Extraction, Isolation and Biological studies of Pentanisia prunelloides and Hippobromus pauciflorus
- Authors: Ngcetane , Lazola Luyolo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medicinal plants Antioxidants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18766 , vital:42731
- Description: Enormous amounts of drugs or drug components have been found with the use and help of ethnobotanical knowledge of plants by the indigenous civilisation of that region. The primary reason that plants are chosen as a potential source of new medicines is that they are readily available to researcher and the public either free of charge or at a low and affordable cost in the rural majority community in the developing world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical content of two commonly used medicinal plants of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and to explore their antioxidant potential. Crude extracts of Hippobromus pauciflorus and Pentanisia prunelloides were obtained by means of sequential solvent extraction followed by evaluation of the phenolic and flavonoid content of extracts and the anti-oxidant ability of the both plant samples and also their ability to hinder lipid peroxidation. For the H.pauciflorus sample, different masses of crude extracts were obtained with Dichloromethane (0.817 g) yielding the smallest mass and the 70% Ethanol (120.196 g) extract yielding the largest mass. The total phenolic content of the plant sample extracts were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent. The Methanol extract (133.019 ± 0.003 μgGAE/mL) exhibited the largest content while the EtOH extract (13.981 ± 0.001 μgGAE/mL) exhibited the least content. The MeOH extract exhibited the highest flavonoid content (46.005 ± 0.001 μgQE/mg extract) while the Hexane extract (19.000 ± 0.008 μgQE/mg extract) exhibited the least. 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper Frap assay was performed with the Ethyl Acetate extract displaying the least anti-oxidant ability (10.284 ± 0.014 AAE/mL) while the Hex extract (204.705 ± 0.119 AAE/mL) displayed the highest anti-oxidant ability. 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was performed with the hexane, methanol and ethanol extracts exhibiting an anti-oxidant property with IC50 values of 3.594x10-3 ± 0.133 mg/mL, 0.185 ± 0.019 mg/mL and 0.011 ± 0.002 mg/mL respectively. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation at 150 μg/mL was performed where the Dichloromethane extract showed the highest inhibition percentage (-75.000 ± 0.119%) while the Hex extract (-41.667 ± 0.021005%) showed the lowest inhibition percentage at 300 μg/mL; only the DCM extract (-3.051 ± 0.018%) displayed inhibition ability. For the P.prunelloides sample, different masses of crude extracts were obtained with EA extract (0.348 g) yielding the smallest mass and the MeOH (47.941 g) extract yielding the largest mass. Phenolic content was evaluated with the DCM extract (122.827 ± 0.010 μgGAE/mL) exhibited the largest content while the MeOH extract (48.788 ± 0.001 μgGAE/mL) exhibited the least content. Flavonoid content was evaluated with the DCM extract (88.543 ± 0.005 μgQE/mg extract) exhibited the largest content while the EtOH extract (19.254 ± 0.001 μgQE/mg extract) exhibited the least content. FRAP assay was performed with the DCM extract (13.021 ± 0.008 AAE/mL) displaying the least anti-oxidant ability while the MeOH extract (217.758 ± 0.025 AAE/mL) displaying the highest anti-oxidant ability. DPPH assay was conducted with EA and methanol extracts exhibiting antianti-oxidant ability and having IC50 values of 0.579 ± 0.021 mg/mL and 0.006± 0.001 mg/mL respectively. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation at 150 μg/mL was performed with the n-Hex extract (-36.395 ± 0.015%) showing the highest inhibition percentage while the DCM extract (-17.647 ± 0.005%) the lowest and at 300μg/mL the EA (- 12.881 ± 0.018%) and DCM (-0.847 ± 0.009%) extracts displayed inhibition. An attempt was made to isolate and elucidate the compounds in the extracts but unsuccessful, although the TLC results indicated several compounds that can be elucidated in future study
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The effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programmes in tertiary institutions of higher learning: the case of the University of Forte Hare
- Authors: Chiwara, Emmanuel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: HIV infections AIDS (Disease)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSW
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18085 , vital:42228
- Description: This study explored the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programmes in tertiary institutions in South Africa, and used the University of Forte Hare as a research domain. The study entailed making a cross-examination of the UFH HIV/AIDS programmes in an attempt to test the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programmes in South African Universities. The study had three objectives, which were to establish the perceptions of the UFH stakeholders pertaining HIV/AIDS programmes; to document the HIV/AIDS programmes offered at UFH; and to determine the resources available to implement the HIV/AIDS Programmes at UFH. The study used mixed methods, that is, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study used combined methods of data collection and instruments, such as in-depth interviews, focus groups interviews, key informants, and a questionnaire. The study adopted Structural Functionalist Theory. The researcher drew a sample of forty (40) participants from the UFH community. Thirty-three (33) student respondents were provided with questionnaire interview; while 5 (five) members of the staff; two (2) members of the UFH HIV/AIDS managers; and two (2) members of administration were interviewed. The study used a combination of both probability and non-probability sampling methods, specifically purposive sampling and systematic sampling methods to select the participants. The data was analyzed using a qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study established that there was inadequacy of financial and material resources to support the implementation of the programmes; inconsistency in condom distribution on campus; limited and unprofessional HIV/AID workers at the UFH campus; availability of various HIV/AIDS programme activities; adequate support structures but failing to be responsive towards HIV/AIDS; and adequate HIV/AIDS knowledge among the students.
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Acculturation and Coming of age in female African writing; a Freudian psychoanalysis of Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions and Chimamada Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus
- Authors: Abiodun, Adedoyin Catherine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: African literature (English)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16274 , vital:40704
- Description: This study explores Acculturation and Coming of age not only as a social process but also a psychological one. The constructs are examined in line with Freudian psychoanalytic theory. The study focuses on migrant inclination of two female African writers, Tsitsi Dangarembga and Chimamanda Adichie in Nervous Conditions and Purple Hibiscus respectively. Through the study, it is discovered that acculturation involves both cultural and psychological change or adaptation and failure in either can result in trauma or produce socially imbalanced individuals. In other to have a healthy coming of age, family and the home status play a very significant role in the totality of an individual and also serves as a microcosm of social and political milieu. Also, the study in the course of the study, we discover there is no ‘authentic African culture’, culture is non-static and so, the study also discusses culture as being transnational and translational. The writers’ consciousness of space and place in their writing through reminiscent times of childhood play significant roles. Childhood figures are constructed in a matrix of concrete memories, spaces, places and times that play a significant role in the production of meanings of their migrant identities. The study identifies ways in which female socialisation further enhances her marginalisation in the society and how the family in the African setting as an ideological state apparatus contributes in ensuring the marginalised position of women. The authors being studied interrogate methods of raising children among African families in contemporary society
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Coping as a moderator between work-family conflict and psychological well-being among academic employees at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa
- Authors: Samkange, Victoria
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Work and family -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Psychological aspect Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12524 , vital:39271
- Description: The effects of changing academic environments at universities have attracted considerable research attraction on the psychological well-being of academics. The growing number of students entering tertiary education, the increase of emphasis on research, and higher quality learning this puts pressure on the academics leading to psychological distress. This study investigated the relationship that exists between work family conflict and psychological well-being among academic staff at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The main aim of this study was to investigate the moderating role of the use of coping strategies as a moderator of the relationship between work-family conflict among the academic staff at the university of Fort Hare. A quantitative research design was adopted in conducting this study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire to academics from all faculties within the university of Fort Hare. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling method, from 350 academic staff members a sample size of 184 respondents was used in this study. Five-point Likert scale was used to measure the responses. Data analysis methods used include descriptive statistics, one sample statistic test, Chi-square tests and independent t-test. The validity and reliability of the research instrument and the findings were assured through pilot study and Cronbach alpha reliability test. The results indicate that the use of coping strategies moderates the relationship between work family conflict and psychological well-being. Recommendations to reduce work family conflict and promoting psychological well-being among academic staff were also discussed in this study.
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Regional Financial Integration and Financial Sector Development in the Southern African Development Community
- Authors: Ntlemeza, Lwando
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Integrating national economies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13870 , vital:39720
- Description: Regional financial integration (RFI) is perceived as the other avenue through which the financial sector of member countries can develop given the vast benefits which associated with it. These benefits include mobilization and allocation of efficient resources to productive sectors within the region which plays a very important role in the development process. Given this background, the study examines how regional financial integration promotes financial sector development in the SADC region utilizing the panel data model for the period 1996 to 2015. The empirical results revealed that regional financial integration does have an impact on the financial sector development in the member countries in the region. Furthermore, the results showed that regional financial integration require a certain degree of institutional quality for RFI benefits to accrue. The empirical results imply that the countries in the SADC region should pursue regional financial integration. This can be achieved through commitment by all authorities in the region. There should be a firm commitment to broader economic integration and building on existing networks and build the necessary infrastructure.
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Biomass yield, nutrient content and silage quality of three forage sorghum (Sorghum Bicolour (L.) varieties grown in the semi-arid region of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Gwantshu, Vuyolwethu Hamilton
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sorghum -- Varieties -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sorghum -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9545 , vital:34368
- Description: The study determined the biomass yield, nutrient content and silage quality of forage sorghum varieties. Three varieties were used (King, PAN 868, and PAN 888), in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks and three replicates per treatment at the University of Fort Hare research farm. The research study was conducted during the 2016/2017 growing season. The forages were harvested at flowering stage of growth. Biomass yields of fresh forage and dry matter yield were measured. Sub-samples were then dried, milled and analysed for nutrient content. Furthermore, the forage sorghum was ensiled and the silage was analysed for fermentation parameters and nutrient content. The fresh and dry matter biomass yield showed no significant differences (P>0.05) among the varieties. The highest fresh biomass yields were observed in PAN 888 variety was 13400 kg/ha, King had 12600 kg/ha and PAN 868 had 12600 kg/ha. The dry matter yield observed in PAN 888 was 4300.00 DM kg/ha, PAN 868 had 3633.33 DM kg/ha and King yielded 3533.33 DM kg/ha. The different sorghum varieties showed a significant (P<0.01) difference in some chemical composition parameters namely DM, NDIN and NSC. The different sorghum varieties had significant difference (P<0.01) in the silage fermentation parameters of pH, starch and lactic acid. The sorghum silage varieties were significantly (P<0.01) different in the starch fermentation with values of 0.001percent. The sorghum silage varieties were significant different for fermentation of lactic acid with values ranging from 1.99 to 2.62percent. However, PAN 868 and PAN 888 were not different from each other. Similarly, all varieties were different (P<0.05) in the pH with values ranging from 4.16 to 4.53. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in CP, Fat, NDF, ADF, Hemicellulose, Ash, and ADIN content of the silages. The mineral composition (macro and micro) of the silage were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the varieties. In conclusion, the dry matter production and nutrient content of the three forage sorghum varieties were not significantly different. The silage fermentation quality showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the three sorghum varieties. Therefore, according to the results of this study PAN 888 is the recommended variety to grow in the semi-arid region of the Eastern Cape.
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Development of an automatic news summarizer for isiXhosa language
- Authors: Ndyalivana, Zukile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Text processing (Computer science) Automatic abstracting Computational linguistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7875 , vital:30783
- Description: From practice perspective, given the abundance of digital content nowadays, coming up with a technological solution that summarizes written text without losing its message, coherence and cohesion of ideas is highly essential. The technology saves time for readers as well as gives them a chance to focus on the contents that matter most. This is one of the research areas in natural language processing/ information retrieval, which the dissertation tries to contribute to. It tries to contextualize tools and technologies that are developed for other languages to automatically summarize textual Xhosa news articles. Specifically, the dissertation aims at developing a text summarizer for textual Xhosa news articles based on the extraction methods. In doing so, it examines the literature and understand the techniques and technologies used to analyse contents of a written text, transform and synthesize it, the phonology and morphology of the Xhosa language, and finally, designs, implements and test an extraction-based automatic news article for the Xhosa language. Given comprehension and relevance of the literature review, the research design, the methods and tools and technologies used to design, implement and test the pilot system. Two approaches were used to extract relevant sentences, which are, term frequency and sentence position. The Xhosa summarizer is evaluated using a test set. This study has employed both subjective and objective evaluation methods. The results of both methods are satisfactory. Keywords: Xhosa, Automatic Text Summarization, Term Frequency and Sentence Position.
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Multi-temporal assessment of spatial changes in vegetation distribution in the Swartkops estuary, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Atyosi, Yonwaba
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental impact analysis Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13762 , vital:39710
- Description: Over the last decade, image classification has been widely used as a change detection method and provides detailed information for detecting and monitoring changes in land use and land cover (LULC). The main objective of this study was to reconstruct long-term changes in the spatial distribution of different vegetation types in the Swartkops Estuary from 1983 to 2013. The Swartkops Estuary is ecologically important for its wide range of vegetation types that are habitat to estuarine and riverine organisms. Four Landsat images for the years 1984 (Thematic Mapper), 1993 (Thematic Mapper), 2003(Enhanced Thematic Mapper +) and 2013 (Operational Land Imager) were used with the aid of aerial photographs that were used as an ancillary data source. The research methodology comprised of supervised classification, classification accuracy assessment and image differencing. Supervised classification was performed and results of the image classification process for the four time periods were compared to derive information on changes that occurred over the 29-year study period. Images were classified into the following classes: Estuarine water, Salt works, Zostera capensis, Spartina maritima, Terrestrial vegetation, Salt marsh, Swartkops thicket, Built-up areas, Bare areas, and Beach sand, using the Maximum likelihood classifier on Erdas IMAGINE 2014 Software. The significance of the image classification was tested using linear trend regression analysis. Image differencing was performed using 1984 and 2013 Landsat images to reconstruct overall changes in vegetation distribution of the Swartkops Estuary. Results of this investigation revealed significant changes in all land cover types, 24 ha increase from 1984 to 2013 in Zostera capensis as well as Spartina maritima, salt marshes increased by 14 ha between 1984 and 2013, terrestrial vegetation declined by 18 ha between 1984 and 2013. There was a stable increase in estuarine water from 1984 to 2013 by a total area of 29 ha. Water increased by 14 ha between 1984 and 1993, 11 ha increase between 1993 and 2003. However, there was a decline in estuarine water in the period between 2003 and 2013.This decline is associated with the increase in submerged macrophytes like Zostera capensis which utilise open water habitat. The dominant salt marsh species Limonium peregrinum, Sarcoconia pillansii and Spartina maritima occurred in the intertidal, supratidal and floodplain areas where the water table was the shallowest, with the soil moisture being the highest. These results indicate that Remote Sensing and GIS can be effectively used to detect and monitor changes in estuarine biodiversity and habitat in South Africa.
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The effectiveness of medium-fidelity simulation on the clinical readiness of student midwives
- Authors: Ntlokonkulu, Zukiswa Brenda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Obstetrics Midwifery Emergency medical services , Simulated patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4503 , vital:28345
- Description: Simulation affords the student a safe and supportive environment in which to practise skills repeatedly without causing any harm to a real patient. The Department of Nursing Sciences at the University of Fort Hare has a laboratory that offers lowto medium-fidelity simulation in the form of task trainers and mannequins. These task trainers and mannequins are used in general nursing, and in community and midwifery nursing sciences, for the demonstration of skills, the practising of skills by students and for formative assessments. In midwifery, task trainers are used for vaginal examinations, abdominal palpation breech and vaginal deliveries and the management of post-partum haemorrhage (PPH). Given that in a real-life clinical environment limited opportunities exist for students to practise during an obstetrical emergency, medium-fidelity simulation (MFS) in midwifery ideally positions the student in a practical environment without risking the patient’s safety. Despite the availability of MFS at UFH, its benefit on the clinical readiness of student midwives is not known. The present study was designed to assess the effectiveness of MFS in enhancing the clinical readiness of student midwives at the University of Fort Hare. The main research objective of the study was to explore, describe and analyse the effect of medium-fidelity simulation on student midwives’ confidence, critical thinking ability, communication, satisfaction and team work in an obstetrical clinical emergency environment. This was a qualitative, interpretive, phenomenological analysis designed to explore the student midwives’ lived experiences regarding the effectiveness of mediumfidelity simulation and the effect of these experiences on clinical readiness. The target population was fourth-year Bachelor of nursing student midwives at the University of Fort Hare. Purposive sampling was used to select five student midwives who were team leaders during the management of PPH using MFS. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Fort Hare Ethics Committee. Informed consent was obtained from the participants prior to data collection. Trustworthiness was ensured by observing the principles of transferability, credibility, confirmability and dependability. Data was collected through individual face-to-face interviews and a semi-structured interview guide. All fourth-year student midwives had viewed an on-line video entitled Essential Steps in Management of Obstetrical Emergency(ESMOE) Postpartum Haemorrhage, in which the procedure was demonstrated. The video, sent via Backboard, was presented in such a way that student midwives had the opportunity to watch it repeatedly in order to thoroughly comprehend the demonstrated skill. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. Interviews were conducted in the simulation laboratory. A Samsung smartphone was used to record interviews and a notepad was used to make notes of gestures, such as smiles or other facial expressions. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis applicable to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) studies using the six steps: reading and re-reading; initial noting taking; developing emergent themes; searching for connections across the emergent themes; moving to the next case and lastly, looking for patterns across cases. The major findings indicated that the participants had differing views regarding the concept of clinical readiness; some held that clinical readiness meant being ready or prepared to handle any eventuality in the course of work, others opined that it was a state of being conversant with the policies and procedures in the clinical ward. Participants believed that clinical readiness was parallel to being competent and that midwives should always be ready to anticipate complications that might arise with the patient, endeavouring to analyse and interpret such conditions clinically. Participants expressed the need to see the simulation skill demonstrated repeatedly for thorough understanding of the technique, so that they could work independently in an obstetrical emergency situation. During simulation, participants were confident in delegating duties to team members, affirming that in order to ensure that tasks were carried out, team leaders should receive regular updates from team members.
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An assessment on the implementation of the fire brigade services act 99 of 1987 : the case of Nkonkobe and Nxuba Local Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ramothwala, ME
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Emergency management Fire prevention--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16002 , vital:40581
- Description: The Fire Brigade Services Act is a piece of legislation that guides organizations responsible for the establishment, management and implementation of fire prevention, firefighting, rescue of victims, training of officers and other emergency related activities. In light of how important life is and how difficult it is to lose our loved ones, crops and animals etc. The purpose of this study was to conduct a research and do an assessment of the implementation of the Fire Brigade Services Act 99 of 1987 (The case of Nkonkobe and Nxuba Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province). The Fire Brigade Services Act operate in a specialised atmosphere. The complication of the interpretation of this legislation makes it difficult for the organizations to implement this piece of legislation successfully. This is exacerbated by the requirement of specialised equipment and machineries of which an exorbitant amount of money is required to procure, service and maintain those items. This propels the necessity of the organizations to plan, organise, direct, co-ordinate, control and evaluate proper management, effective and efficient implementation of this piece of legislation. The impact of the proper management, effective and efficient implementation of this act will be lifesaving. We all want to save our lives and fight for survival. The more we practice our skills and techniques to prevent, fight fires and rescue victims, the longer we can live. This study revealed that the implementation of Fire Brigade Services Act in the area of Nkonkobe and Nxuba situated at the Amathole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province is dramatically poor, with the resultant loss of lives and property. The Amatole District Municipality and the two above mentioned municipalities should develop a strategy to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the Fire Brigade Services Act as per the recommendation of this study. It should be noted that the organogram plays a major role in any organisation. It is a point of departure and once the organisation fails to create a proper structure, it is likely to be affect the performance of staff poorly.
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Assessing the role of civil society in poverty alleviation : a case study of Amathole District, (Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Ngumbela, Xolisile Gideon
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Poverty -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poor -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2161 , vital:27618
- Description: The purpose of this study is to conduct an assessment of the role of civil society organizations with regards to poverty alleviation. The study is conducted in Amathole District, Eastern Cape Province. The sample for the study is constituted by 3 civic society organizations (CSO), which are located in 3 local municipalities; namely, Amahlathi (Ikhwezi Women Support Center), Mbhashe (Nyhwara Home Base), and Mnquma (We Care Ministries) Local Municipalities. In terms of the data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 officers from these civic society organizations. Concerning the research design, a combination of a qualitative and quantitative research approach was used. Concerning the findings of the study, the following points were noted: the different forms of interventions by civic society organizations, poverty eradication strategies, challenges that were experienced by civic society organizations, and the logical framework versus unexpected changes. It is probably safe to make mention that CSOs in the Eastern Cape portray a positive attitude and willingness to learn to manage the organizations better. The continuing support from the Department of Social Development will go a long way to assist the CSOs to become sustainable, in the context of management and efficient running of these organizations. The study thus concluded that specific benefactor-beneficiary dynamics are crucial for the success of any anti-poverty intervention. A greater need for the robust pro-poor social policy, availability of resources with which to translate it into action, and local entrepreneurial potential do not in themselves bring about success; they must operate in a certain way and be supported by certain principles and commitment for them to become powerful proper vehicle for alleviating poverty.
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