This book builds on decades of practice-experience in education for community development. With a clear focus on professionalisation, Community development in the 21st century: Empowerment for breaking the cycle of poverty is a definitive guide for community development practitioners, professionals and students alike. In addition to context and process, the book details the skills required by a community development practitioner and explains the local government context of community development practice. Practical case studies, specifically relevant to the South African environment, illustrate important issues in community development. The book also provides an overview of the professionalisation process of community development in South Africa.