Showing items 261 - 280 of 335

Ensuring high quality public safety data in participatory crowdsourcing used as a smart city initiative

  • Authors: Bhana, Bhaveer
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
  • Identifier: vital:11141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1014673
  • Description: The increase in urbanisation is making the management of city resources a difficult task. Data collected through observations of the city surroundings can be used to improve decision-making in terms of manage city resources. However, the data collected must be of quality in order to ensure that effective and efficient decisions are made. This study is focused on improving emergency and non-emergency services (city resources) by using Participatory Crowdsourcing as a data collection method (collect public safety data) utilising voice technology in the form of an advanced IVR system known as the Spoken Web. The study illustrates how Participatory Crowdsourcing can be used as a Smart City initiative by illustrating what is required to contribute to the Smart City, and developing a roadmap in the form of a model to assist decision-making when selecting the optimal Crowdsourcing initiative. A Public Safety Data Quality criteria was also developed to assess and identify the problems affecting Data Quality. This study is guided by the Design Science methodology and utilises two driving theories: the characteristics of a Smart City, and Wang and Strong’s (1996) Data Quality Framework. Five Critical Success Factors were developed to ensure high quality public safety data is collected through Participatory Crowdsourcing utilising voice technologies. These Critical Success Factors include: Relevant Public Safety Data, Public Safety Reporting Instructions, Public Safety Data Interpretation and Presentation Format, Public Safety Data Integrity and Security, and Simple Participatory Crowdsourcing System Setup.
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Evaluation of range condition, soil properties, seed banks and farmer's perceptions in Peddie communal rangeland of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Mndela, Mthunzi
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Soil seed banks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnoscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11583 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013153 , Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage , Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nguni cattle -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Soil seed banks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnoscience -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: South African rangelands in combination with their surrounding homesteads occupy 13% of the entire land surface in South Africa. These rangelands are a source of forage for communal livestock. The rangelands in communal tenure system are degraded due to high human population and livestock numbers. The rangeland of Peddie was never evaluated since the introduction of Nguni Cattle Empowerment Project. Therefore, socio-ecological evaluation was conducted in order to interlink farmer‟s perceptions and scientific data to recommend appropriate rangeland management and restoration programme. Two structured questionnaires consisting of close and open ended questions were used to investigate farmer‟s perceptions on rangeland condition, dynamics, and their causes. Sixty households were randomly selected on the bases of livestock ownership and the membership in Nguni Cattle Project. In each household, any respondent of 20 years or greater, and a key informant of age greater than 40 years were selected. For scientific assessment of range condition, three homogenous vegetation units namely grassland, scattered and dense bushland were demarcated into four 100m x 50m replicates. In each replicate, two 100m transects were laid parallel to each other with 30m equidistant apart. The step point and harvesting method along each transect were employed for herbaceous species composition and biomass production. The point-to-tuft distance was also determined as a proxy for basal cover. Woody density, species composition and tree equivalents were determined in 200m2 belt transects in each HVU replicates. The germination method for soil seed bank evaluation was also employed to find plant species composition and density. The soil nutrients (OC, N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn) and pH were analysed through solution preparation and observation under photospectrometer to determine functional capacity of the soil of Peddie rangeland. The farmer‟s perceptions comprised of 63% females and 37% males (n = 120) with a mean household of 8 people, 5 adults and 3 children. It was perceived by 93.3% respondents that the rangeland of Peddie have undergone changes over two decades. These changes were perceived by 83% respondents to be accompanied by decline in livestock numbers. Woody encroachment and overgrazing were perceived to be the major attributes of these vegetation changes. The scientific rangeland condition assessment confirmed that these changes were more pronounced as bush density increases. Dense bushland had a significantly high (p<0.05) encroached condition with 6650 trees ha-1 and 4909.5 TE ha-1 beyond the recommended thresholds of 2400 trees ha-1 and 2500 TE ha-1 respectively. Scattered bushland had a fair condition of 1950 trees ha-1 and 1198.1TE ha-1. Themeda triandra as a key species was significantly higher (p<0.05) in grassland (31.1%) than scattered (15.6%) and dense bushland (6.1%). There was a declining trend in biomass production from grassland to dense bushland. The summer biomass production was significantly higher (p<0.05) in grassland than scattered and dense bushland but winter biomass was not significantly different (p>0.05) from all homogenous vegetation units of Peddie rangeland. However, the soil fertility increased with an increase in bush density except organic carbon (OC) which was 1.61% in grassland, 1.46% in scattered and 1.53% in dense bushland respectively. Soil N, K, P, Mg2+ Na+, Ca2+, Cu, Zn, Mn and pH were significantly higher (p<0.05) in dense bushland than grassland and scattered bushland. High soil fertility in dense bushland may be attributed to by abscission of woody plants and litter decomposition. In the soil seed bank, the abundances of forbs were significantly higher than sedges (χ2 = 12, df = 1, p = 0.001) and grasses (χ2 = 8.333, df = 1, p = 0.004) in all homogenous vegetation units while sedges were not significantly different (χ2 = 3, df = 1, p = 0.083) from grasses. The Sorensen‟s index indicated that soil seed bank and extant vegetation were significantly different (p<0.05). Annual and biennial forbs and sedges had high abundances while perennial grasses formed a bulk in above ground vegetation. This provided an insight that a reliance on soil seed bank for restoration of Peddie rangeland would not be advisable because it can result in retrogression. The communal rangeland assessment provided clear qualitative and quantitative data when the combination of indigenous knowledge and scientific assessments was done. The rationale is that conclusions and recommendations of range assessment are relient on the farmer‟s perceptions pertinent to their livestock production systems and their rangeland management objectives. This study has shown that inclusion of communal farmers in policy making can provide better insight because those are the people experiencing the consequences of range degradation.
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Human rights implications of the compulsory HIV/AIDS testing policy: a critical appraisal of the law and practice in South Africa, Uganda and Canada

