Abstract:

The need for rural upliftment has received vast attention over the recent years. Ideas around ways to transform and improve the standards of rural areas have been initiated by various organisations, and governments. However, we have not reached optimal outcomes. As a result, in Africa the concept of rural upliftment has become a spectre for decades. Initiatives are still occurring with the aim of transforming destitute, mostly rural communities. Science Initiatives (SI) are a way which we can use to enlighten minds in the rural communities for the future betterment of both the community and the country at large, as access to improved learning facilities are minimal. This will, however, result in more developed and advanced rural activities which are essential in the economic development of a country. Currently in South Africa, and most African countries, the need for rural upliftment has assumed greater attention and importance as compared to the previous eras. There is a need for educational development and nurturing with emphasis being put on the need for African scientists to arise in order spearhead the initiatives to empower and improve rural communities through job creation, and poverty eradication amongst other things. We seek to use SI as strategy packages which aims at achieving an upgraded rural productivity, a balance in both social and economic development, and socio-economic equity. Also, become a contributor to the country’s GDP through various products which will be produced from the initiatives. The aim of this paper is to show the potential of SI, and how they bring about rural development through satisfactory educational facilities for learning and, improved medical facilities for treatment amongst others in comparison to other improved rural communities which are part of the BRICS organisation.

Keywords:

rural upliftment, science, rural communities