Role-Players’ Views on Asset-Based Community Development in Low-Income Communities in South Africa: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Evidence

Madoda Sitshange

doi:10.25159/2708-9355/17245

Authors

Madoda Sitshange Stellenbosch University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9618-0648

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2708-9355/17245

Keywords:

Asset-based community development, social development, thematic synthesis, qualitative evidence, systematic review

Abstract

This article aims to present a systematic review of ten studies related to asset-based community development (ABCD). The reviewer conducted a thematic synthesis, content analysis, and meta-synthesis on qualitative evidence from studies conducted between 2007 and 2015 in low-income communities in South Africa. The main research question guiding the systematic review was: What are the role-players’ views of the impact of ABCD? Role-players—including social workers, nongovernmental organisation personnel, community members, and local leaders—generally endorse ABCD as a social and community development approach. The content analysis and meta-synthesis revealed that it is essential for implementers of ABCD approaches to go beyond raising awareness of the strengths of individuals and groups and to actively integrate these strengths into the implementation of social development programmes. In addition to strengthening implementation, ABCD requires further incorporation into social development theory and practice. Given the limited research on the long-term impact of ABCD approaches, more qualitative and quantitative research studies are needed to explore topics related to their sustainability.

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