Journal of Social Development in Africa (1995), 10,1,3-4 
Editorial 
This issue of the Journal examines in depth a number of strategies through which 
basic, local and genuine social development activities can take place, aimed at a 
variety of different groups. Hailu Abatena, usingEthiopian case material considers 
the significance of community self-help initiatives in promoting social development, 
pointing out that self-help activities which are soundly based on the skills, 
initiative and resources of the community can have remarkable change-oriented 
effects which in time will enable the community to aquire a degree of self-reliance. 
The article represents a thematic study of the role of community participation in a 
systematic process of problem solving - with the ultimate aim of developing 
community capability. Two actual case studies are included to demonstrate the 
application of the theoretical principles discussed in the paper. 
In the next contribution, Christiana Okojie from Nigeria, examines how a negative 
environmental situation can interfere with social development goals. Her 
analysis of the inter-relationship between the environment and the health status of 
women and children in a small riverine village in Nigeria is a sobering account of 
the serious physical consequences exacted through a combination of ill-health and 
poverty. The article reminds us that hostile environmental and situational factors 
will create a vicious cycle which inevitably will undermine attempts at social 
development These factors need to be addressed and the "bio-physical" and social 
conditions improved if the health problems vividly portrayed by Okojie are to be 
minimised. 
Dele Braimoh et al's article from Lesotho is a thoughtful contribution to the 
topic of literacy and its relationship to development The paper forcefully points 
out that illiteracy must be drastically reduced in Africa if any real development is 
to take place. They suggest in the context of Lesotho, adoption of a Continuing 
Education Programme (CEP) which is modelled on a Programme utilised by the 
University of Ibadan in Nigeria. The convincing case presented by the authors is 
that by encouraging - in the context of Lesotho - the popular adult educational 
classes which they examine inNigeria, Lesotho couldbenefit substantially in terms 
of social development 
The topic of education as a precondition for development is carried further by 
Kamala Tummala from Botswana, although this time the object of her considerations 
are not local communities, but those who work with them: home economists 
and social workers. She points out that there is much that social workers can learn 
from home economists and the paper examines and assesses how the subject of
4 Editorial 
home economics can be used to support and complement social work training and 
practice in Botswana. In particular the paper considers the nature and function of 
the two professions, pointing out the many similarities and overlapping mandate 
of each. The paper is useful as it reminds us that treating the curricula of courses 
in separate, watertight boxes, is inimical to the aims of development; rather we can 
learn from and share the insights and knowledge that one profession is able to provide 
to the other. 
The nature of development assistance is the topiG of the paper by Lengwe- 
Katembula Mwansa also from Botswana Mwansa examines the participation of 
the NGO community in social development and in this article the spotlight falls on 
the relationship that NGOs have with the state. Mwansa's contention is that a lack 
of clear definition betweenNGO and state will lead to reduced efficacy of theNGO 
in social development. As the relationship is influenced by the self-interest or 
mandate of the NGOs, this can lead to the imposition of programmes on an 
unwilling populace. Consequently the paper argues that participation by NGOs - 
especially by foreign NGOs - in social development activities will yield better 
results if states clearly define their relationship with NGOs in terms of values, 
ideology and approaches. 
Kyama Kabadaki examines the possible contribution that social work can play 
in the context of rural Uganda. In so doing the author examines several practice 
models, suggesting that an integrated practice model is most appropriate in this 
context It is pointed out that application of this model will require organisational 
structures specifically aimed at rural development, and consequently the creation 
of the role of Social Development Specialist is suggested. Some of the possible 
roles and tasks of this cadre are outlined and discussed. 
Wintersteen et al examine the needs of a particular group which have been 
marginalised and often left to fend for themselves in the context of Zimbabwe - the 
mentally ill. The article summarises a research study carried out last year, which 
involved interviewing families of persons with schizophrenia or major affective 
disorders. The study notes that many of those with mental illness are living in 
conditions of great poverty and are unable to care for their own subsistence needs; 
also that rehabilitation services require further development. Many mentally ill are 
left to their own devices.or are cared for by traditional healers or their own families, 
although there are a number of NGOs which offer assistance. The article stresses 
the need for long-term, government-funded assistance, with a structured system of 
care, rather than continued dependence on ad hoc and charitable measures.