Assessing challenges in public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: a case study of human resource department in Lukhanji Local Municipality
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11617 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/325 , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11617 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/325 , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
- Full Text:
Exploring user-driven telephony services in an information and communication technology for development context
- Authors: Kunjuzwa, Dumani Tau
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information society -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/546 , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information society -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: There is a great difference that exists between people who have access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and those who do not. As a developing nation, South Africa is badly affected by the so-called Digital Divide. Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD) interventions are rapidly increasing in marginalized and rural communities in striving to bridge this digital divide. This research project is undertaken within the context of the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) which is an ICTD intervention at Dwesa rural community. This research investigates how audio-based services can be applied locally for communication and information sharing. This research aims to develop a user-driven telephony framework which will enable users to construct customized audio-based services. This aims to empower the Dwesa community for skill development and supports the user-driven innovation. The Internet and Telephones are the most popular technologies that are widely used in our daily life for purposes of communication and information access. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) integrates these two separate technologies (Internet and Telephones) to produce real-time multimedia communication services such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems. In addition, the ability of VoIP presenting information through voice plays a crucial role, more especially to those who do not have web visual access or those who are computer illiterate.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kunjuzwa, Dumani Tau
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information society -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/546 , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information society -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Telecommunication -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: There is a great difference that exists between people who have access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and those who do not. As a developing nation, South Africa is badly affected by the so-called Digital Divide. Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICTD) interventions are rapidly increasing in marginalized and rural communities in striving to bridge this digital divide. This research project is undertaken within the context of the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) which is an ICTD intervention at Dwesa rural community. This research investigates how audio-based services can be applied locally for communication and information sharing. This research aims to develop a user-driven telephony framework which will enable users to construct customized audio-based services. This aims to empower the Dwesa community for skill development and supports the user-driven innovation. The Internet and Telephones are the most popular technologies that are widely used in our daily life for purposes of communication and information access. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) integrates these two separate technologies (Internet and Telephones) to produce real-time multimedia communication services such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems. In addition, the ability of VoIP presenting information through voice plays a crucial role, more especially to those who do not have web visual access or those who are computer illiterate.
- Full Text:
Evaluating summer cover crop species and management strategies for rainfed maize based cropping systems in the central region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Ganyani, Lloyd Munashe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: No-tillage , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops and climate -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/373 , No-tillage , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops and climate -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The overall objective of the whole study was to assess whether conservation agriculture (CA) systems can work in the Eastern Cape Province (EC). The CA systems were engaged through cover cropping to address land degradation problems by emphasizing high biomass production in order to realize short term benefits such as moisture conservation, weed suppression and soil fertility benefits under rainfed conditions in the central region of the Eastern Cape province. Since rainfall is the most limiting factor to crop production in the EC, a within season rainfall distribution analysis was conducted to expose the quality of the season (onset, end and duration) and hence the feasibility of CA systems to guide agronomic decisions by farmers in EC. To assess season parameters, thirty four years of daily rainfall was collected from the University of Fort Hare Research station and used to conduct the rainy pentad (5 day rainfall totals) analysis and the daily rainfall analysis using INSTAT software programme. Based on the pentad analysis, results showed that Alice does not have a rainy season in 1 out of 2 years (50% probability) but has one in 1 out of 4 years (25% probability level). This criterion proved to be harsher and conservative when compared to the daily rainfall approach which is more precise in measuring trends on season parameters. The daily rainfall analysis indicated a 65% feasibility for the dry land cropping systems in the EC. The pentad analysis however was effective in illustrating seasonality and it showed that the wet season begins on the 1st of November, ending on the 22nd of March lasting for 140 days. Though the season duration appeared too long, the existence of dry spells during critical growth stages adversely affects the quality of the season. The daily rainfall analysis also managed to derive a signal which can guide planting decisions. For planting to be successful, this analysis determined that 20 mm of rain should be received in two consecutive days after the 1st of November. A screening trial for cover crop biomass production and weed suppression was conducted on-station Fort Hare Research Farm (32°46' S and 26° 50' E), and Msobombvu village (MSBV) (32°44' S, and 26° 55' E) over two seasons (2007/08 and 2008/09). Six summer cover crops i.e. cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), dolichos lablab (Dolichos argenteus), sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), buckwheat (Fagopyrum sagittatum), forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sunflower (Helianthus annus) were evaluated for biomass yield, and weed suppression. Decomposition rates, moisture conservation and residual effects of these cover crops on the succeeding main crop were also evaluated under dryland conditions. The screening trial was laid in randomized complete block design replicated three times. Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sunflower (Helianthus annus) were identified as high biomass producers and their dry matter yields ranged from 8 -12 t ha-1. These cover crops can be useful in generating high biomass in rainfed cropping systems in the EC. Other cover crops produced 3 - 4 t ha-1 of biomass which fell short of the 6 t ha-1 expected benchmark. However, these biomass yields were important in weed management since all cover crop species showed a similar degree of weed suppression which surpassed the weed fallow treatment. As dead mulches, the cover crops failed to show residual moisture conservation and weed control benefits for the succeeding maize crop mainly because of poor residue persistence, and low harvestable fallow rainfall. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), was selected for further investigations in a follow up trial on station in 2008/09 season because of its weed smothering qualities, suitability to short cycle rotations, and possible allelopathic properties. The trial aimed at finding weed and cost effective management options of buckwheat that are none detrimental to the succeeding maize crop. Results showed that cropping systems where buckwheat is followed by a main crop may not work as they are unprofitable with respect to R100 rand invested. Though perceived to have allelopathic properties, buckwheat failed to demonstrate the possibilities of allelopathic action against weeds. Intercropping trial was conducted on-station in 2007/8-2008/09 seasons to try and find better ways of fitting legume cover crops into maize based cropping systems without compromising production of staple cereals on limited landholdings. The trials evaluated three factors in factorial combination, cover crop planting date, intercropping strategy, and cover crop species. The trial was laid as 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arranged in a split-split plot design. The main plot factor was cover crop planting date, cover crops simultaneously planted with maize and cover crop planted two weeks after planting maize (DKC 61-25). The sub-plot factor was intercropping strategy, strip intercropping and betweenrow intercropping. The sub-sub-plot factor was cover crop species, Dolichos lablab (Dolichos argenteus (Highworth), and Cowpea Vigna ungiculata (Agrinawa) plus control plots of sole maize. Results showed that same time planting of leguminous cover crops with maize using the in-between row intercropping patterns can derive appreciable system biomass (maize/cover crop) yields, utilize land efficiently whilst getting favourable maize grain yield. Based on the rainfall analysis, results showed that the probability of success when relay seeding cover crops after two weeks into standing maize is low (15% chances of success). This suggests that relay intercropping strategies would not work due to the unavailability of a good quality season.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ganyani, Lloyd Munashe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: No-tillage , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops and climate -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/373 , No-tillage , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops and climate -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The overall objective of the whole study was to assess whether conservation agriculture (CA) systems can work in the Eastern Cape Province (EC). The CA systems were engaged through cover cropping to address land degradation problems by emphasizing high biomass production in order to realize short term benefits such as moisture conservation, weed suppression and soil fertility benefits under rainfed conditions in the central region of the Eastern Cape province. Since rainfall is the most limiting factor to crop production in the EC, a within season rainfall distribution analysis was conducted to expose the quality of the season (onset, end and duration) and hence the feasibility of CA systems to guide agronomic decisions by farmers in EC. To assess season parameters, thirty four years of daily rainfall was collected from the University of Fort Hare Research station and used to conduct the rainy pentad (5 day rainfall totals) analysis and the daily rainfall analysis using INSTAT software programme. Based on the pentad analysis, results showed that Alice does not have a rainy season in 1 out of 2 years (50% probability) but has one in 1 out of 4 years (25% probability level). This criterion proved to be harsher and conservative when compared to the daily rainfall approach which is more precise in measuring trends on season parameters. The daily rainfall analysis indicated a 65% feasibility for the dry land cropping systems in the EC. The pentad analysis however was effective in illustrating seasonality and it showed that the wet season begins on the 1st of November, ending on the 22nd of March lasting for 140 days. Though the season duration appeared too long, the existence of dry spells during critical growth stages adversely affects the quality of the season. The daily rainfall analysis also managed to derive a signal which can guide planting decisions. For planting to be successful, this analysis determined that 20 mm of rain should be received in two consecutive days after the 1st of November. A screening trial for cover crop biomass production and weed suppression was conducted on-station Fort Hare Research Farm (32°46' S and 26° 50' E), and Msobombvu village (MSBV) (32°44' S, and 26° 55' E) over two seasons (2007/08 and 2008/09). Six summer cover crops i.e. cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), dolichos lablab (Dolichos argenteus), sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), buckwheat (Fagopyrum sagittatum), forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sunflower (Helianthus annus) were evaluated for biomass yield, and weed suppression. Decomposition rates, moisture conservation and residual effects of these cover crops on the succeeding main crop were also evaluated under dryland conditions. The screening trial was laid in randomized complete block design replicated three times. Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sunflower (Helianthus annus) were identified as high biomass producers and their dry matter yields ranged from 8 -12 t ha-1. These cover crops can be useful in generating high biomass in rainfed cropping systems in the EC. Other cover crops produced 3 - 4 t ha-1 of biomass which fell short of the 6 t ha-1 expected benchmark. However, these biomass yields were important in weed management since all cover crop species showed a similar degree of weed suppression which surpassed the weed fallow treatment. As dead mulches, the cover crops failed to show residual moisture conservation and weed control benefits for the succeeding maize crop mainly because of poor residue persistence, and low harvestable fallow rainfall. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), was selected for further investigations in a follow up trial on station in 2008/09 season because of its weed smothering qualities, suitability to short cycle rotations, and possible allelopathic properties. The trial aimed at finding weed and cost effective management options of buckwheat that are none detrimental to the succeeding maize crop. Results showed that cropping systems where buckwheat is followed by a main crop may not work as they are unprofitable with respect to R100 rand invested. Though perceived to have allelopathic properties, buckwheat failed to demonstrate the possibilities of allelopathic action against weeds. Intercropping trial was conducted on-station in 2007/8-2008/09 seasons to try and find better ways of fitting legume cover crops into maize based cropping systems without compromising production of staple cereals on limited landholdings. The trials evaluated three factors in factorial combination, cover crop planting date, intercropping strategy, and cover crop species. The trial was laid as 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arranged in a split-split plot design. The main plot factor was cover crop planting date, cover crops simultaneously planted with maize and cover crop planted two weeks after planting maize (DKC 61-25). The sub-plot factor was intercropping strategy, strip intercropping and betweenrow intercropping. The sub-sub-plot factor was cover crop species, Dolichos lablab (Dolichos argenteus (Highworth), and Cowpea Vigna ungiculata (Agrinawa) plus control plots of sole maize. Results showed that same time planting of leguminous cover crops with maize using the in-between row intercropping patterns can derive appreciable system biomass (maize/cover crop) yields, utilize land efficiently whilst getting favourable maize grain yield. Based on the rainfall analysis, results showed that the probability of success when relay seeding cover crops after two weeks into standing maize is low (15% chances of success). This suggests that relay intercropping strategies would not work due to the unavailability of a good quality season.
