witkowski, E.T.F. & Cock, J. Plants for Peace? Conflict Management in the Development of Ten South African Outreach Nurseries. Hum Ecol 36, 485–501 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-008-9173-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-008-9173-6