Economic decline and gentrification in a small town

Abstract

Atkinson, D (2009), “Economic decline and gentrification in a small town: The case of Aberdeen, Eastern Cape”, Development Southern Africa, Volume 26, Issue 2 June, pages 271 – 288

Abstract
Small towns are a neglected topic of study but they are gaining importance in South Africa because of rapid urbanisation. This paper discusses a case study of business development and gentrification in Aberdeen, a small town in the Eastern Cape’s Karoo. Although there has been a long-term decline in Aberdeen’s economy, major changes are now taking place that call for more focused development policies. The findings of a 2006 business survey in Aberdeen are presented here and integrated with findings from the international literature on small town development. The paper shows that endogenous development of a small town’s economy by its business sector can lead to some local economic growth; however, it needs to be assisted by judicious government investment. Aberdeen’s economy will need a stronger level of municipal guidance to exploit its strengths and overcome its limitations.
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(Author contact: karoo@intekom.co.za)