The contribution of women to household food security in Makholokeong Village and Diyatalawa village, Free State Province
- Authors: Sihlangu, Nkhensani
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Food security , Sustainable agriculture , Women -- family heads -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65957 , vital:74291
- Description: The study investigated the contribution of women to household food security in Makholokoeng village and Diyatalawa village, Free State Province. Women’s contribution to household food security is poorly documented and misunderstood. Most often women’s contribution is considered as part of the duties of women as a wife and mother than as an occupation to be vaunted for both the household and national economy. Women play crucial roles in household food security as food producers, processors, and food providers for their families. Despite these crucial roles women remain unrecognised as main contributors of household food security. The study was guided by pragmatic research philosophy that used Participatory Rural Appraisal tool amongst other data collection tools to answer the objectives of the study. The study findings show that there is a clear-cut of the agricultural roles men and women perform in agriculture but the involvement of women in decision-making varies with crops and the type of household. The contribution of women to household food security is evident. However, women continue to face challenges which are limiting the role of women in household food security. The study recommends that further studies should be conducted to investigate gender roles in agriculture; and the effectiveness of gender equality policy implementation in agricultural initiatives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Sihlangu, Nkhensani
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Food security , Sustainable agriculture , Women -- family heads -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65957 , vital:74291
- Description: The study investigated the contribution of women to household food security in Makholokoeng village and Diyatalawa village, Free State Province. Women’s contribution to household food security is poorly documented and misunderstood. Most often women’s contribution is considered as part of the duties of women as a wife and mother than as an occupation to be vaunted for both the household and national economy. Women play crucial roles in household food security as food producers, processors, and food providers for their families. Despite these crucial roles women remain unrecognised as main contributors of household food security. The study was guided by pragmatic research philosophy that used Participatory Rural Appraisal tool amongst other data collection tools to answer the objectives of the study. The study findings show that there is a clear-cut of the agricultural roles men and women perform in agriculture but the involvement of women in decision-making varies with crops and the type of household. The contribution of women to household food security is evident. However, women continue to face challenges which are limiting the role of women in household food security. The study recommends that further studies should be conducted to investigate gender roles in agriculture; and the effectiveness of gender equality policy implementation in agricultural initiatives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Unleashing the nexus between climate change and food security in rural South Africa: role of three community radio stations in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Bamigboye, Foluke Bosede
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Food security , South Africa -- Rural conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27325 , vital:66939
- Description: This study investigates the role of Forte FM, Mdantsane FM and Rhodes Music Community Radios in disseminating the different kinds of messages on the nexus between the impacts of climate change and food security in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Therefore, the study aims to investigate how these community radio stations play their informative, educative and entertainment roles regarding climate change and food security awareness programmes to their listeners. The study employed the qualitative research approach and convenience, and non-probability samplings techniques were subsequently used to select samples for this study. In-depth interviews were conducted individually for Forte FM, Mdantsane FM and Rhodes Music community radio programme managers respectively, who serve as the key informants. One focus group discussion each was held with residents of Golf Course, Mdantsane and Grahamstown areas where these radio stations broadcast from, with eight participants in each focus group. The total number of participants for the focus group discussions was 24 participants. The collected data were coded into themes using NVivo 12 software to generate the theme nodes and case nodes as key findings, analysis and then interpreted. The findings of this study confirmed that these three community radio stations do contribute to climate change communication through their programmes that focus on climate change and food security related issues. Another vital finding from the study showed that listeners do benefit immensely from these climate change and food security related programmes of the under-study community radio stations. Hence, listeners physical, social, and cognitive well-being of their climatic environment have been greatly impacted. In the same vein, the findings of this study further revealed that the rural communities who are mostly affected by the impacts of climate change on food security have been well informed and enlightened on the suitable ways to enhance a sustainable food security and climate adaptation system through Forte FM, Mdantsane FM, and Rhodes Music community radio stations. Significantly, this study has been able to come up with two suggested models and the conceptual frameworks, which are the Local Action Adaptive Communication (LAAC) Model and the Indigenous Behavioral Change Conceptual (IBCC) Model. These models are focused on increasing listeners interests, adaptation, and behavioral change on climate change issues. The models are also aimed at ensuring better climate change and food security communication Author. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Bamigboye, Foluke Bosede
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Food security , South Africa -- Rural conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27325 , vital:66939
- Description: This study investigates the role of Forte FM, Mdantsane FM and Rhodes Music Community Radios in disseminating the different kinds of messages on the nexus between the impacts of climate change and food security in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Therefore, the study aims to investigate how these community radio stations play their informative, educative and entertainment roles regarding climate change and food security awareness programmes to their listeners. The study employed the qualitative research approach and convenience, and non-probability samplings techniques were subsequently used to select samples for this study. In-depth interviews were conducted individually for Forte FM, Mdantsane FM and Rhodes Music community radio programme managers respectively, who serve as the key informants. One focus group discussion each was held with residents of Golf Course, Mdantsane and Grahamstown areas where these radio stations broadcast from, with eight participants in each focus group. The total number of participants for the focus group discussions was 24 participants. The collected data were coded into themes using NVivo 12 software to generate the theme nodes and case nodes as key findings, analysis and then interpreted. The findings of this study confirmed that these three community radio stations do contribute to climate change communication through their programmes that focus on climate change and food security related issues. Another vital finding from the study showed that listeners do benefit immensely from these climate change and food security related programmes of the under-study community radio stations. Hence, listeners physical, social, and cognitive well-being of their climatic environment have been greatly impacted. In the same vein, the findings of this study further revealed that the rural communities who are mostly affected by the impacts of climate change on food security have been well informed and enlightened on the suitable ways to enhance a sustainable food security and climate adaptation system through Forte FM, Mdantsane FM, and Rhodes Music community radio stations. Significantly, this study has been able to come up with two suggested models and the conceptual frameworks, which are the Local Action Adaptive Communication (LAAC) Model and the Indigenous Behavioral Change Conceptual (IBCC) Model. These models are focused on increasing listeners interests, adaptation, and behavioral change on climate change issues. The models are also aimed at ensuring better climate change and food security communication Author. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Design and development of mobile-based e-Marketing application for communal farmers in Eastern Cape. South Africa.
