An Analysis Of The Role Of Stakeholders In Enhancing Local Economic Development: A Case Study Of The City Of Windhoek, Namibia

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed at analysing the role of stakeholders in enhancing the Local Economic Development (LED) initiative at the City of Windhoek (CoW). The study examined stakeholders’ collaboration and management roles in enhancing the LED in the CoW. The study made recommendations to policymakers and principals on how LED can positively impact the livelihood of the people in the CoW. The study adopted a qualitative research design because the design allows the researcher to interact with the participants. The study used a judgemental sampling technique to select 30 participants. The rationale for using the judgemental sampling technique was because it allows the researcher to select participants who are knowledgeable in the area being investigated. The study found that 87.5% of the participants were aware of the LED White Paper, while 12.5% indicated that they were not aware of the White Paper. The study also found that stakeholders can implement the local economic development programmes. The study concluded that the roles played by stakeholders in the LED initiatives are relatively effective. This is due to the fact that there has been increased improvement in the creation of a conducive environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as an attraction of business establishments. The study put forward the following recommendations: 1) there should be a maximum involvement of all the stakeholders in the LED initiatives; 2) a capacity building forum should be established for all the stakeholders; 3) a dedicated budgetary account should be created for LED.