Thinking regionally: Aviation and development implications in the Karoo region

This study focuses on regional economic development in South Africa, across provincial political jurisdictions. The article argues that remote hinterlands can be more usefully understood as forming an integrated whole, rather than functioning as the poor rural cousins of their provincial metropoles. This article considers three propositions: that key transport projects (such as airports) may…

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Rural and Urban Dynamics in the Eastern Cape Karoo A preliminary investigation over 100 years.

Nel, E, Hill, T, Taylor, B and Atkinson, D (2007), Rural and Urban Dynamics in the Eastern Cape Karoo A preliminary investigation over 100 years.   Abstract Arid and semi-arid areas are often considered environmentally and economically marginal which has been exacerbated by economic realities, shifts in agricultural production and land use, policy implementation and general perceptions…

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Changes in small towns in South Africa’s Karoo

Etienne Nel, B Taylor, T Hill, D Atkinson “Changes in small towns in South Africa’s Karoo: Looking from the inside out”. Urban Forum, published online, 17 August 2011.   Abstract This article seeks to situate the experience of demographic and economic change in South African small towns within a broader context. Drawing on international literature detailing…

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Crossing boundaries: The role of universities in unlocking regional development

Atkinson, D (2011), “Crossing boundaries: The role of universities in unlocking regional development”, Inaugural lecture, University of the Free State.   This presentation is about making connections and crossing boundaries. When I read EM Forster’s books at the age of 19, his philosophy of Only Connect made an enormous impression on me. In 1924, EM…

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A Review of International Arid Areas Research Agencies

Atkinson, D (2009b), A Review of International Arid Areas Research Agencies: The Implications for investment in the Karoo, Kalahari and Namaqualand, Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Council (ECSECC), East London.   Executive Summary South African arid areas have not received much attention for the purposes of socioeconomic development. The broader issues of regional development in arid areas, small town…

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District Socio-Economic Profile and Development Plans

Atkinson, D and Marais, L (2007), District Socio-Economic Profile and Development Plans, Arid Areas Research Programme Vol. 1, Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.   Introduction The arid areas comprise a major part of South Africa’s land surface. These areas are the Karoo (including the Little Karoo), Namaqualand and Kalahari, and straddle…

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Public perceptions of local government

Roefs, M and Atkinson, D (2010), Public perceptions of local government, in Roberts, B, W Kivilu, M and Davids, YD, South African Social Attitudes, 2nd Report: Reflections on the Age of Hope, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria. Click here for whole e-book. see  chapter 3    

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Urbanisation and the future urban agenda in South Africa

Atkinson, D and Marais, L (2006), “Urbanisation and the future urban agenda in South Africa” in Democracy and Delivery: Urban policy in South Africa, edited by Richard Tomlinson and Udesh Pillay, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria. The book can be downloaded for free at: http://www.hsrcpress.ac.za/product.php?productid=2153   Democracy and Delivery: Urban Policy in South Africa tells the…

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Are youth being left to play in the dust?

Williams, G and Atkinson, D (2009), Are youth being left to play in the dust?  An assessment of sports programmes and facilities in a small South African town. Commonwealth Youth and Development, vol. 7(1), pp. 70-84.   Journal can be accessed at: http://reference.sabinet.co.za/document/EJC30887, or contact the author at karoo@intekom.co.za.   Abstract Sport programmes are increasingly…

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