Influence of Tamarix species on soil physicochemical properties and mapping its distribution and density using GIS in Western Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mlahlwa, Asiphe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Tamarisks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18588 , vital:42611
- Description: Tamarix ramosissima invasion is unarguably one of the worst ecological disasters in South Africa and is classified under category 1b by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2014 (NEM: BA). The exotic Tamarix species was introduced in South Africa during the early 1900s as an ornamental or phytoremediating plant. This study was conducted to assess Tamarix distribution and evaluate its impact on soil physicochemical properties in two sites at Leeu River and Olifant River in Western Cape, South Africa. Samples were collected from Leeu River (which consists both the exotic and native Tamarix species) and Olifant River (only exotic Tamarix species). Three transects were laid from the water point outwards, with exotic Tamarix invading the river bank (first transect), the control on the open land (second transect) and the native Tamarix at the far end of the study site (third transect) in Leeu River. In Olifant, transects were laid according to the degree of invasion, low Tamarix density transect was referred to as T1, the medium as T2 and the high density as T3. Soil samples from each transect were taken from three points, at three soil depths (0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm) during winter and summer. Soil physiochemical properties such as soil pH, electro-conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), soil organic carbon (SOC), sodium (Na+ ), potassium (K+ ), Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), bulk density, soil texture and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) were determined. Soil chemicals properties including EC, Na+ , SAR, K+ and Mg2+ were found significantly higher under the native and the exotic Tamarix species when compared to Tamarix free soils. In general, salinity of surface soils (0–10 cm) was greater than those in the deeper soils with 5.05 mS/cm and 4.73 mS/cm observed under exotic and native Tamarix species, respectively. High levels of EC, K+ , Ca2+, Na+ , SAR, TN, TC and SOC were observed under T3, followed by T2 with the lowest being recorded in T1 at 0-10 cm. Unlike the soil EC, the effect of Tamarix density on soil pH at 0-10 cm soil profile was not significant. Alterations of soil physicochemical properties were more pronounced under the high Tamarix density as compared to the low invasion. Increased in distance from the river was related to a higher density of the invasive species and also topography had a major role in the change of species density. An increase in Tamarix density, results in high leaf litter which in turn results in salinity and soil nutrient at 0-10 cm. Soil salinity was dramatically increased under Tamarix species. Tamarix species are capable of altering the soil properties making it conducive for their growth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mlahlwa, Asiphe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Tamarisks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18588 , vital:42611
- Description: Tamarix ramosissima invasion is unarguably one of the worst ecological disasters in South Africa and is classified under category 1b by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2014 (NEM: BA). The exotic Tamarix species was introduced in South Africa during the early 1900s as an ornamental or phytoremediating plant. This study was conducted to assess Tamarix distribution and evaluate its impact on soil physicochemical properties in two sites at Leeu River and Olifant River in Western Cape, South Africa. Samples were collected from Leeu River (which consists both the exotic and native Tamarix species) and Olifant River (only exotic Tamarix species). Three transects were laid from the water point outwards, with exotic Tamarix invading the river bank (first transect), the control on the open land (second transect) and the native Tamarix at the far end of the study site (third transect) in Leeu River. In Olifant, transects were laid according to the degree of invasion, low Tamarix density transect was referred to as T1, the medium as T2 and the high density as T3. Soil samples from each transect were taken from three points, at three soil depths (0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm) during winter and summer. Soil physiochemical properties such as soil pH, electro-conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), soil organic carbon (SOC), sodium (Na+ ), potassium (K+ ), Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), bulk density, soil texture and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) were determined. Soil chemicals properties including EC, Na+ , SAR, K+ and Mg2+ were found significantly higher under the native and the exotic Tamarix species when compared to Tamarix free soils. In general, salinity of surface soils (0–10 cm) was greater than those in the deeper soils with 5.05 mS/cm and 4.73 mS/cm observed under exotic and native Tamarix species, respectively. High levels of EC, K+ , Ca2+, Na+ , SAR, TN, TC and SOC were observed under T3, followed by T2 with the lowest being recorded in T1 at 0-10 cm. Unlike the soil EC, the effect of Tamarix density on soil pH at 0-10 cm soil profile was not significant. Alterations of soil physicochemical properties were more pronounced under the high Tamarix density as compared to the low invasion. Increased in distance from the river was related to a higher density of the invasive species and also topography had a major role in the change of species density. An increase in Tamarix density, results in high leaf litter which in turn results in salinity and soil nutrient at 0-10 cm. Soil salinity was dramatically increased under Tamarix species. Tamarix species are capable of altering the soil properties making it conducive for their growth.
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Assessing the effects of misplacement of qualified personnel on the implementation of policies: Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education – a case of Head Office, Zone 6- Zwelitsha
- Authors: Ntuni, Zingisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12513 , vital:39270
- Description: This dissertation sought to review literature on the skills underutilisation in the Eastern Cape Department of Education, a case of Head Office –Zone 6-Zwelitsha. The study intended to delve deeper into the depth of this challenge and understand the effects of this misdeed on the policy implementation in the department. This problem was compounded by the lackadaisical approach to the skills development by the department as it seemed to be employing a shotgun approach to the training and education of its labour-force. The consulted literature pointed to the existence and commonness of the skills underutilisation and its occasioning in reduced outputs and low worker-morale in the workplace. This study played a crucial role in terms of its contribution to the body of knowledge, being a reference point not only for the department of education, nonetheless, for other departments and organisations as well. The study could help the department to rectify its weaknesses and deal with their current challenges of personnel underutilisation. Policy makers and consultants could use the results of this study to formulate policies for their institutions. Lastly, students could also benefit from this study by using it as a source of reference. The qualitative method and case study as a research design employed in the study, semi-structured interviews used as a data collection method, snowballing sampling procedure used. The employees of the Department of Education used as the respondents in the study. The empirical findings in the study revealed the multiplicity of challenges associated with misplacement of qualified personnel in the department which entailed, inter alia, poor implementation of policies, programs and projects, low staff morale, poor delivery of services to the departmental clientele.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntuni, Zingisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12513 , vital:39270
- Description: This dissertation sought to review literature on the skills underutilisation in the Eastern Cape Department of Education, a case of Head Office –Zone 6-Zwelitsha. The study intended to delve deeper into the depth of this challenge and understand the effects of this misdeed on the policy implementation in the department. This problem was compounded by the lackadaisical approach to the skills development by the department as it seemed to be employing a shotgun approach to the training and education of its labour-force. The consulted literature pointed to the existence and commonness of the skills underutilisation and its occasioning in reduced outputs and low worker-morale in the workplace. This study played a crucial role in terms of its contribution to the body of knowledge, being a reference point not only for the department of education, nonetheless, for other departments and organisations as well. The study could help the department to rectify its weaknesses and deal with their current challenges of personnel underutilisation. Policy makers and consultants could use the results of this study to formulate policies for their institutions. Lastly, students could also benefit from this study by using it as a source of reference. The qualitative method and case study as a research design employed in the study, semi-structured interviews used as a data collection method, snowballing sampling procedure used. The employees of the Department of Education used as the respondents in the study. The empirical findings in the study revealed the multiplicity of challenges associated with misplacement of qualified personnel in the department which entailed, inter alia, poor implementation of policies, programs and projects, low staff morale, poor delivery of services to the departmental clientele.
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Assessing the effects of misplacement of qualified personnel on the implementation of policies: Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education – a case of Head Office, Zone 6- Zwelitsha
- Authors: Ntuni, Zingisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education -- Standards Full employment policies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18654 , vital:42703
- Description: This dissertation sought to review literature on the skills underutilisation in the Eastern Cape Department of Education, a case of Head Office –Zone 6-Zwelitsha. The study intended to delve deeper into the depth of this challenge and understand the effects of this misdeed on the policy implementation in the department. This problem was compounded by the lackadaisical approach to the skills development by the department as it seemed to be employing a shotgun approach to the training and education of its labour-force. The consulted literature pointed to the existence and commonness of the skills underutilisation and its occasioning in reduced outputs and low worker-morale in the workplace. This study played a crucial role in terms of its contribution to the body of knowledge, being a reference point not only for the department of education, nonetheless, for other departments and organisations as well. The study could help the department to rectify its weaknesses and deal with their current challenges of personnel underutilisation. Policy makers and consultants could use the results of this study to formulate policies for their institutions. Lastly, students could also benefit from this study by using it as a source of reference. The qualitative method and case study as a research design employed in the study, semi-structured interviews used as a data collection method, snowballing sampling procedure used. The employees of the Department of Education used as the respondents in the study. The empirical findings in the study revealed the multiplicity of challenges associated with misplacement of qualified personnel in the department which entailed, inter alia, poor implementation of policies, programs and projects, low staff morale, poor delivery of services to the departmental clientele.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntuni, Zingisa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education -- Standards Full employment policies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18654 , vital:42703
- Description: This dissertation sought to review literature on the skills underutilisation in the Eastern Cape Department of Education, a case of Head Office –Zone 6-Zwelitsha. The study intended to delve deeper into the depth of this challenge and understand the effects of this misdeed on the policy implementation in the department. This problem was compounded by the lackadaisical approach to the skills development by the department as it seemed to be employing a shotgun approach to the training and education of its labour-force. The consulted literature pointed to the existence and commonness of the skills underutilisation and its occasioning in reduced outputs and low worker-morale in the workplace. This study played a crucial role in terms of its contribution to the body of knowledge, being a reference point not only for the department of education, nonetheless, for other departments and organisations as well. The study could help the department to rectify its weaknesses and deal with their current challenges of personnel underutilisation. Policy makers and consultants could use the results of this study to formulate policies for their institutions. Lastly, students could also benefit from this study by using it as a source of reference. The qualitative method and case study as a research design employed in the study, semi-structured interviews used as a data collection method, snowballing sampling procedure used. The employees of the Department of Education used as the respondents in the study. The empirical findings in the study revealed the multiplicity of challenges associated with misplacement of qualified personnel in the department which entailed, inter alia, poor implementation of policies, programs and projects, low staff morale, poor delivery of services to the departmental clientele.
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Job engagement, Self-efficacy and Organisational citizenship behaviour among employees in selected insurance companies in the eastern cape province
- Authors: Ntshentshe, Sinazo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12502 , vital:39269
- Description: The present study investigated “Job engagement, self-efficacy and organisational citizenship behaviour among employees in an insurance company in the Eastern Cape province”. A research issue is emphasized and debated in details methodically. Social exchange theory (SET) and social cognitive theory (SCT were used in the study with the support of variable. Previous studies discovered and established the relationship between job engagement (JE) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB); as well as self-efficacy (SE) and organisational citizenship behavior; and all variables combined together. Hypothesis is formulated that used to achieve objectives. The study used quantitative research design. The sample (N=100) of the study consist of the employees in the selected insurance companies in Eastern Cape, province. The data was collected with the use of questionnaire method and analyses was done using Statistical Package for the social science.
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- Authors: Ntshentshe, Sinazo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12502 , vital:39269
- Description: The present study investigated “Job engagement, self-efficacy and organisational citizenship behaviour among employees in an insurance company in the Eastern Cape province”. A research issue is emphasized and debated in details methodically. Social exchange theory (SET) and social cognitive theory (SCT were used in the study with the support of variable. Previous studies discovered and established the relationship between job engagement (JE) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB); as well as self-efficacy (SE) and organisational citizenship behavior; and all variables combined together. Hypothesis is formulated that used to achieve objectives. The study used quantitative research design. The sample (N=100) of the study consist of the employees in the selected insurance companies in Eastern Cape, province. The data was collected with the use of questionnaire method and analyses was done using Statistical Package for the social science.
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The rise and fall of rugby in a South African township : the case study of Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gaca, Ntobeko Wycliff
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rugby football -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , African Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10985 , vital:35972
- Description: Rugby is one of the popular sports not only in South Africa but also internationally. Rugby plays a major role in the development of communities. However in the township of Mdantsane which is located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, this sport has been declining over the past two decades, following an initial period of success and stability. In the past, Mdantsane Township was at the forefront in the development and progress of rugby in the country. Some of the prominent rugby players in the country were products of rugby clubs in Mdantsane. This study, therefore focuses on the rise and the fall of rugby in the township of Mdantsane in East London. The main objective of this study being to explore the factors responsible for its rise and fall in Mdantsane Township. This study adopts a qualitative approach to gather empirical data. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used for data collection. The findings of the study pointed to differences in the rugby sport between the period before and after the democratic dispensation in South Africa. The initial success story of rugby was eventually turned into a period of decline. The findings further show that governance, maladministration and transformation, were the main contributing factors of the decline. This study recommends more rugby studies in the township of Mdantsane in order to ascertain what the present role of rugby is in the township.
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- Authors: Gaca, Ntobeko Wycliff
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rugby football -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , African Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10985 , vital:35972
- Description: Rugby is one of the popular sports not only in South Africa but also internationally. Rugby plays a major role in the development of communities. However in the township of Mdantsane which is located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, this sport has been declining over the past two decades, following an initial period of success and stability. In the past, Mdantsane Township was at the forefront in the development and progress of rugby in the country. Some of the prominent rugby players in the country were products of rugby clubs in Mdantsane. This study, therefore focuses on the rise and the fall of rugby in the township of Mdantsane in East London. The main objective of this study being to explore the factors responsible for its rise and fall in Mdantsane Township. This study adopts a qualitative approach to gather empirical data. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used for data collection. The findings of the study pointed to differences in the rugby sport between the period before and after the democratic dispensation in South Africa. The initial success story of rugby was eventually turned into a period of decline. The findings further show that governance, maladministration and transformation, were the main contributing factors of the decline. This study recommends more rugby studies in the township of Mdantsane in order to ascertain what the present role of rugby is in the township.
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Exploring the role of education, income and standard of living in determining food security amongst Mhlontlo Local Municipality citizens in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Halam, Khanyiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Income -- South Africa -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4802 , vital:28521
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship that exists between education, income, standard of living and food security amongst Mhlontlo local municipality citizens. For this purpose, data was collected from citizens of the Mhlontlo municipality in the Eastern Cape. A sample of 101municipality citizens was drawn from the population. Results of the study indicated that the study variables are significantly negatively correlated with one another. The findings of this study are helpful in providing support to policy makers and social security agencies to have a better understanding of food security and indicate one important avenue to reduce food insecurity in Mhlontlo municipality and the Eastern Cape at large.
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- Authors: Halam, Khanyiswa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Income -- South Africa -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4802 , vital:28521
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship that exists between education, income, standard of living and food security amongst Mhlontlo local municipality citizens. For this purpose, data was collected from citizens of the Mhlontlo municipality in the Eastern Cape. A sample of 101municipality citizens was drawn from the population. Results of the study indicated that the study variables are significantly negatively correlated with one another. The findings of this study are helpful in providing support to policy makers and social security agencies to have a better understanding of food security and indicate one important avenue to reduce food insecurity in Mhlontlo municipality and the Eastern Cape at large.
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Household socio-economic characteristics and their effect on livelihood strategy preferences in Shawbury, Qumbu
- Authors: Nongalo, Mwezi Bongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12065 , vital:39132
- Description: At the centre of rural development are household livelihood strategies. The livelihoods of South Africa’s rural African poor have long been characterized by diverse activities, and intertwined with urban opportunities. This study describes the livelihood strategies of rural households, identifies the determinants of these livelihood strategies and seeks to identify the role of preferences and household characteristics in changing livelihood strategies in Shawbury in the small town in Qumbu. It also identifies the relationships between household and individual characteristics and livelihood strategies. A random sampling technique was used to select 100 households in Shawbury. Descriptive analysis techniques were used to describe the characteristics of the households and livelihood strategies and to identify the relationships between household characteristics and livelihood strategy preferences, a multinomial logit regression model was used. The livelihood strategies used for the multinomial logit regression were commercial agricultural production/ production for selling; subsistence agricultural production/ production for consumption; non-farm employment; social grants and remittances. For much of the research available for livelihood strategies, tools such as the sustainable livelihoods framework have been the focus for studying the determinants of livelihood strategies; however, these tools have little to no consideration for the aspirations and preferences of the individuals in question. This study highlights some possible tools that could be used to examine the influence of aspirations and preferences on changing livelihood strategies including the consumer choice framework, the domestic development cycle, the social network framework for decision-making, the social systems approach and conjoint analysis. For this study, the actual preferences of livelihood strategies among the households are presented using conjoint analysis. This study finds that households in the same area have different characteristics and that livelihood strategies of Shawbury’s households are primarily non- farm, that include dependency on remittances, social grants and formal employment. It finds that households that generate income from wage employment (non-farm) and farm activities are better off than other households. Analysis of the characteristics of rural households also revealed that age, labour endowment, education, and land size holding are some of the barriers that poor households in rural areas face when attempting to enter into high-return livelihood strategies. The multinomial logit regression model has helped to identify some of the factors that influence the preference of certain livelihood strategies by households, are gender of the household head, age of the household head, size of the land owned, and educational level of the household head, household size, and livestock value. This analysis presents evidence about the relationship between household characteristics contributing to the adoption of certain livelihood strategies by people of Shawbury. The conjoint analysis has helped to identify that the most preferred to the least preferred livelihood activities are non-farm labour activities, crop production, animal production, contact with family/leisure and other natural resource based activities respectively.
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- Authors: Nongalo, Mwezi Bongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12065 , vital:39132
- Description: At the centre of rural development are household livelihood strategies. The livelihoods of South Africa’s rural African poor have long been characterized by diverse activities, and intertwined with urban opportunities. This study describes the livelihood strategies of rural households, identifies the determinants of these livelihood strategies and seeks to identify the role of preferences and household characteristics in changing livelihood strategies in Shawbury in the small town in Qumbu. It also identifies the relationships between household and individual characteristics and livelihood strategies. A random sampling technique was used to select 100 households in Shawbury. Descriptive analysis techniques were used to describe the characteristics of the households and livelihood strategies and to identify the relationships between household characteristics and livelihood strategy preferences, a multinomial logit regression model was used. The livelihood strategies used for the multinomial logit regression were commercial agricultural production/ production for selling; subsistence agricultural production/ production for consumption; non-farm employment; social grants and remittances. For much of the research available for livelihood strategies, tools such as the sustainable livelihoods framework have been the focus for studying the determinants of livelihood strategies; however, these tools have little to no consideration for the aspirations and preferences of the individuals in question. This study highlights some possible tools that could be used to examine the influence of aspirations and preferences on changing livelihood strategies including the consumer choice framework, the domestic development cycle, the social network framework for decision-making, the social systems approach and conjoint analysis. For this study, the actual preferences of livelihood strategies among the households are presented using conjoint analysis. This study finds that households in the same area have different characteristics and that livelihood strategies of Shawbury’s households are primarily non- farm, that include dependency on remittances, social grants and formal employment. It finds that households that generate income from wage employment (non-farm) and farm activities are better off than other households. Analysis of the characteristics of rural households also revealed that age, labour endowment, education, and land size holding are some of the barriers that poor households in rural areas face when attempting to enter into high-return livelihood strategies. The multinomial logit regression model has helped to identify some of the factors that influence the preference of certain livelihood strategies by households, are gender of the household head, age of the household head, size of the land owned, and educational level of the household head, household size, and livestock value. This analysis presents evidence about the relationship between household characteristics contributing to the adoption of certain livelihood strategies by people of Shawbury. The conjoint analysis has helped to identify that the most preferred to the least preferred livelihood activities are non-farm labour activities, crop production, animal production, contact with family/leisure and other natural resource based activities respectively.
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Household socio-economic characteristics and their effect on livelihood strategy preferences in Shawbury, Qumbu
- Authors: Nongalo, Mwezi Bongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12150 , vital:39175
- Description: At the centre of rural development are household livelihood strategies. The livelihoods of South Africa’s rural African poor have long been characterized by diverse activities, and intertwined with urban opportunities. This study describes the livelihood strategies of rural households, identifies the determinants of these livelihood strategies and seeks to identify the role of preferences and household characteristics in changing livelihood strategies in Shawbury in the small town in Qumbu. It also identifies the relationships between household and individual characteristics and livelihood strategies. A random sampling technique was used to select 100 households in Shawbury. Descriptive analysis techniques were used to describe the characteristics of the households and livelihood strategies and to identify the relationships between household characteristics and livelihood strategy preferences, a multinomial logit regression model was used. The livelihood strategies used for the multinomial logit regression were commercial agricultural production/ production for selling; subsistence agricultural production/ production for consumption; non-farm employment; social grants and remittances. For much of the research available for livelihood strategies, tools such as the sustainable livelihoods framework have been the focus for studying the determinants of livelihood strategies; however these tools have little to no consideration for the aspirations and preferences of the individuals in question. This study highlights some possible tools that could be used to examine the influence of aspirations and preferences on changing livelihood strategies including the consumer choice framework, the domestic development cycle, the social network framework for decision making, the social systems approach and conjoint analysis. For this study, the actual preferences of livelihood strategies among the households are presented using conjoint analysis. This study finds that households in the same area have different characteristics and that livelihood strategies of Shawbury’s households are primarily non- farm, that include dependency on remittances, social grants and formal employment. It finds that households that generate income from wage employment (non-farm) and farm activities are better off than other households. Analysis of the characteristics of rural households also revealed that age, labour endowment, education, and land size holding are some of the barriers that poor households in rural areas face when attempting to enter into high-return livelihood strategies. The multinomial logit regression model has helped to identify some of the factors that influence the preference of certain livelihood strategies by households, are gender of the household head, age of the household head, size of the land owned, and educational level of the household head, household size, and livestock value. This analysis presents evidence about the relationship between household characteristics contributing to the adoption of certain livelihood strategies by people of Shawbury. The conjoint analysis has helped to identify that the most preferred to the least preferred livelihood activities are non-farm labour activities, crop production, animal production, contact with family/leisure and other natural resource based activities respectively.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nongalo, Mwezi Bongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12150 , vital:39175
- Description: At the centre of rural development are household livelihood strategies. The livelihoods of South Africa’s rural African poor have long been characterized by diverse activities, and intertwined with urban opportunities. This study describes the livelihood strategies of rural households, identifies the determinants of these livelihood strategies and seeks to identify the role of preferences and household characteristics in changing livelihood strategies in Shawbury in the small town in Qumbu. It also identifies the relationships between household and individual characteristics and livelihood strategies. A random sampling technique was used to select 100 households in Shawbury. Descriptive analysis techniques were used to describe the characteristics of the households and livelihood strategies and to identify the relationships between household characteristics and livelihood strategy preferences, a multinomial logit regression model was used. The livelihood strategies used for the multinomial logit regression were commercial agricultural production/ production for selling; subsistence agricultural production/ production for consumption; non-farm employment; social grants and remittances. For much of the research available for livelihood strategies, tools such as the sustainable livelihoods framework have been the focus for studying the determinants of livelihood strategies; however these tools have little to no consideration for the aspirations and preferences of the individuals in question. This study highlights some possible tools that could be used to examine the influence of aspirations and preferences on changing livelihood strategies including the consumer choice framework, the domestic development cycle, the social network framework for decision making, the social systems approach and conjoint analysis. For this study, the actual preferences of livelihood strategies among the households are presented using conjoint analysis. This study finds that households in the same area have different characteristics and that livelihood strategies of Shawbury’s households are primarily non- farm, that include dependency on remittances, social grants and formal employment. It finds that households that generate income from wage employment (non-farm) and farm activities are better off than other households. Analysis of the characteristics of rural households also revealed that age, labour endowment, education, and land size holding are some of the barriers that poor households in rural areas face when attempting to enter into high-return livelihood strategies. The multinomial logit regression model has helped to identify some of the factors that influence the preference of certain livelihood strategies by households, are gender of the household head, age of the household head, size of the land owned, and educational level of the household head, household size, and livestock value. This analysis presents evidence about the relationship between household characteristics contributing to the adoption of certain livelihood strategies by people of Shawbury. The conjoint analysis has helped to identify that the most preferred to the least preferred livelihood activities are non-farm labour activities, crop production, animal production, contact with family/leisure and other natural resource based activities respectively.
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Performance of isiXhosa-speaking adults on Tower of London-Drexel University 2nd edition : development of a South African normative database
- Authors: Naidoo, Rumaine
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Neuropsychological tests Neuropsychological tests--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Counselling Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16291 , vital:40708
- Description: Introduction: The transportability and utility of international neuropsychological assessment measures on South Africa’s multicultural population highlights the well-documented concern of test validity and reliability. In South Africa, the endeavor of accurate assessment has been long-standing and is not only an ethical but legal requirement in the field of Psychology. The selection of appropriate normative data provides an opportunity for valid clinical interpretations. This research forms a part of a larger cross-cultural normative project, which elucidates the impact of a number of pivotal sociocultural factors on test performance. This specific study is aimed at producing normative indications for the Tower of London- Drexel University 2nd Edition. In addition, it investigates the effect of quality of education, age and sex on test performance. Method: The sample consisted of Black isiXhosa- speaking adults (N= 40) proficient in English aged between 19-40 years whom had obtained the highest scholastic education of Grade 11 or 12 in disadvantaged educational setting at either urban or rural former Department of Education and Training (ex- DET) schools. Results: The Independent t-test analyses revealed a significant effect of quality of education on the Total Execution Time index in the direction of urban participants outperforming rural participants. Significant results for sex were also documented on the Total Rule Violation index with females engaging in more Rule Violations than male participants. No significant differences were found between age groups. Conclusion: The findings of this research confirm the need for demographically specific normative data. This will allow for the development of more accurate and reliable indices of neurocognitive abilities among culturally and educationally disadvantaged individuals.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Naidoo, Rumaine
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Neuropsychological tests Neuropsychological tests--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Counselling Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16291 , vital:40708
- Description: Introduction: The transportability and utility of international neuropsychological assessment measures on South Africa’s multicultural population highlights the well-documented concern of test validity and reliability. In South Africa, the endeavor of accurate assessment has been long-standing and is not only an ethical but legal requirement in the field of Psychology. The selection of appropriate normative data provides an opportunity for valid clinical interpretations. This research forms a part of a larger cross-cultural normative project, which elucidates the impact of a number of pivotal sociocultural factors on test performance. This specific study is aimed at producing normative indications for the Tower of London- Drexel University 2nd Edition. In addition, it investigates the effect of quality of education, age and sex on test performance. Method: The sample consisted of Black isiXhosa- speaking adults (N= 40) proficient in English aged between 19-40 years whom had obtained the highest scholastic education of Grade 11 or 12 in disadvantaged educational setting at either urban or rural former Department of Education and Training (ex- DET) schools. Results: The Independent t-test analyses revealed a significant effect of quality of education on the Total Execution Time index in the direction of urban participants outperforming rural participants. Significant results for sex were also documented on the Total Rule Violation index with females engaging in more Rule Violations than male participants. No significant differences were found between age groups. Conclusion: The findings of this research confirm the need for demographically specific normative data. This will allow for the development of more accurate and reliable indices of neurocognitive abilities among culturally and educationally disadvantaged individuals.
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The effect of quantitative feed restriction on growth performance, carcass characteristics and selected meat quality parameters in broiler chickens
- Authors: Velele, Siphelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens) Poultry -- Breeding Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8888 , vital:33907
- Description: The study investigated the effects of quantitative feed restriction on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, breast muscle pH and meat colour in broiler chickens. A total of 90, un-sexed, day-old broiler chicks were procured from an accredited supplier and were used for the current trial. For the first 14 days, all birds were brooded in one house and subjected to a uniform day-to-day management. Water was supplied throughout the trial, whereas, feed was only supplied ad libitum between days 1-14 and 29-35 days in feed restricted birds. Feed phases included starter (1-14 days), grower (15-28) and finisher (29-35), respectively. On day 15, birds were randomly allocated to three treatments; each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. The first treatment (T1) group, which acted as control group, was ad libitum feeding for the whole trial duration (1-35 days). For treatments 2 (T2) and 3(T3), 85 percent and 70 percent of the Cobb 500 broiler feed intake standards were applied for a period of 14 days (days 15-28), respectively. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was determined daily and then average body weight (ABW) was determined weekly. Feed conversion ratio and average daily weight gain was thus computed for each experimental unit (replicate). On day 35, broiler birds were electrically stunned and slaughtered by a sharp knife and then hung for complete bleeding. Data collected included slaughter, carcass, breast, thigh, wing, drumstick, feet, head, spleen, heart, gizzard, intestines (small & large) and liver weights. Breast muscle was further used for the determination of colour (L*, b* and a*), initial (pHi) and ultimate breast pH (pHu) measurements. Although, quantitative feed restriction (T2 & T3) significantly affected growth performance in weeks 3 and 4, birds submitted to T2 performed similar (P>0.05) to control in the final stage, whilst birds in T3 was the poorest (P<0.05). Furthermore, birds subjected to T2 showed no differences of edible carcass portions to the control, however, T3 group showed lower (P<0.05) slaughter and wing weights. Breast ultimate pH values of birds under T2 were similar to control, but birds in T3 had significantly higher (P<0.05) values. Birds under T2 had less (P<0.05) reddish breast meat colour than control at 45 minutes. At 24 hours post-mortem, birds in T3 had lower (P<0.05) lightness values and birds submitted to T2 had higher (P<0.05) yellowness values. Liver weight was significantly lower in birds under T3 and higher (P<0.05) gizzard weights were found in birds subjected to T2. Birds under T2 performed similar to control and were able to compensate for the weight loss when high plane of feed was re-introduced. It can be concluded from the results that restricting 15 percent of feed from Cobb 500 standard feed intake had moderately affected broiler performance. Moreover, restricting 15percent of feed significantly reduced feed intake in broiler chicken.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Velele, Siphelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens) Poultry -- Breeding Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8888 , vital:33907
- Description: The study investigated the effects of quantitative feed restriction on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, breast muscle pH and meat colour in broiler chickens. A total of 90, un-sexed, day-old broiler chicks were procured from an accredited supplier and were used for the current trial. For the first 14 days, all birds were brooded in one house and subjected to a uniform day-to-day management. Water was supplied throughout the trial, whereas, feed was only supplied ad libitum between days 1-14 and 29-35 days in feed restricted birds. Feed phases included starter (1-14 days), grower (15-28) and finisher (29-35), respectively. On day 15, birds were randomly allocated to three treatments; each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. The first treatment (T1) group, which acted as control group, was ad libitum feeding for the whole trial duration (1-35 days). For treatments 2 (T2) and 3(T3), 85 percent and 70 percent of the Cobb 500 broiler feed intake standards were applied for a period of 14 days (days 15-28), respectively. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was determined daily and then average body weight (ABW) was determined weekly. Feed conversion ratio and average daily weight gain was thus computed for each experimental unit (replicate). On day 35, broiler birds were electrically stunned and slaughtered by a sharp knife and then hung for complete bleeding. Data collected included slaughter, carcass, breast, thigh, wing, drumstick, feet, head, spleen, heart, gizzard, intestines (small & large) and liver weights. Breast muscle was further used for the determination of colour (L*, b* and a*), initial (pHi) and ultimate breast pH (pHu) measurements. Although, quantitative feed restriction (T2 & T3) significantly affected growth performance in weeks 3 and 4, birds submitted to T2 performed similar (P>0.05) to control in the final stage, whilst birds in T3 was the poorest (P<0.05). Furthermore, birds subjected to T2 showed no differences of edible carcass portions to the control, however, T3 group showed lower (P<0.05) slaughter and wing weights. Breast ultimate pH values of birds under T2 were similar to control, but birds in T3 had significantly higher (P<0.05) values. Birds under T2 had less (P<0.05) reddish breast meat colour than control at 45 minutes. At 24 hours post-mortem, birds in T3 had lower (P<0.05) lightness values and birds submitted to T2 had higher (P<0.05) yellowness values. Liver weight was significantly lower in birds under T3 and higher (P<0.05) gizzard weights were found in birds subjected to T2. Birds under T2 performed similar to control and were able to compensate for the weight loss when high plane of feed was re-introduced. It can be concluded from the results that restricting 15 percent of feed from Cobb 500 standard feed intake had moderately affected broiler performance. Moreover, restricting 15percent of feed significantly reduced feed intake in broiler chicken.
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Exploring the effects of the psychological contract on organisational commitment and employee engagement in a restructured organisational environment: the case of selected hospitals in the Eastern Cape province
- Stofile, Phakama Phumla Bernadette
- Authors: Stofile, Phakama Phumla Bernadette
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Psychology, Industrial -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1984 , vital:27591
- Description: This study investigated the impact of organisation restructuring on the psychological contract and the effects on employee engagement and organisational commitment. The study focused on employees from selected health care institutions. The sample consisted of 156 employees from the selected health care institutions. Results indicated positive relationships between employee engagement, psychological contract and organisational commitment. The researcher recommended a better understanding of the manner in which individuals interpret various inducements where would clearer prescriptions be provided. Therefore, employers were advised to be aware of employees’ values and attempt to address them as they are important
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stofile, Phakama Phumla Bernadette
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Psychology, Industrial -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1984 , vital:27591
- Description: This study investigated the impact of organisation restructuring on the psychological contract and the effects on employee engagement and organisational commitment. The study focused on employees from selected health care institutions. The sample consisted of 156 employees from the selected health care institutions. Results indicated positive relationships between employee engagement, psychological contract and organisational commitment. The researcher recommended a better understanding of the manner in which individuals interpret various inducements where would clearer prescriptions be provided. Therefore, employers were advised to be aware of employees’ values and attempt to address them as they are important
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Primiparous and multiparous cow behaviour of friesland, jersey and cross-bred cows around calving time and during milking
- Authors: Mpisana, Zuko
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Dairy products--Analysis Jersey cattle Milk yield
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Animal Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16113 , vital:40665
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine effect of behaviour of primiparous and multiparous Friesland, Jersey and Cross-bred cows around calving time and during milking of first lactating cows in a pasture-based dairy system. The trial was conducted at the Fort Hare dairy farm. All pregnant primiparous and multiparous were kept in a maternity paddock. Five observers monitored the cows from the onset of parturition until the calf was fully expelled using digital stop watches. The behavioural responses of the cows during parturition (frequency and duration of lying, standing and walking bouts; calf licking; suckling) and milking (avoidance distance scores (ADS), entrance score, (ES), exit speed (ES), feeding score (FS), and the occurrence of stepping (STP) and kicking (KCK)) were determined on eighty consecutive days. The behavioural attributes were analysed using generalised linear model of procedure of SAS (2003). One hundred and twenty pregnant cows were used in the study, comprising of forty cows per genotype in different parities (A-primiparous, B- 2 to 4, C-5 to 6 and D-7 to 8) and kept in a maternity paddock. Five observers monitored cows from the onset of parturition until the calf was fully expelled. There were differences (P < 0.05) observed on the behavioural patterns around the time of calving. Jersey multiparous cows spent (P < 0.05) significantly most of their time (20.50±3.10) in lying position as compared to the other genotypes. The Jersey genotype also spent most (P < 0.05) of their time (48.00±0.34) in a standing position during calving period. Friesland cows spent (P < 0.05) most of their time (12.00±1.19) exhibiting either stepping or walking attributes as compared to Jersey and Crossbred cows. The Jersey genotype spent significantly (P < 0.05) more time (123.00±10.43) expelling calves compared to the other genotypes. Crossbred cows had the highest avoidance distance (14percent) scores compared to other genotypes and the Friesland cows had the lowest distance scores. The occurrence of kicking was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the Friesland cows (57.3percent) compared to Jersey (23.2percent) and Crossbred cows (19.6percent). The Friesland cows had the highest (P < 0.05) frequency (36.2percent) feeding score compared to Jersey and Crossbred cows. The Jersey cows had the highest (60.2percent) exit speed compared to other genotypes. The occurrence of stepping was higher for the Friesland cows (53.9percent). The Friesland cows had the highest (P < 0.05) daily milk yield compared to Jersey and Crossbred cows. The present study revealed that behavioural activities of dairy cattle during parturition differed according to genotype and parity and the behavioural response of first lactating cows differ according to genotype during milking.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mpisana, Zuko
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Dairy products--Analysis Jersey cattle Milk yield
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Animal Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16113 , vital:40665
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine effect of behaviour of primiparous and multiparous Friesland, Jersey and Cross-bred cows around calving time and during milking of first lactating cows in a pasture-based dairy system. The trial was conducted at the Fort Hare dairy farm. All pregnant primiparous and multiparous were kept in a maternity paddock. Five observers monitored the cows from the onset of parturition until the calf was fully expelled using digital stop watches. The behavioural responses of the cows during parturition (frequency and duration of lying, standing and walking bouts; calf licking; suckling) and milking (avoidance distance scores (ADS), entrance score, (ES), exit speed (ES), feeding score (FS), and the occurrence of stepping (STP) and kicking (KCK)) were determined on eighty consecutive days. The behavioural attributes were analysed using generalised linear model of procedure of SAS (2003). One hundred and twenty pregnant cows were used in the study, comprising of forty cows per genotype in different parities (A-primiparous, B- 2 to 4, C-5 to 6 and D-7 to 8) and kept in a maternity paddock. Five observers monitored cows from the onset of parturition until the calf was fully expelled. There were differences (P < 0.05) observed on the behavioural patterns around the time of calving. Jersey multiparous cows spent (P < 0.05) significantly most of their time (20.50±3.10) in lying position as compared to the other genotypes. The Jersey genotype also spent most (P < 0.05) of their time (48.00±0.34) in a standing position during calving period. Friesland cows spent (P < 0.05) most of their time (12.00±1.19) exhibiting either stepping or walking attributes as compared to Jersey and Crossbred cows. The Jersey genotype spent significantly (P < 0.05) more time (123.00±10.43) expelling calves compared to the other genotypes. Crossbred cows had the highest avoidance distance (14percent) scores compared to other genotypes and the Friesland cows had the lowest distance scores. The occurrence of kicking was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the Friesland cows (57.3percent) compared to Jersey (23.2percent) and Crossbred cows (19.6percent). The Friesland cows had the highest (P < 0.05) frequency (36.2percent) feeding score compared to Jersey and Crossbred cows. The Jersey cows had the highest (60.2percent) exit speed compared to other genotypes. The occurrence of stepping was higher for the Friesland cows (53.9percent). The Friesland cows had the highest (P < 0.05) daily milk yield compared to Jersey and Crossbred cows. The present study revealed that behavioural activities of dairy cattle during parturition differed according to genotype and parity and the behavioural response of first lactating cows differ according to genotype during milking.
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The impact of biofuels on food prices, lessons from the experiences of Brazil and U.S. (1995-2013)
- Authors: Ncube, Free P
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Biomass energy -- Economic aspects Food prices -- Brazil Food prices -- United States , Energy crops -- Economic aspects|zBrazil
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2150 , vital:27616
- Description: Using crops for fuel generates concerns over competition with food uses. As Rajagopal et al (2009) asserts, “In 2008 the world entered a food crisis amid record-high commodity and energy prices that induced hunger and political unrest in developing countries, by export restrictions in top grain-producing countries”. This took place at the same time when biofuel production, reached its pinnacle in developed countries. This paper examines the effect that biofuel prices and or production has had on food prices in Brazil and U.S. by employing the panel cointegration and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) method of analysis. In regressing food prices as a function of demand and supply factors, such as oil prices, biofuel prices, interest rates and biofuel production, the study found that the increase in biofuels production over the past eighteen years has had a significant impact on food prices. Over the period January 1995- December 2013, the study estimates that a one hundred percent increase in biofuels production across time and between countries results in the increase of food prices by 21,9%. The study therefore rejects the null hypothesis that states, biofuel production does not have a statistically significant negative impact on food prices in U.S. and Brazil. , and accepts the alternative that biofuel production does have a statistically significant negative impact on food prices in U.S. and Brazil. Other predictors of food prices that the study revealed as significant were oil and interest rates. Policy recommendations for other countries like South Africa are therefore, made based on the results obtained.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ncube, Free P
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Biomass energy -- Economic aspects Food prices -- Brazil Food prices -- United States , Energy crops -- Economic aspects|zBrazil
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2150 , vital:27616
- Description: Using crops for fuel generates concerns over competition with food uses. As Rajagopal et al (2009) asserts, “In 2008 the world entered a food crisis amid record-high commodity and energy prices that induced hunger and political unrest in developing countries, by export restrictions in top grain-producing countries”. This took place at the same time when biofuel production, reached its pinnacle in developed countries. This paper examines the effect that biofuel prices and or production has had on food prices in Brazil and U.S. by employing the panel cointegration and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) method of analysis. In regressing food prices as a function of demand and supply factors, such as oil prices, biofuel prices, interest rates and biofuel production, the study found that the increase in biofuels production over the past eighteen years has had a significant impact on food prices. Over the period January 1995- December 2013, the study estimates that a one hundred percent increase in biofuels production across time and between countries results in the increase of food prices by 21,9%. The study therefore rejects the null hypothesis that states, biofuel production does not have a statistically significant negative impact on food prices in U.S. and Brazil. , and accepts the alternative that biofuel production does have a statistically significant negative impact on food prices in U.S. and Brazil. Other predictors of food prices that the study revealed as significant were oil and interest rates. Policy recommendations for other countries like South Africa are therefore, made based on the results obtained.
- Full Text:
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