- Full Text:
Effect of BT maize on earthworm activity, silage quality and residue decomposition in the central Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kamota, Agathar
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Corn -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Silage , Bacillus thuringiensis , Earthworm culture , Biomass , Plant proteins
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/413 , Corn -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Silage , Bacillus thuringiensis , Earthworm culture , Biomass , Plant proteins
- Description: There are concerns that genetic modification of maize with Bacillus thuringiensis may influence its structural and chemical composition which, together with the Cry1Ab proteins, may affect agro-ecosystem processes and feed quality. This study was aimed at investigating the expression of Cry1Ab protein in leaves, stems and roots of Bt maize and the effect of genetic modification (MON810) on activity of earthworms, silage quality and decomposition of residues in the field. In 2009/10 four maize cultivars; DKC61-25B, DKC61-24, PAN6Q-321B and PAN6777 were planted. Expression of Cry1Ab in leaves, stems and roots was analyzed at 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP). Earthworms were also sampled from the same treatments at 6, 9 and 18 WAP. Two silage experiments were conducted using maize cultivars, DKC80-12B and DKC80-10 produced in the 2008/09 season and DKC61-25B, DKC61-24, PAN6Q-321B and PAN6777, produced in 2009/10. The silage was sampled at 0, 2, 4, 8, 15 and 42 days in 2008/09 and 0, 8 and 42 days in 2009/10 and analyzed for Ash Free Dry Matter, Crude Fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Lignin, Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients. Two litter-bag decomposition studies were also carried out (i) in 2008 (surface applied) using maize cultivars DKC80-12B, DKC80-10 and DKC6-125 residues and (ii) in 2009 (soil incorporated) using DKC75-15B, CRN3505, PAN6Q-321B v and PAN6Q-121. Ash-free dry matter and Cry1Ab protein were measured throughout the incubation time. There were no differences between DKC61-25B and PAN6Q-321B in terms of expression of Cry1Ab in leaves, stems and roots over time. The Cry1Ab expression levels were in decreasing order: leaves > stems > roots. No effects of Bt maize on earthworm numbers and biomass were observed. There were no differences in all silages parameters except NDF and ADF, which were higher in the Bt maize silage than that of the non-Bt maize from the 2008/09 season. The Cry1Ab levels were essentially not reduced during ensiling. The maize residues (both Bt and non-Bt maize) degraded to similar levels, either when surface-applied or incorporated into soil but soil-incorporated residues decomposed faster than surface-applied ones. Cry1Ab degraded as the plant matrix decomposed. The findings suggested that maize genetically modified with the Bt MON810 event can be grown in the Central Eastern Cape without affecting earthworm numbers and biomass, silage quality and decomposition of maize residues.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kamota, Agathar
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Corn -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Silage , Bacillus thuringiensis , Earthworm culture , Biomass , Plant proteins
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/413 , Corn -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Silage , Bacillus thuringiensis , Earthworm culture , Biomass , Plant proteins
- Description: There are concerns that genetic modification of maize with Bacillus thuringiensis may influence its structural and chemical composition which, together with the Cry1Ab proteins, may affect agro-ecosystem processes and feed quality. This study was aimed at investigating the expression of Cry1Ab protein in leaves, stems and roots of Bt maize and the effect of genetic modification (MON810) on activity of earthworms, silage quality and decomposition of residues in the field. In 2009/10 four maize cultivars; DKC61-25B, DKC61-24, PAN6Q-321B and PAN6777 were planted. Expression of Cry1Ab in leaves, stems and roots was analyzed at 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP). Earthworms were also sampled from the same treatments at 6, 9 and 18 WAP. Two silage experiments were conducted using maize cultivars, DKC80-12B and DKC80-10 produced in the 2008/09 season and DKC61-25B, DKC61-24, PAN6Q-321B and PAN6777, produced in 2009/10. The silage was sampled at 0, 2, 4, 8, 15 and 42 days in 2008/09 and 0, 8 and 42 days in 2009/10 and analyzed for Ash Free Dry Matter, Crude Fiber, Neutral Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Lignin, Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients. Two litter-bag decomposition studies were also carried out (i) in 2008 (surface applied) using maize cultivars DKC80-12B, DKC80-10 and DKC6-125 residues and (ii) in 2009 (soil incorporated) using DKC75-15B, CRN3505, PAN6Q-321B v and PAN6Q-121. Ash-free dry matter and Cry1Ab protein were measured throughout the incubation time. There were no differences between DKC61-25B and PAN6Q-321B in terms of expression of Cry1Ab in leaves, stems and roots over time. The Cry1Ab expression levels were in decreasing order: leaves > stems > roots. No effects of Bt maize on earthworm numbers and biomass were observed. There were no differences in all silages parameters except NDF and ADF, which were higher in the Bt maize silage than that of the non-Bt maize from the 2008/09 season. The Cry1Ab levels were essentially not reduced during ensiling. The maize residues (both Bt and non-Bt maize) degraded to similar levels, either when surface-applied or incorporated into soil but soil-incorporated residues decomposed faster than surface-applied ones. Cry1Ab degraded as the plant matrix decomposed. The findings suggested that maize genetically modified with the Bt MON810 event can be grown in the Central Eastern Cape without affecting earthworm numbers and biomass, silage quality and decomposition of maize residues.
- Full Text:
Secondary school children's experiences of bereavement: implications for school counselling in Harare Metropolitan Province
- Authors: Shumba, Jenn
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Bereavement , Counseling in secondary education -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Social conditions , Teachers -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Attitudes , Teachers -- Training -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , School children -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007237 , Bereavement , Counseling in secondary education -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Social conditions , Teachers -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Attitudes , Teachers -- Training -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , School children -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Description: Death and bereavement are prevalent in Zimbabwe due to HIV/AIDS and other illnesses. It is estimated that a large population of school going learners have lost one or both parents and have become orphans. The aim of the study was two-fold: to understand the bereavement experiences of orphaned learners and to examine how such experiences can inform school counselling services. A multiple case study involving 13 school children and four school counsellors from two secondary schools in Harare Metropolitan Region was conducted. Each of the 17 participants was viewed as a bounded case due to his or her individual unique experiences. An interpretive phenomenological approach was employed to collect and analyse the data. All the cases were purposively selected as they were bearers of crucial information on bereavement experiences and bereavement counselling. The study established nine (9) key findings. First, it was found that the type of attachments and support systems the child had were contributory to the way the child experienced bereavement. Second, it was established that although learners manifested emotional pain, they found it difficult to verbalise it. Third, the study found that cultural practices either exacerbate or work for the better for bereaved children as some were seen to enhance their livelihood whilst some were detrimental and oppressive. Fourth, it was established that bereavement triggered philosophical and reflexive reactions on the part of bereaved children. The deaths of the parents resulted in them reflecting on the three phases of their life trajectories: life before death; at the time of death; and after death. Fifth, it was also established in the study that there was a mismatch in what children and counsellors claimed to be happening in secondary schools pertaining bereavement counselling provisioning. Sixth, the study found that most children did not receive any bereavement counselling in schools. Only three out of the 13 learner cases interviewed in this study had a teacher in the school talk to them about loss of their parents. In some instances, a child’s bereavement was only discovered through the grapevine or when this researcher got to the school. Seventh, it was established that although counsellors were qualified as both teachers and counsellors, they lacked confidence in dealing with sensitive issues such as bereavement. Eighth, the study also found that although there is a lot of death in Zimbabwe the counselling syllabi lacked focus on bereavement counselling. Ninth, it was also discovered that teachers who were not assigned to counselling duties had negative attitudes towards counselling, a matter which has serious consequences for the bereaved learners. Based on the above findings, the study concludes that bereaved children experienced a variety of circumstances that impacted both positively and negatively on their schooling and rendered them in need of bereavement counselling. It also concludes that bereaved learners in selected Harare schools were not receiving adequate bereavement counselling; schools neither had policies nor laid down procedures on bereavement counselling. For further research, the study recommends that there should be research focusing on methodologies designed to access children’s innermost feelings of emotional pain. There should be further research on the nature of the relationship between a child’s bereavement and educational experiences. Studies involving other bereaved populations, such as, children from rural areas and primary school children should be carried out in order to gain insights on how the phenomenon is experienced by different age groups in different contexts. To improve counselling practice in schools, the study recommends that there should be capacity building programmes aimed at assisting teachers to deal with bereavement counselling. School bereavement counselling should explore collaboration with other stakeholders such as peers, care givers and government as well as non-governmental organisations. Above all, the study recommends that schools should be proactive and have school bereavement policies and procedures on bereavement counselling.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shumba, Jenn
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Bereavement , Counseling in secondary education -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Social conditions , Teachers -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Attitudes , Teachers -- Training -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , School children -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007237 , Bereavement , Counseling in secondary education -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , Schools -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Social conditions , Teachers -- Zimbabwe -- Harare -- Attitudes , Teachers -- Training -- Zimbabwe -- Harare , School children -- Zimbabwe -- Harare
- Description: Death and bereavement are prevalent in Zimbabwe due to HIV/AIDS and other illnesses. It is estimated that a large population of school going learners have lost one or both parents and have become orphans. The aim of the study was two-fold: to understand the bereavement experiences of orphaned learners and to examine how such experiences can inform school counselling services. A multiple case study involving 13 school children and four school counsellors from two secondary schools in Harare Metropolitan Region was conducted. Each of the 17 participants was viewed as a bounded case due to his or her individual unique experiences. An interpretive phenomenological approach was employed to collect and analyse the data. All the cases were purposively selected as they were bearers of crucial information on bereavement experiences and bereavement counselling. The study established nine (9) key findings. First, it was found that the type of attachments and support systems the child had were contributory to the way the child experienced bereavement. Second, it was established that although learners manifested emotional pain, they found it difficult to verbalise it. Third, the study found that cultural practices either exacerbate or work for the better for bereaved children as some were seen to enhance their livelihood whilst some were detrimental and oppressive. Fourth, it was established that bereavement triggered philosophical and reflexive reactions on the part of bereaved children. The deaths of the parents resulted in them reflecting on the three phases of their life trajectories: life before death; at the time of death; and after death. Fifth, it was also established in the study that there was a mismatch in what children and counsellors claimed to be happening in secondary schools pertaining bereavement counselling provisioning. Sixth, the study found that most children did not receive any bereavement counselling in schools. Only three out of the 13 learner cases interviewed in this study had a teacher in the school talk to them about loss of their parents. In some instances, a child’s bereavement was only discovered through the grapevine or when this researcher got to the school. Seventh, it was established that although counsellors were qualified as both teachers and counsellors, they lacked confidence in dealing with sensitive issues such as bereavement. Eighth, the study also found that although there is a lot of death in Zimbabwe the counselling syllabi lacked focus on bereavement counselling. Ninth, it was also discovered that teachers who were not assigned to counselling duties had negative attitudes towards counselling, a matter which has serious consequences for the bereaved learners. Based on the above findings, the study concludes that bereaved children experienced a variety of circumstances that impacted both positively and negatively on their schooling and rendered them in need of bereavement counselling. It also concludes that bereaved learners in selected Harare schools were not receiving adequate bereavement counselling; schools neither had policies nor laid down procedures on bereavement counselling. For further research, the study recommends that there should be research focusing on methodologies designed to access children’s innermost feelings of emotional pain. There should be further research on the nature of the relationship between a child’s bereavement and educational experiences. Studies involving other bereaved populations, such as, children from rural areas and primary school children should be carried out in order to gain insights on how the phenomenon is experienced by different age groups in different contexts. To improve counselling practice in schools, the study recommends that there should be capacity building programmes aimed at assisting teachers to deal with bereavement counselling. School bereavement counselling should explore collaboration with other stakeholders such as peers, care givers and government as well as non-governmental organisations. Above all, the study recommends that schools should be proactive and have school bereavement policies and procedures on bereavement counselling.
- Full Text:
An assessment of the quality of family planning services rendered to adolescents by health workers at Mdantsane clinics, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape Province, S.A.
- Authors: Ndlebe, Siphokazi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11892 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/407 , Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Family planning services are rendered at no cost in all clinics in Mdantsane. Mdantsane is situated in the Eastern Cape and falls under Amathole District Municipality. The high rate of adolescent pregnancy in the area raises a question as to whether the family planning services are adequate. This issue reflects on the quality of family planning service delivery. According to Roux (1995:94), a quality service is a safe, easily available and readily acceptable service, delivered by well trained family planning personnel through well planned programmes. Aims and Objectives: To assess the quality of family planning service delivery by health providers to adolescents; determine the opinions of adolescents regarding accessibility, friendliness of staff, privacy, confidentiality, reproductive health information and resources at Mdantsane clinics from June to July 2009. Method: A questionnaire was designed to collect data. The questionnaire was administered on the adolescents utilizing the reproductive health services at eleven primary health clinics in Mdantsane. A sample consisting of 110 adolescent youth between 19 and 24 years was selected by using random sampling. A response of “yes” will indicate that the participant is satisfied with the specific item, while a response of “no” will indicate dissatisfaction with that item. A specially designed spreadsheet was developed to analyze the data. Data was analyzed by using the Microsoft Excel 2007 Version 6. Results: The results from this research study suggest that there is a definite need for improvement of adolescent reproductive health services at Mdantsane clinics. It is clear that the current available maternal and child health programmes, school health services and reproductive health services are not able to meet the adolescent sexual and reproductive needs. Conclusion: The research findings from this study indicated the constraints to good quality family planning health care service delivery. Satisfaction responses from the five categories: health facility amenities, accessibility, staff characteristics, availability of sexual and reproductive health services and availability of educational material accessibility were mostly below 70%. The responses regarding the question on the “full information about the available contraceptives”showed the least level of satisfaction. Deficiencies in physical facilities and equipment, disruptions in supplies, insufficient information provided to clients and providers‟ insensitivity to the feelings and needs of the clients are issues that discourage adolescents from utilizing contraceptive services. Recommendations: Adolescents need a safe and supportive environment that offers information and skills to equip them on all aspects related to sexual and reproductive health issues. To satisfy adolescent reproductive needs, the following key elements should be improved: accessibility of reproductive health services, friendliness of clinic staff, availability of information about reproduction and sexuality and maintenance of issues regarding confidentiality and anonymity. Quality requires the presence of trained personnel in well-equipped clinics where clients are treated courteously. To avoid issues of courtesy bias, there is a need to conduct a similar survey utilizing alternative community settings, namely homes of participants or a school.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndlebe, Siphokazi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11892 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/407 , Health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex instruction for youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Family planning services are rendered at no cost in all clinics in Mdantsane. Mdantsane is situated in the Eastern Cape and falls under Amathole District Municipality. The high rate of adolescent pregnancy in the area raises a question as to whether the family planning services are adequate. This issue reflects on the quality of family planning service delivery. According to Roux (1995:94), a quality service is a safe, easily available and readily acceptable service, delivered by well trained family planning personnel through well planned programmes. Aims and Objectives: To assess the quality of family planning service delivery by health providers to adolescents; determine the opinions of adolescents regarding accessibility, friendliness of staff, privacy, confidentiality, reproductive health information and resources at Mdantsane clinics from June to July 2009. Method: A questionnaire was designed to collect data. The questionnaire was administered on the adolescents utilizing the reproductive health services at eleven primary health clinics in Mdantsane. A sample consisting of 110 adolescent youth between 19 and 24 years was selected by using random sampling. A response of “yes” will indicate that the participant is satisfied with the specific item, while a response of “no” will indicate dissatisfaction with that item. A specially designed spreadsheet was developed to analyze the data. Data was analyzed by using the Microsoft Excel 2007 Version 6. Results: The results from this research study suggest that there is a definite need for improvement of adolescent reproductive health services at Mdantsane clinics. It is clear that the current available maternal and child health programmes, school health services and reproductive health services are not able to meet the adolescent sexual and reproductive needs. Conclusion: The research findings from this study indicated the constraints to good quality family planning health care service delivery. Satisfaction responses from the five categories: health facility amenities, accessibility, staff characteristics, availability of sexual and reproductive health services and availability of educational material accessibility were mostly below 70%. The responses regarding the question on the “full information about the available contraceptives”showed the least level of satisfaction. Deficiencies in physical facilities and equipment, disruptions in supplies, insufficient information provided to clients and providers‟ insensitivity to the feelings and needs of the clients are issues that discourage adolescents from utilizing contraceptive services. Recommendations: Adolescents need a safe and supportive environment that offers information and skills to equip them on all aspects related to sexual and reproductive health issues. To satisfy adolescent reproductive needs, the following key elements should be improved: accessibility of reproductive health services, friendliness of clinic staff, availability of information about reproduction and sexuality and maintenance of issues regarding confidentiality and anonymity. Quality requires the presence of trained personnel in well-equipped clinics where clients are treated courteously. To avoid issues of courtesy bias, there is a need to conduct a similar survey utilizing alternative community settings, namely homes of participants or a school.
- Full Text:
Relations of family and school attachment to forms of learner violence in secondary school communities in Amathole education district, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ncube, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School discipline -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16166 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/504 , School violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School discipline -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Adolescents in the schools in South Africa have been victims of many social problems such as violence and crime as a result of background influence. They have been both victims and perpetrators of this violence. Problems of attachment to both school and home have always been blamed for the adolescents’ deviance. South African schools are affected by this verbal and physical violence which presumably emanates from learners poor connections with school and home. The background of societies such as economic deprivation has also been presumed to have an impact on the way adolescents conduct themselves in schools. There is no research that has verified the correlation between violence and attachment to bases of attachment - home and school in South Africa, especially in the Eastern Cape Province. A survey was conducted in more than ten schools in the Amathole District where 317 learners’ opinions on their observation of cases of verbal and physical violence in their schools, and on their attachment to both home and school were collected through a 40 item questionnaire. The questionnaire had five sections (a) to (e). The first section (a) required learners to enter their biographical information; gender, age, grade, and quintile classification. The second section (b) required learners to rate their attachment to their homes and to their care givers. The third section (c) required learners to rate their connectedness to their schools. The fourth section (d) required learners to supply information on their observation and involvement in verbal violence. The final section (e) with items adopted from section (d) and customised required learners to rate their observation and involvement in physical violence. Descriptive statistics were used to glean frequencies and the overall levels of attachment and violence amongst learners. The study also looked at significant differences in attachment (both family and school) and violence (both verbal and physical) using gender and socio-economic profiles of the learners and schools (quintile system) as sorting or categorising variables. One major finding which is contrary to most theory and may be as a result of social dynamics is that statistics suggested that gender and socio-economic variables had little bearing on violence and attachment. Through the use of SPSS, the Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients were calculated to answer the sub-questions on the relationship between family and school attachment, and school violence (both verbal and physical). There were notable negative and positive correlations between school attachment and verbal violence; for example there was a positive correlation between teachers making learners hate school and learner-involvement in swearing. There was also a negative correlation between school buildings making learners proud and schools and homes being to blame for the frequency of verbal violence in the schools. There were also notable correlations between attachment to family and verbal violence such as the correlation between the frustration by parents’ lack of concern and learners’ involvement in verbal violence without any clear reason. With regard to physical violence there was a negative correlation between parents having time to discuss life with their children and the frequency of physical violence in the schools. There was however a negative correlation between one’s pride in one’s school and the blame on schools for instigating school violence. From these correlations implications for school violence prevention could be drawn. The study reveals that a lot needs to be done by the schools, parents, the government, and the community to enhance learner attachment to both school and home. However, for all the stake holders to succeed government must take the leading role in speeding up the process of reducing poverty in the communities. This is premised on the fact that some findings reveal that frequency of violence increases in an environment of frustration and anger. Schools as care-givers can also introduce many interventions such as counselling workshops to equip teachers with professional crisis management. The research may encourage the Department of Education and schools to adopt violence prevention programs implemented in countries (like United States of America’s Olweus bullying and violence prevention program) for use in bringing communities together to work against school violence. These findings might strengthen the South African Department of Education’s Safe Schools Programs.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ncube, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School discipline -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16166 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/504 , School violence -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School discipline -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Adolescents in the schools in South Africa have been victims of many social problems such as violence and crime as a result of background influence. They have been both victims and perpetrators of this violence. Problems of attachment to both school and home have always been blamed for the adolescents’ deviance. South African schools are affected by this verbal and physical violence which presumably emanates from learners poor connections with school and home. The background of societies such as economic deprivation has also been presumed to have an impact on the way adolescents conduct themselves in schools. There is no research that has verified the correlation between violence and attachment to bases of attachment - home and school in South Africa, especially in the Eastern Cape Province. A survey was conducted in more than ten schools in the Amathole District where 317 learners’ opinions on their observation of cases of verbal and physical violence in their schools, and on their attachment to both home and school were collected through a 40 item questionnaire. The questionnaire had five sections (a) to (e). The first section (a) required learners to enter their biographical information; gender, age, grade, and quintile classification. The second section (b) required learners to rate their attachment to their homes and to their care givers. The third section (c) required learners to rate their connectedness to their schools. The fourth section (d) required learners to supply information on their observation and involvement in verbal violence. The final section (e) with items adopted from section (d) and customised required learners to rate their observation and involvement in physical violence. Descriptive statistics were used to glean frequencies and the overall levels of attachment and violence amongst learners. The study also looked at significant differences in attachment (both family and school) and violence (both verbal and physical) using gender and socio-economic profiles of the learners and schools (quintile system) as sorting or categorising variables. One major finding which is contrary to most theory and may be as a result of social dynamics is that statistics suggested that gender and socio-economic variables had little bearing on violence and attachment. Through the use of SPSS, the Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients were calculated to answer the sub-questions on the relationship between family and school attachment, and school violence (both verbal and physical). There were notable negative and positive correlations between school attachment and verbal violence; for example there was a positive correlation between teachers making learners hate school and learner-involvement in swearing. There was also a negative correlation between school buildings making learners proud and schools and homes being to blame for the frequency of verbal violence in the schools. There were also notable correlations between attachment to family and verbal violence such as the correlation between the frustration by parents’ lack of concern and learners’ involvement in verbal violence without any clear reason. With regard to physical violence there was a negative correlation between parents having time to discuss life with their children and the frequency of physical violence in the schools. There was however a negative correlation between one’s pride in one’s school and the blame on schools for instigating school violence. From these correlations implications for school violence prevention could be drawn. The study reveals that a lot needs to be done by the schools, parents, the government, and the community to enhance learner attachment to both school and home. However, for all the stake holders to succeed government must take the leading role in speeding up the process of reducing poverty in the communities. This is premised on the fact that some findings reveal that frequency of violence increases in an environment of frustration and anger. Schools as care-givers can also introduce many interventions such as counselling workshops to equip teachers with professional crisis management. The research may encourage the Department of Education and schools to adopt violence prevention programs implemented in countries (like United States of America’s Olweus bullying and violence prevention program) for use in bringing communities together to work against school violence. These findings might strengthen the South African Department of Education’s Safe Schools Programs.
- Full Text:
Investigating the impact of capital account liberalization on economic growth: A case study of South Africa
- Khumalo, Sibanisezwe A. (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4330-9249)
- Authors: Khumalo, Sibanisezwe A. (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4330-9249)
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Capital Movements--South Africa , Investment, Foreign--South Africa South Africa , Free Trade--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25800 , vital:64486
- Description: The increased interest in capital flows has made it imperative to understand how they impact a particular economy. The Global drive for an interlinked world economy has increased the need for monetary authorities and Governments to able to effectively deal with any negative spins off from capital flows and also be able to take advantage of positive effects capital flows may have on an economy. The study seeks to understand how the change to lift restrictions on capital flows into the South African economy may have impacted on economic growth. The study analyses the relationship that existed between capital flows, that is to say foreign direct investment (FDI) and portfolio investment (P_I) and economic growth under the period of capital controls (1975 Q1 to 1994Q1). Then study will then analyse the same relationship but this time under the liberalised period (1994 Q2 to 2010 Q2) and compare how the long run relationship has changed after capital account liberalisation. The study uses an endogenous model to determine the relationship. The study unlike most will focus on a single economy, which is South Africa and not use panel data like most previous studies. The study found that in the short run capital account liberalising aided economic growth as both FDI and P_I became significant, with positive coefficients and also found that there is long run relationship between economic growth and capital flows. In the long run FDI is significant while P_I is not. After liberalisation FDI adjusted faster in the long run than before liberalisation on its impact on economic output. Also of note was that the study found that under capital controls the conditional variance was constant but after liberalisation the relationship between capital flows and economic growth became more sensitive to negative news and the conditional variance was not constant thus indication of increased volatility. To maximise from opening up of capital accounts the economy should maintain sound macroeconomic policies. This will help shield the economy from the external shocks and this maintain economic growth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Authors: Khumalo, Sibanisezwe A. (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4330-9249)
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Capital Movements--South Africa , Investment, Foreign--South Africa South Africa , Free Trade--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25800 , vital:64486
- Description: The increased interest in capital flows has made it imperative to understand how they impact a particular economy. The Global drive for an interlinked world economy has increased the need for monetary authorities and Governments to able to effectively deal with any negative spins off from capital flows and also be able to take advantage of positive effects capital flows may have on an economy. The study seeks to understand how the change to lift restrictions on capital flows into the South African economy may have impacted on economic growth. The study analyses the relationship that existed between capital flows, that is to say foreign direct investment (FDI) and portfolio investment (P_I) and economic growth under the period of capital controls (1975 Q1 to 1994Q1). Then study will then analyse the same relationship but this time under the liberalised period (1994 Q2 to 2010 Q2) and compare how the long run relationship has changed after capital account liberalisation. The study uses an endogenous model to determine the relationship. The study unlike most will focus on a single economy, which is South Africa and not use panel data like most previous studies. The study found that in the short run capital account liberalising aided economic growth as both FDI and P_I became significant, with positive coefficients and also found that there is long run relationship between economic growth and capital flows. In the long run FDI is significant while P_I is not. After liberalisation FDI adjusted faster in the long run than before liberalisation on its impact on economic output. Also of note was that the study found that under capital controls the conditional variance was constant but after liberalisation the relationship between capital flows and economic growth became more sensitive to negative news and the conditional variance was not constant thus indication of increased volatility. To maximise from opening up of capital accounts the economy should maintain sound macroeconomic policies. This will help shield the economy from the external shocks and this maintain economic growth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
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Evaluating the impact of the devolution of functions in the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture: the case of Umzimvubu Local Municipality (Eastern Cape: 2006-2010)
- Authors: Ntungwa, Celebration
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11630 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/547 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study focused on the evaluation of the impact of the devolution of functions from head office to the districts in the Department of Sports , Recreation, Arts and Culture within Umzimvubu municipality since the department implemented the devolution of functions there have been a lot of mixed feelings on the result of the process.The study included intensive analysison the scholarly writings done on devolution delegation delocelization and decentralization.The study is underpinned by the Maslow,s theory of the hierarchy of needsQuantitative and qualitative approaches were employed in the study.The sampling composed on the departmental officials, labour unions councils and recipients of departmental services.Findings of the study pointed out that the devolution of functions was a neccesity in spite of its shortfalls and challenges which could be overcome by the submitted recommendations.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Ntungwa, Celebration
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11630 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/547 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study focused on the evaluation of the impact of the devolution of functions from head office to the districts in the Department of Sports , Recreation, Arts and Culture within Umzimvubu municipality since the department implemented the devolution of functions there have been a lot of mixed feelings on the result of the process.The study included intensive analysison the scholarly writings done on devolution delegation delocelization and decentralization.The study is underpinned by the Maslow,s theory of the hierarchy of needsQuantitative and qualitative approaches were employed in the study.The sampling composed on the departmental officials, labour unions councils and recipients of departmental services.Findings of the study pointed out that the devolution of functions was a neccesity in spite of its shortfalls and challenges which could be overcome by the submitted recommendations.
- Full Text: false
Exploring the use of mineral corridors and stranded ore deposits in order to alleviate rural poverty and effect environmental and social change through a proposed rural development corridor in South Africa
- Authors: Baartjes, Joan Charlaine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11517 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/389 , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has less than 1 percent of the global land surface, yet it is ranked highly in terms of remaining mineral resources. Mineral wealth has not translated into a better life for all. Poverty, however, abounds; particularly in the rural areas and this study seeks to identify a solution or partial solution to this situation. The study combines two critical areas, Mineral Based Rural Development, and Mineral Based Enterprise Development and draws from it a model for Mineraldriven Rural Economic Development viable for all parts of South Africa. This study comprised research on a national scale and thus covered a section of each of South Africa‟s nine provinces. It investigated the conditions in rural and urban centres, and geologically, it traversed examples of Archaean, Proterozoic and Phanerozoic formations. The field visits deliberately set out to look at some of the lowest value commodities; typically the only minerals available to the surrounding rural communities. This was done to see if a case could be made for even the lowest value commodities which are often found furthest from the large markets. This study indicates that for a rural area to be able to compete nationally or internationally, it is important to be competitive so that the area can participate in the economy. The creation of regional competitive areas allow for the focusing of strategies and funding for targeted rural projects. Enterprises, typically the product of entrepreneurial activity, are required to increase economic intensity and activity. xxvii The goal of poverty reduction, has been identified by government so that enterprises, as products of economic development, can be focused on the situation. Interviews conducted by the researcher indicated that part of the problem to overcome is the bureaucracy created by government which hinders enterprise development. Recommendations are made that government should exempt rural enterprises from some of the compliance hurdles. This will serve to accelerate rural development. An important aspect of urban enterprises is that they have access to labour without too many problems. Thirteen developed or developing corridors were visited of the five types of development corridors identified. It was found that those in areas of high poverty (for example the corridors of the Eastern Cape) are difficult to develop and make self-sustaining. The corridors linked to any point of Gauteng (Johannesburg or Pretoria) are more robust, although the relatively short length of the corridor is not an indicator of effectiveness. The key recommendations made include the completion of a national rural mineral-asset audit; the use of the information to demarcate rural-regions that can be developed as nationally and internationally competitive regions; the establishment of a rural Resource and Training Academy(ies) so that skills are developed close to areas where they will be deployed; provision of an easier way to launch mineral-based rural enterprises and incentivise these for accelerated development; and the development of an indigenous body of knowledge to mine small scale deposits
- Full Text:
- Authors: Baartjes, Joan Charlaine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11517 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/389 , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has less than 1 percent of the global land surface, yet it is ranked highly in terms of remaining mineral resources. Mineral wealth has not translated into a better life for all. Poverty, however, abounds; particularly in the rural areas and this study seeks to identify a solution or partial solution to this situation. The study combines two critical areas, Mineral Based Rural Development, and Mineral Based Enterprise Development and draws from it a model for Mineraldriven Rural Economic Development viable for all parts of South Africa. This study comprised research on a national scale and thus covered a section of each of South Africa‟s nine provinces. It investigated the conditions in rural and urban centres, and geologically, it traversed examples of Archaean, Proterozoic and Phanerozoic formations. The field visits deliberately set out to look at some of the lowest value commodities; typically the only minerals available to the surrounding rural communities. This was done to see if a case could be made for even the lowest value commodities which are often found furthest from the large markets. This study indicates that for a rural area to be able to compete nationally or internationally, it is important to be competitive so that the area can participate in the economy. The creation of regional competitive areas allow for the focusing of strategies and funding for targeted rural projects. Enterprises, typically the product of entrepreneurial activity, are required to increase economic intensity and activity. xxvii The goal of poverty reduction, has been identified by government so that enterprises, as products of economic development, can be focused on the situation. Interviews conducted by the researcher indicated that part of the problem to overcome is the bureaucracy created by government which hinders enterprise development. Recommendations are made that government should exempt rural enterprises from some of the compliance hurdles. This will serve to accelerate rural development. An important aspect of urban enterprises is that they have access to labour without too many problems. Thirteen developed or developing corridors were visited of the five types of development corridors identified. It was found that those in areas of high poverty (for example the corridors of the Eastern Cape) are difficult to develop and make self-sustaining. The corridors linked to any point of Gauteng (Johannesburg or Pretoria) are more robust, although the relatively short length of the corridor is not an indicator of effectiveness. The key recommendations made include the completion of a national rural mineral-asset audit; the use of the information to demarcate rural-regions that can be developed as nationally and internationally competitive regions; the establishment of a rural Resource and Training Academy(ies) so that skills are developed close to areas where they will be deployed; provision of an easier way to launch mineral-based rural enterprises and incentivise these for accelerated development; and the development of an indigenous body of knowledge to mine small scale deposits
- Full Text:
Adaptation choices, community perceptions, livelihood linkages and income dynamics for district producer communities surrounding Nyatana Game Park in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Taruvinga, Amon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/476 , Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This thesis explores human-wildlife interactions under community managed game parks. The thesis consists of an introductory chapter, study location chapter and four self-contained studies based on different samples from created clusters surrounding Nyatana Game Park, which make up the rest of the thesis chapters. Chapter one presents an introductory overview of wildlife management in Zimbabwe, specifically looking at human-wildlife interactions under CAMPFIRE projects, welfare dynamics and conservation implications for the surrounding communities who share boundaries with community-managed game parks. The chapter concludes by highlighting the challenges facing community-based wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe as well as the key concepts that will be the subject of the rest of the thesis. Chapter two presents the study location; it highlights the road map to the study area, starting with the provincial location, and indicates the specific districts from which respondents were selected. A brief agro-ecological summary of the study area is also presented; it looks specifically at climate, vegetation and a demographic data of the study area. Chapter three: Can game parks be trusted as livelihood sources? To answer this topical question, Chapter three explores livelihood adaptation strategies for households who share boundaries with Nyatana Game Park. Most of the community managed game parks, under CAMPFIRE principles in Zimbabwe, were established with the primary objective of generating revenue for the surrounding communities; this was done in the hope of using positive returns from game farming to promote the conservation of wildlife. Has this materialised in practice? Descriptive results from this study seem to suggest otherwise, where mixed farming and gold panning were the major livelihood adaptation choices reported by most households. The revenue from game farming was reported to be too low and inconsistent, to such an extent that the majority of the community regarded it as risky and unreliable. A multinomial logistic regression model for correlates of adaptation choices indicated that access to credit, markets, and extension may be some of the current institutional constraints inhibiting households from accessing off-farm sources for their livelihoods. In addition, household size, gender and age may enhance the adaptive capacity of households to move out of risky crop faming into other off-farm portfolio diversifications. The study, therefore, suggests that game parks, according to the evidence uncovered by the study, may not be trusted as a reliable and sustainable livelihood source. If local communities who share boundaries with game parks do not view them as reliable and sustainable livelihood sources, as concluded in Chapter three, how can they (local communities) be trusted to conserve them? To assess their perceptions of game parks, Chapter four presents a multinomial logistic regression model for perceptions of society on game parks using the African elephant as a typical example. The results suggest that Problem Animal Control (PAC) perceptions, livestock predation and issues of low and poor revenue distribution may be some of the critical perceptions capable of influencing surrounding communities to negatively participate in the conservation of wildlife. The results further suggest that using wildlife proceeds to finance observable local common pool infrastructure may positively influence the surrounding communities to conserve wildlife. The chief conclusion regarding game parks, therefore, was that the surrounding communities were in favour of the obliteration pathway, although minimal conservation perceptions were also available. Given the negative conclusions regarding game parks, as suggested in Chapters three and four, citizens would then wonder if any meaningful hope for community managed game parks exists. Chapter five probes the buffer zone livelihood link under community managed game parks, using evidence from the Nyatana Game Park. The binary logistic regression model results, for buffer zone participation and resource extraction combinations by surrounding communities, suggest that resource extraction may be market driven rather than focussing on domestic consumption. The study therefore concludes that the buffer zone livelihood link as currently practiced, though potential, may fail to address the livelihood expectations of the sub-district producer communities. The study therefore calls for extreme caution whenever the buffer zone livelihood link is considered, because several institutional and design conflicts exist within this dynamic. In Chapter six, the study further probed the buffer zone income dynamics for the sub-district producer community. The results of descriptive statistics suggest that the contribution of buffer zone activities to household income may be significant with a positive correlation to household agricultural income for communities who reside inside or close to the park (primary sub-district producer community). Using the Gini decomposition approach and Lorenz curves, the study concluded that a buffer zone income may be capable of contributing to more equally distributed incomes for rural communities who share boundaries with game parks. With respect to the correlates of household income, the results suggest that household size and age may negatively influence income from buffer zone activities, while gender may have a positive effect. This was also true for education and Livestock Units (LUs) with respect to income from self employment; the former positively and the latter negatively related. The results further suggest that land size may also be positively significant in order to explain income from agriculture as well as total income. With regard to the distance from the buffer zone, the results suggest a negative influence with respect to the buffer zone, agriculture and total income. The implied message therefore suggests that buffer zones may provide active livelihood sources which are capable of financing rural household agriculture. The income equalizing effect which is portrayed may also further imply that, if correctly targeted and promoted, a buffer zone income could possibly address the current income inequality which is generic in rural areas. However, this potential may not be realized due to the current buffer zone design status (created for local secondary use as opposed to commercial primary use), restrictive policies and poor institutional support. With this dilemma facing community managed game parks (threats as summarised in Chapters three and four amid the potential hope summarized in Chapters five and six), Chapter 7 concludes the study by suggesting that the human-wildlife interaction model, though currently theoretical, may have significant practical potential in addressing the livelihoods of the surrounding communities as well as promoting the conservation of wildlife. This could be possible if available challenges that range from low revenue, insecure property rights, high human-elephant conflict and institutional design conflict for buffer zone utilization are corrected by means of the free market system. This would allow market forces to deliver on the expectations of the ―human-wildlife interactions model‖ – sustainable livelihoods for the former and intergenerational conservation for the latter.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Taruvinga, Amon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11154 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/476 , Game reserves -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife management -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Game farms -- Zimbabwe , Rural poor -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This thesis explores human-wildlife interactions under community managed game parks. The thesis consists of an introductory chapter, study location chapter and four self-contained studies based on different samples from created clusters surrounding Nyatana Game Park, which make up the rest of the thesis chapters. Chapter one presents an introductory overview of wildlife management in Zimbabwe, specifically looking at human-wildlife interactions under CAMPFIRE projects, welfare dynamics and conservation implications for the surrounding communities who share boundaries with community-managed game parks. The chapter concludes by highlighting the challenges facing community-based wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe as well as the key concepts that will be the subject of the rest of the thesis. Chapter two presents the study location; it highlights the road map to the study area, starting with the provincial location, and indicates the specific districts from which respondents were selected. A brief agro-ecological summary of the study area is also presented; it looks specifically at climate, vegetation and a demographic data of the study area. Chapter three: Can game parks be trusted as livelihood sources? To answer this topical question, Chapter three explores livelihood adaptation strategies for households who share boundaries with Nyatana Game Park. Most of the community managed game parks, under CAMPFIRE principles in Zimbabwe, were established with the primary objective of generating revenue for the surrounding communities; this was done in the hope of using positive returns from game farming to promote the conservation of wildlife. Has this materialised in practice? Descriptive results from this study seem to suggest otherwise, where mixed farming and gold panning were the major livelihood adaptation choices reported by most households. The revenue from game farming was reported to be too low and inconsistent, to such an extent that the majority of the community regarded it as risky and unreliable. A multinomial logistic regression model for correlates of adaptation choices indicated that access to credit, markets, and extension may be some of the current institutional constraints inhibiting households from accessing off-farm sources for their livelihoods. In addition, household size, gender and age may enhance the adaptive capacity of households to move out of risky crop faming into other off-farm portfolio diversifications. The study, therefore, suggests that game parks, according to the evidence uncovered by the study, may not be trusted as a reliable and sustainable livelihood source. If local communities who share boundaries with game parks do not view them as reliable and sustainable livelihood sources, as concluded in Chapter three, how can they (local communities) be trusted to conserve them? To assess their perceptions of game parks, Chapter four presents a multinomial logistic regression model for perceptions of society on game parks using the African elephant as a typical example. The results suggest that Problem Animal Control (PAC) perceptions, livestock predation and issues of low and poor revenue distribution may be some of the critical perceptions capable of influencing surrounding communities to negatively participate in the conservation of wildlife. The results further suggest that using wildlife proceeds to finance observable local common pool infrastructure may positively influence the surrounding communities to conserve wildlife. The chief conclusion regarding game parks, therefore, was that the surrounding communities were in favour of the obliteration pathway, although minimal conservation perceptions were also available. Given the negative conclusions regarding game parks, as suggested in Chapters three and four, citizens would then wonder if any meaningful hope for community managed game parks exists. Chapter five probes the buffer zone livelihood link under community managed game parks, using evidence from the Nyatana Game Park. The binary logistic regression model results, for buffer zone participation and resource extraction combinations by surrounding communities, suggest that resource extraction may be market driven rather than focussing on domestic consumption. The study therefore concludes that the buffer zone livelihood link as currently practiced, though potential, may fail to address the livelihood expectations of the sub-district producer communities. The study therefore calls for extreme caution whenever the buffer zone livelihood link is considered, because several institutional and design conflicts exist within this dynamic. In Chapter six, the study further probed the buffer zone income dynamics for the sub-district producer community. The results of descriptive statistics suggest that the contribution of buffer zone activities to household income may be significant with a positive correlation to household agricultural income for communities who reside inside or close to the park (primary sub-district producer community). Using the Gini decomposition approach and Lorenz curves, the study concluded that a buffer zone income may be capable of contributing to more equally distributed incomes for rural communities who share boundaries with game parks. With respect to the correlates of household income, the results suggest that household size and age may negatively influence income from buffer zone activities, while gender may have a positive effect. This was also true for education and Livestock Units (LUs) with respect to income from self employment; the former positively and the latter negatively related. The results further suggest that land size may also be positively significant in order to explain income from agriculture as well as total income. With regard to the distance from the buffer zone, the results suggest a negative influence with respect to the buffer zone, agriculture and total income. The implied message therefore suggests that buffer zones may provide active livelihood sources which are capable of financing rural household agriculture. The income equalizing effect which is portrayed may also further imply that, if correctly targeted and promoted, a buffer zone income could possibly address the current income inequality which is generic in rural areas. However, this potential may not be realized due to the current buffer zone design status (created for local secondary use as opposed to commercial primary use), restrictive policies and poor institutional support. With this dilemma facing community managed game parks (threats as summarised in Chapters three and four amid the potential hope summarized in Chapters five and six), Chapter 7 concludes the study by suggesting that the human-wildlife interaction model, though currently theoretical, may have significant practical potential in addressing the livelihoods of the surrounding communities as well as promoting the conservation of wildlife. This could be possible if available challenges that range from low revenue, insecure property rights, high human-elephant conflict and institutional design conflict for buffer zone utilization are corrected by means of the free market system. This would allow market forces to deliver on the expectations of the ―human-wildlife interactions model‖ – sustainable livelihoods for the former and intergenerational conservation for the latter.
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Organizational commitment, age and gender effects on organizational citizenship behaviour of university employees
- Authors: Khayundi, Daniel Asiachi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25755 , vital:64476
- Description: Organizational citizenship behaviour is one of the important factors that enhance organizational effectiveness. The main purpose of this study was to explore the impact of Organizational commitment on Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB). In this study, age and gender effects on OCB of tertiary institution employees were also examined. The data was collected from 68 academic and administration staff from the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus through questionnaires. The results show that 68 respondents are of the view that organizational commitment impacts positively in enhancing the organizational citizenship behaviour of the employees. The findings also reveal that age and gender play no role in the practice of employees OCB. Management can increase the levels of OCB in their employees by recognizing employees who engage themselves in such behaviour. Implications that can help management in the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus in augmenting the OCB of employees is also discussed. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Authors: Khayundi, Daniel Asiachi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25755 , vital:64476
- Description: Organizational citizenship behaviour is one of the important factors that enhance organizational effectiveness. The main purpose of this study was to explore the impact of Organizational commitment on Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB). In this study, age and gender effects on OCB of tertiary institution employees were also examined. The data was collected from 68 academic and administration staff from the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus through questionnaires. The results show that 68 respondents are of the view that organizational commitment impacts positively in enhancing the organizational citizenship behaviour of the employees. The findings also reveal that age and gender play no role in the practice of employees OCB. Management can increase the levels of OCB in their employees by recognizing employees who engage themselves in such behaviour. Implications that can help management in the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus in augmenting the OCB of employees is also discussed. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
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Consensus and contentions around community engagement in a South African tertiary institution: University of Fort Hare
- Authors: Mudefi, Elmon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11954 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/311 , Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study examines the nature and character of consensus and contentions around the discourse of community engagement in a South African university context. This is against the background of the growing body of literature that advocates for the need for universities to make their impact felt in communities in more direct ways than through teaching and research. The examination is also against the background of the assumption that the success or failure of community engagement initiatives is, in part, a function of how stakeholders agree/disagree on the meaning and purpose of community engagement. The University of Fort Hare is used as a case study. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used for qualitative data collection, whilst a survey was conducted for gathering quantitative data. The study revealed that stakeholders attach different meanings to community engagement, with those possessing power and influence acting as key decision makers. Thus powerful stakeholders (in this case, the university and donor organizations) are at the core of the decision making process, while beneficiaries are pushed to the periphery. Moreover, both the meanings and the activities within which they cohere have important implications for the way beneficiary communities perceive university-community partnerships.
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- Authors: Mudefi, Elmon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
- Identifier: vital:11954 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/311 , Community and college -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Administration , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study examines the nature and character of consensus and contentions around the discourse of community engagement in a South African university context. This is against the background of the growing body of literature that advocates for the need for universities to make their impact felt in communities in more direct ways than through teaching and research. The examination is also against the background of the assumption that the success or failure of community engagement initiatives is, in part, a function of how stakeholders agree/disagree on the meaning and purpose of community engagement. The University of Fort Hare is used as a case study. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used for qualitative data collection, whilst a survey was conducted for gathering quantitative data. The study revealed that stakeholders attach different meanings to community engagement, with those possessing power and influence acting as key decision makers. Thus powerful stakeholders (in this case, the university and donor organizations) are at the core of the decision making process, while beneficiaries are pushed to the periphery. Moreover, both the meanings and the activities within which they cohere have important implications for the way beneficiary communities perceive university-community partnerships.
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A study of mathematics instructional practices in foundation phase grade three classrooms in East London
- Authors: Williams, Beverley Diana
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mathematics--Study and teaching (Primary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082164 , Mathematics--Study and teaching (Elementary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082163
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19585 , vital:43146
- Description: This study describes the instructional practices of grade three teachers in their attempt to facilitate mathematical learning. The teachers’ practices are described in relation to the requirements of the revised National Curriculum Statement. In order to demarcate the field of investigation, the researcher provides an overview of the historical background of the study and draws attention to the knowledge interest of the investigation. The problem, the research questions, the assumptions of the study, the significance of the study, the rationale and the delimitation of the study are all set out in this chapter. A list of the major terms used in the study is also given. In concluding the chapter and outline of the issues discussed in each of the five chapters is given. , Thesis (MEd) -- University of Fort Hare, 2011
- Full Text:
- Authors: Williams, Beverley Diana
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mathematics--Study and teaching (Primary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082164 , Mathematics--Study and teaching (Elementary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082163
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19585 , vital:43146
- Description: This study describes the instructional practices of grade three teachers in their attempt to facilitate mathematical learning. The teachers’ practices are described in relation to the requirements of the revised National Curriculum Statement. In order to demarcate the field of investigation, the researcher provides an overview of the historical background of the study and draws attention to the knowledge interest of the investigation. The problem, the research questions, the assumptions of the study, the significance of the study, the rationale and the delimitation of the study are all set out in this chapter. A list of the major terms used in the study is also given. In concluding the chapter and outline of the issues discussed in each of the five chapters is given. , Thesis (MEd) -- University of Fort Hare, 2011
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Evaluation of the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people at Nontyatyambo and Empilweni Gompo Community Health Centres in East London, Eastern Cape
- Mkhencele, Nontando Precious
- Authors: Mkhencele, Nontando Precious
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001094 , HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. The estimated 5,7 million South Africans that are living with HIV need comprehensive and holistic care. Psychosocial support is a vital aspect of care for HIV positive people. Support groups have been identified as a basic form of psychosocial support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people in East London, Eastern Cape. A qualitative study design was implemented using focus group interviews to explore the role of HIV support groups. The research questions were designed to elicit responses pertaining to the needs, expectations and experiences of HIV positive support group attendees. Activities conducted in support groups as well as the attitude of support group members towards recruiting other HIV positive people to join the group were also explored. Findings revealed that the benefits of attending a support group included emotional and psychological support, sense of belonging to a “family”, assistance with disclosure issues, gaining information about HIV and treatment as well as material benefits such as food parcels and job opportunities. The greatest need of support group attendees was assistance in obtaining a Social Support or Disability Grant. A few negative experiences were reported which included: unfulfilled promises by people outside of the group, unfair allocation of grants and food parcels, as well as negative group dynamics at times. Support group members agreed that even though there were few negative experiences, the benefits clearly outweighed the negative experiences. Most participants agreed that they would recommend the support group to other HIV positive people so that they could also enjoy the stated benefits. In summary, the study concluded that support groups are very helpful in the lives of HIV positive people.
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- Authors: Mkhencele, Nontando Precious
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001094 , HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. The estimated 5,7 million South Africans that are living with HIV need comprehensive and holistic care. Psychosocial support is a vital aspect of care for HIV positive people. Support groups have been identified as a basic form of psychosocial support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people in East London, Eastern Cape. A qualitative study design was implemented using focus group interviews to explore the role of HIV support groups. The research questions were designed to elicit responses pertaining to the needs, expectations and experiences of HIV positive support group attendees. Activities conducted in support groups as well as the attitude of support group members towards recruiting other HIV positive people to join the group were also explored. Findings revealed that the benefits of attending a support group included emotional and psychological support, sense of belonging to a “family”, assistance with disclosure issues, gaining information about HIV and treatment as well as material benefits such as food parcels and job opportunities. The greatest need of support group attendees was assistance in obtaining a Social Support or Disability Grant. A few negative experiences were reported which included: unfulfilled promises by people outside of the group, unfair allocation of grants and food parcels, as well as negative group dynamics at times. Support group members agreed that even though there were few negative experiences, the benefits clearly outweighed the negative experiences. Most participants agreed that they would recommend the support group to other HIV positive people so that they could also enjoy the stated benefits. In summary, the study concluded that support groups are very helpful in the lives of HIV positive people.
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Integrated crop-livestock farming system for sustainable economic empowerment of small-scale and emerging farmers in the former homeland of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa: a case study of Ciskei area in Nkonkobe municipality
- Authors: Ngxetwane, Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11183 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/459 , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: For decades, there has been significant investment in the development of agricultural technologies that aim to increase productivity of smallholder farmers in Africa. But farm output and productivity have stagnated and poverty rates have remained high and even increasing in some areas. At the same time, increases in human population levels have resulted in rising demand for food as well as for arable land. The growing intensification of farming has been accompanied by degradation of wild lands, including tropical forests and wetlands, at an alarming rate. Further pressure on fragile land has come from associated urbanization, leading to agricultural land being converted to residential and industrial uses with serious consequences for agricultural production and food supply. The recent increases in food prices across the globe as well as South Africa have drawn attention to this problem even more strongly. The main objective of the current study was to investigate farmer’s perception of the relative importance of crop-livestock integration in the small holder farming systems. Data were collected from 70 emerging and smallholder farmers selected by stratified random sampling in the communities surrounding Alice, Middledrift and the Seymour- Balfour area of Nkonkobe municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. To collect the data, a semi-structure questionnaire was administered to the respondents through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the farmers in terms of their socio-economic and demographic backgrounds. A series of multiple linear regression models and a binary logistic regression equation were fitted to determine the factors influencing farmers’ perception and how these in turn contribute to the decision to adopt or not to adopt crop-livestock integration. The results of the study reveal that small farmers in the Nkonkobe municipality have the possibility of realizing immense benefits from the integrated systems which also have the potential to lead to substantial improvements of the physical, chemical and biological soil properties. There is clear evidence of widespread interest to experiment with the practices based on the strong positive perceptions that a majority of the survey farmers exhibited during the course of the survey. But the farmers are facing challenges in coping with the associated complexities of competition on land, and management skill which are often in limited supply. That in most cases is not enough and efficient even to manage one of these two enterprises alone and reduction in crops yield due to use of manure as a substitute of fertilizer. Constraints to integrating crops and livestock include the competition for resources, especially land. Managing two types of farming on the same farm was perceived as difficult and many respondents held the view that use of waste of one enterprise as input to the other enterprise can reduce productivity. For example some farmers considered that the use of manure to improve soil fertility may not lead to output growth to the same extent as the use of fertilizer. A number of farmers (86%) pointed out that they only market their produce after deducting their consumption share, highlighting the crucial role of food security as a motivation for crop-livestock integration. Complementation of inputs rather than substituting inputs is required to render the system more productive and sustainable as costs are minimized and output is boosted. Associations of grain and livestock producers are useful for filling these gaps which include limited access to credit, technology and knowledge and can promote the adoption of a crop-livestock system.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngxetwane, Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11183 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/459 , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: For decades, there has been significant investment in the development of agricultural technologies that aim to increase productivity of smallholder farmers in Africa. But farm output and productivity have stagnated and poverty rates have remained high and even increasing in some areas. At the same time, increases in human population levels have resulted in rising demand for food as well as for arable land. The growing intensification of farming has been accompanied by degradation of wild lands, including tropical forests and wetlands, at an alarming rate. Further pressure on fragile land has come from associated urbanization, leading to agricultural land being converted to residential and industrial uses with serious consequences for agricultural production and food supply. The recent increases in food prices across the globe as well as South Africa have drawn attention to this problem even more strongly. The main objective of the current study was to investigate farmer’s perception of the relative importance of crop-livestock integration in the small holder farming systems. Data were collected from 70 emerging and smallholder farmers selected by stratified random sampling in the communities surrounding Alice, Middledrift and the Seymour- Balfour area of Nkonkobe municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. To collect the data, a semi-structure questionnaire was administered to the respondents through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the farmers in terms of their socio-economic and demographic backgrounds. A series of multiple linear regression models and a binary logistic regression equation were fitted to determine the factors influencing farmers’ perception and how these in turn contribute to the decision to adopt or not to adopt crop-livestock integration. The results of the study reveal that small farmers in the Nkonkobe municipality have the possibility of realizing immense benefits from the integrated systems which also have the potential to lead to substantial improvements of the physical, chemical and biological soil properties. There is clear evidence of widespread interest to experiment with the practices based on the strong positive perceptions that a majority of the survey farmers exhibited during the course of the survey. But the farmers are facing challenges in coping with the associated complexities of competition on land, and management skill which are often in limited supply. That in most cases is not enough and efficient even to manage one of these two enterprises alone and reduction in crops yield due to use of manure as a substitute of fertilizer. Constraints to integrating crops and livestock include the competition for resources, especially land. Managing two types of farming on the same farm was perceived as difficult and many respondents held the view that use of waste of one enterprise as input to the other enterprise can reduce productivity. For example some farmers considered that the use of manure to improve soil fertility may not lead to output growth to the same extent as the use of fertilizer. A number of farmers (86%) pointed out that they only market their produce after deducting their consumption share, highlighting the crucial role of food security as a motivation for crop-livestock integration. Complementation of inputs rather than substituting inputs is required to render the system more productive and sustainable as costs are minimized and output is boosted. Associations of grain and livestock producers are useful for filling these gaps which include limited access to credit, technology and knowledge and can promote the adoption of a crop-livestock system.
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Examining Malawi's administrative reform and its impact on service delivery
- Authors: Mabomba, Annie Chisomo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Administrative agencies -- Malawi -- Management , Executive departments -- Malawi -- Management , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001249 , Administrative agencies -- Malawi -- Management , Executive departments -- Malawi -- Management , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Description: The advent of multi-party democracy in 1994 spearheaded different reforms in the Malawi public sector. One prominent reform is administrative reform. The new government that was ushered into power instituted a policy on civil service reform and institutional development. The reforms that were introduced aimed at improving performance and enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services. Accordingly, a Public Service Act was promulgated that constituted the clarification of the role of the civil service; equal access to public employment; merit based recruitment and promotion; and increased accountability and transparency in the policies and practices of the public service. This study therefore seeks to examine administrative reforms in Malawi and assess their impact on service delivery. The research further endeavours to explore factors which block the successful implementation of reform programmes, and seeks to come up with areas of improvement which would ensure successful implementation of reform programmes in future. The scope of this research is limited to the current civil service reform programmes and is mainly based on primary and secondary sources of information. The study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. However, findings reveal that reforms had a negative impact on service delivery since no significant change in the delivery of services was registered. The Malawi civil service continues to suffer from unprofessionalism, inefficiency, corruption and a host of other problems. The study shows the gap between rhetoric and reality of civil service reform programmes in Malawi.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mabomba, Annie Chisomo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Administrative agencies -- Malawi -- Management , Executive departments -- Malawi -- Management , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001249 , Administrative agencies -- Malawi -- Management , Executive departments -- Malawi -- Management , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Description: The advent of multi-party democracy in 1994 spearheaded different reforms in the Malawi public sector. One prominent reform is administrative reform. The new government that was ushered into power instituted a policy on civil service reform and institutional development. The reforms that were introduced aimed at improving performance and enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services. Accordingly, a Public Service Act was promulgated that constituted the clarification of the role of the civil service; equal access to public employment; merit based recruitment and promotion; and increased accountability and transparency in the policies and practices of the public service. This study therefore seeks to examine administrative reforms in Malawi and assess their impact on service delivery. The research further endeavours to explore factors which block the successful implementation of reform programmes, and seeks to come up with areas of improvement which would ensure successful implementation of reform programmes in future. The scope of this research is limited to the current civil service reform programmes and is mainly based on primary and secondary sources of information. The study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. However, findings reveal that reforms had a negative impact on service delivery since no significant change in the delivery of services was registered. The Malawi civil service continues to suffer from unprofessionalism, inefficiency, corruption and a host of other problems. The study shows the gap between rhetoric and reality of civil service reform programmes in Malawi.
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Work-family conflict, stress and some demographic and occupational variables among female factory workers in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Dywili, Mtutuzeli
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Work and family -- South Africa , Job stress -- South Africa , Women employees -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24128 , vital:62382
- Description: The study examines work-family conflict, stress, and some demographic and occupational variables among female factory workers in East London, South Africa. The participants were female factory workers in East London, South Africa. The independent variables for the study were, demographic and occupational variables, while stress is the dependent variable. Work-family conflict is dependent on demographic and occupational variables, while on the other hand is independent to stress. The demographic variables concerned are age, marital status, number of children and age of the last born child. The occupational variable on the other hand is occupational level, i.e. managerial versus non-managerial. The measuring instruments were a self-designed questionnaire to measure the demographic and occupational variables, a questionnaire developed by Stephens and Sommer (1996) to measure work-family conflict (cronbach’s alpha = 0,90) and the Effort – Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire (Pikhart, Bobak, Siegrist, Pajak, Rywick, Kyshegyi, Gostaus, Skodova& Marmot, 1996) to measure stress at workplace. Cronbach’s alpha for the whole questionnaire reaches the value of 0,89. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
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- Authors: Dywili, Mtutuzeli
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Work and family -- South Africa , Job stress -- South Africa , Women employees -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24128 , vital:62382
- Description: The study examines work-family conflict, stress, and some demographic and occupational variables among female factory workers in East London, South Africa. The participants were female factory workers in East London, South Africa. The independent variables for the study were, demographic and occupational variables, while stress is the dependent variable. Work-family conflict is dependent on demographic and occupational variables, while on the other hand is independent to stress. The demographic variables concerned are age, marital status, number of children and age of the last born child. The occupational variable on the other hand is occupational level, i.e. managerial versus non-managerial. The measuring instruments were a self-designed questionnaire to measure the demographic and occupational variables, a questionnaire developed by Stephens and Sommer (1996) to measure work-family conflict (cronbach’s alpha = 0,90) and the Effort – Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire (Pikhart, Bobak, Siegrist, Pajak, Rywick, Kyshegyi, Gostaus, Skodova& Marmot, 1996) to measure stress at workplace. Cronbach’s alpha for the whole questionnaire reaches the value of 0,89. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
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Living by voices we shall never hear: seeing animals differently
- Mitchell, Pauline, Mitchell, Les
- Authors: Mitchell, Pauline , Mitchell, Les
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Monograph
- Identifier: vital:12230
- Description: We live in the midst of animals; the products of their bodies and products made from their bodies are everywhere. Over thousands of years we have used these beings for our own ends; for hauling loads, grinding grain, making roads, carrying people, working in mines, powering machinery, ploughing land and making war. Each day of the year we kill, on average, in the food industry alone, the same number of animals as there are people in the whole of southern Africa. Animals have been our unpaid, unacknowledged and, for the most part, appallingly treated slaves, on whose backs, it is no exaggeration to say, our present world has been built. Perhaps it is time to consider our relationship with them. For this book we originally asked Quakers and people attending Quaker Meetings to write about ‘seeing animals differently’ and our contributors are Friends or attenders or people who have some association with Friends. The authors live in the UK, South Africa, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Australia and the United States. There is a saying that trying to organise Quakers is like trying to herd cats and the diversity in this small book clearly bears this out. We An introduction to the book Pauline and Les Mitchell Introduction have not made any attempt to impose uniformity or to ask authors to write to any formula, which means that what you read carries the original voice and style of the contributor. We feel that, rather than a weakness, this is a strength of the collection and shows how diverse yet interwoven our perspectives can be.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Mitchell, Pauline , Mitchell, Les
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Monograph
- Identifier: vital:12230
- Description: We live in the midst of animals; the products of their bodies and products made from their bodies are everywhere. Over thousands of years we have used these beings for our own ends; for hauling loads, grinding grain, making roads, carrying people, working in mines, powering machinery, ploughing land and making war. Each day of the year we kill, on average, in the food industry alone, the same number of animals as there are people in the whole of southern Africa. Animals have been our unpaid, unacknowledged and, for the most part, appallingly treated slaves, on whose backs, it is no exaggeration to say, our present world has been built. Perhaps it is time to consider our relationship with them. For this book we originally asked Quakers and people attending Quaker Meetings to write about ‘seeing animals differently’ and our contributors are Friends or attenders or people who have some association with Friends. The authors live in the UK, South Africa, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Australia and the United States. There is a saying that trying to organise Quakers is like trying to herd cats and the diversity in this small book clearly bears this out. We An introduction to the book Pauline and Les Mitchell Introduction have not made any attempt to impose uniformity or to ask authors to write to any formula, which means that what you read carries the original voice and style of the contributor. We feel that, rather than a weakness, this is a strength of the collection and shows how diverse yet interwoven our perspectives can be.
- Full Text: false
Institutional constraints to horticulture production and marketing
- Mphahama, Litsoanelo Evodiah
- Authors: Mphahama, Litsoanelo Evodiah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Horticulture -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Agricultural extension work -- Lesotho , Gardening -- Lesotho , Food security -- Lesotho , Poverty -- Lesotho , Agricultural productivity -- Lesotho , Farm produce -- Lesotho -- Marketing , Land tenure -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11182 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/428 , Horticulture -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Agricultural extension work -- Lesotho , Gardening -- Lesotho , Food security -- Lesotho , Poverty -- Lesotho , Agricultural productivity -- Lesotho , Farm produce -- Lesotho -- Marketing , Land tenure -- Lesotho
- Description: Lesotho has a land area of about 30.340 square kilometers and is completely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. Much of the country is mountainous. Its agricultural sector is characterized by low productivity due to erratic climatic conditions, limited arable land and fragile soils with a low water holding capacity. These conditions have proved very detrimental to crop production, rendering agriculture a risky economic activity. Numerous efforts have been made over the years to address the technical constraints confronting the sector, but nothing seems to be changing. The implication is that the technical/climatic factors mentioned above may be only part of the problem. The current situation whereby Lesotho imports nearly 95% of its domestic food requirements is unsustainable, but this desperate picture looks set to worsen with the continuing threats of contracting farm sizes and further declines in farmer participation rates. But this sector has continued to be an important source of household survival and existence. A study was designed and conducted during 2008 and 2009 to identify the institutional constraints to horticulture production in Lesotho, looking specifically at the obstacles to effective production and marketing of horticultural products. A total of 100 farming households were enumerated in four districts of the country, namely Butha Buthe, Berea, Mafeteng, and Thaba-Tseka. A range of institutional and non-price factors in the farming and marketing environment were incorporated in a binary choice model to investigate the degree of satisfaction of the farming households with their previous year’s farming results. To avoid selection bias in the sample, a probit model was chosen, and the Stata-10 software was used to estimate probit coefficients. The results provide indications that property rights, the agricultural extension service, the condition of the physical infrastructure, and distance to markets may be crucial elements threatening the existence of this sector in Lesotho. The difficulties in accessing markets and land remain important institutional constraints to horticulture production and marketing in Lesotho. Recommendations made on these issues include providing more policy support to homestead gardening and for these issues to be incorporated into the Vision 2020 process. Also to be included is the issue of addressing the growing national food insecurity and enhancing Basotho livelihoods in general.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mphahama, Litsoanelo Evodiah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Horticulture -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Agricultural extension work -- Lesotho , Gardening -- Lesotho , Food security -- Lesotho , Poverty -- Lesotho , Agricultural productivity -- Lesotho , Farm produce -- Lesotho -- Marketing , Land tenure -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11182 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/428 , Horticulture -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Agricultural extension work -- Lesotho , Gardening -- Lesotho , Food security -- Lesotho , Poverty -- Lesotho , Agricultural productivity -- Lesotho , Farm produce -- Lesotho -- Marketing , Land tenure -- Lesotho
- Description: Lesotho has a land area of about 30.340 square kilometers and is completely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. Much of the country is mountainous. Its agricultural sector is characterized by low productivity due to erratic climatic conditions, limited arable land and fragile soils with a low water holding capacity. These conditions have proved very detrimental to crop production, rendering agriculture a risky economic activity. Numerous efforts have been made over the years to address the technical constraints confronting the sector, but nothing seems to be changing. The implication is that the technical/climatic factors mentioned above may be only part of the problem. The current situation whereby Lesotho imports nearly 95% of its domestic food requirements is unsustainable, but this desperate picture looks set to worsen with the continuing threats of contracting farm sizes and further declines in farmer participation rates. But this sector has continued to be an important source of household survival and existence. A study was designed and conducted during 2008 and 2009 to identify the institutional constraints to horticulture production in Lesotho, looking specifically at the obstacles to effective production and marketing of horticultural products. A total of 100 farming households were enumerated in four districts of the country, namely Butha Buthe, Berea, Mafeteng, and Thaba-Tseka. A range of institutional and non-price factors in the farming and marketing environment were incorporated in a binary choice model to investigate the degree of satisfaction of the farming households with their previous year’s farming results. To avoid selection bias in the sample, a probit model was chosen, and the Stata-10 software was used to estimate probit coefficients. The results provide indications that property rights, the agricultural extension service, the condition of the physical infrastructure, and distance to markets may be crucial elements threatening the existence of this sector in Lesotho. The difficulties in accessing markets and land remain important institutional constraints to horticulture production and marketing in Lesotho. Recommendations made on these issues include providing more policy support to homestead gardening and for these issues to be incorporated into the Vision 2020 process. Also to be included is the issue of addressing the growing national food insecurity and enhancing Basotho livelihoods in general.
- Full Text: