Accessibility of agricultural information by smallholder farmers in Amatole District Municipality: Nexus between agricultural extension services and the library
- Authors: Sigigaba, Masimthembe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farms, Small
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric (Agric Extension)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18849 , vital:42870
- Description: Accessibility to relevant, accurate and timely information remains vital in farming. For farmers to improve their productivity they depend on access to pertinent agricultural information. Such information updated them about new agricultural technologies, climate change, new cultivars, access to market and access to financial assistance. These types of information help farmers in decision making regarding their farming. Agricultural extension officers remain a reliable source where farmers could obtain relevant agricultural information. Community libraries are also channels that could be used by agricultural extension officers to complement their work of providing farmers with information. Thus, the study sought to assess linkage between these two institutions to provide farmers with information. A positivism paradigm with quantitative research approach were adopted in the study. Smallholder farmers (169), agricultural extension officers (5) and librarians (15) were the unit of analysis. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection and SPSS software for analysis. Findings revealed that, agricultural extension officers mostly utilise interpersonal channels that include demonstrations, group meetings and face-to-face interaction to provide farmers with information. Community libraries were found to be non-utilised by extension services and also by farmers. Farmers were of the perception that libraries are meant for educated people. It was also discovered that community libraries have information on agriculture that only targets learners who are taking agriculture in school as a subject. There was no existing linkage between agricultural extension services and community libraries working together to provide farmers with pertinent agricultural information that can help them improve productivity
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sigigaba, Masimthembe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farms, Small
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Agric (Agric Extension)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18849 , vital:42870
- Description: Accessibility to relevant, accurate and timely information remains vital in farming. For farmers to improve their productivity they depend on access to pertinent agricultural information. Such information updated them about new agricultural technologies, climate change, new cultivars, access to market and access to financial assistance. These types of information help farmers in decision making regarding their farming. Agricultural extension officers remain a reliable source where farmers could obtain relevant agricultural information. Community libraries are also channels that could be used by agricultural extension officers to complement their work of providing farmers with information. Thus, the study sought to assess linkage between these two institutions to provide farmers with information. A positivism paradigm with quantitative research approach were adopted in the study. Smallholder farmers (169), agricultural extension officers (5) and librarians (15) were the unit of analysis. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection and SPSS software for analysis. Findings revealed that, agricultural extension officers mostly utilise interpersonal channels that include demonstrations, group meetings and face-to-face interaction to provide farmers with information. Community libraries were found to be non-utilised by extension services and also by farmers. Farmers were of the perception that libraries are meant for educated people. It was also discovered that community libraries have information on agriculture that only targets learners who are taking agriculture in school as a subject. There was no existing linkage between agricultural extension services and community libraries working together to provide farmers with pertinent agricultural information that can help them improve productivity
- Full Text:
School principals' leadership behaviours in relation to teacher job dissatisfaction : a case of three rural schools in the Butterworth Education District
- Authors: Nohako, Siphumle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School principals Teacher-administrator relationships Teachers -- Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd.
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11216 , vital:37320
- Description: There is an increasing dissatisfaction among teachers in South Africa. Teacher job dissatisfaction has been found to have negative impact on how teachers perform their jobs, is likely to influence teachers to leaving the teaching profession and impact negatively on learner achievement. Finding ways to combat the problems is of utmost importance. Leadership behaviours of school principals have been found to be one of the key factors that positively affect teacher job dissatisfaction. This qualitative study sought to understand leadership behaviours employed by rural school principals in relation to teacher job dissatisfaction. This was a case study of three schools in the Butterworth Education District in the Eastern Cape Province. A total of three principals and twelve teachers participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis were data collection instruments utilised in this study. House’s Path Goal Theory was identified as the relevant theory for understanding school principals’ leadership behaviours in relation to teacher job dissatisfaction. Findings revealed that, school principals are aware of the manifestations of teacher job dissatisfaction at their schools. However, teacher job satisfaction does not feature as an agenda item in both staff and school management meetings. Moreover school principals were found to be employing various leadership behaviours to respond to different manifestations of teacher job dissatisfaction. Leadership behaviours like participative and transformational were found to have a positive impact on teacher job dissatisfaction. Directive and laissez-faire were found not suitable in improving teacher job dissatisfaction. Findings also unearthed tensions between school principals’ leadership behaviours and teachers’ expectations on how principals should lead in relation to teacher job dissatisfaction. This study proposes that, as leaders school principals should act in both formal and informal ways to build teacher commitment in their organizations and influence teachers to achieve the goals and objectives of the school. School principals should create platforms where teacher job dissatisfaction is discussed and strategies to improve it are explored. This would help them to be aware of how their leadership behaviours impact on teacher job satisfaction and thereby make conscientious decisions to improve the level of teacher job dissatisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nohako, Siphumle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School principals Teacher-administrator relationships Teachers -- Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd.
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11216 , vital:37320
- Description: There is an increasing dissatisfaction among teachers in South Africa. Teacher job dissatisfaction has been found to have negative impact on how teachers perform their jobs, is likely to influence teachers to leaving the teaching profession and impact negatively on learner achievement. Finding ways to combat the problems is of utmost importance. Leadership behaviours of school principals have been found to be one of the key factors that positively affect teacher job dissatisfaction. This qualitative study sought to understand leadership behaviours employed by rural school principals in relation to teacher job dissatisfaction. This was a case study of three schools in the Butterworth Education District in the Eastern Cape Province. A total of three principals and twelve teachers participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis were data collection instruments utilised in this study. House’s Path Goal Theory was identified as the relevant theory for understanding school principals’ leadership behaviours in relation to teacher job dissatisfaction. Findings revealed that, school principals are aware of the manifestations of teacher job dissatisfaction at their schools. However, teacher job satisfaction does not feature as an agenda item in both staff and school management meetings. Moreover school principals were found to be employing various leadership behaviours to respond to different manifestations of teacher job dissatisfaction. Leadership behaviours like participative and transformational were found to have a positive impact on teacher job dissatisfaction. Directive and laissez-faire were found not suitable in improving teacher job dissatisfaction. Findings also unearthed tensions between school principals’ leadership behaviours and teachers’ expectations on how principals should lead in relation to teacher job dissatisfaction. This study proposes that, as leaders school principals should act in both formal and informal ways to build teacher commitment in their organizations and influence teachers to achieve the goals and objectives of the school. School principals should create platforms where teacher job dissatisfaction is discussed and strategies to improve it are explored. This would help them to be aware of how their leadership behaviours impact on teacher job satisfaction and thereby make conscientious decisions to improve the level of teacher job dissatisfaction.
- Full Text:
Exploring the sand dune mining in the Xolobeni community : perceptions and narratives of environmental sustainability
- Authors: Sigwayi, Ziyanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis Sand dunes Sand and gravel mines and mining
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Sociology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16363 , vital:40714
- Description: Historically, mining in South Africa, is one of the major anchors of the economy. As a mining giant, South Africa has also borne the major brunt of socio-ecologic effects of mineral exploitation over the years – - thus, giving rise to agitation by advocacy groups and local people in mineral-rich communities where mining is perceived as environmentally unsustainable and a social threatening to cultural heritages of host communities. For the state, mineral exploitation is a cardinal pillar of the economy and generator of employment for ordinary citizens. Similarly, mining companies hold a utilitarian view of mining is a source of revenue and employment. It is thesis sets of perceptions – differing though – that present a major challenge in the proposed titanium mining project in Xolobeni, a rural community in Mbizana Municipality, Eastern Cape Province. The debate over mining in this community borders on both the history of resistance against state intrusion in Mpondoland and on environmental rights agitation. The central problem of this study centres on understanding how the perceptions of risks and vulnerability (associated with mining project) among the major stakeholders – local community, government, advocacy groups and the mining company intersect. In order to deal with this problem, the study adoptseds the qualitative research design. It is hoped that qualitative data will be able to explore the narratives of participants deeply. The study will also draw on official documents and secondary sources associated with mining and related discourses in South Africa. An insight into the findings reveals an intensely divergent position stance between two major solidarities – community/advocacy groups on one side, and the state/mining company on the other. This sharp dualism deepens the suspicions historical relationship between the community Mpondos and the South African state. It also places the Xolobeni mining- related conflict with the South African state at the centre of resource- related conflicts in other African states, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, among others.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sigwayi, Ziyanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis Sand dunes Sand and gravel mines and mining
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Sociology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16363 , vital:40714
- Description: Historically, mining in South Africa, is one of the major anchors of the economy. As a mining giant, South Africa has also borne the major brunt of socio-ecologic effects of mineral exploitation over the years – - thus, giving rise to agitation by advocacy groups and local people in mineral-rich communities where mining is perceived as environmentally unsustainable and a social threatening to cultural heritages of host communities. For the state, mineral exploitation is a cardinal pillar of the economy and generator of employment for ordinary citizens. Similarly, mining companies hold a utilitarian view of mining is a source of revenue and employment. It is thesis sets of perceptions – differing though – that present a major challenge in the proposed titanium mining project in Xolobeni, a rural community in Mbizana Municipality, Eastern Cape Province. The debate over mining in this community borders on both the history of resistance against state intrusion in Mpondoland and on environmental rights agitation. The central problem of this study centres on understanding how the perceptions of risks and vulnerability (associated with mining project) among the major stakeholders – local community, government, advocacy groups and the mining company intersect. In order to deal with this problem, the study adoptseds the qualitative research design. It is hoped that qualitative data will be able to explore the narratives of participants deeply. The study will also draw on official documents and secondary sources associated with mining and related discourses in South Africa. An insight into the findings reveals an intensely divergent position stance between two major solidarities – community/advocacy groups on one side, and the state/mining company on the other. This sharp dualism deepens the suspicions historical relationship between the community Mpondos and the South African state. It also places the Xolobeni mining- related conflict with the South African state at the centre of resource- related conflicts in other African states, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, among others.
- Full Text:
The impact of oil price volatility on unemployment: a case study of South Africa
- Authors: Senzangakhona, Phakama
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Cointegration -- South Africa Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Interest rate futures -- South Africa Petroleum products -- Prices -- South Africa Petroleum industry and trade -- South Africa -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1697 , vital:27550
- Description: This study analyses and investigates the impact of crude oil price vitality on unemployment in South Africa. This is done by firstly surveying theoretical and empirical literature on the crude oil price-unemployment relationship before relating it to South Africa. Secondly, crude oil and unemployment trends with their causes are overviewed. The study employs a Johansen co-integration technique based on VAR to model unemployment against crude oil prices, real effective exchange rate, real interest rates and real gross domestic product. Using quarterly data for the period 1990-2010, econometric results show that crude oil prices are positively related to unemployment in the long run while the opposite is true in the short run. Parameter estimates and variables are statistically significant; hence there are also policy recommendations which are related to both empirical and theoretical literature. Lastly, impulse response functions show that unemployment returns to equilibrium in the long run when crude oil price changes whereas real interest rates followed by crude oil prices explain most of unemployment changes compared to other variables in the long run.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Senzangakhona, Phakama
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Cointegration -- South Africa Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Interest rate futures -- South Africa Petroleum products -- Prices -- South Africa Petroleum industry and trade -- South Africa -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Com
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1697 , vital:27550
- Description: This study analyses and investigates the impact of crude oil price vitality on unemployment in South Africa. This is done by firstly surveying theoretical and empirical literature on the crude oil price-unemployment relationship before relating it to South Africa. Secondly, crude oil and unemployment trends with their causes are overviewed. The study employs a Johansen co-integration technique based on VAR to model unemployment against crude oil prices, real effective exchange rate, real interest rates and real gross domestic product. Using quarterly data for the period 1990-2010, econometric results show that crude oil prices are positively related to unemployment in the long run while the opposite is true in the short run. Parameter estimates and variables are statistically significant; hence there are also policy recommendations which are related to both empirical and theoretical literature. Lastly, impulse response functions show that unemployment returns to equilibrium in the long run when crude oil price changes whereas real interest rates followed by crude oil prices explain most of unemployment changes compared to other variables in the long run.
- Full Text:
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
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8306 , vital:32257
- 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.
- Full Text:
- 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
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8306 , vital:32257
- 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.
- Full Text:
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »