1. Background
A number of development programmes have been carried out in Namibia since independence. It is seldom that evaluation is undertaken after completion to assess the degree of success of the programmes implemented in relation to their objectives and other effects. Often, similar programmes or projects are undertaken without the benefit of lessons and experiences from past programmes or projects. The aim of his study was to evaluate one such post-independence development programme implemented in Namibia namely the Labour-Based Works Technology Development Programme (LBWP). This programme was initiated in 1991, and was largely completed in 2000. 2. Problem Statement
Creation of employment and poverty eradication are two of the four broad goals of the National Development Plan 1 and II (NDP I and NDP II) of the Government of Namibia (GON). The LBWP was implemented during the period of NDP1. Programme objectives were two fold; the creation of employment opportunities in the rural areas; and the development of road infrastructure in the underdeveloped inaccessible areas of the country. Prior to this programme, labour-based works technology was unknown in Namibia. There is no comprehensive study undertaken as yet to examine the level of success of the LBWP in Namibia in relation to its objectives, and in comparison with other successful programs elsewhere. This study was carried out for this purpose.
3. Literature Review
An extensive literature review was undertaken to establish the existing intellectual basis and the theoretical framework of labour-based works technology. Research that has already been done was analysed and compared to crystallise this study