  • Authors: Chiringa, Kudakwashe E M
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: HIV infections -- Prevention , HIV-positive persons -- Civil rights , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Legal status, laws, etc. , AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: vital:11106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017298 , HIV infections -- Prevention , HIV-positive persons -- Civil rights , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Legal status, laws, etc. , AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation
  • Description: HIV/AIDS has been an obstacle to socio-economic development and a major cause of loss of human life. It has also caused vast inequities and frustration to the public health sector. One of the significant efforts made by the public health sector to combat the epidemic is the implementation of a mandatory HIV/AIDS testing policy to scale-up HIV treatment. This dissertation examines the impact of this policy on the human rights of people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Coercive government policies aimed at controlling the AIDS pandemic often infringe on the rights of individuals known to be or suspected of living with HIV/AIDS and this decreases the effectiveness of public health measures. The research methodology involved the study of written literature and a comparative literature study of the law and practice obtaining in South Africa, Uganda and Canada. It revealed that voluntary testing is effective and suitable in South Africa. This dissertation aimed to show that any public health approach that aims to achieve a comprehensive prevention strategy must be consistent with respect for human rights as enshrined in regional and international human rights law. Public health and human rights should, therefore, not be regarded as opposing forces; rather they should be seen as a unified system of protection of human welfare under the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. The solution to the crisis lies not only in testing every single person but also requires a shift of focus to more pressing issues that include gender equality, stigma and discrimination; prioritizing human rights, institutional capacity and resources; and an end to extreme poverty. A human rights-based approach to HIV/AIDS testing, such as the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) is recommended. Therefore, failure to adhere to the core principles of testing - which are informed consent, counselling and confidentiality of the test result - will only hinder the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The rights of those affected by HIV/AIDS need to be protected in order to address public health imperatives. This can be done through the use of the law as an instrument of social change as well as education and awareness. Key words, HIV/AIDS, mandatory testing, Voluntary Counselling and Testing, public health, human rights-based approach.
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Livelihood strategies of female headed households in Zimbabwe: the case of Magaso Village, Mutoko District in Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Musekiwa, Pamela
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Women heads of households -- Zimbabwe , Women in agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Household surveys -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
  • Identifier: vital:11763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005967 , Women heads of households -- Zimbabwe , Women in agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Household surveys -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe
  • Description: This research study explored livelihood strategies that female headed households adopt in Magaso village of Mutoko district in Zimbabwe. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: (i) examine the existing livelihood strategies of female headed households (ii) explore the various challenges faced by female headed households and (iii) establish the support mechanisms in place for female headed households to cope with life challenges .The literature reviewed in the study was drawn from several researchers, and the study was shaped by the strengths perspectives and the liberal feminism perspective. The study was qualitative in nature and used interviews to collect data from fifteen (15) female headed households. The data collection process used an interview guide. The research employed a qualitative research design in the form of a case study cum a phenomenological study design. Data was analysed qualitatively using the content thematic data analysis which used interpretive approaches and presentation is textual rather than statistical. The study findings were the following: engaging in subsistence farming was found to be the main livelihood activity of the female heads; engaging in home gardens; exchanging labour for food; involvement in business; reliance on temporary employment from different agencies; reliance on handouts from government and other bodies; and household heads sanctioning child labour that compromises school attendance. Moreover, these female heads faced numerous difficulties ranging from emotional, social to financial problems that resulted in worsening the condition of women, and hence validating feminization of poverty among them. Several support mechanisms were discovered to be available for the female heads but they fail to produce to fruitful results to the lives of the female heads. The study made the following recommendations: mainstreaming gender education from childhood stage; efforts aimed at job creation; financial empowerment through setting up of micro schemes for rural women amongst; seeking the services of agricultural extension services to the female head farmers; improving the social services delivery in Zimbabwe equitably across genders and strengthening informal strategies to improve women‘s social capital. Lastly, the study concluded that little is being done in terms of policy formulation to make the support structures responsive to the female headed households especially in rural areas, hence the need for sustainable development through empowerment.
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Opening up global food trade to developing countries: an evaluation of the World Trade Organisation's agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary measure

  • Authors: Nyatsanza, Sharon
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: World Trade Organization , Food contamination , Food handling -- Safety measures
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27413 , vital:67294
  • Description: Food safety and consumer protection has been a major concern of regulators since the 12th century. Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures were therefore introduced to protect human, animal and plant safety. With the expansion of international trade came the increase in the use of SPS measures. However these increases in the use of SPS measures were accompanied with their misuse for protectionist purposes. SPS measures which had been created for legitimate purposes quickly became significant barriers to trade. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) adopted the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) as a mechanism to regulate the use of SPS measures and avoid their potential use as protectionist tools. Trade liberalization and market access has been a primary aim of the WTO, therefore in principle the SPS Agreement is supposed to open up global food trade for all countries.Apart from opening up global food trade, another purpose of the SPS Agreement was to protect the developing countries, accommodate their special needs and in turn promote their economic development. Developing countries are heavily dependent on global food trade for their economic development. However developing states can only benefit from global food trade if they comply with SPS standards set in the importing countries. Considering their reliance on the agro – food sector the economic development of developing states is heavily reliant on the successful implementation of the SPS Agreement. According the SPS Agreement must avoid the use of illegitimate SPS measures and promote market access. It is therefore crucial that the SPS Agreement be analysed to determine whether its text, application and or interpretation satisfies the objective of opening up global food trade especially for developing states. The objective is to show the significance of a regulatory framework that is as much as possible devoid of any loopholes or shortcomings, which could frustrate the developmental interests. Inappropriate accommodation of developmental interests in the SPS Agreement could have adverse impacts on the development prospectus of developing countries. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2013
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Species and spatio-temporal variation in the yield, nutritive value and in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics of selected grass species from two communal grazing lands of the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Kwaza, Ayanda
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/987 , vital:26515
  • Description: Communal rangelands sustain a large proportion of the livestock in South Africa. A few dominant grass species contribute to the bulk of the livestock forage in these rangelands. Little is known on the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics of grass species grazed by ruminants in the communal grazing lands of Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The objectives of this study were therefore to investigate seasonal and altitudinal variations in biomass yield, chemical composition, and in vitro ruminal degradability and cumulative gas production of selected (dominant) grass species. The grass species were collected over four seasons (summer, autumn, winter and spring) from three altitudes/landscape gradients (upland, gentle sloppy and bottomlands) across two communal areas (Hala in highland (Highveld) and Gqumashe in lowland (Lowveld)) of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. In each altitude, three 50 m x 20 m plots, which served as replicates were marked to collect vegetation samples. A 5 x 4 x 3 factorial experiment in a randomised complete block design was used with season, altitude and grass species being the main factors, and with the plots within altitudes serving as blocks (replicates). Data analysis was done separately for the two communal study areas using the General Linear Models (GLM) procedure of SAS to test differences between species, seasons and altitudes. The common grass species in both grazing lands were Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis chloromelus, Eragrostis plana, Sporobolus africanus and Themeda triandra. When the DM yield of all the grasses was combined, the results showed a generally low forage dry matter yield during the dry season. There was no significant (P>0.05) interaction between any of the main factors. Macro and micro mineral content of plant samples collected from the two communal grazing lands showed great variations (P<0.05) between species, seasons and altitude. In the Highveld, CP ranged from 3.9 to 6.5% DM being significantly highest (P<0.05) in Cynodon dactylon and lowest in E. plana. When all species were combined, higher CP was recorded for samples harvested in summer (5.5%) followed by spring and autumn, and lowest in winter (3.8%). In the Lowveld, Eragrostis chloromelus had higher (P<0.05) CP level followed by C. dactylon and T. Triandra. When all species were pooled, forage samples harvested in summer had a significantly higher (P<0.05) CP followed by spring, autumn and winter. In summary, CP content of all grasses was below the critical maintenance level for livestock especially during late dry seasons. In both areas, the highest NDF level was measured for Eragrostis plana and lowest for Themeda triandra. As for altitudinal differences, samples collected from the upland areas had generally the lowest (P<0.05) CP and highest ADF contents. For grasses harvested from the Highveld, C. dactylon produced the most (P<0.05) gas after 48 h of fermentation (794.6 ml/g DM) and also had the highest 48h DMD (415.1 g kg-1). Themeda triandra produced least (P<0.05) gas (742 ml/g DM) 48h post-incubation. The least (P<0.05) degradable species after 48 h was E. chloromelus (372.9 g kg-1). For grasses harvested from Lowveld, the 48h cumulative gas production was highest (822.7 ml/g DM) in E. plana and lowest (742.8 ml/g DM) in E. chloromelus, while S. africanus had least 48h DMD (327.9 kg-1). In both the Highveld and Lowveld, gas production and DMD were highest in the autumn season. It was concluded most grasses were deficient in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Therefore, it is recommended that mineral supplements should be offered to animals to improve animal productivity throughout the year. Findings of this study suggested that addition of protein and energy sources may be desirable in both grazing areas to meet the maintenance/production requirements of the grazing ruminants throughout the year. Key words: Forage yield, chemical composition, landscape gradient; seasonal variations; in vitro ruminal gas production; dry matter degradability.
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The determinants of corporate entrepreneurship for firms in adventure tourism sector in the Eastern Cape Province: South Africa

  • Authors: Chigamba, Cleopas
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Entrepreneurship , Industrial management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com (Business Management)
  • Identifier: vital:11326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015312 , Organizational change -- Management , Entrepreneurship , Industrial management
  • Description: Tourism has been acknowledged for the past decade as one of the leading driving forces for economic development in post-apartheid South Africa (Nel & Binns, 2002:189). The objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of corporate entrepreneurship for firms in adventure tourism sector in the Eastern Cape Province; South Africa. The population for the study were firms registered with the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Portal (NMBT) and the Dirty Boot Adventure South Africa. Convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected through the use of a self-administered questionnaire. For the purpose of data collection, one hundred and fourteen questions were identified through a thorough review of the literature. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the one hundred and fourteen questions to twelve factors namely: flat organisational structure, management support for intrapreneurship, vision and strategic intent, rewards / reinforcement and sponsorship, innovativeness and creativity, multi-disciplined teamwork and diversity, entrepreneurial leadership, resources and time, strong customer orientation, continuous cross-functional learning, tolerance of risk, mistakes and failure and work discretion and discretionary time. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, T-test and ANOVA. Cohen`s (d-value) was used to measure the effect size of differences for t-statistics. The Cronbach’s alpha was used to test the reliability of the scales. The results showed significant positive relationships between the twelve factors and corporate entrepreneurship. Recommendations included an integrated framework that could assist adventure tour operator to establish and sustain corporate entrepreneurship within this sector.
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The Impact of the common law and legislation on African indigenous laws of marriage in Zimbabwe and South Africa

  • Authors: Gwarinda, T A
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1421 , vital:26554
  • Description: The study sought to examine the development of customary law, primarily focusing on the extent to which the true African marriage has been preserved by its incorporation in, and regulation by legislation and the constitutions of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Today, colonial legislation has either been repealed or revised. However, evidence persists suggesting the inclusion of western principles within frameworks governing African marriages such as the Customary Marriages Act and the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of post-independence Zimbabwe and South Africa respectively. To understand the true purpose of custom, the study initially investigates the classical customary law position drawing deeper insights into the main features of the African marriage. From an African perspective, the research revealed whether legislation satisfactorily dealt with aspects such as registration of customary marriages, determination of minority and capacity to marry, payment of bride wealth, grounds for divorce, proprietary consequences of marriage during and after termination of marriage by death or divorce and women’s rights to communal land tenure and immovable property among others. Apart from legislation it became imperative to determine the role of constitutionalism and human rights law in the regulation and preservation of custom. A comparative study was motivated not only because Zimbabwe and South Africa share a border but also because migration between the two countries in the past decade due to various socio-economic forces has led to inter-marriages and cultural diversity. In addition, historically, both jurisdictions have Roman-Dutch law as the basis for the formation of their legal systems. The methodology remained largely a qualitative type research based on documentary analysis. Several findings emerged among which was the fact that, women in traditional African marriages had property rights contrary to popular belief however they continue to be most disadvantaged when it comes to having real rights in ownership of communal land. The African marriage generally sought to preserve marriage more than its western counterpart, the civil marriage. Legislation was the main vehicle for attaching customary law to western principles of law thus losing its intended purpose. Other findings were that polygamy and widow inheritance are prevalent and continue to face condemnation in today’s society; constitutionalism and international human rights law do not readily find acceptance among traditionalists; bride wealth payments persist among rural and urban folk alike and continue to symbolise a marriage between respective parties and their families; and spouses omit to register customary marriages mainly because bride wealth payments adequately legitimise their unions. Initiation ceremonies persist among some ethnic groups particularly the South African Xhosa who have adhered to circumcision for boys as determining their capacity to marry. The study concludes by making recommendations that could assist in harmonising customary law and common law. These include educational initiatives; advocacy and advice giving; regulation of unregistered customary marriages; improving access to justice; eradication of child marriages; improving the status of rural women; and constitutional reform. It is hoped that these recommendations will bridge the gap between customary law and western law as we endeavour to determine the future of the African marriage in a contemporary traditional context.
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Wattle and pineapple residues as oyster mushroom substrates and the utilization of spent substrate in potted tomato production

  • Authors: Hlerema, Igenicious Nicholas
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Horticultural Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11887 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016199
  • Description: Cultivating oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) could have multiple advantages. For example, it can contribute to food security and malnutrition eradication, as a source of healthy and nutritionally rich food. Feeding on lignocellulosic crop/plant residues, these mushroom species also convert waste materials into a wide diversity of products which have multi-beneficial effects to human beings: serving as animal feed and fertiliser, and for protecting and regenerating the environment. Therefore, objectives of the current research were (1) to investigate the use of the rapidly increasing alien plants (Acacia spp.) in South Africa in cultivating of oyster mushroom for dual benefits, income generating and controlling the population of the alien (invasive) plants; (2) to evaluate the use of pineapple residue in the Eastern Cape as sole substrate or as a supplement in the cultivation of oyster mushroom; (3) to determine the effect of mushroom spent substrate, as organic growing media, on growth of tomatoes and controlling nematode population. In an experiment to investigate yield performance of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus HK 35) grown on three acacia species [black wattle (BW: Acacia mearnsii) , silver wattle (SW: A. dealbata) and green wattle (GW: A. decurrens)] used as substrates either mixed with 50% maize bran (MB) or 50% wheat straw (WS).
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Significance of accuracy in the orthographical development of isiXhosa in a post-democratic South Africa

  • Authors: Saul, Zandisile W.
  • Date: 2013-01
  • Subjects: Xhosa language , Xhosa language -- Orthography and spelling , Xhosa language -- Grammar
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23056 , vital:55325
  • Description: IsiXhosa language is one of the first languages in sub-Saharan Africa to be reduced into writing. The first written texts in isiXhosa were produced by British missionaries in the Tyhume river valley as early as 1824. In spite of these early developments, there still remain today many inconsistencies and anomalies with regard to the standardization of isiXhosa orthography that require attention. This research focuses on the status quo of the current orthography of isiXhosa which is used in the writing of the selected texts which were published from 2000 to date. The research study investigates how these texts are written, that is, whether they are written according to the principles of the writing of this language as developed by the respective language boards or not. The reason for doing this is that this language has become one of the official languages of the Republic of South Africa. Therefore, in order for it to be read and written without any difficulty by anyone, as it is expected to be used as a medium of instruction even at tertiary level in the future, it should be written accurately and consistently. The study analyses a number of isiXhosa written texts including the following: (1) Selected literary texts which were published from 2000 to date. (2) Selected publications by government departments. (3) Selected translated texts. (4) Some of the newspapers and magazines which are currently in circulation in this language. (5) Some dictionaries of isiXhosa. (6) The updated isiXhosa Orthography as compiled by the PanSALB (2008). The aims of the study are outlined in Chapter 1. This chapter also provides the theoretical framework within which the research is located. Chapter 2 is about the theoretical perspectives on the development of the art of writing and orthography. The historical background, that is, the development of the art of writing and the general as well as the specific requirements of a good orthography are discussed. Chapters 3, 4 and 5 observe and analyse the orthographical features of some written documents of isiXhosa such as writing of capital letters, word division, usage of concords, etc. These three chapters also observe and analyse the various anomalies and inconsistencies in the spelling of isiXhosa words that were identified in the consulted texts. Chapter 6 is devoted to the conclusion and the recommendations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities,2013
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Market potential and profitability of improved maize open pollinated varieties in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Sibanda, Melusi
  • Date: 2012-04
  • Subjects: Hybrid corn , Crops -- Effect of stress on
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24598 , vital:63211
  • Description: Maize is one of the most important crops grown by smallholder farmers in Amatole and O.R. Tambo Districts of the Eastern Cape. For this study, there were 13 maize varieties that were evaluated extensively by on-farm trials in selected areas under dry land and irrigated conditions. Nine were newly introduced and improved Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs), while four were locally grown varieties. Among the locally grown varieties, one was a hybrid-check, while the remaining three were improved OPVs. The objectives of this study were: to investigate the potential marketability of newly introduced maize OPVs, identify factors influencing farmers‟ demand of improved maize OPVs and assess their profitability when compared with hybrids. One hundred and thirty seven sample households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages), gross margins and regression analyses. Data for computing gross margins was taken from the on-farm trials. Results showed that the actual production of improved maize OPVs constituted 0percent in Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme (ZIS) and 20percent of the farmers in the O.R. Tambo District. At Silwindlala Women‟s Project (SWP), the improved maize OPV (Sahara) was grown. The majority of the farmers in the study areas were growing competitor varieties (hybrids and/or in conjunction with landraces). Results show that, there is potential market for improved maize OPVs in the Eastern Cape. The majority of the farmers, 87percent and 92percent in Amatole (SWP and ZIS) and O.R. Tambo Districts respectively, indicated that they were willing to adopt the newly introduced maize OPVs. Results showed that the hybrid PAN 6479 variety in general performed better than improved maize OPVs whereas in some areas, the improved maize OPVs had better gross margins and gross profit margins than the hybrid variety. The indicated genotypes did not show specific adaptation to selected environments. The demand model that employed a multiple regression model was used and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) computer software. Results of the multiple regression model showed that household socio-economic factors (extension contact, access to credit, availability of household income, proportion of land area under cultivation, proportion of land area under (hybrids and landrace) and perceptions on seed color) and an input market factor (availability of the improved maize OPV seeds on the local shops) were the most important factors influencing farmers' decisions to demanding the improved maize OPVs. Extension contact, access to credit, level of household income and proportion of land area under cultivation, positively influenced the demand for the improved maize OPVs whereas the unavailability of the improved maize OPV seeds on the local shops, proportion of land area under hybrids and landraces and perceptions on seed color negatively influenced the demand for the improved maize OPVs. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2012
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A study of the selected wild edible plants utilized by indigenous people of the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

  • Authors: Kwinana-Mandindi, Thozama Ndileka
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Wild plants, Edible http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85146686
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19598 , vital:43147
  • Description: Wild edible plants are an indispensible part of diets in some of the poor resourced rural societies. In many less resourced households a main meal comprises of a starch staple which is accompanied by a supplement of vegetables that provide the other nutritional elements as well as flavour to the meals. The vegetable relish (isishebo) thus, becomes an important component of the diet. The sustenance of many such resource poor indigenous societies over many generations has been as a result of their reliance on a readily available supply of their nutritional requirements, where edible wild plants formed the major food source. Wild edible plants provided the most important source of nutritional supply even during times of drought and famine. However, lifestyle changes have caused a serious reduction of the gathering and use of the wild edible vegetables, knowledge about them and the local culture are also lost with them. Unfortunately, others have come to regard their traditional food resource base as primitive and inferior and have come to rely on new exotic food plant whose supply is unstable and narrow compared to the wide variety of wild edible plants. Even when drought challenges play destruction with food availability, resulting in food shortages due to the reliance on cultivated crops that are poorly adapted to local conditions, communities cannot go back to the unknown food plants. However, detailed scientific investigations are needed to understand and preserve wild food uses. This study was undertaken to add to that body of knowledge. It started with an ethnobotanic survey of the use of wild food plants in 10 selected rural villages and peri-urban dwellings in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape. These rural areas were chosen because of the belief that there are still individuals who possess the wealth of traditional knowledge within those remote areas in addition to that the villages are surrounded by indigenous vegetation from which they could be harvesting some indigenous food plants. Furthermore, the relationship between people and plants are often clearer in indigenous/traditional societies since the link between production and consumption is more direct. Besides the survey, this research employed various methods including Inductively Coupled Argon (ICP) analyses of minerals and vitamins, determination of phytochemicals and antioxidant/bio-activity that of, higher performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination of other vitamins, assessment of proximate and anti-nutrient compositions of raw and cooked samples of plants, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) to look into the micro-morphology of leaves for details that might have a bearing in the nutrient composition of the wild edible vegetables. This was done with the aim to explore and highlight the wild-food-plant base of indigenous people, to investigate the nutritional value of the selected frequently consumed wild vegetables and to recommend ways of educating people on the value of such plants and the need to promote their continued sustainable use as well as preservation of them for the benefit of people who cannot afford a continuous nutritious meal particularly among rural communities. Twenty-five (25) indigenous wild food plants which included leafy vegetables, nuts and fruits species were identified as being arbitrarily gathered and utilised as food, of which seven wild leafy vegetable species were often mentioned as common among the 15 dwellings surveyed and most frequently consumed by the respondents. Two additional plants were also frequently used as flavoring and in their raw state respectively. Wild edible vegetables were mainly eaten boiled as ‘laxa’, mixed with maize meal as ‘imifino’, fried as relish ‘isishebo’ or raw for both snacking purposes and medicinal functions. Wild edible plant species in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape-South Africa were documented with respect to their uses and knowledge or identification. Four indigenous wild vegetables (Chenopodium album, Solanum nigrum/nodiflorum, Amaranthus dubius and Urtica lobulata) frequently consumed by the indigenous communities in the study region were selected. All the plant species had a remarkably high content of pro-anthocyanidins (between 58.42 and 65.18 mg/g) and also exhibited high radical scavenging activity in vitro. S. nigrum and C. album were found to be rich sources of ascorbic acid, having 1.05mg/100g and 1.01mg/100g, respectively. The entire wild, traditionally edible plants contain reasonably good concentrations of riboflavin while U. lobulata was found to contain maximum amount of thiamine. All plant species were rich sources of minerals and vitamins (both water soluble and fat soluble). Appropriate cooking methods are to be used to enhance the bio-availability of vitamins and nutrients in general. Cooking generally improved the nutritive value in certain wild vegetables. However, some nutrients were drained away. For example micro-nutrient and anti-nutrient component in the ash were reduced in cooking. The EDXS analysis has shown that the indigenous, wild vegetables in the Amathole District of South Africa are excellent sources of minerals, while the mineral crystals present at the level of the mesophyll of the indigenous wild vegetables were probably mixtures of calcium oxalate, calcium sulphate and silica. Saponin, tannins, oxalates, phytates and alkaloids are present in all the indigenous wild vegetables, but in minimal safe quantities. Nutritional analysis of some wild food plants demonstrates that in many cases the nutritional quality of the plants is comparable and in some cases even superior to domesticated exotic varieties. Knowledge about gathering and use of some wild food species is common among the rural dwellers. However, most uses are known by few elderly informants only. Education, awareness campaigns and revival of use of wild edible plants directed at the youth particularly is essential and this can be done through all forms of media. , Thesis (PhD) (Ethnobotany) -- University of Fort Hare, 2012
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Agricultural expenditure for economic growth and poverty reduction in Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Mapfumo, Alexander
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Agriculture -- Research -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural extension work -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural development projects -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural services -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural credit -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11155 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/422 , Agriculture -- Research -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural extension work -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural development projects -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural services -- Zimbabwe , Agricultural credit -- Zimbabwe
  • Description: A vibrant and an efficient agricultural sector would enable a country to feed its growing population, generate employment, earn foreign exchange and provide raw materials for industries. The agricultural sector has a multiplier effect on any nation's socio-economic and industrial fabric because of the multifunctional nature of agriculture. The main objective of this study was to investigate how government expenditure on agriculture has affected economic growth in Zimbabwe from 1980-2009. The Log linear growth regression model was employed where gross domestic gross was the dependant variable and the explanatory variables are the factors which affect it which include government agricultural expenditure. The expenditures of government on agriculture were divided into three functions namely extension, credit assistance and R & D. The regression analyses were performed using Econometric-views 7 (E-views 7) statistical package. Regression was carried out on time series data for the period 1980 to 2009. The data was tested for stationarity and for autocorrelation. Problems of non stationarity of data were corrected by integrating the trending series. Results from the empirical analysis provide strong evidence indicating that agriculture is an engine of economic growth. The results from this study suggest that spending more on agricultural research and development can improve economic growth and ultimately reduce poverty. However, it can also be concluded that insufficient government agricultural expenditure on extension and credit assistance adversely affected economic growth in Zimbabwe, based on the results of the study. Global experience with pro-poor growth and empirical work spanning India, Benin and Malawi demonstrates the importance of agricultural expenditure for poverty reduction in poor rural areas, while also pointing to the need for complementary non farm sector growth. This study also proposes a simple methodology to estimate the agricultural spending that will be required to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of halving poverty by 2015 (MDG1) in Zimbabwe. This method uses growth poverty and growth expenditure elasticities to estimate the financial resources required to meet the MDG1. The study attempts to address a key knowledge gap by improving estimation of first MDG agricultural expenditure at country level.
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Agricultural public spending, growth and poverty linkage hypotheses in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

  • Authors: Ndhleve, Simbarashe
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government spending policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/493 , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government spending policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The adoption of the Millennium Development Goal 1 (MDG1) of reducing the rate of poverty to half of the 1990-level by 2015, the advent of democracy in South Africa, among other things, have raised concerns over the potential role of the agricultural sector. There is a belief that the sector has the capacity to successfully reduce poverty among the rural masses and contribute to addressing the problem of inequality in South Africa. In line with that thinking, South Africa‘s agricultural sector has attracted considerable fiscal policy interest. For instance, South Africa‘s statistics show that public investments in agricultural development programmes have been growing. In spite of this, rural poverty is still a major concern on an overall basis. However, this might not be the case in the Eastern Cape Province and the situation might be different for each district municipality. This study assesses the linkages between public agricultural investment, agricultural growth and poverty reduction in the Eastern Cape Province. The study also addresses the question whether Eastern Cape Province is on course to meet several regional development targets. The study also aims to provide an estimate of the amount of agricultural investment required to attain the agricultural productivity growth rate which is sufficient to meet MDG1. The study reviewed the various theories of public spending, linkages between public investment and agricultural growth and how these components affect the incidence of poverty. The conventional wisdom that public expenditure in agriculture positively affects economic growth and this growth consequently reduces poverty was noted. The reviews also revealed that in many developing countries, the current level of public agricultural investment needs to be increased significantly for countries to meet the MDG1. This study employed the decomposition technique and growth elasticity of poverty concept to estimate the response of poverty to its key determinants. The size of public spending, prioritization of public spending and the intensity in the use of public funds emerged as important in increasing agricultural production. The relationship between government investment in agriculture and agricultural GDP shows iv that public funds were largely behind the province‘s success in increasing agricultural production throughout the period from 1990s to 2010. Agricultural spending went to sustainable resource management, administrative functions and then farmer support programme. Exceptional growth in the size of spending was recorded in respect to agricultural economic function, structured agricultural training, sustainable resource management and veterinary services. Overall output from the agricultural sector fluctuated, and the sector contributed less than 5 per cent to the total provincial GDP. Correlations between growth in agricultural sector and changes in the incidence of poverty in Eastern Cape show that during the period 1995 to 2000, increases in the agricultural GDP per capita may have failed to benefit the poor as poverty increased in all the reported cases.–However, for the period between 2005 and 2010, the situation was different and it was observed that increases in agricultural GDP per capita and were associated with reduction in the incidence of poverty. Growth elasticity of poverty (GEP) estimates reveal that agricultural GDP per capita was more important in reducing poverty in 5 out of the 7 district municipalities. Non-agricultural GDP per capita was only important in two district municipalities. It emerged that most of the district municipalities are not in a position to meet any of the regional set goals. This situation is largely attributable to the province‘s failure to boost agricultural production which is an outcome of low and inefficient public expenditure management, inconsistent and misaligned policies and failure to fully embrace the concept of pro-poor growth. Varied provisional estimates for the required agricultural growth rate and the increase in public spending on agriculture required in order to reach MDG1 were calculated for each district municipalities. All the district municipalities of Eastern Cape will need to increase public investment in agriculture for them to achieve MDG1.
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Antibacterial and phytochemical studies of selected South African honeys on clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori

  • Authors: Manyi-Loh, Christy E
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Helicobacter pylori , Honey--South Africa , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Bacterial diseases , Honey -- Therapeutic use , Helicobacter pylori infections , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Microbiology)
  • Identifier: vital:11240 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001056 , Helicobacter pylori , Honey--South Africa , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Bacterial diseases , Honey -- Therapeutic use , Helicobacter pylori infections , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Infection with Helicobacter pylori has been associated with the pathogenesis of numerous stomach and gastroduodenal diseases that pose threats to public health. Eradicaftion of this pathogen is a global challenge due to its alarming rate of multidrug resistance. Consequently, to find an alternative treatment, the search is increasingly focused on new antimicrobial product from natural sources including honey. Honey has been used as medicine in several cultures since ancient time due to its enormous biomedical activities. Its beneficial qualities have been endorsed to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties added to its phytocomponents. In this study, the anti-H. pylori activity of South African honeys and their solvent extracts as well as the phytochemicals present in the two most active honeys were evaluated. Agar well diffusion test was used to investigate the antimicrobial activity of six honey varieties obtained from different locations in the country. Subsequently, the honeys were extracted with four organic solvents viz n-hexane, diethyl ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate employed in order of increasing polarity. The antibacterial activity of the different solvent extracts of each honey was evaluated by agar well diffusion; broth micro dilution and time kill assays. Different chromatographic techniques (Thin layer & column chromatography) were employed to enumerate the phytochemical constituents in the most active solvent extracts of Pure Honey (PH) and Champagne Royal Train (CRT); and were identified by gas-chromatography linked mass-spectrometry. Linalool pure compound was equally evaluated for anti-H. pylori activity in a bid to trace the antibacterial agent among the variety of compounds identified. Data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA test at 95% confidence interval. Crude honeys and their solvent extracts demonstrated potent anti-H. pylori activity with zone diameter that ranged from [16.0mm (crude) to 22.2mm (extract)] and percentage susceptibilities of test isolates between 73.3% (crude) and 93.3% (extract). The chloroform extracts of PH and CRT were most active with MIC50 in the ranges 0.01- viii 10%v/v and 0.625-10%v/v respectively, not significantly different from amoxicillin (P> 0.05); and efficient bactericidal activity (100% bacterial cells killed) at 1/2MIC and 4xMIC over different time intervals, 36-72hrs and 18-72hrs respectively. The appearance of bands on the thin layer chromatography (TLC) chromatogram spotted with the chloroform extracts of PH and CRT; and developed with hexane: ethyl acetate: acetic acid (HEA) and methanol: acetic acid: water (MAAW) solvent systems indicated the presence of compounds. Purification of the compounds contained in these extracts over silica gel column yielded numerous fractions which were evaluated for antibacterial activity and purity. PHF5 was the most active fraction with a mean MIC50 value of 1.25mg/mL. Volatile compounds belonging to different known chemical families in honey were identified in all the active fractions obtained from PH. Conversely, only four compounds were identified in the active fractions obtained from CRT hence the non volatile constituents could be of prime relevance with respect to antibacterial activity of this honey. Of novelty was the presence of thiophene and N-methyl-D3-azirdine compounds, essential precursors used for the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceuticals with vital biomedical properties. Linalool demonstrated potent inhibitory (MIC95, 0.002- 0.0313mg/mL) and bactericidal activity (0.0039-0.313mg/mL) against the test isolates. On the other hand, a significant difference was recorded (P < 0.05) in comparing the activity of linalool compound to the fractions. PH could serve as a good economic source of bioactive compounds which could be employed as template for the synthesis of novel anti-H. pylori drugs. However, further studies are needed to determine the non volatile active ingredients in PH and CRT as well as toxicological testing
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Case study of the educational experiences of four teenage mothers in two high schools in the Buffalo City Metropole

  • Authors: Adams, Hermie E
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Teenage girls -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
  • Identifier: vital:16168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/468 , Teenage girls -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions
  • Description: Teenage pregnancy is a worldwide phenomenon. World Health Organisation (2009) reports that teenage mothers between the ages of 15-19 years account for 11% of births recorded worldwide. In South Africa it has been estimated that teenagers aged 17-19 account for 93% of all teenage pregnancies. A large proportion of these adolescents return to school after giving birth. Research has shown that there is a great deal of controversy about not only pre-marital sex, but also concerning whether teenage mothers should be allowed back in school at all. The aim of this study was to gain some insights into the lived experiences of teenage mothers in schools with particular reference to how they cope with school work and the responsibilities of motherhood. A case study of four teenage mothers who returned to school after giving birth was carried out. In-depth phenomenological interviewing designed to elicit the voices of the selected adolescents was done. There were five main findings. First, all four teenagers were minors, under the age of 18 when they gave birth. Two of them were even under the statutory age of consent. Second, upon return to school, teenage mothers experienced stigmatisation from peers and teachers and this forced them to continually negotiate their dual identities as mothers and learners. Third, teenage mothers experienced psychological emotions of stress; low self-esteem; shame and depression. Fourth, they also had sociological experiences in the form of material, financial and social support from family and friends. In some cases they experienced rejection from peers and abandonment by boyfriends who had made them pregnant. Some educators discriminated against and ridiculed teenage mothers. Fifth, teenage mothers reorganised their lives after childbirth and established routines that enabled them to cope with the demands of school work and the responsibilities of motherhood. iii The study concludes that, although viewed with scepticism by sections of the community and some educators, and given that some pregnancies are a result of abuse and unequal power relations between men and women in society, the policy of allowing teenage mothers back to school after giving birth gives them another chance to re-focus their lives. It is recommended that the voices of teenage mothers who return to school after childbirth should be taken into account to inform any planning for future policies on teenage pregnancy by schools and the state. It is further recommended that all educators should also be trained to be able to assist the teenage mothers instead of alienating them. There should also be counselling services available for the teenage mothers to enable them to deal with psychological and sociological problems they might encounter. For further research, students from different backgrounds should be the target of similar research. Another area of research should focus on academic performance of teenage mothers who return to school after giving birth. Lastly, there should be research that seeks to link what is taught in the Life Orientation curriculum and voices of teenage mothers.
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Dreams, sexuality and fantasy: a psychoanalytic reading of K. Sello Duiker’s novels

  • Authors: Kirton-Els, Teneille
  • Date: 2012
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt et Phil
  • Identifier: vital:11890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020154
  • Description: The primary aim of this thesis is to provide a text-based literary study exploring the characters and themes created by K. Sello Duiker in the three novels, Thirteen Cents, The Quiet Violence of Dreams and The Hidden Star. Duiker’s work is significant because it highlights prominent societal challenges prevalent in post-apartheid society. By analysing Duiker’s novels one acquires a better understanding of this author, an understanding of the world that contributed to the creation of his texts and his contribution to South African literature. Insight into Duiker’s fictional world allows for a careful investigation of the prominent societal issues prevalent in Duiker’s work - a world riddled with violence, issues of sexuality and psychological distress. For this purpose this thesis is premised on the notion that underpinning K. Sello Duiker’s oeuvre is a central focus on dreams, sexuality and fantasy. Logically, therefore, the main focus of the study is specifically on the inner working of the characters’ minds and how they deal/ or are unable to cope with contemporary social concerns, often resulting in psychological turmoil and dysfunctionality. For this reason, prominent themes examined in this study are the interpretation of dreams, an exploration of sexuality and an examination of fantasy in the three novels. Psychoanalytic literary theory, with the main focus being specifically on the theories presented by Sigmund Freud is used as an analytic tool to read Duiker’s texts. Psychoanalytic theory is arguably the most appropriate for analysing Duiker’s novels as it allows one to investigate the characters’ psyches and the psychological effect of societal influences on these characters. In addition, one is also able to examine how the characters are able/ unable to deal with the trauma caused by the contemporary issues in society – issues of violence, sexuality and psychological distress. Thus, one is able to grasp an overall understanding of the characters’ behaviour and actions. Furthermore, the characters’ experiences are based on the behaviour and incidents of real people, people suffering from psychological dysfunctionality, sexuality issues and identity crisis. The first chapter discusses post-apartheid literature, and provides a brief background on Duiker, his works and his conception as a writer. Chapter two provides an overview of psychoanalytic theory and on the relevant theories of Sigmund Freud. Chapter three offers a reading of Thirteen Cents, a novel that pays particular attention to the lives of children living on the streets of Cape Town. In the next chapter The Quiet Violence of Dreams is examined with a special focus on Duiker’s experimentation with form in the construction of this novel. Aspects pertaining to sexuality and dreams are also examined. Chapter five pays particular attention to magical realism and fantasy in The Hidden Star.
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Effect of full and semi-scavenging rearing systems on crop contents and the quality of meat from village chickens during spring season of Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Hanyani, Charles Tawanda
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Chickens -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chicken breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Meat -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11807 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/440 , Chickens -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Chicken breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Meat -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The objective of this study was to compare the nutrient status of full scavenging and semi-scavenging village chicken production systems. The semi-scavenging chickens were given broiler finisher mash between 14-24 weeks of age, whilst the full scavenging relied on natural foraging. The study also sought to compare the quality of meat from chickens from the two systems. After slaughtering the chickens, the crop contents were physically separated and analysed for chemical composition. Meat pH and colour were measured on the breast muscle of individual carcasses and a consumer sensory evaluation was also done on the breast muscle. The mean crop content weights per day were significantly higher in full scavenging chickens (±16.7g/day biomass) than in semi-scavenging chickens (±9.14g/day). Dry matter, calcium, and phosphorus levels were higher in the crop contents of the full than in the semi-scavenging chickens but crude protein, crude fibre and metabolisable energy were higher in the latter system. Semi-scavenging (1.3 ± 0.05kg) carcasses were heavier (P<0.05) than full scavenging ones (1.0 ± 0.06kg). The ultimate pH (24h) (pHu) of meat from full scavenging chickens (6.0 ± 0.03) was higher (P<0.05) than that of meat from the semi-scavenging chickens (5.7 ± 0.04). Meat from the full scavenging chickens had higher L* values (60 ± 1.2) than meat from the semi-scavenging chickens (47 ± 0.8). The a* value of meat of full scavenging chickens was significantly (P<0.05) less (4 ± 0.4) than that of meat from semi-scavenging chickens (15 ± 1.3). There was a significant positive (0.60) correlation between pHu and L* of meat from village chickens across rearing systems. The semi-scavenging system meat had better sensory attributes than the meat from the full scavenging system. Female consumers scored the typical flavour of village chicken meat across rearing systems higher (P< 0.05) than male consumers. The Shona consumers scored the meat higher (P< 0.05) than the Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele and other tribes for initial juiciness, first bite impression and muscle fibre and tenderness of the chicken across rearing systems. Consumers scored of the meat from the semi-scavenging system higher (P<0.05) on initial juiciness (4.3 ± 0.20), first bite impression (4.2 ± 0.197), muscle fibre tenderness (4.5 ± 0.217) than meat from the full scavenging chickens. There were positive correlations (0.46) between aroma intensity and overall flavour intensity across both rearing systems. The semi-scavenging system produced better carcass characteristics, lighter (L*) meat and more consumer acceptable meat than full scavenging chickens. Therefore the full scavenging rearing system had better nutrient composition in its scavenging feed resource base, although the semi-scavenging systems produced chickens with better carcass, meat pH, colour and sensory characteristics than the full scavenging chickens.
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Effects of feeding Moringa Oleifera leaf meal as an additive on growth performance of chicken, physico-chemical shelf-life indicators, fatty acid profiles and lipid oxidation of broiler meat

  • Authors: Wapi, Cwayita
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Moringa , Broilers (Chickens) , Meat -- Quality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11822 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007546 , Moringa , Broilers (Chickens) , Meat -- Quality
  • Description: Effects of feeding Moringa oleifera leaf meal as an additive on growth performance of chicken, physico- chemical shelf-life indicators, fatty acids profiles and lipid oxidation of broiler meat The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of M.oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) as an additive on growth performance, carcass characteristics, physico-chemical shelf-life indicators (colour, ultimate pH, driploss), fatty acids profiles and lipid oxidation of meat from broilers. A total of 432 1day old unsexed broiler chicks (Aviane 48) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments (TRTS) in 72 cages. There were 18 cages per treatment and each cage allocated 6 chicks. Water and feed was provided at ad libitum. The feeding phases were, prestarter (0-7 Days), starter (8-18 Days), grower (19-28 Days), finisher (29-35 Days). The four TRTS contained graded levels of MOLM at 1000g/ton, 750g/ton, 500g/ton, and 0g/ton (control), respectively. The birds were slaughtered at 35 days of age. Breast muscles were sampled for meat, ultimate pH (pHu ), colour, drip loss over a 7 days shelf-life test. After each day’s test sub-samples were dipped in liquid nitrogen and kept at -180 C for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances determination. On Day1 and Day 7 extra sub-samples were also kept at -180 C for fatty acids analysis.The TRTS had no effect on average feed intake (AFI), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), and on average daily gain (ADG). Slaughter weight (SW), carcass weight (CW), dressing percentage and gizzard weight (GW) values were similar in all TRTS. Liver weight (LW), heart weight (HW), and gastro-intestinal fat (GIF) differed in all the TRTS, with treatment 2 having the highest value of HW (28.3±2.55), and LW (44.2±1.60) was the highest on treatment 4 . The pH values in all TRTS were constant from Day1 to Day5, reached peak on Day6, and then declined on Day7. Meat from broilers given treatment 1 with MOLM (1000g/ton) had the highest lightness (L*) values. The redness (a*) values were the highest in meat from treatment 2 (750g/ton MOLM). Treatments had no effect on yellowness (b*) values and on drip loss of the breasts. During storage L* values were high from Day1 to Day5 and decreased from Day6 to Day7. Drip loss increased with storage time as expected. Treatment 4 (control) had the highest proportions of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (30.3±1.87). Treatment 1 (1000g/ton) had the highest proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (60.9±1.87). Treatment 1 (1000g/ton) had the highest proportion of SFA (60.9±4.30). Treatment 2 (750g/ton) had the highest n-6/n-3 ratio than other TRTS. Days had no effect (P>0.05) on PUFA, SFA, and n-6/n-3 ratio. Treatment 1 had a highest amount of malondialdehyde (MDA), treatment 4 had no effect (P>0.05) on MDA . Storage time had an effect (P<0.05) on MDA levels, except for on Day1 and Day7. Day2 had the highest amount of MDA (0.7±0.08). The use of MOLM as an additive in broiler diets reduced lipid oxidation in meat, and maintained the quality of the broiler meat during storage. It also did not have any adverse effects on the growth performance of broilers. Therefore, it has the potential to be used as an additive in broiler diets.
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Efficacy of organic and synthetic insecticides on the control of cotton pests: The bollworm complex, Helicoverpa armigera, Diparopsis castanea, Earias insulana (Noctuidae) and the leafhopper, Jacobiell

  • Authors: Malinga, Lawrence Nkosikhona
  • Date: 2012
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
  • Identifier: vital:11791 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006798
  • Description: A research was conducted on cotton to test different plant extracts with potential insecticidal properties against bollworms (Noctuidae) and leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) for the use by small-scale, cotton farmers. The study was carried out during the 2006/07 and 2007/08 seasons at ARC Institute for Industrial Crops, Rustenburg (25°39.0 S, 27°14.4 E) in the North West Province of South Africa. Four organic insecticides, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacium), khaki weed (Tagetes minuta), thorn apple (Datura stramonium) and garlic (Allium sativum) were compared with two chemical treatments, Mospilan® (acetamiprid) and Decis® (deltamethrin), and an untreated control. The cultivar, DeltaOPAL, was planted and the trial conducted using standard practices. Overall, Decis® and tobacco treatments exhibited significantly less bollworm larvae than the other treatments. Tobacco was the most promising biological pesticide against American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and spiny bollworm (Earias insulana) larvae. All the treatments were significantly effective against the red bollworm (Diparopsis castanea) larvae, but Decis® and Mospilan® provided the best control. Although khaki weed, garlic and thorn apple were promising biological pesticides against the bollworm complex, tobacco was the most effective organic treatment. Mospilan® seemed to be more effective on the control of leafhoppers (Jacobiella fascialis), followed by Decis® and tobacco. Among the plant extracts, tobacco and garlic gave higher seed cotton yields compared to the khaki weed and thorn apple during both study seasons. In 2006/07, none of the treatments reached the corresponding economic threshold levels (ETLs). In contrast, in 2007/08, only rarely were the treatments (mostly Decis® and Mospilan®) below the corresponding ETLs. These differences were attributed to the higher rainfall recorded during the 2007/08 season, which reduced the effectiveness of the treatments by partly washing away the pesticidal applications. In addition, a high weed infestation also created competition for nutrients in the soil, thus resulting in lower (0.50-1.25 ton/ha in 2007/08 vs 2.50-5.00 ton/ha in 2006/07), but acceptable cotton seed yields. In conclusion, it is suggested that some plant extracts (particularly from tobacco and garlic) can be used as a cheaper and more environment-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides for the control of bollworms and leafhoppers, although it has been demonstrated that their efficacy do not reach the one of chemical treatments. Further research in the near future is recommended.
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