Impact of mega astronomy infrastructure projects on development in the rural Northern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of mega astronomy infrastructure projects on development in rural Northern Cape, South Africa. The Northern Cape province especially Kareeberg Local and Karoo Hoogland Local Municipalities has become a hub for astronomy research due to its clear skies and low light pollution, attracting significant investments in mega astronomy infrastructure projects such as the MeerKAT and the Southern African Large Telescope among others. There is also an expectation from local communities that these projects should assist in improving development in those communities. This is the paradox the study investigates. That is so because those communities earmarked for mega astronomy infrastructure projects are preserved and protected by legislation against polluting activities i.e., too much lighting, a lot of radio frequency, too much dust, and smoke, which could be detrimental to radio and optical astronomy. Therefore, this research assesses the development impact of these projects with respect to infrastructure development, job creation, education, tourism and perceptions of people living around those projects. The study discusses the paradox of using mega astronomy infrastructure projects for rural and socioeconomic development. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys, interviews, observations and data analysis, to gather, analyse and synthesise data from residents, project stakeholders, and government officials. A new framework for the Impact of Mega Astronomy Infrastructure projects for the Development of Rural Areas was developed. This framework could be useful in dealing with the persisting dissonance and paradox in assessing mega astronomy infrastructure projects' impact on rural development. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the role of mega astronomy infrastructure projects in assessing and promoting sustainable development in rural areas and informing future policy decisions and investment strategies in the rural Northern Cape in South Africa.