Genetically modified (GM) maize cultivation by smallholders in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: Effects on target and non-target organisms and adoption challenges
- Authors: Kotey, Daniel Ashie
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Genetically modified foods -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Corn -- Biotechnology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5161 , vital:29092
- Description: The use of genetically modified (GM) maize technology is subject to compliance with stewardship requirements and the adoption of specific management practices that promote the long-term effectiveness and environmental sustainability of the technology. For smallholders to comply with these requirements and adopt the desired management practices to ultimately benefit from the technology, they require information that creates awareness of the value of these requirements. To determine what information farmers receive about GM maize and how this information is disseminated to farmers, face to face interviews were conducted with 81 extension personnel and 210 smallhoder GM maize farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The effect of Bt maize introduction and management practices in smallholder maize agroecosystems in the Eastern Cape on Bt maize target [Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] and non-target insect pests [Agrotis segetum (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] and a snail species, [Cornu aspersum (Müller) (Gastropoda: Helicidae)] was determined through laboratory, field and cage experiments. The effect of smallhoder farmers‟ GM maize cultivation practices on the profitability of GM maize technology was also determined through on-farm trials in different localities of the Eastern Cape identified as hot-spots for stem borer and weed infestation. Results of surveys indicated that extension personnel had a low level of awareness of GM maize technology stewardship requirements. GM maize technology was also largely disseminated to smallholder farmers through non-participatory approaches and print media sourced from GM seed companies. Although farmers had a high level of contact with extension services, they lacked access to information about GM maize technology. Smallholder farmers‟ level of awareness about GM maize and compliance with the requirement for the planting of non-Bt maize refuge areas adjacent to Bt maize was also very low. While Bt maize event (MON810) commonly cultivated by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province had a variable effect on A. segetum under laboratory conditions, it had no effect on the incidence of plants damaged by A. segetum and C. aspersum under field conditions. The incidence of H. armigera damage on Bt maize plants was however significantly affected by Bt maize. Populations of B. fusca collected from smallholder maize fields in the province were observed to be still highly susceptible to Bt maize. Results of on-farm evaluation of the profitability of GM maize revealed that stem borer pressure, growing conditions, input supplies and market access affect the productivity and profitability of GM maize cultivation. Challenges within the extension and advisory services of the Eastern Cape which can militate against smallholder farmers‟ ability to benefit from GM maize technology and sustain the long-term efficacy of the technology were identified during this study. Given these challenges and the fact that the cultivation of GM maize may not be profitable under typical smallholder maize cultivation conditions and management practices, dissemination approaches that provide farmers the opportunity to evaluate GM maize technology alongside alternate technologies under their conditions, may prove beneficial.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kotey, Daniel Ashie
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Genetically modified foods -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Corn -- Biotechnology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5161 , vital:29092
- Description: The use of genetically modified (GM) maize technology is subject to compliance with stewardship requirements and the adoption of specific management practices that promote the long-term effectiveness and environmental sustainability of the technology. For smallholders to comply with these requirements and adopt the desired management practices to ultimately benefit from the technology, they require information that creates awareness of the value of these requirements. To determine what information farmers receive about GM maize and how this information is disseminated to farmers, face to face interviews were conducted with 81 extension personnel and 210 smallhoder GM maize farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The effect of Bt maize introduction and management practices in smallholder maize agroecosystems in the Eastern Cape on Bt maize target [Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] and non-target insect pests [Agrotis segetum (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] and a snail species, [Cornu aspersum (Müller) (Gastropoda: Helicidae)] was determined through laboratory, field and cage experiments. The effect of smallhoder farmers‟ GM maize cultivation practices on the profitability of GM maize technology was also determined through on-farm trials in different localities of the Eastern Cape identified as hot-spots for stem borer and weed infestation. Results of surveys indicated that extension personnel had a low level of awareness of GM maize technology stewardship requirements. GM maize technology was also largely disseminated to smallholder farmers through non-participatory approaches and print media sourced from GM seed companies. Although farmers had a high level of contact with extension services, they lacked access to information about GM maize technology. Smallholder farmers‟ level of awareness about GM maize and compliance with the requirement for the planting of non-Bt maize refuge areas adjacent to Bt maize was also very low. While Bt maize event (MON810) commonly cultivated by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province had a variable effect on A. segetum under laboratory conditions, it had no effect on the incidence of plants damaged by A. segetum and C. aspersum under field conditions. The incidence of H. armigera damage on Bt maize plants was however significantly affected by Bt maize. Populations of B. fusca collected from smallholder maize fields in the province were observed to be still highly susceptible to Bt maize. Results of on-farm evaluation of the profitability of GM maize revealed that stem borer pressure, growing conditions, input supplies and market access affect the productivity and profitability of GM maize cultivation. Challenges within the extension and advisory services of the Eastern Cape which can militate against smallholder farmers‟ ability to benefit from GM maize technology and sustain the long-term efficacy of the technology were identified during this study. Given these challenges and the fact that the cultivation of GM maize may not be profitable under typical smallholder maize cultivation conditions and management practices, dissemination approaches that provide farmers the opportunity to evaluate GM maize technology alongside alternate technologies under their conditions, may prove beneficial.
- Full Text:
Girl-child education in marginalised rural communities : a critical study of threats and opportunities to access quality secondary education in Binga District, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Nyamanhare, Eurita
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Gender identity in education -- Zimbabwe Sex discrimination in education -- Zimbabwe Girls -- Education -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9213 , vital:34306
- Description: Despite the high ratings of the Zimbabwe’s education system in Africa, the state of secondary education in Binga District epitomises ‘a neglected backyard’ serving to perpetuate secondary education attainment inequalities, with the girl-child fixed at the bottom of the ladder at secondary school level. The prevailing deplorable learning conditions that characterise marginalised rural communities, mainly dominated by minority ethnic groups in Zimbabwe, depict similar conditions under which a girl-child strives to attain quality secondary education in some underdeveloped and developing African countries. Girl-Child Education in Marginalised Rural Communities: A Critical Study of Threats and Opportunities to Access Quality Secondary Education in Binga district, Zimbabwe, adopted a qualitative approach underpinned by a transformative paradigm. Pierre Bourdieu’s cultural capital and Kimberle Crenshaw’s intersectionality theoretical concepts complemented each other providing the theoretical lens that assisted in the unpacking of the whole study. Thus, the adopted theoretical framework helped the researcher to critique the seemingly ‘legitimised’ intergenerational multiple inequalities perpetuated through the education system and the intersecting systems of power (ethnicity, gender, social class) that consequently led to the unpacking of issues that surrounded the girl-child’s access to quality secondary education in Binga District. Intensive literature discussion covered the main themes derived from the study’s research questions, providing the ground from which new knowledge was nourished. With a sufficiently complex phenomenological-emergent research design embedded within critical studies, thick descriptions of lived experiences were gathered from 18 in-depth individual interviews and 6 Focus Group Discussions that involved the girls themselves; all considered to be ‘leaders of opinion’ in this study because of the various social positions and roles they played. Observations, visual materials in the form of photographs, as well as documents and records completed the list of data gathering tools that led to robust trustworthy credible findings from which the main themes of the study emerged. For the girl-child in Binga District, access to quality secondary education was found to be marginalised due to questionable gender responsiveness emanating from the social and infrastructure environments, the girl-child’s negative notions of secondary education underpinned by intersecting barriers, opportunities that are overshadowed by unmatched commitment by the girl-child seemingly underpinned by intersecting unresolved threats exacerbated by distant transitional prospects beyond secondary education. As put by one of the participants, thus, an analogy of ‘an incubator that ceases to work before the eggs hatch’ could be used to describe the state of secondary educational environment under which a girl-child strived to access quality secondary education in Binga District. Thus, using Binga District in Zimbabwe to mirror the state of secondary education in the ‘backyards’ of most of the sub-Saharan African countries, this study urges all African governments to take responsibility as they revise and enforce existing policies in line with the 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for girl-child secondary education is endowed with unlimited socio-economic benefits to all individual nations, and globally.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyamanhare, Eurita
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Gender identity in education -- Zimbabwe Sex discrimination in education -- Zimbabwe Girls -- Education -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9213 , vital:34306
- Description: Despite the high ratings of the Zimbabwe’s education system in Africa, the state of secondary education in Binga District epitomises ‘a neglected backyard’ serving to perpetuate secondary education attainment inequalities, with the girl-child fixed at the bottom of the ladder at secondary school level. The prevailing deplorable learning conditions that characterise marginalised rural communities, mainly dominated by minority ethnic groups in Zimbabwe, depict similar conditions under which a girl-child strives to attain quality secondary education in some underdeveloped and developing African countries. Girl-Child Education in Marginalised Rural Communities: A Critical Study of Threats and Opportunities to Access Quality Secondary Education in Binga district, Zimbabwe, adopted a qualitative approach underpinned by a transformative paradigm. Pierre Bourdieu’s cultural capital and Kimberle Crenshaw’s intersectionality theoretical concepts complemented each other providing the theoretical lens that assisted in the unpacking of the whole study. Thus, the adopted theoretical framework helped the researcher to critique the seemingly ‘legitimised’ intergenerational multiple inequalities perpetuated through the education system and the intersecting systems of power (ethnicity, gender, social class) that consequently led to the unpacking of issues that surrounded the girl-child’s access to quality secondary education in Binga District. Intensive literature discussion covered the main themes derived from the study’s research questions, providing the ground from which new knowledge was nourished. With a sufficiently complex phenomenological-emergent research design embedded within critical studies, thick descriptions of lived experiences were gathered from 18 in-depth individual interviews and 6 Focus Group Discussions that involved the girls themselves; all considered to be ‘leaders of opinion’ in this study because of the various social positions and roles they played. Observations, visual materials in the form of photographs, as well as documents and records completed the list of data gathering tools that led to robust trustworthy credible findings from which the main themes of the study emerged. For the girl-child in Binga District, access to quality secondary education was found to be marginalised due to questionable gender responsiveness emanating from the social and infrastructure environments, the girl-child’s negative notions of secondary education underpinned by intersecting barriers, opportunities that are overshadowed by unmatched commitment by the girl-child seemingly underpinned by intersecting unresolved threats exacerbated by distant transitional prospects beyond secondary education. As put by one of the participants, thus, an analogy of ‘an incubator that ceases to work before the eggs hatch’ could be used to describe the state of secondary educational environment under which a girl-child strived to access quality secondary education in Binga District. Thus, using Binga District in Zimbabwe to mirror the state of secondary education in the ‘backyards’ of most of the sub-Saharan African countries, this study urges all African governments to take responsibility as they revise and enforce existing policies in line with the 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for girl-child secondary education is endowed with unlimited socio-economic benefits to all individual nations, and globally.