- Authors: Fatumo, Dare Ebenezer
- Date: 2023-02
- Subjects: Food security , Agriculture , Agriculture -- Technology transfer
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27511 , vital:67421
- Description: The application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in agriculture can augment farmers' production capabilities, this is a perception for all farmers worldwide, but there are some in communal areas who may not be as exposed to ICT tools as their commercial counterparts in urban areas, especially in developed communities. Food security in any society is a vital measure that should always be treated with high priority since humankind's existence is based on food availability. One major challenge with farmers in communal areas has been the marketing of their farm produce effectively to avoid wastage, get more value, and bridge the gap between themselves and urban commercial farmers. This challenge includes food wastage, untimely information, and market accessibility due to distance restraint. ICT can beused to bring a functional platform to assist this challenge. In this context, communal farmers have a challenge. The aim of this research was to design and develop an easy-to-use mobilebased e-marketing application for marketing farm products for communal farmers in Alice community, South Africa. Before design and development, review of challenges of farmers on the reception and communication of sensitive information pertaining to food security. Effective communication of farm produce baseline information on awareness and adaptation of mobile ICT technology of communal farmers was investigated. A mixed method was used through reviews of literature and as well distribution of questionnaires to get an understanding of the present state of communal farmers’ marketing problems. Furthermore, a prototyping methodology was used in the development of the mobile-based application for this research. The result of this research demonstrated the need for communal farmers to market their farm products at their convenience. An easy-to-use mobile-based e-market application was then developed; the application is an android application that will assist communal farmers in marketing their farm products as soon as they are available to avoid food wastage. The application performance and evaluation assessment indicated that the tool would maximize farm productivity and profitability and, facilitate concise and effective access to the market, as well as eliminate the need for an intermediary. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-02
- Authors: Fatumo, Dare Ebenezer
- Date: 2023-02
- Subjects: Food security , Agriculture , Agriculture -- Technology transfer
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27511 , vital:67421
- Description: The application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in agriculture can augment farmers' production capabilities, this is a perception for all farmers worldwide, but there are some in communal areas who may not be as exposed to ICT tools as their commercial counterparts in urban areas, especially in developed communities. Food security in any society is a vital measure that should always be treated with high priority since humankind's existence is based on food availability. One major challenge with farmers in communal areas has been the marketing of their farm produce effectively to avoid wastage, get more value, and bridge the gap between themselves and urban commercial farmers. This challenge includes food wastage, untimely information, and market accessibility due to distance restraint. ICT can beused to bring a functional platform to assist this challenge. In this context, communal farmers have a challenge. The aim of this research was to design and develop an easy-to-use mobilebased e-marketing application for marketing farm products for communal farmers in Alice community, South Africa. Before design and development, review of challenges of farmers on the reception and communication of sensitive information pertaining to food security. Effective communication of farm produce baseline information on awareness and adaptation of mobile ICT technology of communal farmers was investigated. A mixed method was used through reviews of literature and as well distribution of questionnaires to get an understanding of the present state of communal farmers’ marketing problems. Furthermore, a prototyping methodology was used in the development of the mobile-based application for this research. The result of this research demonstrated the need for communal farmers to market their farm products at their convenience. An easy-to-use mobile-based e-market application was then developed; the application is an android application that will assist communal farmers in marketing their farm products as soon as they are available to avoid food wastage. The application performance and evaluation assessment indicated that the tool would maximize farm productivity and profitability and, facilitate concise and effective access to the market, as well as eliminate the need for an intermediary. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-02
Impact assessment of genetically modified TELA® Bt. maize variety adoption on yield, household income, technical efficiency and food security: a case of maize farmers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa.
- Authors: Mailula, Lesiba Pertunia
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Food security , Farmers -- Training of , Seed technology -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28266 , vital:74040
- Description: The agricultural sector is widely recognized as a crucial factor for promoting sustainable economic development, reducing poverty, and ensuring food security in developing countries. However, in Africa, the agricultural sector continues to underperform, with growth rates falling behind the population growth, this can be attributed to various challenges, including climate change and pest infestation. This has over the years weakened the defence of crops leading to the disruptions in crop production and food security. As such, calls have been made that adoption of the agricultural technology may promote food security through high yields. This is because agricultural technology crops have improved varieties such as drought tolerance and pest resistance traits. However, adoption of improved agricultural technology in Africa has been very sluggish amongst smallholder farmers, particularly for GM seed, this is due to the on-going controversies and compliance requirements regarding GM technologies. The controversies are raised by the unknown benefits and risks associated with the adoption of GM seeds technology. Furthermore, there are mixed benefits associated with GM technology adoption as well as methodological and data gaps associated with assessment of GM impact on the farmer’s welfare. In 2016, five Bt. maize varieties trademarked TELA were developed through the WEMA project. Trials were approved and launched with smallholder farmers in various countries in Africa, and South Africa is not an exception. Several smallholder maize farmers have accessed the TELA Bt. maize varieties through local seed companies and have been producing it for the past seasons. Yet, no study that has been conducted on the impact of the GM TELA Bt. maize technology adoption on yield, income, food security and technical efficiency, hence, a need for such a study. The primary data was collected from 289 183 TELA Bt. and 106 non-TELA Bt. smallholder farmers in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analysed using various analytical tools that included descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, Household Dietary Diversity Score, Stochastic Frontier Model and the Propensity Score Matching, modelled through the Probit regression model. These tools were utilised to address the objectives. The descriptive statistics show that the TELA Bt. maize variety yielded 61.1 percent more maize output as compared to non-TELA Bt. maize farmers, with an average of 691kg ha and 429kg ha, respectively. The gross margin analysis showed higher subsequent income for the TELA Bt. maize farmers R2 834.93 compared to R2 124.96 for the non-TELA Bt. maize farmers. The results of the HDDS showed a marginal effect of TELA Bt. maize seed technology on food diversity. The average HDDS scores were 8.4 and 7.5 for the TELA Bt. and non-TELA Bt. maize farmers, respectively. The Stochastic Frontier Analysis SFA results revealed that both the TELA Bt. maize farmers and non-TELA Bt. maize farmers were technically inefficient. However, the TELA Bt. maize farmers were better-off than their counterparts, with mean technical efficiency scores of 0.416 and 0.328, respectively. The Propensity Score Matching PSM using the Probit model revealed that gender 0.6064, number of years in farming 0.0099 credit 1.1438 and market access 0.4427 had a positive and significant influence on the decision taken by the farmers to adopt TELA Bt. maize seed technology. However, access to extension services was found to have a negative and significant impact on the adoption of TELA Bt. maize seed technology. The Average Treatment Effect of the Treated ATT using the Nearest Neighbour Matching algorithm indicated that adoption of TELA Bt. maize technology improved farmers’ yields by 254.3kg, income by 0.36 cents and technical efficiency by 8.6 percent. There was no significant relationship observed between adoption of the GM technology and food security. Generally, the results from this study imply that adoption of GM TELA Bt. maize seed technology improves farmers’ yields, income, technical efficiency, as well as food security. The study therefore, recommends increased awareness of the GM seed technology benefits to farmers, coupled with training and capacity development to enhance adoption of seed technology towards improved farmers’ welfare. In addition, there is a need for sustained Research and Development investments towards GM seed technologies to enhance maize productivity and technical efficiency of the farmers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Mailula, Lesiba Pertunia
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Food security , Farmers -- Training of , Seed technology -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28266 , vital:74040
- Description: The agricultural sector is widely recognized as a crucial factor for promoting sustainable economic development, reducing poverty, and ensuring food security in developing countries. However, in Africa, the agricultural sector continues to underperform, with growth rates falling behind the population growth, this can be attributed to various challenges, including climate change and pest infestation. This has over the years weakened the defence of crops leading to the disruptions in crop production and food security. As such, calls have been made that adoption of the agricultural technology may promote food security through high yields. This is because agricultural technology crops have improved varieties such as drought tolerance and pest resistance traits. However, adoption of improved agricultural technology in Africa has been very sluggish amongst smallholder farmers, particularly for GM seed, this is due to the on-going controversies and compliance requirements regarding GM technologies. The controversies are raised by the unknown benefits and risks associated with the adoption of GM seeds technology. Furthermore, there are mixed benefits associated with GM technology adoption as well as methodological and data gaps associated with assessment of GM impact on the farmer’s welfare. In 2016, five Bt. maize varieties trademarked TELA were developed through the WEMA project. Trials were approved and launched with smallholder farmers in various countries in Africa, and South Africa is not an exception. Several smallholder maize farmers have accessed the TELA Bt. maize varieties through local seed companies and have been producing it for the past seasons. Yet, no study that has been conducted on the impact of the GM TELA Bt. maize technology adoption on yield, income, food security and technical efficiency, hence, a need for such a study. The primary data was collected from 289 183 TELA Bt. and 106 non-TELA Bt. smallholder farmers in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analysed using various analytical tools that included descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, Household Dietary Diversity Score, Stochastic Frontier Model and the Propensity Score Matching, modelled through the Probit regression model. These tools were utilised to address the objectives. The descriptive statistics show that the TELA Bt. maize variety yielded 61.1 percent more maize output as compared to non-TELA Bt. maize farmers, with an average of 691kg ha and 429kg ha, respectively. The gross margin analysis showed higher subsequent income for the TELA Bt. maize farmers R2 834.93 compared to R2 124.96 for the non-TELA Bt. maize farmers. The results of the HDDS showed a marginal effect of TELA Bt. maize seed technology on food diversity. The average HDDS scores were 8.4 and 7.5 for the TELA Bt. and non-TELA Bt. maize farmers, respectively. The Stochastic Frontier Analysis SFA results revealed that both the TELA Bt. maize farmers and non-TELA Bt. maize farmers were technically inefficient. However, the TELA Bt. maize