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How phase feeding manipulation affects growth, performance, feed cost, carcass characteristics and the quality of meat from broilers
- Authors: Sokanyile, Sanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Animal nutrition , Feeds , Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5565 , vital:29334
- Description: The main objective of the study was to determine how phase feeding manipulation affects growth performance, feed cost, carcass characteristics and quality of meat from broiler chickens. A total of 180 day old un-sexed broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were separated into 3 dietary treatments of 60 birds per treatment and each treatment was replicated 3 times with 20 birds per replicate. The dietary treatments were as follows: T1 (starter 1-7 days; grower 8-21 days; finisher 22-35 days), T2 (starter 1-14 days; grower 15-21 days, finisher 22-35 days) and T3 (starter 1-14 days; grower 15-28 days; finisher 29-35 days). Feed intake and body weight gains were recorded weekly in kilograms. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were computed weekly. At day 35, the chickens were slaughtered and 12 representative breast muscles from each treatment were used for the determination of muscle pH (pH1, pH24 and pH48) and colour coordinates (Lightness – L*, redness – a* and yellowness – b*) in triplicate at 1 hour, 24 hours and 48 hours post-mortem.Feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), average daily gain (ADG) and average body weight at slaughter (ABW) were not significant (P>0.05) amongst the treatments. The most cost efficient feed (which accumulated the cheapest cost feed per kg were) T1 (R11.32) and T3 (R11.32) although there was a slight difference in the gross profit of these treatments T1 (R45.71) and T3 (R44.48). Carcass characteristics were the same (P > 0.05) across the treatments except for the wing, thigh, drumstick and the breast (P < 0.05). T2 had the highest wing weight (166.63±8.60), T1 (113.03±8.60) and the lowest in T3 (74.46±8.60). The thigh weight were greater (P<0.05) in T2 (185.69±4.34); T1 (185.54±4.34) compared to T3 (166.97±4.34) which was lower. Treatments 1 (204.17±6.57), T2 (197±6.57) had heavier (P<0.05) breast weights than T3 (186.06±6.57). Dietary treatments had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on pH of the breast meat. No differences were observed in colour during the 1 hour period after slaughter. At 24 hours after slaughter, the L* values were different (P < 0.05) in T1 and T2 (44.3 ± 0.37; 43.7 ± 0.37), respectively, T1 and T3 were the same. The a*-values were different (P < 0.05) at 48 hours after slaughter for T1 and T3 (4.5 ± 0.27; 3.4 ± 0.27), T2 was the same as T1. It was therefore, concluded that since manipulation of starter phase did not have adverse effects on growth performance, gross profit, slight statistical difference in meat quality attributes and carcass characteristics. Therefore, the manipulation of starter diet has the potential to be used in broiler production.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sokanyile, Sanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Animal nutrition , Feeds , Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5565 , vital:29334
- Description: The main objective of the study was to determine how phase feeding manipulation affects growth performance, feed cost, carcass characteristics and quality of meat from broiler chickens. A total of 180 day old un-sexed broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were separated into 3 dietary treatments of 60 birds per treatment and each treatment was replicated 3 times with 20 birds per replicate. The dietary treatments were as follows: T1 (starter 1-7 days; grower 8-21 days; finisher 22-35 days), T2 (starter 1-14 days; grower 15-21 days, finisher 22-35 days) and T3 (starter 1-14 days; grower 15-28 days; finisher 29-35 days). Feed intake and body weight gains were recorded weekly in kilograms. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were computed weekly. At day 35, the chickens were slaughtered and 12 representative breast muscles from each treatment were used for the determination of muscle pH (pH1, pH24 and pH48) and colour coordinates (Lightness – L*, redness – a* and yellowness – b*) in triplicate at 1 hour, 24 hours and 48 hours post-mortem.Feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), average daily gain (ADG) and average body weight at slaughter (ABW) were not significant (P>0.05) amongst the treatments. The most cost efficient feed (which accumulated the cheapest cost feed per kg were) T1 (R11.32) and T3 (R11.32) although there was a slight difference in the gross profit of these treatments T1 (R45.71) and T3 (R44.48). Carcass characteristics were the same (P > 0.05) across the treatments except for the wing, thigh, drumstick and the breast (P < 0.05). T2 had the highest wing weight (166.63±8.60), T1 (113.03±8.60) and the lowest in T3 (74.46±8.60). The thigh weight were greater (P<0.05) in T2 (185.69±4.34); T1 (185.54±4.34) compared to T3 (166.97±4.34) which was lower. Treatments 1 (204.17±6.57), T2 (197±6.57) had heavier (P<0.05) breast weights than T3 (186.06±6.57). Dietary treatments had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on pH of the breast meat. No differences were observed in colour during the 1 hour period after slaughter. At 24 hours after slaughter, the L* values were different (P < 0.05) in T1 and T2 (44.3 ± 0.37; 43.7 ± 0.37), respectively, T1 and T3 were the same. The a*-values were different (P < 0.05) at 48 hours after slaughter for T1 and T3 (4.5 ± 0.27; 3.4 ± 0.27), T2 was the same as T1. It was therefore, concluded that since manipulation of starter phase did not have adverse effects on growth performance, gross profit, slight statistical difference in meat quality attributes and carcass characteristics. Therefore, the manipulation of starter diet has the potential to be used in broiler production.
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Multi-temporal analysis of urban land-use and land-cover patterns in Alice, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Manyanye, Owen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Geographic information systems Land use -- Remote sensing Land cover
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8066 , vital:31506
- Description: South Africa is undergoing rapid urbanization coupled with fast demographic change in the major cities and towns. This economic shift leaves behind underdevelopment, particularly in the rural areas such as the Eastern Cape Province. Underdevelopment of rural Eastern Cape can be understood by revisiting the “native reserve policy” of the Union of South Africa (1910 –1948) and the separate development policies of the apartheid government (1948 –1994). These policies have induced landlessness in the rural Eastern Cape and the destruction of rural livelihoods, poverty and under-development of roads, housing, health, education and sanitation facilities, and constrained development of a sustainable local economy. This study was aimed at determining the temporal and spatial land-use / land-cover changes in and around Alice town in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa by using multi-date remotely Landsat TM images covering 5 time slices for the years 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2009. This was done by using supervised classification to objectively reconstruct changes in land-use and land-cover by compiling time-series maps with four information classes and using the Kappa Coefficient to assess the accuracy of all map outputs. Results of this investigation point to significant changes in land-use and land-cover over the 25-year study period between 1984 and 2009 with built-up areas expanding by 3720 hectares from 3227 hectares in 1984 to 6947 hectares in 2009. This observation is important because it enhances our understanding of the dynamics of urban growth and provides useful insights that aid urban development planning and policy formulation. The research concludes by recommending the use time series remotely sensed imagery as a decision-support tool for urban and environment management.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Manyanye, Owen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Geographic information systems Land use -- Remote sensing Land cover
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8066 , vital:31506
- Description: South Africa is undergoing rapid urbanization coupled with fast demographic change in the major cities and towns. This economic shift leaves behind underdevelopment, particularly in the rural areas such as the Eastern Cape Province. Underdevelopment of rural Eastern Cape can be understood by revisiting the “native reserve policy” of the Union of South Africa (1910 –1948) and the separate development policies of the apartheid government (1948 –1994). These policies have induced landlessness in the rural Eastern Cape and the destruction of rural livelihoods, poverty and under-development of roads, housing, health, education and sanitation facilities, and constrained development of a sustainable local economy. This study was aimed at determining the temporal and spatial land-use / land-cover changes in and around Alice town in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa by using multi-date remotely Landsat TM images covering 5 time slices for the years 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2009. This was done by using supervised classification to objectively reconstruct changes in land-use and land-cover by compiling time-series maps with four information classes and using the Kappa Coefficient to assess the accuracy of all map outputs. Results of this investigation point to significant changes in land-use and land-cover over the 25-year study period between 1984 and 2009 with built-up areas expanding by 3720 hectares from 3227 hectares in 1984 to 6947 hectares in 2009. This observation is important because it enhances our understanding of the dynamics of urban growth and provides useful insights that aid urban development planning and policy formulation. The research concludes by recommending the use time series remotely sensed imagery as a decision-support tool for urban and environment management.
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Multi-temporal assessment of spatial changes in vegetation distribution in the Swartkops estuary, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Atyosi, Yonwaba
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental impact analysis Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13762 , vital:39710
- Description: Over the last decade, image classification has been widely used as a change detection method and provides detailed information for detecting and monitoring changes in land use and land cover (LULC). The main objective of this study was to reconstruct long-term changes in the spatial distribution of different vegetation types in the Swartkops Estuary from 1983 to 2013. The Swartkops Estuary is ecologically important for its wide range of vegetation types that are habitat to estuarine and riverine organisms. Four Landsat images for the years 1984 (Thematic Mapper), 1993 (Thematic Mapper), 2003(Enhanced Thematic Mapper +) and 2013 (Operational Land Imager) were used with the aid of aerial photographs that were used as an ancillary data source. The research methodology comprised of supervised classification, classification accuracy assessment and image differencing. Supervised classification was performed and results of the image classification process for the four time periods were compared to derive information on changes that occurred over the 29-year study period. Images were classified into the following classes: Estuarine water, Salt works, Zostera capensis, Spartina maritima, Terrestrial vegetation, Salt marsh, Swartkops thicket, Built-up areas, Bare areas, and Beach sand, using the Maximum likelihood classifier on Erdas IMAGINE 2014 Software. The significance of the image classification was tested using linear trend regression analysis. Image differencing was performed using 1984 and 2013 Landsat images to reconstruct overall changes in vegetation distribution of the Swartkops Estuary. Results of this investigation revealed significant changes in all land cover types, 24 ha increase from 1984 to 2013 in Zostera capensis as well as Spartina maritima, salt marshes increased by 14 ha between 1984 and 2013, terrestrial vegetation declined by 18 ha between 1984 and 2013. There was a stable increase in estuarine water from 1984 to 2013 by a total area of 29 ha. Water increased by 14 ha between 1984 and 1993, 11 ha increase between 1993 and 2003. However, there was a decline in estuarine water in the period between 2003 and 2013.This decline is associated with the increase in submerged macrophytes like Zostera capensis which utilise open water habitat. The dominant salt marsh species Limonium peregrinum, Sarcoconia pillansii and Spartina maritima occurred in the intertidal, supratidal and floodplain areas where the water table was the shallowest, with the soil moisture being the highest. These results indicate that Remote Sensing and GIS can be effectively used to detect and monitor changes in estuarine biodiversity and habitat in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Atyosi, Yonwaba
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental impact analysis Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13762 , vital:39710
- Description: Over the last decade, image classification has been widely used as a change detection method and provides detailed information for detecting and monitoring changes in land use and land cover (LULC). The main objective of this study was to reconstruct long-term changes in the spatial distribution of different vegetation types in the Swartkops Estuary from 1983 to 2013. The Swartkops Estuary is ecologically important for its wide range of vegetation types that are habitat to estuarine and riverine organisms. Four Landsat images for the years 1984 (Thematic Mapper), 1993 (Thematic Mapper), 2003(Enhanced Thematic Mapper +) and 2013 (Operational Land Imager) were used with the aid of aerial photographs that were used as an ancillary data source. The research methodology comprised of supervised classification, classification accuracy assessment and image differencing. Supervised classification was performed and results of the image classification process for the four time periods were compared to derive information on changes that occurred over the 29-year study period. Images were classified into the following classes: Estuarine water, Salt works, Zostera capensis, Spartina maritima, Terrestrial vegetation, Salt marsh, Swartkops thicket, Built-up areas, Bare areas, and Beach sand, using the Maximum likelihood classifier on Erdas IMAGINE 2014 Software. The significance of the image classification was tested using linear trend regression analysis. Image differencing was performed using 1984 and 2013 Landsat images to reconstruct overall changes in vegetation distribution of the Swartkops Estuary. Results of this investigation revealed significant changes in all land cover types, 24 ha increase from 1984 to 2013 in Zostera capensis as well as Spartina maritima, salt marshes increased by 14 ha between 1984 and 2013, terrestrial vegetation declined by 18 ha between 1984 and 2013. There was a stable increase in estuarine water from 1984 to 2013 by a total area of 29 ha. Water increased by 14 ha between 1984 and 1993, 11 ha increase between 1993 and 2003. However, there was a decline in estuarine water in the period between 2003 and 2013.This decline is associated with the increase in submerged macrophytes like Zostera capensis which utilise open water habitat. The dominant salt marsh species Limonium peregrinum, Sarcoconia pillansii and Spartina maritima occurred in the intertidal, supratidal and floodplain areas where the water table was the shallowest, with the soil moisture being the highest. These results indicate that Remote Sensing and GIS can be effectively used to detect and monitor changes in estuarine biodiversity and habitat in South Africa.
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Pentecostal and exclusion of women in positions of leadership : a case of Pentecostal churches in Harare, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Guti, Joseph
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Pentecostal churches -- Zimbabwe Women and religion -- Zimbabwe Women in church work
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8866 , vital:33692
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the issues relating to women empowerment and their leadership positions in the Pentecostal churches in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the theoretical findings that women have always been discriminated against, be it, politically, economically, socio‐culturally, and also religiously. It is against this background that this study interrogated the position of women in the Church particularly in African Pentecostal Christianity. Scholars of gender studies assert that even though women are attaining higher levels and developing both economically and politically, they still remain invisible in top church leadership ranks. The study examined how compliant the Pentecostals in Zimbabwe are to the gospel of equality, and check if distinctions still exist even among the Pentecostal Christians. This issue of gender imbalance is a worldwide problem which the church needs to address for the good of humanity. The issue of women empowerment in Pentecostal churches particularly in Zimbabwe, is a major challenge today because there are more women than men in the churches, yet it seems that in most churches they are excluded in top leadership positions. The Pentecostal Movement is said to be the most significant religious movement in the world which is primarily made up of women, yet it has also been observed that women in most African countries are treated as lower or second class citizens. The Zimbabwean society is male dominated and the Pentecostal churches are also affected, such that gender imbalances are observed and women abuses are prevalent. Therefore the issue of gender and gender imbalance is a global challenge, and as a result it has also become a global agenda in the academic world. This is what motivated the researcher to examine to what extent the Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe perceive the importance of women empowerment, and also determine the impact of the exclusion of women from top church leadership positions. A review of literature on women empowerment and their exclusion from Pentecostal church leadership positions indicated that the challenges that Pentecostal women faced were similar among all religious groups in other African countries outside Zimbabwe. The research study showed that the Pentecostal Church in Zimbabwe needs to address this issue of women empowerment since the church or religious sector is lagging behind when other areas of the society like the economic and political sectors have already embraced the notion. Therefore this study is significant because it seeks to address the gender imbalances in Pentecostal Christianity that has seen women being on the periphery while men being at the centre when it comes to Church hierarchy. In investigating the issue of women empowerment in Pentecostal churches the researcher proposes that if there is gender balance in the leadership of the church there will be more sound contribution in the ministry of the church that would benefit everyone equally. It has been observed that women like men, have also been given spiritual gifts that should be used to benefit or minister to the body of Christ without limits. Yet currently there seems to be a sense that women in the Pentecostal Churches are not afforded opportunity to exercise their ministry and freely participate in the active ministry of the church. There is also a general feeling among women that their needs are not adequately catered for in the church because men cannot fully understand the needs of women, and as a result women suffer silently. Iidentification of the above challenges would enable the Pentecostal church leaders and other stakeholders to devise specific policies and strategies that assist in empowering women, and thereby creating a better environment which allows for church growth. This research was a descriptive case study that used self-administered questionnaires and interviews as the primary source of data on a target sample of 80 Pentecostal members (among them were pastors, elders, deacons, and ordinary male and female members) from various Pentecostal churches in Harare. The researcher also consulted secondary sources of data for the study including electronic and printed church material, websites, conferences and church services. Data collected for this research was transformed for statistical analysis through the use of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and also Thematic Analysis for further data presentation. Thematic analysis method was used to systematically find answers to research questions, as well as identifying, analyzing and reporting patterns or themes within the data collected. The phenomenological approach was used in this research to understand the behavioural patterns of Pentecostal church members from the view point of the participants, and mostly to allow the voices of the women to be heard. Besides the phenomenological approach, this study employed the Theological Reflection approach to interpret the data since the concerns under investigation are ethical-theological issues. Conclusively, the research findings indicated that women in the Pentecostal churches faced challenges, even though they had capacity just like men. Some of the challenges were due to such factors as the “glass ceiling” that block their access to top leadership ranks, gender role stereotyping, negative societal or cultural influences, inferiority complex of women themselves, lack of acceptance by men, lack of education or access to training, and the challenges of balancing home and family responsibilities. From the study it shows that women have capacity for leadership in Pentecostal churches if they are empowered. Therefore motivational teachings and training programs are needed to correct the wrong mentalities concerning the status of women in African Pentecostalism.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Guti, Joseph
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Pentecostal churches -- Zimbabwe Women and religion -- Zimbabwe Women in church work
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8866 , vital:33692
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the issues relating to women empowerment and their leadership positions in the Pentecostal churches in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the theoretical findings that women have always been discriminated against, be it, politically, economically, socio‐culturally, and also religiously. It is against this background that this study interrogated the position of women in the Church particularly in African Pentecostal Christianity. Scholars of gender studies assert that even though women are attaining higher levels and developing both economically and politically, they still remain invisible in top church leadership ranks. The study examined how compliant the Pentecostals in Zimbabwe are to the gospel of equality, and check if distinctions still exist even among the Pentecostal Christians. This issue of gender imbalance is a worldwide problem which the church needs to address for the good of humanity. The issue of women empowerment in Pentecostal churches particularly in Zimbabwe, is a major challenge today because there are more women than men in the churches, yet it seems that in most churches they are excluded in top leadership positions. The Pentecostal Movement is said to be the most significant religious movement in the world which is primarily made up of women, yet it has also been observed that women in most African countries are treated as lower or second class citizens. The Zimbabwean society is male dominated and the Pentecostal churches are also affected, such that gender imbalances are observed and women abuses are prevalent. Therefore the issue of gender and gender imbalance is a global challenge, and as a result it has also become a global agenda in the academic world. This is what motivated the researcher to examine to what extent the Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe perceive the importance of women empowerment, and also determine the impact of the exclusion of women from top church leadership positions. A review of literature on women empowerment and their exclusion from Pentecostal church leadership positions indicated that the challenges that Pentecostal women faced were similar among all religious groups in other African countries outside Zimbabwe. The research study showed that the Pentecostal Church in Zimbabwe needs to address this issue of women empowerment since the church or religious sector is lagging behind when other areas of the society like the economic and political sectors have already embraced the notion. Therefore this study is significant because it seeks to address the gender imbalances in Pentecostal Christianity that has seen women being on the periphery while men being at the centre when it comes to Church hierarchy. In investigating the issue of women empowerment in Pentecostal churches the researcher proposes that if there is gender balance in the leadership of the church there will be more sound contribution in the ministry of the church that would benefit everyone equally. It has been observed that women like men, have also been given spiritual gifts that should be used to benefit or minister to the body of Christ without limits. Yet currently there seems to be a sense that women in the Pentecostal Churches are not afforded opportunity to exercise their ministry and freely participate in the active ministry of the church. There is also a general feeling among women that their needs are not adequately catered for in the church because men cannot fully understand the needs of women, and as a result women suffer silently. Iidentification of the above challenges would enable the Pentecostal church leaders and other stakeholders to devise specific policies and strategies that assist in empowering women, and thereby creating a better environment which allows for church growth. This research was a descriptive case study that used self-administered questionnaires and interviews as the primary source of data on a target sample of 80 Pentecostal members (among them were pastors, elders, deacons, and ordinary male and female members) from various Pentecostal churches in Harare. The researcher also consulted secondary sources of data for the study including electronic and printed church material, websites, conferences and church services. Data collected for this research was transformed for statistical analysis through the use of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and also Thematic Analysis for further data presentation. Thematic analysis method was used to systematically find answers to research questions, as well as identifying, analyzing and reporting patterns or themes within the data collected. The phenomenological approach was used in this research to understand the behavioural patterns of Pentecostal church members from the view point of the participants, and mostly to allow the voices of the women to be heard. Besides the phenomenological approach, this study employed the Theological Reflection approach to interpret the data since the concerns under investigation are ethical-theological issues. Conclusively, the research findings indicated that women in the Pentecostal churches faced challenges, even though they had capacity just like men. Some of the challenges were due to such factors as the “glass ceiling” that block their access to top leadership ranks, gender role stereotyping, negative societal or cultural influences, inferiority complex of women themselves, lack of acceptance by men, lack of education or access to training, and the challenges of balancing home and family responsibilities. From the study it shows that women have capacity for leadership in Pentecostal churches if they are empowered. Therefore motivational teachings and training programs are needed to correct the wrong mentalities concerning the status of women in African Pentecostalism.
- Full Text:
Pharmacological evaluation of phragmanthera capitata (sprengel) balle, loranthaceae :a parasiticmistletoe growing on rubber trees
- Ohikhena, Franklin Uangbaoje
- Authors: Ohikhena, Franklin Uangbaoje
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Hevea Hevea -- Diseases and pests Rubber
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8899 , vital:33937
- Description: Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell.) is the world’s major source of natural rubber and a major non-oil, agricultural export commodity in the producing countries in Africa. However, it is highly susceptible to specific mistletoes of the Loranthaceae family. Phragmanthera capitate (Sprengel) Balle is the major mistletoe parasitizing the rubber tree plantations in Africa and hence, alongside with other mistletoes, has attracted indiscriminate destruction from plantation owners. Indiscriminate destruction of plants could be as a result of ignorance of the importance or benefit(s) of the plants and this could lead to their extinction if not checked. Hence, there is the need for scientific documentation of plants and their uses because, from the pharmacological perception, the destruction of a plant could result in the permanent loss of a potential drug. Therefore, this study was aimed at documenting and evaluating the pharmacological potentials of P. capitata collected from rubber tree. Fresh leaves were gently rinsed with water and dried. Dried leaves were pulverised and kept at 4oC when not in use. Pulverised leaves were extracted with acetone, methanol, ethanol and water and concentrated to give the respective solvent crude extracts used in most of the assays. From the extraction, Methanol had the highest yield of 21.5percent, water had 10.8percent and acetone was 6.87percent while ethanol had the lowest yield of 4.3percent. Standard spectrophotometry assays on the extracts were used to quantify some major phytochemicals of pharmacological interest and also to determine the antioxidant potentials of the sample. The result revealed high amounts of phenols (175.53 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g to 218.62 ± 3.38 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (197.06 ± 3.80 mg QE/mg to 679.82 ± 6.26 mg QE/g) and proanthocyanidins (128.83 ± 1.69 mg CE/g to 645.68 ± 6.35 mg CE/g) with the acetone extract having the highest amount of the phytochemicals while the aqueous extract had the least. The results of the antioxidant assays revealed that the sample had high radical scavenging potentials with comparable inhibitory concentrations to standard antioxidant drugs. The proximate and mineral analysis on the pulverised sample showed that it is rich in carbohydrate with a composition of 57.73 ± 0.33 g/100 g. Protein, fat and fibre compositions were 12.50 ± 0.50 g/100 g, 3.34 ± 0.18 g/100 g and 11.66 ± 0.54 g/100g. The total energy composition was 310.97 ± 2.30 Kcal/100 g. The mineral composition revealed high potassium level of 1047.83 ± 34 mg/100g. Calcium (6.22.58 ± 0.01 mg/100g), magnesium (361.15 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) and phosphorous (115.40 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) were also present in appreciable amounts. The toxicity of the four extracts was assayed using brine shrimp. The LC50 in all the solvent extracts was greater than 1 mg/mL which according to Meyer’s index and other indexes signify “no toxicity” for crude plant extracts. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was done using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against 10 bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Vibrio cholera, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli) and 4 fungi (Trichophyton mucoides, Trichophyton tonsurans, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) of human pathogenic strains. The MIC of the antibacterial assay ranged from 1.25 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL for the organic extracts while no activity was observed in the aqueous extract at the highest concentration tested. However, the aqueous extract had a great inhibitory activity on all four of the tested fungi with a MIC of ≤ 0.3125 mg/mL to 1.25 mg/mL while only two fungi (Trichophyton Tonsurans and Aspergillus niger) were susceptible to the organic extracts. The MIC of the TB causative pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv) strain ranged from 25 μg/mL (acetone and aqueous extracts) to 50 μg/mL in the ethanol extract while it was > 50 μg/mL (highest concentration tested) in the methanol extract. This study revealed that the sample has the potential in phytotherapy against oxidative stresses (inflammations) caused by free radicals. It could also be a useful herb in combating diseases caused by pathogenic organisms. The high anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity observed in this study suggests it could be a plant with high promise in the fight against tuberculosis. The toxicity evaluation signifies it is safe for further plant-based pharmaceutical explorations. This study also validated some reported ethnopharmacological uses of this plant and call for its protection from indiscriminate destruction in rubber plantations and other crop gardens/plantations in the world.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ohikhena, Franklin Uangbaoje
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Hevea Hevea -- Diseases and pests Rubber
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8899 , vital:33937
- Description: Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell.) is the world’s major source of natural rubber and a major non-oil, agricultural export commodity in the producing countries in Africa. However, it is highly susceptible to specific mistletoes of the Loranthaceae family. Phragmanthera capitate (Sprengel) Balle is the major mistletoe parasitizing the rubber tree plantations in Africa and hence, alongside with other mistletoes, has attracted indiscriminate destruction from plantation owners. Indiscriminate destruction of plants could be as a result of ignorance of the importance or benefit(s) of the plants and this could lead to their extinction if not checked. Hence, there is the need for scientific documentation of plants and their uses because, from the pharmacological perception, the destruction of a plant could result in the permanent loss of a potential drug. Therefore, this study was aimed at documenting and evaluating the pharmacological potentials of P. capitata collected from rubber tree. Fresh leaves were gently rinsed with water and dried. Dried leaves were pulverised and kept at 4oC when not in use. Pulverised leaves were extracted with acetone, methanol, ethanol and water and concentrated to give the respective solvent crude extracts used in most of the assays. From the extraction, Methanol had the highest yield of 21.5percent, water had 10.8percent and acetone was 6.87percent while ethanol had the lowest yield of 4.3percent. Standard spectrophotometry assays on the extracts were used to quantify some major phytochemicals of pharmacological interest and also to determine the antioxidant potentials of the sample. The result revealed high amounts of phenols (175.53 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g to 218.62 ± 3.38 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (197.06 ± 3.80 mg QE/mg to 679.82 ± 6.26 mg QE/g) and proanthocyanidins (128.83 ± 1.69 mg CE/g to 645.68 ± 6.35 mg CE/g) with the acetone extract having the highest amount of the phytochemicals while the aqueous extract had the least. The results of the antioxidant assays revealed that the sample had high radical scavenging potentials with comparable inhibitory concentrations to standard antioxidant drugs. The proximate and mineral analysis on the pulverised sample showed that it is rich in carbohydrate with a composition of 57.73 ± 0.33 g/100 g. Protein, fat and fibre compositions were 12.50 ± 0.50 g/100 g, 3.34 ± 0.18 g/100 g and 11.66 ± 0.54 g/100g. The total energy composition was 310.97 ± 2.30 Kcal/100 g. The mineral composition revealed high potassium level of 1047.83 ± 34 mg/100g. Calcium (6.22.58 ± 0.01 mg/100g), magnesium (361.15 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) and phosphorous (115.40 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) were also present in appreciable amounts. The toxicity of the four extracts was assayed using brine shrimp. The LC50 in all the solvent extracts was greater than 1 mg/mL which according to Meyer’s index and other indexes signify “no toxicity” for crude plant extracts. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was done using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against 10 bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Vibrio cholera, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli) and 4 fungi (Trichophyton mucoides, Trichophyton tonsurans, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) of human pathogenic strains. The MIC of the antibacterial assay ranged from 1.25 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL for the organic extracts while no activity was observed in the aqueous extract at the highest concentration tested. However, the aqueous extract had a great inhibitory activity on all four of the tested fungi with a MIC of ≤ 0.3125 mg/mL to 1.25 mg/mL while only two fungi (Trichophyton Tonsurans and Aspergillus niger) were susceptible to the organic extracts. The MIC of the TB causative pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv) strain ranged from 25 μg/mL (acetone and aqueous extracts) to 50 μg/mL in the ethanol extract while it was > 50 μg/mL (highest concentration tested) in the methanol extract. This study revealed that the sample has the potential in phytotherapy against oxidative stresses (inflammations) caused by free radicals. It could also be a useful herb in combating diseases caused by pathogenic organisms. The high anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity observed in this study suggests it could be a plant with high promise in the fight against tuberculosis. The toxicity evaluation signifies it is safe for further plant-based pharmaceutical explorations. This study also validated some reported ethnopharmacological uses of this plant and call for its protection from indiscriminate destruction in rubber plantations and other crop gardens/plantations in the world.
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Production systems, profitability and participation in the mainstream markets by smallholder broiler chicken farmers of Maseru district in Lesotho
- Mphahama, Litsoanelo Evodiah
- Authors: Mphahama, Litsoanelo Evodiah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8678 , vital:33423
- Description: Growth in global demand for broiler chicken meat has become tremendous, hence; as one segment of poultry, broiler chicken production has a privilege to highly contribute to nations’ nutritional demands because of the shorter productive age, with only 42 days needed to reach a marketable weight with a high rate of productivity. In fact; in developing countries the importance of broiler chickens to the national economy cannot be overemphasized, as it has become a popular industry especially for the smallholder farmers that have great contribution to the economies of their countries. However, it is difficult to see a bright future for smallholder broiler chicken farmers in this rapidly changing industry structure. A major concern is that this group of farmers faces severe constraints and challenges to taking advantage of mainstream market opportunities; a situation that would impede the success of the sector leading the farmers to exit the business. The aim of this study was to investigate factors challenging small-holder broiler chicken profitability and the choice of market channels used by these famers. The study was conducted in the Maseru district in Lesotho. Using availability sampling; 220 smallholder broiler chicken farming households were purposively selected. Data were obtained from secondary sources and by an administration of questionnaires from January until March 2016. Excel, XLSTAT and SPSS were used for analyzing the data. The descriptive findings of this study were applied to the biographical characteristics of the smallholder broiler chicken farmers. Ages, household size, marital status, occupation, source of credit and broiler chicken production system were determined using SPSS through graphs, mean and percentages. Findings from determining broiler chicken profitability revealed that a mean gross margin of M607.74 in the rural areas and M665.13 from the urban areas were obtained. The results indicated broiler chicken feeds and day old chicks as major operational costs in broiler chicken rearing. This study also explored factors that influence broiler chicken profitability on smallholder farmers. The results suggest that cost starter feeds, cost finisher feeds, transport cost and cost dox/doc negatively affected broiler chicken profits while a number of sold chicken and chicken price had a positive influence. The empirical results from the Binary option of market participation revealed that three variables (number of years in broiler chicken business, access to transport, and access to extension) and one variable (stock size) in rural and urban households respectively had positive signs, thereby, implying an increase in participation in the formal markets. On the other hand two variables; access to information and household size in rural and urban households respectively had negative associations, thus implying that an increase in any of these variables may be associated with a decrease in the formal market participation level. The study therefore, concludes that number of sold chicken and chicken price positively affect broiler chicken profitability however; household size have negative effect on the level of formal market participation among urban households. Therefore, it is recommended that smallholder broiler chicken farmers increase their stocking volumes and get amalgamated into cooperatives in order to be able to access formal markets; hence increased broiler chicken profits.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mphahama, Litsoanelo Evodiah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8678 , vital:33423
- Description: Growth in global demand for broiler chicken meat has become tremendous, hence; as one segment of poultry, broiler chicken production has a privilege to highly contribute to nations’ nutritional demands because of the shorter productive age, with only 42 days needed to reach a marketable weight with a high rate of productivity. In fact; in developing countries the importance of broiler chickens to the national economy cannot be overemphasized, as it has become a popular industry especially for the smallholder farmers that have great contribution to the economies of their countries. However, it is difficult to see a bright future for smallholder broiler chicken farmers in this rapidly changing industry structure. A major concern is that this group of farmers faces severe constraints and challenges to taking advantage of mainstream market opportunities; a situation that would impede the success of the sector leading the farmers to exit the business. The aim of this study was to investigate factors challenging small-holder broiler chicken profitability and the choice of market channels used by these famers. The study was conducted in the Maseru district in Lesotho. Using availability sampling; 220 smallholder broiler chicken farming households were purposively selected. Data were obtained from secondary sources and by an administration of questionnaires from January until March 2016. Excel, XLSTAT and SPSS were used for analyzing the data. The descriptive findings of this study were applied to the biographical characteristics of the smallholder broiler chicken farmers. Ages, household size, marital status, occupation, source of credit and broiler chicken production system were determined using SPSS through graphs, mean and percentages. Findings from determining broiler chicken profitability revealed that a mean gross margin of M607.74 in the rural areas and M665.13 from the urban areas were obtained. The results indicated broiler chicken feeds and day old chicks as major operational costs in broiler chicken rearing. This study also explored factors that influence broiler chicken profitability on smallholder farmers. The results suggest that cost starter feeds, cost finisher feeds, transport cost and cost dox/doc negatively affected broiler chicken profits while a number of sold chicken and chicken price had a positive influence. The empirical results from the Binary option of market participation revealed that three variables (number of years in broiler chicken business, access to transport, and access to extension) and one variable (stock size) in rural and urban households respectively had positive signs, thereby, implying an increase in participation in the formal markets. On the other hand two variables; access to information and household size in rural and urban households respectively had negative associations, thus implying that an increase in any of these variables may be associated with a decrease in the formal market participation level. The study therefore, concludes that number of sold chicken and chicken price positively affect broiler chicken profitability however; household size have negative effect on the level of formal market participation among urban households. Therefore, it is recommended that smallholder broiler chicken farmers increase their stocking volumes and get amalgamated into cooperatives in order to be able to access formal markets; hence increased broiler chicken profits.
- Full Text:
Quality indices of the Nahoon beach and canal in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ebomah, Kingsley Ehi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Pathogenic bacteria -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Measurement Water -- Microbiology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8122 , vital:31525
- Description: Faecal indicator bacteria have long been recommended for usage in water quality monitoring of various water sources including surface water. A large number of people in different parts of the world often engage in recreational and other commercial activities at the various beaches along the coastal lines, most especially, during summer season and festive periods. It is generally assumed that beach water is safe all the times, however, there have been increasing reports of beach and other coastal water pollutions because of rising anthropogenic activities around coastal areas globally. The presence of pathogens in faecal contaminated beach water either directly or indirectly increases the risk of human exposure which may result in skin infections as well as the ingestion and transmission of multidrug resistant pathogens. Microorganisms may gain entry into beach water directly from improperly treated final effluents released by wastewater treatment plants and from agricultural runoffs and/or faulty drainages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality indices of the Nahoon Beach and canal waters in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In order to achieve this aim, the objectives of this study were as follow: to determine the seasonal variations of the physicochemical characteristics of the Nahoon beach and canal waters, to assess the microbiological quality of the beach water by assessing the prevalence of potentially E. coli and Enterococcus species, and to evaluate the antibiogram profile of the E. coli pathotypes and Enterococci species recovered from the beach water samples. Water samples were collected bi-weekly for a period of twelve months, during which on-site physicochemical analyses were carried out. Bacteriological assessment was performed using the membrane filtration technique and the necessary incubation conditions were followed. Identification of the target organisms was done by molecular based methods using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) while antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using the disk diffusion method. During the spring season (August to October) and periods of festive activities (December, January and March), it was observed that turbidity was at its highest, consequently, influencing total dissolved solids and a rise in the values of pH and electrical conductivity. Microbiological qualities assessed follow the order: Escherichia coli (101 – 103 CFU/100ml) and Enterococcus (101 – 102 CFU/100 ml). The results show that 41.2percent (107/260) of the presumptive E. coli isolates were positive for uidA gene. A total of 73 out of 107 (68.2percent) PCR-confirmed E. coli isolates were observed to belong to different pathotypes while 59percent (102/172) of the presumptive Enterococcus strains isolated were positive for SodA gene (Enterococcus spp.). Out of 102 enterococci isolates, 45 strains were identified as species (E. faecalis and E. faecium) and these were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. The E. coli strains exhibited a frequency of 100percent resistance against ampicillin while the Enterococcus strains also showed 100percent resistance against vancomycin and linezolid. Target genes eae 11 (10.3percent); ipaH 14 (13.1percent); ibeA 48 (44.9percent) that encode pathogenicity in E. coli were successfully amplified by PCR suggesting that the isolates are potentially pathogenic strains whereas Enterococcus spp. including Enterococcus faecalis 26 (25.5percent) and Enterococcus faecium 19 (18.6percent) were also identified in the water samples. In this study, the phenotypic antibiogram profiles of the E. coli isolates revealed that all 73 (100percent) of the pathotypes were resistant to ampicillin, 67 (91.8percent) were resistant to amikacin, gentamicin and ceftazidime while about 61 (83.6percent) and 51 (69.9percent) were resistant to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin as well as trimethoprim respectively. About 21.9percent (16) of the E. coli isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistances with 100percent being resistant to eight antibiotics whereas multiple antimicrobial resistances were observed in 14 (31percent) of the enterococci strains and the most predominant profile was the simultaneous resistance to ampicillin, penicillin and vancomycin. The results obtained in this study show that the beach water generally did not comply with the set guidelines. The results also suggest the possible survival and prevalence of potentially virulent E. coli as well as Enterococcus strains in the aquatic environment which may be a cause of concern for public health. Monitoring of the quality of surface water and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is of great importance and has clinical and human health significance. Nonetheless, this study underscores the need for more detailed study of other waterborne pathogens of health importance including enteric viruses to ascertain the safety of the beach for human use.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ebomah, Kingsley Ehi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Pathogenic bacteria -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Measurement Water -- Microbiology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8122 , vital:31525
- Description: Faecal indicator bacteria have long been recommended for usage in water quality monitoring of various water sources including surface water. A large number of people in different parts of the world often engage in recreational and other commercial activities at the various beaches along the coastal lines, most especially, during summer season and festive periods. It is generally assumed that beach water is safe all the times, however, there have been increasing reports of beach and other coastal water pollutions because of rising anthropogenic activities around coastal areas globally. The presence of pathogens in faecal contaminated beach water either directly or indirectly increases the risk of human exposure which may result in skin infections as well as the ingestion and transmission of multidrug resistant pathogens. Microorganisms may gain entry into beach water directly from improperly treated final effluents released by wastewater treatment plants and from agricultural runoffs and/or faulty drainages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality indices of the Nahoon Beach and canal waters in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In order to achieve this aim, the objectives of this study were as follow: to determine the seasonal variations of the physicochemical characteristics of the Nahoon beach and canal waters, to assess the microbiological quality of the beach water by assessing the prevalence of potentially E. coli and Enterococcus species, and to evaluate the antibiogram profile of the E. coli pathotypes and Enterococci species recovered from the beach water samples. Water samples were collected bi-weekly for a period of twelve months, during which on-site physicochemical analyses were carried out. Bacteriological assessment was performed using the membrane filtration technique and the necessary incubation conditions were followed. Identification of the target organisms was done by molecular based methods using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) while antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using the disk diffusion method. During the spring season (August to October) and periods of festive activities (December, January and March), it was observed that turbidity was at its highest, consequently, influencing total dissolved solids and a rise in the values of pH and electrical conductivity. Microbiological qualities assessed follow the order: Escherichia coli (101 – 103 CFU/100ml) and Enterococcus (101 – 102 CFU/100 ml). The results show that 41.2percent (107/260) of the presumptive E. coli isolates were positive for uidA gene. A total of 73 out of 107 (68.2percent) PCR-confirmed E. coli isolates were observed to belong to different pathotypes while 59percent (102/172) of the presumptive Enterococcus strains isolated were positive for SodA gene (Enterococcus spp.). Out of 102 enterococci isolates, 45 strains were identified as species (E. faecalis and E. faecium) and these were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. The E. coli strains exhibited a frequency of 100percent resistance against ampicillin while the Enterococcus strains also showed 100percent resistance against vancomycin and linezolid. Target genes eae 11 (10.3percent); ipaH 14 (13.1percent); ibeA 48 (44.9percent) that encode pathogenicity in E. coli were successfully amplified by PCR suggesting that the isolates are potentially pathogenic strains whereas Enterococcus spp. including Enterococcus faecalis 26 (25.5percent) and Enterococcus faecium 19 (18.6percent) were also identified in the water samples. In this study, the phenotypic antibiogram profiles of the E. coli isolates revealed that all 73 (100percent) of the pathotypes were resistant to ampicillin, 67 (91.8percent) were resistant to amikacin, gentamicin and ceftazidime while about 61 (83.6percent) and 51 (69.9percent) were resistant to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin as well as trimethoprim respectively. About 21.9percent (16) of the E. coli isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistances with 100percent being resistant to eight antibiotics whereas multiple antimicrobial resistances were observed in 14 (31percent) of the enterococci strains and the most predominant profile was the simultaneous resistance to ampicillin, penicillin and vancomycin. The results obtained in this study show that the beach water generally did not comply with the set guidelines. The results also suggest the possible survival and prevalence of potentially virulent E. coli as well as Enterococcus strains in the aquatic environment which may be a cause of concern for public health. Monitoring of the quality of surface water and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is of great importance and has clinical and human health significance. Nonetheless, this study underscores the need for more detailed study of other waterborne pathogens of health importance including enteric viruses to ascertain the safety of the beach for human use.
- Full Text:
Richard Charles Nicholas Branson : a psychobiographical study
- Authors: Preston, Amanda Lorraine
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Branson, Richard Charles Nicholas, -- 1950- Businessmen -- Great Britain -- Biography Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5543 , vital:29318
- Description: Unique individuals are fascinating as we all want to be successful. There is thus a need to understand, unpack and share the psychological development and traits that allow some people to become sui generis, and to learn from them. Psychobiographical research is a qualitative approach that can be utilised to uncover the story of such an individual life, resulting in greater understanding of the psychological concepts underpinning the person. This form of study is invaluable, and involves applying psychological theory to lives completed or unfinished, enabling the development and testing of developmental theories. Richard Branson (1950-present), an entrepreneur, adventurer, philanthropist and family man is the single psychological subject chosen in this study. Branson was selected based on interest value, his uniqueness and the lack of a specifically academic and psychologically focused case study on his life. The primary aim was to explore and describe Branson’s personality development across his life, to date. This was achieved by applying both Maslow’s (1954, 1970) theory of optimal development and Adler’s (1929, 1956) Individual Psychology theory to provide a comprehensive idiographic interpretation of the development of Branson. To achieve this, the case study utilised the systematic and consistent collection, analysis and interpretation of life history materials, highlighting three areas of development, namely Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood. The theoretical frameworks were used to discern, transform and reconstruct his life into a coherent and illuminating narrative of his psychological movement through life. Alexander’s (1988; 1990) model of identifying salient themes was used to analyse data for analytical generalisation (Yin, 2009). The conceptual framework derived from the theoretical perspective was constructed to organize, integrate data, and guide the presentation and discussion of findings of the study in an integrative and comprehensive manner. The findings suggest both Maslow’s and Adler’s theories considered the biopsychosocial context in Branson’s personality development and, at least to some extent, supported concepts indicative of progression toward optimality through having met the needs of the ego actualisation of his self, toward transcending selfishness and attaining altruism and social interest. The study of Branson’s personality development has provided a positive demonstration of the value of Maslow’s (1970a) and Adler’s (1929, 1956) theories to understand the process of development. It has further highlighted the unique trajectory of an individual’s life, contextualized, as well as the possibility of being agents in our own lives and despite challenges, able to become our own idiosyncratic best. The study also highlights the need, at a macro level, for governments to assist those unable to satisfy basic needs such as food, shelter and safety, to set an imperative, to aid those who struggle if a country and its people are to be uplifted. In terms of Adlerian theory, the study highlights the importance of family and early experiences in supporting the earliest years of children to assist them to develop an identity that is healthy and socially useful. Finally, recommendations were made for future research utilising a psychobiographical research design to uncover, illuminate and reconstruct the lives of outstanding and interesting individuals.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Preston, Amanda Lorraine
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Branson, Richard Charles Nicholas, -- 1950- Businessmen -- Great Britain -- Biography Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5543 , vital:29318
- Description: Unique individuals are fascinating as we all want to be successful. There is thus a need to understand, unpack and share the psychological development and traits that allow some people to become sui generis, and to learn from them. Psychobiographical research is a qualitative approach that can be utilised to uncover the story of such an individual life, resulting in greater understanding of the psychological concepts underpinning the person. This form of study is invaluable, and involves applying psychological theory to lives completed or unfinished, enabling the development and testing of developmental theories. Richard Branson (1950-present), an entrepreneur, adventurer, philanthropist and family man is the single psychological subject chosen in this study. Branson was selected based on interest value, his uniqueness and the lack of a specifically academic and psychologically focused case study on his life. The primary aim was to explore and describe Branson’s personality development across his life, to date. This was achieved by applying both Maslow’s (1954, 1970) theory of optimal development and Adler’s (1929, 1956) Individual Psychology theory to provide a comprehensive idiographic interpretation of the development of Branson. To achieve this, the case study utilised the systematic and consistent collection, analysis and interpretation of life history materials, highlighting three areas of development, namely Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood. The theoretical frameworks were used to discern, transform and reconstruct his life into a coherent and illuminating narrative of his psychological movement through life. Alexander’s (1988; 1990) model of identifying salient themes was used to analyse data for analytical generalisation (Yin, 2009). The conceptual framework derived from the theoretical perspective was constructed to organize, integrate data, and guide the presentation and discussion of findings of the study in an integrative and comprehensive manner. The findings suggest both Maslow’s and Adler’s theories considered the biopsychosocial context in Branson’s personality development and, at least to some extent, supported concepts indicative of progression toward optimality through having met the needs of the ego actualisation of his self, toward transcending selfishness and attaining altruism and social interest. The study of Branson’s personality development has provided a positive demonstration of the value of Maslow’s (1970a) and Adler’s (1929, 1956) theories to understand the process of development. It has further highlighted the unique trajectory of an individual’s life, contextualized, as well as the possibility of being agents in our own lives and despite challenges, able to become our own idiosyncratic best. The study also highlights the need, at a macro level, for governments to assist those unable to satisfy basic needs such as food, shelter and safety, to set an imperative, to aid those who struggle if a country and its people are to be uplifted. In terms of Adlerian theory, the study highlights the importance of family and early experiences in supporting the earliest years of children to assist them to develop an identity that is healthy and socially useful. Finally, recommendations were made for future research utilising a psychobiographical research design to uncover, illuminate and reconstruct the lives of outstanding and interesting individuals.
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Smallholder farmer's climate change knowledge in Ngqushwa Local Municipality, Eastern Cape : implications on coping and adaptation
- Authors: Shoko, Witness Alvis
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6480 , vital:29744
- Description: Lack of knowledge about climate change poses a greater risk to human development in general. This study emerges from the premise that agriculture, and more specifically smallholder farmers, are the most affected by climate variability due to the type of assets they hold. Among other factors, climate change can directly and adversely impact the ability of smallholder farmers to sustain their livelihoods. Taking into consideration spatial differences across Ngqushwa Local Municipality, smallholder farmers in different areas have to understand the constraints they face that emanate from climate change. The study aimed to explore the knowledge that smallholder farmers in Ngqushwa local municipality have on climate change, strategies they utilise to cope and minimise the detrimental effects of climate change. The study also focused on climate change information sources namely, meteorological and Indigenous Knowledge (IK) that smallholder farmers have at their disposal for coping and adaptation to climate change. Furthermore, the study analyses comprehensiveness and usefulness of information that the resource-poor farmers possess. The findings of this study show that smallholder farmers in Ngqushwa local municipality access climate change information through televisions, newspapers and listening to the radio. Their knowledge of the behaviour of birds, moon, wind, and insects is also an important source of forecasting weather patterns. Recommendations from this study include the following: enhancing and widening the sources of climate change information, education encompassing the nature of climate change, networking of smallholder farmers, linking meteorological and indigenous knowledge and supplementing natural water supply.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shoko, Witness Alvis
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6480 , vital:29744
- Description: Lack of knowledge about climate change poses a greater risk to human development in general. This study emerges from the premise that agriculture, and more specifically smallholder farmers, are the most affected by climate variability due to the type of assets they hold. Among other factors, climate change can directly and adversely impact the ability of smallholder farmers to sustain their livelihoods. Taking into consideration spatial differences across Ngqushwa Local Municipality, smallholder farmers in different areas have to understand the constraints they face that emanate from climate change. The study aimed to explore the knowledge that smallholder farmers in Ngqushwa local municipality have on climate change, strategies they utilise to cope and minimise the detrimental effects of climate change. The study also focused on climate change information sources namely, meteorological and Indigenous Knowledge (IK) that smallholder farmers have at their disposal for coping and adaptation to climate change. Furthermore, the study analyses comprehensiveness and usefulness of information that the resource-poor farmers possess. The findings of this study show that smallholder farmers in Ngqushwa local municipality access climate change information through televisions, newspapers and listening to the radio. Their knowledge of the behaviour of birds, moon, wind, and insects is also an important source of forecasting weather patterns. Recommendations from this study include the following: enhancing and widening the sources of climate change information, education encompassing the nature of climate change, networking of smallholder farmers, linking meteorological and indigenous knowledge and supplementing natural water supply.
- Full Text:
The effect of fire management on chemical and physical properties of rangelands
- Authors: Magomani, Matimba Israel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rangelands -- Fire management Soil ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6191 , vital:29506
- Description: The use of fire in rangeland has become standard practice for decades; however, there is no shared understanding of how fire affects soil properties. The exact relationship between fire and soil properties is still yet to be understood. The differences in fire frequency, fire intensity, fire severity, the period between fire and sampling resulted in contradictory results amongst studies. A long-term trial at the University of Fort Hare provides a valuable experimental layout for fire research. The trial was established in 1980 with the aim of investigating the effect of burning frequency on vegetation species composition and biomass production. The objective of this study was however to determine the effect of fire management on soil chemical and physical properties under the long-term burning experiment. The treatments of the study site were: no burn (K), annual (B1), biennial (B2), triennial (B3), quadrennial (B4) and sexennial (B6) burns. A line intercept sampling technique was used to collect the soil samples from the surface (0 to 75 mm) for both chemical and physical analysis. All Burning treatments significantly (p < 0.05) increased the bulk density (Db), soil pH, total cations, Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca), but reduced the soil porosity and exchangeable acidity when compared to the control. Hydraulic conductivity (Ks), water conducting macroporosity (WCM) and total nitrogen were reduced under more frequent burning treatments (B1, B2), as compared to less frequent burning treatments (B3, B4, B6). The aggregate stability showed an opposite trend. Total organic carbon (TOC) was reduced only under annual burning treatment. Burning frequencies did not impact the extractable Phosphorus (p), Potassium (K), Sodium, soil water repellency and water content significantly (P > 0.05). The risk associated with annual burning showed in this study might facilitate processes such as overflow that lead to soil degradation. Triennial burning in rangeland ecosystem supports soil conservation practices. Further studies that measure the quality of rangeland in triennial burning is necessary.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Magomani, Matimba Israel
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rangelands -- Fire management Soil ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6191 , vital:29506
- Description: The use of fire in rangeland has become standard practice for decades; however, there is no shared understanding of how fire affects soil properties. The exact relationship between fire and soil properties is still yet to be understood. The differences in fire frequency, fire intensity, fire severity, the period between fire and sampling resulted in contradictory results amongst studies. A long-term trial at the University of Fort Hare provides a valuable experimental layout for fire research. The trial was established in 1980 with the aim of investigating the effect of burning frequency on vegetation species composition and biomass production. The objective of this study was however to determine the effect of fire management on soil chemical and physical properties under the long-term burning experiment. The treatments of the study site were: no burn (K), annual (B1), biennial (B2), triennial (B3), quadrennial (B4) and sexennial (B6) burns. A line intercept sampling technique was used to collect the soil samples from the surface (0 to 75 mm) for both chemical and physical analysis. All Burning treatments significantly (p < 0.05) increased the bulk density (Db), soil pH, total cations, Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca), but reduced the soil porosity and exchangeable acidity when compared to the control. Hydraulic conductivity (Ks), water conducting macroporosity (WCM) and total nitrogen were reduced under more frequent burning treatments (B1, B2), as compared to less frequent burning treatments (B3, B4, B6). The aggregate stability showed an opposite trend. Total organic carbon (TOC) was reduced only under annual burning treatment. Burning frequencies did not impact the extractable Phosphorus (p), Potassium (K), Sodium, soil water repellency and water content significantly (P > 0.05). The risk associated with annual burning showed in this study might facilitate processes such as overflow that lead to soil degradation. Triennial burning in rangeland ecosystem supports soil conservation practices. Further studies that measure the quality of rangeland in triennial burning is necessary.
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The effect of quantitative feed restriction on growth performance, carcass characteristics and selected meat quality parameters in broiler chickens
- Authors: Velele, Siphelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens) Poultry -- Breeding Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8888 , vital:33907
- Description: The study investigated the effects of quantitative feed restriction on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, breast muscle pH and meat colour in broiler chickens. A total of 90, un-sexed, day-old broiler chicks were procured from an accredited supplier and were used for the current trial. For the first 14 days, all birds were brooded in one house and subjected to a uniform day-to-day management. Water was supplied throughout the trial, whereas, feed was only supplied ad libitum between days 1-14 and 29-35 days in feed restricted birds. Feed phases included starter (1-14 days), grower (15-28) and finisher (29-35), respectively. On day 15, birds were randomly allocated to three treatments; each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. The first treatment (T1) group, which acted as control group, was ad libitum feeding for the whole trial duration (1-35 days). For treatments 2 (T2) and 3(T3), 85 percent and 70 percent of the Cobb 500 broiler feed intake standards were applied for a period of 14 days (days 15-28), respectively. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was determined daily and then average body weight (ABW) was determined weekly. Feed conversion ratio and average daily weight gain was thus computed for each experimental unit (replicate). On day 35, broiler birds were electrically stunned and slaughtered by a sharp knife and then hung for complete bleeding. Data collected included slaughter, carcass, breast, thigh, wing, drumstick, feet, head, spleen, heart, gizzard, intestines (small & large) and liver weights. Breast muscle was further used for the determination of colour (L*, b* and a*), initial (pHi) and ultimate breast pH (pHu) measurements. Although, quantitative feed restriction (T2 & T3) significantly affected growth performance in weeks 3 and 4, birds submitted to T2 performed similar (P>0.05) to control in the final stage, whilst birds in T3 was the poorest (P<0.05). Furthermore, birds subjected to T2 showed no differences of edible carcass portions to the control, however, T3 group showed lower (P<0.05) slaughter and wing weights. Breast ultimate pH values of birds under T2 were similar to control, but birds in T3 had significantly higher (P<0.05) values. Birds under T2 had less (P<0.05) reddish breast meat colour than control at 45 minutes. At 24 hours post-mortem, birds in T3 had lower (P<0.05) lightness values and birds submitted to T2 had higher (P<0.05) yellowness values. Liver weight was significantly lower in birds under T3 and higher (P<0.05) gizzard weights were found in birds subjected to T2. Birds under T2 performed similar to control and were able to compensate for the weight loss when high plane of feed was re-introduced. It can be concluded from the results that restricting 15 percent of feed from Cobb 500 standard feed intake had moderately affected broiler performance. Moreover, restricting 15percent of feed significantly reduced feed intake in broiler chicken.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Velele, Siphelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens) Poultry -- Breeding Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8888 , vital:33907
- Description: The study investigated the effects of quantitative feed restriction on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, breast muscle pH and meat colour in broiler chickens. A total of 90, un-sexed, day-old broiler chicks were procured from an accredited supplier and were used for the current trial. For the first 14 days, all birds were brooded in one house and subjected to a uniform day-to-day management. Water was supplied throughout the trial, whereas, feed was only supplied ad libitum between days 1-14 and 29-35 days in feed restricted birds. Feed phases included starter (1-14 days), grower (15-28) and finisher (29-35), respectively. On day 15, birds were randomly allocated to three treatments; each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. The first treatment (T1) group, which acted as control group, was ad libitum feeding for the whole trial duration (1-35 days). For treatments 2 (T2) and 3(T3), 85 percent and 70 percent of the Cobb 500 broiler feed intake standards were applied for a period of 14 days (days 15-28), respectively. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was determined daily and then average body weight (ABW) was determined weekly. Feed conversion ratio and average daily weight gain was thus computed for each experimental unit (replicate). On day 35, broiler birds were electrically stunned and slaughtered by a sharp knife and then hung for complete bleeding. Data collected included slaughter, carcass, breast, thigh, wing, drumstick, feet, head, spleen, heart, gizzard, intestines (small & large) and liver weights. Breast muscle was further used for the determination of colour (L*, b* and a*), initial (pHi) and ultimate breast pH (pHu) measurements. Although, quantitative feed restriction (T2 & T3) significantly affected growth performance in weeks 3 and 4, birds submitted to T2 performed similar (P>0.05) to control in the final stage, whilst birds in T3 was the poorest (P<0.05). Furthermore, birds subjected to T2 showed no differences of edible carcass portions to the control, however, T3 group showed lower (P<0.05) slaughter and wing weights. Breast ultimate pH values of birds under T2 were similar to control, but birds in T3 had significantly higher (P<0.05) values. Birds under T2 had less (P<0.05) reddish breast meat colour than control at 45 minutes. At 24 hours post-mortem, birds in T3 had lower (P<0.05) lightness values and birds submitted to T2 had higher (P<0.05) yellowness values. Liver weight was significantly lower in birds under T3 and higher (P<0.05) gizzard weights were found in birds subjected to T2. Birds under T2 performed similar to control and were able to compensate for the weight loss when high plane of feed was re-introduced. It can be concluded from the results that restricting 15 percent of feed from Cobb 500 standard feed intake had moderately affected broiler performance. Moreover, restricting 15percent of feed significantly reduced feed intake in broiler chicken.
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The effects of municipal demarcation board decisions on health care services in the Eastern Cape: a case of Alfed Nzo District Municipality
- Authors: Makali, Andile Ernest
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Health-care services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13546 , vital:39678
- Description: The study sought to assess the effects of municipal demarcation board decisions on health care services. Since the democratic elections, the South African government was faced with the task of eliminating the racially based municipal system that segregated certain groups of people in service delivery. To deal with the determination and re-determination of municipal boundaries the Municipal Demarcation Board (MBD) was established in 1998. The study used secondary data to achieve its objectives. A number of official documents and sources that were used for this study. These included government documents, municipal documents, NGO documents, private sector documents. Results showed that municipal revenue is negatively affected by demarcations. Alfred Nzo District Municipality is no exception to this. Furthermore, demarcation processes have implications for health human resources and other municipal health processes. Human resources such as nurses and doctors are sometimes shifted from one municipality to another. Other negative consequences (especially in the transition period) may result from issues related to the supply chain, long-term contracts, municipal plans and policies, financial and other systems, information and databases, asset registers and asset maintenance, and repairs.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makali, Andile Ernest
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Health-care services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13546 , vital:39678
- Description: The study sought to assess the effects of municipal demarcation board decisions on health care services. Since the democratic elections, the South African government was faced with the task of eliminating the racially based municipal system that segregated certain groups of people in service delivery. To deal with the determination and re-determination of municipal boundaries the Municipal Demarcation Board (MBD) was established in 1998. The study used secondary data to achieve its objectives. A number of official documents and sources that were used for this study. These included government documents, municipal documents, NGO documents, private sector documents. Results showed that municipal revenue is negatively affected by demarcations. Alfred Nzo District Municipality is no exception to this. Furthermore, demarcation processes have implications for health human resources and other municipal health processes. Human resources such as nurses and doctors are sometimes shifted from one municipality to another. Other negative consequences (especially in the transition period) may result from issues related to the supply chain, long-term contracts, municipal plans and policies, financial and other systems, information and databases, asset registers and asset maintenance, and repairs.
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The impact of rangeland degradation on vegetation cover and soil quality in semi-arid communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Maziko, Yonela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetation management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15056 , vital:40159
- Description: This study was conducted to investigate the influence of degradation on vegetation and soil quality in two semi-arid rangelands in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was undertaken in Kwezana and Esigingqini communal areas that showed signs id degradation. The assessment incorporated the soil and grass layer in different degradation levels, namely nondegraded, slightly degraded, moderately and severely degraded. The non-degraded has a sufficient amount of vegetation cover and species composition. The slightly degraded site consists of a few visible bare patches. The moderately degraded areas showed signs of active sheet erosion such as pedestals and a higher percentage of bare areas and the severely degraded area is characterized by dongas and gullies, with vast areas that have no ground cover or top fertile soil layer. Using a step point method, herbaceous species composition was determined within three transects from three plots 100 m x 40 m in each degradation level. The aboveground phytomass production was determined by harvesting herbaceous species within four randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats in each transect. Bare ground was determined by counting and recording the distance between tufts within each quadrat. Litter cover was determined by visual observation and rated on a scale of 1 to 5. A number of physical and chemical soil properties were used to quantify the effects of degradation on soil quality. To determine soil chemical properties, three soil samples were collected at a depth of 20 cm, in each plot and analyzed for pH, soil macro (N, C, K, P, Ca, Mg) and micro (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) nutrients. Soil compaction was determined using a soil pocket penetrometer. Readings were taken at 5 mm from 30 points placed at 1 m intervals and distributed in a randomly established straight line in each plot. Soil loss was determined using a rainfall simulator. Splash cups were filled with soil and placed under the rainfall simulator for 8 minutes per rainstorm at 360 mm-1 intensity. Results showed that at Esigingqini a total of 20 herbaceous species were identified, 17 of which were grasses. About 60percent of the identified grasses were Increaser II species, 15percent were Increaser II and 25percent Decreasers. In terms of palatability, 50percent of the grass species had poor palatability and the remaining had either average or high palatability. At Kwezana, 18 herbaceous species were identified of which 28percent were Decreasers and 61percent were Increaser II species. Half of the species had low palatability and only 28percent had high palatability. In both communal areas, litter cover was highest (P < 0.05) in the non-degraded areas followed by the slightly degraded sites and this was to be expected. Similarly, in both communal areas, there was a shift in species composition of decreasers and perennial grasses being replaced by annual species of poor quality and low palatability as the degradation levels increased. Results on soil chemical properties showed that the non-degraded areas had higher (P < 0.05) pH levels (8.5) than the severely degraded soils (5). A similar trend following a degradation gradient was observed for some soil nutrients such as N, P or Mg. Both the macro and micro nutrient concentrations were relatively higher (P < 0.05) in summer than in winter in both communal areas. Results on physical properties showed that soil loss and compaction were relatively lower (P <0.05) in the slightly degraded and non-degraded sites and increased with severity of degradation. In both communal areas, the severely degraded areas lost soil up to 1.1 t ha-1 due to degradation and the non-degraded areas had a soil loss of less than 0.8 t ha-1. The rate of soil loss between the severely and non-degraded areas is significantly different. The differences may be attributed to the differences in the vegetation cover which influences the rate of erosion on the various degradation gradients. These results suggest that both the grass layer and soil quality is negatively affected by degradation. Therefore, there is a need for land use practices that promote the sustainable use of rangeland resources. Such practices may include rotational grazing, reseeding, veld resting and fire. Measures to control the consequences of degradation and rehabilitate these deteriorated rangelands must be a priority.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maziko, Yonela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetation management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15056 , vital:40159
- Description: This study was conducted to investigate the influence of degradation on vegetation and soil quality in two semi-arid rangelands in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was undertaken in Kwezana and Esigingqini communal areas that showed signs id degradation. The assessment incorporated the soil and grass layer in different degradation levels, namely nondegraded, slightly degraded, moderately and severely degraded. The non-degraded has a sufficient amount of vegetation cover and species composition. The slightly degraded site consists of a few visible bare patches. The moderately degraded areas showed signs of active sheet erosion such as pedestals and a higher percentage of bare areas and the severely degraded area is characterized by dongas and gullies, with vast areas that have no ground cover or top fertile soil layer. Using a step point method, herbaceous species composition was determined within three transects from three plots 100 m x 40 m in each degradation level. The aboveground phytomass production was determined by harvesting herbaceous species within four randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats in each transect. Bare ground was determined by counting and recording the distance between tufts within each quadrat. Litter cover was determined by visual observation and rated on a scale of 1 to 5. A number of physical and chemical soil properties were used to quantify the effects of degradation on soil quality. To determine soil chemical properties, three soil samples were collected at a depth of 20 cm, in each plot and analyzed for pH, soil macro (N, C, K, P, Ca, Mg) and micro (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) nutrients. Soil compaction was determined using a soil pocket penetrometer. Readings were taken at 5 mm from 30 points placed at 1 m intervals and distributed in a randomly established straight line in each plot. Soil loss was determined using a rainfall simulator. Splash cups were filled with soil and placed under the rainfall simulator for 8 minutes per rainstorm at 360 mm-1 intensity. Results showed that at Esigingqini a total of 20 herbaceous species were identified, 17 of which were grasses. About 60percent of the identified grasses were Increaser II species, 15percent were Increaser II and 25percent Decreasers. In terms of palatability, 50percent of the grass species had poor palatability and the remaining had either average or high palatability. At Kwezana, 18 herbaceous species were identified of which 28percent were Decreasers and 61percent were Increaser II species. Half of the species had low palatability and only 28percent had high palatability. In both communal areas, litter cover was highest (P < 0.05) in the non-degraded areas followed by the slightly degraded sites and this was to be expected. Similarly, in both communal areas, there was a shift in species composition of decreasers and perennial grasses being replaced by annual species of poor quality and low palatability as the degradation levels increased. Results on soil chemical properties showed that the non-degraded areas had higher (P < 0.05) pH levels (8.5) than the severely degraded soils (5). A similar trend following a degradation gradient was observed for some soil nutrients such as N, P or Mg. Both the macro and micro nutrient concentrations were relatively higher (P < 0.05) in summer than in winter in both communal areas. Results on physical properties showed that soil loss and compaction were relatively lower (P <0.05) in the slightly degraded and non-degraded sites and increased with severity of degradation. In both communal areas, the severely degraded areas lost soil up to 1.1 t ha-1 due to degradation and the non-degraded areas had a soil loss of less than 0.8 t ha-1. The rate of soil loss between the severely and non-degraded areas is significantly different. The differences may be attributed to the differences in the vegetation cover which influences the rate of erosion on the various degradation gradients. These results suggest that both the grass layer and soil quality is negatively affected by degradation. Therefore, there is a need for land use practices that promote the sustainable use of rangeland resources. Such practices may include rotational grazing, reseeding, veld resting and fire. Measures to control the consequences of degradation and rehabilitate these deteriorated rangelands must be a priority.
- Full Text:
The prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken production in Buffalo City metropolitan municipality, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Seti, Thembalethu Macdonald
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poultry -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Chicken industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15244 , vital:40257
- Description: The aim of this study is to explore the prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken production in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. In the attempt of exploring these prospects, the researcher sought to understand socio-economic characteristics of small-scale chicken farmers, describe the small-scale chicken enterprise, and determine farmer’s level of commercialisation and factors influencing the farmer’s commercialisation level. Stratified random sampling was used to select 99 participants in the study area. The sampled participants constituted small-scale chicken farmers that were supported by government projects and farmers that were not part of any government support. Descriptive statistics, Household Commercialization Index (HCI) and Multinomial Regression model were used to analyse data and bring meaning to it. The results of the study signify that most of the farmers (66percent) are subsistence oriented, meaning most of their produce is consumed within the household and about 40percent are semi-commercial and only 7percent are at full commercialization meaning they only produce for the market. The result also showed that access to extension services (p<0.03), gender (p<0.03) household size (permanent family members) (p<0.01), transport cost (p<0.04), farming experience (p<0.02, grades and standards (p<0.01), production machines (p<0.05), and distance to the market (p<0.05) were the major determinants influencing output commercialization in the study area. The major constraints to production identified and prioritized by farmers were lack of feed, disease outbreaks, high mortality rate and theft. Based on the study results, to bring about the prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken, government should consistently supply extension officers, government investment in poultry machines and transport is also recommended. In terms of further research, the study suggests that research on profitability of small-scale chicken production would yield immense insights for policy development.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Seti, Thembalethu Macdonald
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poultry -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Chicken industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15244 , vital:40257
- Description: The aim of this study is to explore the prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken production in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. In the attempt of exploring these prospects, the researcher sought to understand socio-economic characteristics of small-scale chicken farmers, describe the small-scale chicken enterprise, and determine farmer’s level of commercialisation and factors influencing the farmer’s commercialisation level. Stratified random sampling was used to select 99 participants in the study area. The sampled participants constituted small-scale chicken farmers that were supported by government projects and farmers that were not part of any government support. Descriptive statistics, Household Commercialization Index (HCI) and Multinomial Regression model were used to analyse data and bring meaning to it. The results of the study signify that most of the farmers (66percent) are subsistence oriented, meaning most of their produce is consumed within the household and about 40percent are semi-commercial and only 7percent are at full commercialization meaning they only produce for the market. The result also showed that access to extension services (p<0.03), gender (p<0.03) household size (permanent family members) (p<0.01), transport cost (p<0.04), farming experience (p<0.02, grades and standards (p<0.01), production machines (p<0.05), and distance to the market (p<0.05) were the major determinants influencing output commercialization in the study area. The major constraints to production identified and prioritized by farmers were lack of feed, disease outbreaks, high mortality rate and theft. Based on the study results, to bring about the prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken, government should consistently supply extension officers, government investment in poultry machines and transport is also recommended. In terms of further research, the study suggests that research on profitability of small-scale chicken production would yield immense insights for policy development.
- Full Text:
The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test : normative data for the Xhosa-speaking population and analysis of the influence of the quality of education
- Authors: Nyangwa, Unathi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements Neuropsychological tests Verbal learning -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6270 , vital:29534
- Description: Objective. The aim of this study was to develop and establish norms for the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) for Xhosa speaking adults with a grade 11 or 12 qualification obtained from a previously disadvantaged educational background in the Eastern Cape. Method. The sampleconsisted of a non-clinical group of South African Eastern Cape Xhosa speaking adults (N = 40), aged 19-40, with Grade 11 or 12 level of education received in former Department of Education and Training (DET) schools. Independent t-test analyses were used to compare test performance ofmale and female research subjects; to compare young adults versus older adult age categories and to compare performance between rural and urban research subjects. In addition, differences between the SA RAVLT norms imitative from this study compared to the Australian standardisation on the young adult category was measured. Results. The findings revealed no statistical significant influence of age; sex or rural and urban schooling among the disadvantaged population of the Eastern Cape on RAVLT performance. Additionally, differences on test performance between research-subjects from South Africa compared to Australian research subjects was evident with Australian research subjects performing better on all the sub-components of the RAVLT measure. Conclusions. It is concluded that clinicians will be able to use the RAVLT with more confidence with this educationally disadvantaged Xhosa speaking population. These RAVLT normative data should not be generalised to other languages; other race groups, or other age categories of individuals other than the ones represented in this study.
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- Authors: Nyangwa, Unathi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements Neuropsychological tests Verbal learning -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6270 , vital:29534
- Description: Objective. The aim of this study was to develop and establish norms for the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) for Xhosa speaking adults with a grade 11 or 12 qualification obtained from a previously disadvantaged educational background in the Eastern Cape. Method. The sampleconsisted of a non-clinical group of South African Eastern Cape Xhosa speaking adults (N = 40), aged 19-40, with Grade 11 or 12 level of education received in former Department of Education and Training (DET) schools. Independent t-test analyses were used to compare test performance ofmale and female research subjects; to compare young adults versus older adult age categories and to compare performance between rural and urban research subjects. In addition, differences between the SA RAVLT norms imitative from this study compared to the Australian standardisation on the young adult category was measured. Results. The findings revealed no statistical significant influence of age; sex or rural and urban schooling among the disadvantaged population of the Eastern Cape on RAVLT performance. Additionally, differences on test performance between research-subjects from South Africa compared to Australian research subjects was evident with Australian research subjects performing better on all the sub-components of the RAVLT measure. Conclusions. It is concluded that clinicians will be able to use the RAVLT with more confidence with this educationally disadvantaged Xhosa speaking population. These RAVLT normative data should not be generalised to other languages; other race groups, or other age categories of individuals other than the ones represented in this study.
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The teaching of english first additional language reading comprehension in selected rural secondary schools in the Ngcobo Education District
- Authors: Mshumi, Lizwi Chysostom
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape English language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9286 , vital:34318
- Description: Literacy in South Africa is in a state of crisis according to the studies conducted by Progress in International Literacy Study (PIRLS) of 2006 and SACMEC III, 2011. Yearly there is a public outcry over the low matric pass rate and furthermore the Eastern Cape is below the national benchmark of 60 percent. In the district in which this research was based, the matric pass rate was, in 2016, amongst the lowest five districts nationally. This study used the interactive theory of reading as the theoretical framework and is located in the interpretive paradigm. Qualitative approach was employed in the study with the intentions of finding out as much as possible on teachers‟ experiences with the teaching of reading comprehension in rural secondary schools. The study also applied a case study design. For this study two schools were purposively selected from the Ngcobo District. The data in this study were derived from transcribed interviews, lesson observations and field notes. The main findings of this study reflected the following challenges faced by rural secondary schools based on teaching reading comprehension: the absence of a culture of reading, lack of resources and poor socio-economic background of learners, lack of exposure to reading material, limited availability of time both at school and home, and large classes. It is recommended that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) intensifies teachers with ongoing teacher development in order that they acquire additional skills on how to teach reading. The building of classrooms is required as well as addressing the issue of provision of various resources such as infrastructure library facilities.
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- Authors: Mshumi, Lizwi Chysostom
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape English language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9286 , vital:34318
- Description: Literacy in South Africa is in a state of crisis according to the studies conducted by Progress in International Literacy Study (PIRLS) of 2006 and SACMEC III, 2011. Yearly there is a public outcry over the low matric pass rate and furthermore the Eastern Cape is below the national benchmark of 60 percent. In the district in which this research was based, the matric pass rate was, in 2016, amongst the lowest five districts nationally. This study used the interactive theory of reading as the theoretical framework and is located in the interpretive paradigm. Qualitative approach was employed in the study with the intentions of finding out as much as possible on teachers‟ experiences with the teaching of reading comprehension in rural secondary schools. The study also applied a case study design. For this study two schools were purposively selected from the Ngcobo District. The data in this study were derived from transcribed interviews, lesson observations and field notes. The main findings of this study reflected the following challenges faced by rural secondary schools based on teaching reading comprehension: the absence of a culture of reading, lack of resources and poor socio-economic background of learners, lack of exposure to reading material, limited availability of time both at school and home, and large classes. It is recommended that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) intensifies teachers with ongoing teacher development in order that they acquire additional skills on how to teach reading. The building of classrooms is required as well as addressing the issue of provision of various resources such as infrastructure library facilities.
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Third sector intervention and sustainable development : an evaluation of selected non-governmental organization supported projects in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Thokozani Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5774 , vital:29389
- Description: This study evaluates the impact of Third Sector- supported rural development projects in three rural communities of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It focusses on how interventions driven by this sector – denoted by, among others, local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) - impact the lives and livelihoods of the rural poor. This is against the background of an established discourse that views NGOs as effective agents in the alleviation of poverty. The thesis contends that praise for the Third Sector is driven mostly by advocacy than based on systematic scientific evidence of the real impact of NGO-sponsored rural development interventions. Rural agricultural development projects supported by two Eastern Cape-based NGOs (the one a local NGO, and the other international) were selected for the study. A mini survey was conducted in the communities where the projects are located. Survey data were complemented by qualitative data obtained through focus groups, semi-structured and in-depth interviews as well as key informant interviews. The study found that whereas the projects had been established by the state later went moribund, they were resuscitated by the NGOs through a largely ‘bottom-up’ model of rural development intermediation. In other words, the interventions were resuscitated through a relatively robust prior engagement with project beneficiaries. As a result, while originally lacking a meaningful sense of local empowerment, ownership, and commitment, the projects had become revived and now played an important role in the livelihoods of some community members – even though social grants remained the primary and main source of income for those community members. Even so, the narratives of community members revealed what may be termed a ‘transformation paradox’ in the way the projects were implemented. The NGOs seemed to have replaced one kind of lop-sidedness in rural development (the exclusion of women) with another (the exclusion of men), by focussing on community projects that were ‘culturally’ deemed as ’women jobs’. In this way, the interventions appeared like a systematic attempt to do away with the ‘feminisation of rural poverty’ and entrench the ‘feminisation of rural development interventions’. The study concludes from these and other findings, that the key to understanding the significance and impact of Third Sector-supported development interventions in the rural arena – especially in the Eastern Cape context – is to go beyond the proliferation of NGOs and NGO-supported projects – and the broad sweep of advocacy that underpins it – and pay equally robust attention to systematically studying how these projects resonate at the grassroots, especially from a beneficiary perspective.
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- Authors: Moyo, Thokozani Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5774 , vital:29389
- Description: This study evaluates the impact of Third Sector- supported rural development projects in three rural communities of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It focusses on how interventions driven by this sector – denoted by, among others, local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) - impact the lives and livelihoods of the rural poor. This is against the background of an established discourse that views NGOs as effective agents in the alleviation of poverty. The thesis contends that praise for the Third Sector is driven mostly by advocacy than based on systematic scientific evidence of the real impact of NGO-sponsored rural development interventions. Rural agricultural development projects supported by two Eastern Cape-based NGOs (the one a local NGO, and the other international) were selected for the study. A mini survey was conducted in the communities where the projects are located. Survey data were complemented by qualitative data obtained through focus groups, semi-structured and in-depth interviews as well as key informant interviews. The study found that whereas the projects had been established by the state later went moribund, they were resuscitated by the NGOs through a largely ‘bottom-up’ model of rural development intermediation. In other words, the interventions were resuscitated through a relatively robust prior engagement with project beneficiaries. As a result, while originally lacking a meaningful sense of local empowerment, ownership, and commitment, the projects had become revived and now played an important role in the livelihoods of some community members – even though social grants remained the primary and main source of income for those community members. Even so, the narratives of community members revealed what may be termed a ‘transformation paradox’ in the way the projects were implemented. The NGOs seemed to have replaced one kind of lop-sidedness in rural development (the exclusion of women) with another (the exclusion of men), by focussing on community projects that were ‘culturally’ deemed as ’women jobs’. In this way, the interventions appeared like a systematic attempt to do away with the ‘feminisation of rural poverty’ and entrench the ‘feminisation of rural development interventions’. The study concludes from these and other findings, that the key to understanding the significance and impact of Third Sector-supported development interventions in the rural arena – especially in the Eastern Cape context – is to go beyond the proliferation of NGOs and NGO-supported projects – and the broad sweep of advocacy that underpins it – and pay equally robust attention to systematically studying how these projects resonate at the grassroots, especially from a beneficiary perspective.
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An exploration of knowledge sharing as a means of improving municipal governance in selected Limpopo municipalities
- Dikotla, Maoka Andries https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6699-6782
- Authors: Dikotla, Maoka Andries https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6699-6782
- Date: 2016-08
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information services , Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24750 , vital:63548
- Description: The aim of this study was to underscore the role of knowledge sharing in improving the municipal governance in the local government sector of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to find out the kind of knowledge management programmes which are in place in the municipalities of Limpopo Province; establish the extent to which municipalities in Limpopo encourage knowledge sharing for improvement of municipal governance; determine factors which affect knowledge sharing among employees of municipalities of Limpopo Province, and propose recommendations and strategies on how to optimally share knowledge in Limpopo municipalities. The nature of this study warranted the use of two research paradigms, namely positivist and interpretivist approaches. The study employed an integrated research method which covered both the qualitative and quantitative approach. In collecting data, data instruments were triangulated. In this regard, the researcher mostly used a questionnaire with little employment of interviews and observation. The researcher sampled 438 employees and 21 managers from the selected municipalities. Quantitative data was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The major findings of the study are the following: poor knowledge management programmes in Limpopo municipalities, knowledge sharing among the employees and across the municipalities is not encouraged, knowledge sharing in Limpopo municipalities is affected by both individual and organisational barriers and under-utilisation of information communication technology tools to support knowledge management programmes and practices. Comparatively, the findings of this study to a large extent support what has been recorded in literature. However, the study contradicts a typical mind set of many people that “knowledge is power” and cannot be shared freely. The study recommended to Limpopo municipalities to develop Knowledge sharing strategies that need to be linked to municipal strategic plans; involvement of top management in knowledge management activities; development of knowledge-friendly culture and utilisation of information communication technology tools in support of knowledge sharing. Some recommendations for further study were also provided. Among others, the study recommended that a study on the use of incentive systems as a means of encouraging knowledge sharing be conducted in selected municipalities. This was because studies on the use of incentive systems for motivating knowledge sharing yielded contradictory findings in many organisations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2016
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- Authors: Dikotla, Maoka Andries https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6699-6782
- Date: 2016-08
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Information services , Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24750 , vital:63548
- Description: The aim of this study was to underscore the role of knowledge sharing in improving the municipal governance in the local government sector of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to find out the kind of knowledge management programmes which are in place in the municipalities of Limpopo Province; establish the extent to which municipalities in Limpopo encourage knowledge sharing for improvement of municipal governance; determine factors which affect knowledge sharing among employees of municipalities of Limpopo Province, and propose recommendations and strategies on how to optimally share knowledge in Limpopo municipalities. The nature of this study warranted the use of two research paradigms, namely positivist and interpretivist approaches. The study employed an integrated research method which covered both the qualitative and quantitative approach. In collecting data, data instruments were triangulated. In this regard, the researcher mostly used a questionnaire with little employment of interviews and observation. The researcher sampled 438 employees and 21 managers from the selected municipalities. Quantitative data was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The major findings of the study are the following: poor knowledge management programmes in Limpopo municipalities, knowledge sharing among the employees and across the municipalities is not encouraged, knowledge sharing in Limpopo municipalities is affected by both individual and organisational barriers and under-utilisation of information communication technology tools to support knowledge management programmes and practices. Comparatively, the findings of this study to a large extent support what has been recorded in literature. However, the study contradicts a typical mind set of many people that “knowledge is power” and cannot be shared freely. The study recommended to Limpopo municipalities to develop Knowledge sharing strategies that need to be linked to municipal strategic plans; involvement of top management in knowledge management activities; development of knowledge-friendly culture and utilisation of information communication technology tools in support of knowledge sharing. Some recommendations for further study were also provided. Among others, the study recommended that a study on the use of incentive systems as a means of encouraging knowledge sharing be conducted in selected municipalities. This was because studies on the use of incentive systems for motivating knowledge sharing yielded contradictory findings in many organisations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2016
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