farmers were better-off than their counterparts, with mean technical efficiency scores of 0.416 and 0.328, respectively. The Propensity Score Matching PSM using the Probit model revealed that gender 0.6064, number of years in farming 0.0099 credit 1.1438 and market access 0.4427 had a positive and significant influence on the decision taken by the farmers to adopt TELA Bt. maize seed technology. However, access to extension services was found to have a negative and significant impact on the adoption of TELA Bt. maize seed technology. The Average Treatment Effect of the Treated ATT using the Nearest Neighbour Matching algorithm indicated that adoption of TELA Bt. maize technology improved farmers’ yields by 254.3kg, income by 0.36 cents and technical efficiency by 8.6 percent. There was no significant relationship observed between adoption of the GM technology and food security. Generally, the results from this study imply that adoption of GM TELA Bt. maize seed technology improves farmers’ yields, income, technical efficiency, as well as food security. The study therefore, recommends increased awareness of the GM seed technology benefits to farmers, coupled with training and capacity development to enhance adoption of seed technology towards improved farmers’ welfare. In addition, there is a need for sustained Research and Development investments towards GM seed technologies to enhance maize productivity and technical efficiency of the farmers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Grappling with food and livelihood practices in the context of socio-ecological displacement: The case of 2014 Tokwe-Mukorsi flood victims in Chingwizi, Zimbabwe
- Mudefi, Elmon https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3448-5432
- Authors: Mudefi, Elmon https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3448-5432
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Food security , Households , Natural disasters -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22056 , vital:51979
- Description: This study sought to examine how the socio-ecologically displaced Tokwe-Mukorsi community in southern Zimbabwe grappled with adverse circumstances that threatened to obliterate their age-old food and livelihood practices after five years of being resettled 150km away in Chingwizi. The investigation is done against the backdrop of the dominant narrative on resilience, which often overlooks resilience outcomes associated with specific contextual experiences of socio-ecological disadvantage. The study examined the nature and character of emergent food and livelihood practices in Chingwizi, with a view to establishing how they were impacted by socio-political dynamics encountered vis-à-vis displacement, resettlement and in processes of attempting to recover. The study also examined how local narratives about the new food and livelihood practices in Chingwizi intersect with dominant resilience discourses, especially those related to climate change adaptation, sustainability and food security. A triangulated research design was utilised. It consisted of survey, focus group discussion, in-depth interview, and key informant interview. Qualitative research participants were selected based on their knowledge and experience on food and livelihood practices before and after displacement. This included the displaced flood victims that met this criterion, local leaders, government officials and local opinion leaders. The findings revealed that food and livelihood practices in Chingwizi had deteriorated over the five-year period under investigation. This was reflected in a diminution in livestock herds, crop production, income streams and average household monthly incomes. As a result, food insecurity was very high, and households were forced to rely more on donations. The displaced flood victims, however, adapted to the harsh conditions by engaging in a variety of livelihood alternatives, including food vending, buying and selling, craftwork, small livestock rearing, and migrating to neighbouring South Africa to seek employment opportunities. Nevertheless, efforts to rebuild food and livelihood practices were hampered by socio-political dynamics. This resulted in the loss of key livelihood assets, a situation aggravated by compensational injustice, contestations over land and resources by the host communities, dysfunctional social networks, and victims’ cultural ‘fixations’. The study concludes from these and other findings that achieving transformation in the form of adaptation, food security and sustainability following involuntary displacement and resettlement is more than just a question of resilience, and that displacement and resettlement are complex processes that create invidious dynamism for the stakeholders concerned. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Mudefi, Elmon https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3448-5432
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Food security , Households , Natural disasters -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22056 , vital:51979
- Description: This study sought to examine how the socio-ecologically displaced Tokwe-Mukorsi community in southern Zimbabwe grappled with adverse circumstances that threatened to obliterate their age-old food and livelihood practices after five years of being resettled 150km away in Chingwizi. The investigation is done against the backdrop of the dominant narrative on resilience, which often overlooks resilience outcomes associated with specific contextual experiences of socio-ecological disadvantage. The study examined the nature and character of emergent food and livelihood practices in Chingwizi, with a view to establishing how they were impacted by socio-political dynamics encountered vis-à-vis displacement, resettlement and in processes of attempting to recover. The study also examined how local narratives about the new food and livelihood practices in Chingwizi intersect with dominant resilience discourses, especially those related to climate change adaptation, sustainability and food security. A triangulated research design was utilised. It consisted of survey, focus group discussion, in-depth interview, and key informant interview. Qualitative research participants were selected based on their knowledge and experience on food and livelihood practices before and after displacement. This included the displaced flood victims that met this criterion, local leaders, government officials and local opinion leaders. The findings revealed that food and livelihood practices in Chingwizi had deteriorated over the five-year period under investigation. This was reflected in a diminution in livestock herds, crop production, income streams and average household monthly incomes. As a result, food insecurity was very high, and households were forced to rely more on donations. The displaced flood victims, however, adapted to the harsh conditions by engaging in a variety of livelihood alternatives, including food vending, buying and selling, craftwork, small livestock rearing, and migrating to neighbouring South Africa to seek employment opportunities. Nevertheless, efforts to rebuild food and livelihood practices were hampered by socio-political dynamics. This resulted in the loss of key livelihood assets, a situation aggravated by compensational injustice, contestations over land and resources by the host communities, dysfunctional social networks, and victims’ cultural ‘fixations’. The study concludes from these and other findings that achieving transformation in the form of adaptation, food security and sustainability following involuntary displacement and resettlement is more than just a question of resilience, and that displacement and resettlement are complex processes that create invidious dynamism for the stakeholders concerned. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Analysis of factors affecting technical efficiency of a1 smallholder maize farmers under command agriculture scheme in Zimbabwe: the case of Chegutu and Zvimba districts.
- Authors: Muzeza, Norman Tatenda
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Food security , Farms, Small , Agricultural extension work
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20826 , vital:46607
- Description: Maize is the most essential cereal crop grown in Zimbabwe. This crop is produced across the country under different conditions and environments. The study focused on analyzing technical efficiency of A1 smallholder maize farmers in Chegutu and Zvimba districts under the Command Agriculture Scheme. Understanding technical efficiency is essential under developing agriculture, especially where resources are limited, and high population growth is quite common. In such a setting, increased output depends on efficiency improvements. The specific objectives of the study focused on estimating the level of technical efficiency, determinants of technical efficiency and the level of productivity among a randomly selected sample of 240 A1 smallholder maize farmers under the Command Agriculture Scheme. Purposive, cluster and random sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from the selected sample. The study applied the single-stage modelling stochastic frontier approach to assess technical efficiency of A1 smallholder maize farmers. The stochastic frontier results revealed that A1 smallholder farmers in Chegutu and Zvimba districts are technically efficient at 85 percent and 94 percent, respectively. The major determinants of technical efficiency varied across each district. In Chegutu district, major determinants of technical efficiency were basal fertilizer, labour and area of land cultivated for maize production, and all indicated a positive relationship with level of significance less than 10 percent and 1 percent (0.012, 0.000 and 0.000) respectively. In Zvimba district, major determinants of technical efficiency were basal fertilizer, topdressing and area of land cultivated for maize production, and all indicated a positive relationship with level of significance less than 5 percent, 10 percent and 1 percent (0.002, 0.021, 0.000) respectively. The study further estimated determinants of technical inefficiency. Main determinants of technical inefficiency in Chegutu district were age, maize farming experience and level of education. In Zvimba district, main determinants were maize farming experience, level of education, marital status, occupation status and other sources of income. The return to scale that measures the productivity level of farmers varied among the two districts in which farmers from Chegutu district had increasing returns to scale (1.43), whilst famers from Zvimba district had decreasing returns to scale (0.54). The study, therefore, argues that despite observed high technical efficiencies, Chegutu farmers could bridge their 15 percent gap between their observed output and the frontier output by focusing more on input usage with increasing returns to scale (1.43 percent). On the other hand, Zvimba farmers could bridge their 6 percent gap between their observed output and frontier output by focusing more on socio-economic drivers of technical inefficiency, given the decreasing returns to scale of their inputs (0.54 percent). , Thesis (MSc) (Agricultural Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Muzeza, Norman Tatenda
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Food security , Farms, Small , Agricultural extension work
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20826 , vital:46607
- Description: Maize is the most essential cereal crop grown in Zimbabwe. This crop is produced across the country under different conditions and environments. The study focused on analyzing technical efficiency of A1 smallholder maize farmers in Chegutu and Zvimba districts under the Command Agriculture Scheme. Understanding technical efficiency is essential under developing agriculture, especially where resources are limited, and high population growth is quite common. In such a setting, increased output depends on efficiency improvements. The specific objectives of the study focused on estimating the level of technical efficiency, determinants of technical efficiency and the level of productivity among a randomly selected sample of 240 A1 smallholder maize farmers under the Command Agriculture Scheme. Purposive, cluster and random sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from the selected sample. The study applied the single-stage modelling stochastic frontier approach to assess technical efficiency of A1 smallholder maize farmers. The stochastic frontier results revealed that A1 smallholder farmers in Chegutu and Zvimba districts are technically efficient at 85 percent and 94 percent, respectively. The major determinants of technical efficiency varied across each district. In Chegutu district, major determinants of technical efficiency were basal fertilizer, labour and area of land cultivated for maize production, and all indicated a positive relationship with level of significance less than 10 percent and 1 percent (0.012, 0.000 and 0.000) respectively. In Zvimba district, major determinants of technical efficiency were basal fertilizer, topdressing and area of land cultivated for maize production, and all indicated a positive relationship with level of significance less than 5 percent, 10 percent and 1 percent (0.002, 0.021, 0.000) respectively. The study further estimated determinants of technical inefficiency. Main determinants of technical inefficiency in Chegutu district were age, maize farming experience and level of education. In Zvimba district, main determinants were maize farming experience, level of education, marital status, occupation status and other sources of income. The return to scale that measures the productivity level of farmers varied among the two districts in which farmers from Chegutu district had increasing returns to scale (1.43), whilst famers from Zvimba district had decreasing returns to scale (0.54). The study, therefore, argues that despite observed high technical efficiencies, Chegutu farmers could bridge their 15 percent gap between their observed output and the frontier output by focusing more on input usage with increasing returns to scale (1.43 percent). On the other hand, Zvimba farmers could bridge their 6 percent gap between their observed output and frontier output by focusing more on socio-economic drivers of technical inefficiency, given the decreasing returns to scale of their inputs (0.54 percent). , Thesis (MSc) (Agricultural Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Knowledge and attitude towards mastitis, culling and mortality among dairy farmworkers, and factors associated with culling and mortality among dairy cattle in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Diniso, Yanga Simamkele
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Food security , Dairying--Economic aspects , Milking
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20686 , vital:46425
- Description: Globally, food security is under threat from escalating population growth, new variants of diseases, climate change and livestock loss. Africa is vulnerable to food insecurity, with majority of the estimated 800 million suffering from hunger based in Africa. Intensification of production is a common strategy to counter the increasing demand for nutritional food to maintain and improve food security. The dairy industry is one of the leading agriculture sectors that has adopted intensification of production. The current study had two specific objectives; the first objective was to evaluate the dairy farmworkers’ knowledge and attitude towards mastitis, culling, and mortality in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. The data was collected from 106 dairy farm workers of different farm hierarchy in 5 out of 6 districts using questionnaire. In cases whereby a majority correctly answered a question, a point was awarded and a zero for incorrectly answered questions by the majority. A less than 50 percent pass rate was considered a poor level of knowledge, 51-69 percent pass rate was considered an average level of knowledge, and anything higher than that considered a good level of knowledge. The majority of the participants (64.2 percent) indicated that they consume unpasteurised milk even though they know its risks. There was no association (P>0.05) between workplace position, educational level, work experience, and consumption of unpasteurised milk. This study found that participants had a deficient level of knowledge of mastitis causing pathogens by attaining a pass mark of 1.60 out of a possible 10 (16 percent), and educational level was significantly associated with knowledge of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus spp. However, the participants (64.9 percent) showed good knowledge of clinical signs of mastitis, and this was attributed to the regular mastitis detection with California Mastitis Test (CMT, 60.4 percent) and a strip cup (83.0 percent). The participants had varying perceptions and limited knowledge (28.3 percent pass rate) about the major contributing factors of culling and mortality. The lack of dairy training courses and minimal use of other sources of information such as the internet might contribute to this poor knowledge and perceptions. The second objective involved identifying and describing the factors responsible for culling and mortality in dairy farms in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The factors were grouped into seven (7) major factors namely lameness and poor growth (2.33 percent), reproduction problems (35.86 percent), health factors (6.72 percent), production factors (7.11 percent), udder-related factors (3.42 percent), voluntary culls (4.86 percent) and miscellaneous factors (26.03 percent). The most frequent reason for culling dairy cows was reproduction problems which was mainly made up of infertility (7.9 percent), reproductive failure (89.9 percent), and dystocia (1 percent). Miscellaneous factors which mainly consisted of indigenous breeds (8.2 percent), and age (2.7 percent) accounted for the second most prevalent factors for the culling of dairy cows. All the farms recorded stock-theft as part of involuntary culling and accounted for 3.6 percent dairy cows that were culled. Poor milk yield and health-related factors such as red-water (33.8 percent), milk-fever (23.3 percent), and heart-water (6.8 percent) were amongst the major factors responsible for the culling of dairy cows. There were 1774 (13.67 percent) dairy cows that died in the study farms from 2015 to 2019 and causes of death were not specified except for drowning (0.01 percent) and snake bite (1 percent). This study exposed a gap in knowledge about the causes of mastitis, culling and mortality among dairy farmworkers in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. Furthermore, this study provided with a baseline information on the leading causes of culling and mortality. There is a need for further research on strategies of enhancing the knowledge of dairy farmworkers about pathogens of mastitis and specific causes of culling and mortality to mitigate the challenge they pose to food security. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Diniso, Yanga Simamkele
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Food security , Dairying--Economic aspects , Milking
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20686 , vital:46425
- Description: Globally, food security is under threat from escalating population growth, new variants of diseases, climate change and livestock loss. Africa is vulnerable to food insecurity, with majority of the estimated 800 million suffering from hunger based in Africa. Intensification of production is a common strategy to counter the increasing demand for nutritional food to maintain and improve food security. The dairy industry is one of the leading agriculture sectors that has adopted intensification of production. The current study had two specific objectives; the first objective was to evaluate the dairy farmworkers’ knowledge and attitude towards mastitis, culling, and mortality in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. The data was collected from 106 dairy farm workers of different farm hierarchy in 5 out of 6 districts using questionnaire. In cases whereby a majority correctly answered a question, a point was awarded and a zero for incorrectly answered questions by the majority. A less than 50 percent pass rate was considered a poor level of knowledge, 51-69 percent pass rate was considered an average level of knowledge, and anything higher than that considered a good level of knowledge. The majority of the participants (64.2 percent) indicated that they consume unpasteurised milk even though they know its risks. There was no association (P>0.05) between workplace position, educational level, work experience, and consumption of unpasteurised milk. This study found that participants had a deficient level of knowledge of mastitis causing pathogens by attaining a pass mark of 1.60 out of a possible 10 (16 percent), and educational level was significantly associated with knowledge of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus spp. However, the participants (64.9 percent) showed good knowledge of clinical signs of mastitis, and this was attributed to the regular mastitis detection with California Mastitis Test (CMT, 60.4 percent) and a strip cup (83.0 percent). The participants had varying perceptions and limited knowledge (28.3 percent pass rate) about the major contributing factors of culling and mortality. The lack of dairy training courses and minimal use of other sources of information such as the internet might contribute to this poor knowledge and perceptions. The second objective involved identifying and describing the factors responsible for culling and mortality in dairy farms in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The factors were grouped into seven (7) major factors namely lameness and poor growth (2.33 percent), reproduction problems (35.86 percent), health factors (6.72 percent), production factors (7.11 percent), udder-related factors (3.42 percent), voluntary culls (4.86 percent) and miscellaneous factors (26.03 percent). The most frequent reason for culling dairy cows was reproduction problems which was mainly made up of infertility (7.9 percent), reproductive failure (89.9 percent), and dystocia (1 percent). Miscellaneous factors which mainly consisted of indigenous breeds (8.2 percent), and age (2.7 percent) accounted for the second most prevalent factors for the culling of dairy cows. All the farms recorded stock-theft as part of involuntary culling and accounted for 3.6 percent dairy cows that were culled. Poor milk yield and health-related factors such as red-water (33.8 percent), milk-fever (23.3 percent), and heart-water (6.8 percent) were amongst the major factors responsible for the culling of dairy cows. There were 1774 (13.67 percent) dairy cows that died in the study farms from 2015 to 2019 and causes of death were not specified except for drowning (0.01 percent) and snake bite (1 percent). This study exposed a gap in knowledge about the causes of mastitis, culling and mortality among dairy farmworkers in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. Furthermore, this study provided with a baseline information on the leading causes of culling and mortality. There is a need for further research on strategies of enhancing the knowledge of dairy farmworkers about pathogens of mastitis and specific causes of culling and mortality to mitigate the challenge they pose to food security. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
An evaluation of agricultural extension as a measure to improve broad-based Black economic empowerment in -the Eastern Cape Province: the case of orTambo District Municipality.
- Authors: Mambila, Lawrence Nzimeni
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Food security , Agricultural extension work , Land tenure
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21333 , vital:48486
- Description: This research evaluates the extent to which broad-based black economic empowerment has been achieved as a result of the implementation of different agricultural · extension programmes in Mthatha. The overall analysis and interpretation of the findings imply that to a significant extent, broad-based black economic empowerment has been_ achieved as a result of the implementation of different agricultural extension programmes in Mthatha. This is attributable to the fact that as much as some of the respondents disagreed, most of the - 97 sampled farmers were also ·found to agree that the implementation of different agricultural extension programmes in Mthatha has influenced increased farm ownership by black farmers increase in land ownership by black farmers, the development of farming skills of black farmers and increased embracement of agriculture, as a business. Some of the sampled 97 farmers also acknowledged that such agricultural extension programmes have influenced improvement in productivity and production to boost the socio-economic development of the communities in Mthatha, expansion of numerous employment opportunities .to catalyse increase in sources of income for communities in Mthatha and improvement in food security to leverage the economic independence of communities in Mthatha. However, despite some significant progress, findings imply that there are challenges that are marring the achievement of broad-based black economic empowerment. It emerged from the findings that challenges of implementation of agricultural extension programmes, as mechanisms for achieving broad-based black economic empowerment in Mthatha, arise from lack of financial capital, poor support from government, low motivation among the population and emergence of natural calamities such as stronger sunshine that causes draught. To address the above challenges, the survey explored the opinions of the participants on intervention measures that can be undertaken. The survey results indicated that measures used for ensuring that the implementation of agricultural extension programmes impact on the improvement of broad-based black economic empowerment encompass constant training and visit by agricultural specialists from Mthatha Department of Agriculture, the use of ordinary farmers as trainers, encouragement of farmers to form groups, as a basis for training community members and frequent intervention from the district, if needed. , Thesis (MCom) (Development Studies) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
- Authors: Mambila, Lawrence Nzimeni
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Food security , Agricultural extension work , Land tenure
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21333 , vital:48486
- Description: This research evaluates the extent to which broad-based black economic empowerment has been achieved as a result of the implementation of different agricultural · extension programmes in Mthatha. The overall analysis and interpretation of the findings imply that to a significant extent, broad-based black economic empowerment has been_ achieved as a result of the implementation of different agricultural extension programmes in Mthatha. This is attributable to the fact that as much as some of the respondents disagreed, most of the - 97 sampled farmers were also ·found to agree that the implementation of different agricultural extension programmes in Mthatha has influenced increased farm ownership by black farmers increase in land ownership by black farmers, the development of farming skills of black farmers and increased embracement of agriculture, as a business. Some of the sampled 97 farmers also acknowledged that such agricultural extension programmes have influenced improvement in productivity and production to boost the socio-economic development of the communities in Mthatha, expansion of numerous employment opportunities .to catalyse increase in sources of income for communities in Mthatha and improvement in food security to leverage the economic independence of communities in Mthatha. However, despite some significant progress, findings imply that there are challenges that are marring the achievement of broad-based black economic empowerment. It emerged from the findings that challenges of implementation of agricultural extension programmes, as mechanisms for achieving broad-based black economic empowerment in Mthatha, arise from lack of financial capital, poor support from government, low motivation among the population and emergence of natural calamities such as stronger sunshine that causes draught. To address the above challenges, the survey explored the opinions of the participants on intervention measures that can be undertaken. The survey results indicated that measures used for ensuring that the implementation of agricultural extension programmes impact on the improvement of broad-based black economic empowerment encompass constant training and visit by agricultural specialists from Mthatha Department of Agriculture, the use of ordinary farmers as trainers, encouragement of farmers to form groups, as a basis for training community members and frequent intervention from the district, if needed. , Thesis (MCom) (Development Studies) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
The role of decent rural employment in counteracting food insecurity in Bindura rural district, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chimberengwa, Patronella
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- Prevention , Food security , Food relief
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26324 , vital:65238
- Description: Despite many initiatives that are being implemented by the governments of different nations and the international community to minimize hunger and poverty in rural areas, several households continue to suffer from food insecurity. The World Food Programme (WFP) and the government in Zimbabwe are providing food aid to approximately 1.6 million people across the 37 districts in the country. Measures have been undertaken to counter food insecurity in Zimbabwe but to no avail. Food related public policies such as donor aid and government subsidies have also been unworkable for such a long time. In this study a comprehensive analysis of the role of decent rural employment in counteracting food insecurity will be provided. The study also seeks to assess how humanitarian work psychologists can work together with various stakeholders in society so as to curb household food insecurity. The Study population included all the households in Bindura rural district in Zimbabwe. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs were used. The researcher used cluster sampling procedure in which households were divided into groups (clusters) and a sample of the groups was selected. A random sample was then drawn from the elements within each selected group. The results confirmed that those that are not decently employed face a broad range of decent work deficits, exploitation at work and are food insecure, a finding that is similar to other countries. Thus, the researcher concluded that Decent Rural employment do have an impact on food security. Taking a look at the basic tenets of decent employment such as full time employment, a decent income, reasonable working hours and employee benefits among others, the results showed that they all impact on food security. The information obtained will be fundamental for communities at risk and dealing with the issue may help improve food insecurity situation in the country. This information will also help in formulating special measures in the form of tailor made strategies specifically made for the district and helps in doing away with what is called a one size fits all approach to food security as it pays particular attention to the households in that particular district. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Chimberengwa, Patronella
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- Prevention , Food security , Food relief
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26324 , vital:65238
- Description: Despite many initiatives that are being implemented by the governments of different nations and the international community to minimize hunger and poverty in rural areas, several households continue to suffer from food insecurity. The World Food Programme (WFP) and the government in Zimbabwe are providing food aid to approximately 1.6 million people across the 37 districts in the country. Measures have been undertaken to counter food insecurity in Zimbabwe but to no avail. Food related public policies such as donor aid and government subsidies have also been unworkable for such a long time. In this study a comprehensive analysis of the role of decent rural employment in counteracting food insecurity will be provided. The study also seeks to assess how humanitarian work psychologists can work together with various stakeholders in society so as to curb household food insecurity. The Study population included all the households in Bindura rural district in Zimbabwe. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs were used. The researcher used cluster sampling procedure in which households were divided into groups (clusters) and a sample of the groups was selected. A random sample was then drawn from the elements within each selected group. The results confirmed that those that are not decently employed face a broad range of decent work deficits, exploitation at work and are food insecure, a finding that is similar to other countries. Thus, the researcher concluded that Decent Rural employment do have an impact on food security. Taking a look at the basic tenets of decent employment such as full time employment, a decent income, reasonable working hours and employee benefits among others, the results showed that they all impact on food security. The information obtained will be fundamental for communities at risk and dealing with the issue may help improve food insecurity situation in the country. This information will also help in formulating special measures in the form of tailor made strategies specifically made for the district and helps in doing away with what is called a one size fits all approach to food security as it pays particular attention to the households in that particular district. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An exploratory study of the impacts of climate variability on food production availability and access in Chivi district 6, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Gwindi, Raphael
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Food security , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26696 , vital:65852
- Description: The impacts of climate variability have been of global concern for many years. These impacts are affecting economic, social, cultural, agricultural, health and political structures in different countries. Although the impacts of climate variability on agricultural production are being experienced globally, it is generally accepted that developing countries are the worst affected due to a variety of reasons. Given the high susceptibility of developing countries to climate variability, this study maps and analyses the impacts of climate variability on agricultural production, food production, availability and access in Chivi District, Zimbabwe. The study aimed at finding out experiences, so it used a qualitative approach. The study uses in-depth and focus group discussions to collect data. Chivi district is experiencing erratic weather patterns which are impacting agricultural production in general and food production in particular. Consequently, food availability and access is on the decline in the district. Even though smallholder farmers have devised coping and adaptation strategies, this is not sufficient to help them fully deal with the impacts of climate variability. This is due to their limited assets, inadequate technology and climate information among other things. In an attempt to assist these smallholder farmers cope and adapt to the impacts of climate variability, NGOs and Government Departments have instituted a number of community interventions. This assistance includes agricultural extension services, farming input support and provision of climate change information and a lot of other things. In view of these findings, the study recommends the universal adoption and growing of small grain drought resistant crops in climate variability affected Chivi. It further recommends that farmers adopt conservation agriculture, get into partnerships and co-operatives to practice irrigation gardening where those without water sources provide equipment, labour and knowledge. The study also recommends that more climate science research be conducted in Zimbabwe by both NGOs and Government Departments. Furthermore, government and NGOs should provide more support for farmers in the form of climate change related training, knowledge and technology transfer among other things. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gwindi, Raphael
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Food security , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26696 , vital:65852
- Description: The impacts of climate variability have been of global concern for many years. These impacts are affecting economic, social, cultural, agricultural, health and political structures in different countries. Although the impacts of climate variability on agricultural production are being experienced globally, it is generally accepted that developing countries are the worst affected due to a variety of reasons. Given the high susceptibility of developing countries to climate variability, this study maps and analyses the impacts of climate variability on agricultural production, food production, availability and access in Chivi District, Zimbabwe. The study aimed at finding out experiences, so it used a qualitative approach. The study uses in-depth and focus group discussions to collect data. Chivi district is experiencing erratic weather patterns which are impacting agricultural production in general and food production in particular. Consequently, food availability and access is on the decline in the district. Even though smallholder farmers have devised coping and adaptation strategies, this is not sufficient to help them fully deal with the impacts of climate variability. This is due to their limited assets, inadequate technology and climate information among other things. In an attempt to assist these smallholder farmers cope and adapt to the impacts of climate variability, NGOs and Government Departments have instituted a number of community interventions. This assistance includes agricultural extension services, farming input support and provision of climate change information and a lot of other things. In view of these findings, the study recommends the universal adoption and growing of small grain drought resistant crops in climate variability affected Chivi. It further recommends that farmers adopt conservation agriculture, get into partnerships and co-operatives to practice irrigation gardening where those without water sources provide equipment, labour and knowledge. The study also recommends that more climate science research be conducted in Zimbabwe by both NGOs and Government Departments. Furthermore, government and NGOs should provide more support for farmers in the form of climate change related training, knowledge and technology transfer among other things. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »