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:
- 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:
Characterization of bioflocculants produced by consortia of three marine bacteria belonging to the genera bacillus and cobetia previously isolated from the bottom sediment of Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Ugbenyen, Anthony Moses https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1381-3428
- Authors: Ugbenyen, Anthony Moses https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1381-3428
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- Flocculation , Water quality management , Flocculation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24454 , vital:62804
- Description: The bioflocculant-producing potentials of three marine bacteria isolated from the sediment samples of Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were assessed. Analysis of the partial nucleotide sequence of the 16S rDNA of the bacteria revealed 99 percent, 99 percent, and 98 percent similarity to Cobetia sp. L222, Bacillus sp. A-5A, and Bacillus sp. HXG-C1 respectively and the sequence was deposited in GenBank as Cobetia sp. OAUIFE, Bacillus sp. MAYA and Bacillus sp. Gilbert (accession number JF799092, JF799093, and HQ537128 respectively). Cultivation condition studies for Cobetia sp. OAUIFE revealed that bioflocculant production was optimal with an inoculum size of 2 percent (v/v), initial pH of 6.0, Mn2+ as the metal ion, and glucose as the carbon source. Metal ions, including Na+, K+, Li+, Ca2+and Mg2+ stimulated bioflocculant production resulting in flocculating activity of above 90 percent. This crude bioflocculant is thermally stable, with about 78 percent of its flocculating activity remaining after heating at 100 oC for 25 min. Analysis of the purified bioflocculant revealed it to be an acidic extracellular polysaccharide. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of methoxyl, hydroxyl, and carboxyl - groups in the compound bioflocculant and SEM micrograph of the bioflocculant revealed a crystal-linear structure. On the other hand, bioflocculant production by Bacillus sp. MAYA was optimal when glucose (95.6 percent flocculating activity) and ammonium nitrate (83.3 percent flocculating activity) were used as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively; inoculum size was 2 percent (v/v); initial pH 6; and Ca2+ as coagulant aid. Chemical analysis of the purified bioflocculant shows that it is composed of uronic acid, neutral sugar and protein. FTIR analysis also revealed the presence of methoxyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino- groups in this bioflocculant. The bioflocculant is thermostable with about 65.6 percent residual flocculating activity retained after heating the bioflocculant at 100 oC for 25 min. However bioflocculant production by Bacillus sp. Gilbert was optimal when sodium carbonate (95.2 percent flocculating activity) and potassium nitrate (76.6 percent flocculating activity) were used as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively; inoculum size was 3 percent (v/v); initial pH 9; and Al3+ as cation. The crude bioflocculant retained 44.2 percent residual flocculating activity after heating at 100 oC for 15 min. FTIR analysis reveals the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and methylene - groups in the compound bioflocculant. SEM micrograph of the bioflocculant revealed an amorphous compound. The consortia of these bacteria strains also produced bioflocculants with high flocculating activities which were highly efficient in removing turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from brewery wastewater, diary wastewater and river water. The bioflocculants from the consortia seemed better than traditional flocculants such as alum . The characteristics of the bioflocculant produced by the consortium of Cobetia sp. OAUIFE and Bacillus sp. MAYA showed that this extracellular bioflocculant, composed of 66percent uronic acid and 31percent protein and an optimum flocculation (90 percent) of kaolin suspension, when the dosage concentration was 0.8 mg/ml, under weak alkaline pH of 8, and Ca2+ as a coagulant aid. The bioflocculant is thermally stable, with a high residual flocculating activity of 86.7 percent, 89.3 percent and 87.0 percent after heating at 50 oC, 80 oC and 100 oC for 25 min respectively. The FTIR analysis of the bioflocculant indicated the presence of hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl and carboxyl functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image revealed a crystal-linear spongy-like bioflocculant structure and EDX analysis of the purified bioflocculant showed that the elemental composition in mass proportion of C,N,O,S and P was 6.67:6.23:37.55:0.38:4.42 (percent w/w). However, the characteristics of the bioflocculant produced by the consortium of Cobetia sp OAUIFE and Bacillus sp. Gilbert showed an optimum flocculation (90 percent) of kaolin suspension when the dosage concentration was 0.2 mg/ml, under neutral pH of 7, and Ca2+ as a coagulant aid. The FTIR analysis of the bioflocculant indicated the presence of hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image revealed an amorphous morphology. On the other hand the bioflocculant produced by the consortium of Bacillus sp. MAYA and Bacillus sp. Gilbert showed similar characteristic with the bioflocculant from the consortium of Cobetia sp. OAUIFE and Bacillus sp. Gilbert except for Al3+ being the preferred coagulant aid. The characteristics of the bioflocculant produced by the consortium of Cobetia sp. OAUIFE, Bacillus sp. MAYA and Bacillus sp. Gilbert showed an optimum flocculation (87 percent) of kaolin suspension when the dosage concentration was 1.0 mg/ml. Under strong alkaline pH of 12, flocculating activity reached (95 percent) when Al3+ was the coagulant aid. The FTIR analysis of the bioflocculant indicated the presence of hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl and carboxyl and phosphoryl functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image revealed a flaky amorphous morphological structure. Due to the excellent COD and turbidity removal efficiencies of the bioflocculants produced by the consortia, these make those attractive candidates for use in water and wastewater treatment. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2013
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ugbenyen, Anthony Moses https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1381-3428
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- Flocculation , Water quality management , Flocculation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24454 , vital:62804
- Description: The bioflocculant-producing potentials of three marine bacteria isolated from the sediment samples of Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were assessed. Analysis of the partial nucleotide sequence of the 16S rDNA of the bacteria revealed 99 percent, 99 percent, and 98 percent similarity to Cobetia sp. L222, Bacillus sp. A-5A, and Bacillus sp. HXG-C1 respectively and the sequence was deposited in GenBank as Cobetia sp. OAUIFE, Bacillus sp. MAYA and Bacillus sp. Gilbert (accession number JF799092, JF799093, and HQ537128 respectively). Cultivation condition studies for Cobetia sp. OAUIFE revealed that bioflocculant production was optimal with an inoculum size of 2 percent (v/v), initial pH of 6.0, Mn2+ as the metal ion, and glucose as the carbon source. Metal ions, including Na+, K+, Li+, Ca2+and Mg2+ stimulated bioflocculant production resulting in flocculating activity of above 90 percent. This crude bioflocculant is thermally stable, with about 78 percent of its flocculating activity remaining after heating at 100 oC for 25 min. Analysis of the purified bioflocculant revealed it to be an acidic extracellular polysaccharide. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of methoxyl, hydroxyl, and carboxyl - groups in the compound bioflocculant and SEM micrograph of the bioflocculant revealed a crystal-linear structure. On the other hand, bioflocculant production by Bacillus sp. MAYA was optimal when glucose (95.6 percent flocculating activity) and ammonium nitrate (83.3 percent flocculating activity) were used as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively; inoculum size was 2 percent (v/v); initial pH 6; and Ca2+ as coagulant aid. Chemical analysis of the purified bioflocculant shows that it is composed of uronic acid, neutral sugar and protein. FTIR analysis also revealed the presence of methoxyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino- groups in this bioflocculant. The bioflocculant is thermostable with about 65.6 percent residual flocculating activity retained after heating the bioflocculant at 100 oC for 25 min. However bioflocculant production by Bacillus sp. Gilbert was optimal when sodium carbonate (95.2 percent flocculating activity) and potassium nitrate (76.6 percent flocculating activity) were used as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively; inoculum size was 3 percent (v/v); initial pH 9; and Al3+ as cation. The crude bioflocculant retained 44.2 percent residual flocculating activity after heating at 100 oC for 15 min. FTIR analysis reveals the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and methylene - groups in the compound bioflocculant. SEM micrograph of the bioflocculant revealed an amorphous compound. The consortia of these bacteria strains also produced bioflocculants with high flocculating activities which were highly efficient in removing turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from brewery wastewater, diary wastewater and river water. The bioflocculants from the consortia seemed better than traditional flocculants such as alum . The characteristics of the bioflocculant produced by the consortium of Cobetia sp. OAUIFE and Bacillus sp. MAYA showed that this extracellular bioflocculant, composed of 66percent uronic acid and 31percent protein and an optimum flocculation (90 percent) of kaolin suspension, when the dosage concentration was 0.8 mg/ml, under weak alkaline pH of 8, and Ca2+ as a coagulant aid. The bioflocculant is thermally stable, with a high residual flocculating activity of 86.7 percent, 89.3 percent and 87.0 percent after heating at 50 oC, 80 oC and 100 oC for 25 min respectively. The FTIR analysis of the bioflocculant indicated the presence of hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl and carboxyl functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image revealed a crystal-linear spongy-like bioflocculant structure and EDX analysis of the purified bioflocculant showed that the elemental composition in mass proportion of C,N,O,S and P was 6.67:6.23:37.55:0.38:4.42 (percent w/w). However, the characteristics of the bioflocculant produced by the consortium of Cobetia sp OAUIFE and Bacillus sp. Gilbert showed an optimum flocculation (90 percent) of kaolin suspension when the dosage concentration was 0.2 mg/ml, under neutral pH of 7, and Ca2+ as a coagulant aid. The FTIR analysis of the bioflocculant indicated the presence of hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image revealed an amorphous morphology. On the other hand the bioflocculant produced by the consortium of Bacillus sp. MAYA and Bacillus sp. Gilbert showed similar characteristic with the bioflocculant from the consortium of Cobetia sp. OAUIFE and Bacillus sp. Gilbert except for Al3+ being the preferred coagulant aid. The characteristics of the bioflocculant produced by the consortium of Cobetia sp. OAUIFE, Bacillus sp. MAYA and Bacillus sp. Gilbert showed an optimum flocculation (87 percent) of kaolin suspension when the dosage concentration was 1.0 mg/ml. Under strong alkaline pH of 12, flocculating activity reached (95 percent) when Al3+ was the coagulant aid. The FTIR analysis of the bioflocculant indicated the presence of hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl and carboxyl and phosphoryl functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image revealed a flaky amorphous morphological structure. Due to the excellent COD and turbidity removal efficiencies of the bioflocculants produced by the consortia, these make those attractive candidates for use in water and wastewater treatment. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2013
- Full Text:
Investigation of institutions for the implementation of the Dutywa Agripark Project in Mbashe Local Municipality in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ndita, Bongani Herschel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects , Rangelands
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24587 , vital:63210
- Description: The study investigated local institutions amongst Agri-park project beneficiaries: A case of Dutywa Agri-park in Mbashe Local Municipality. Specifically, the dissertation sought to: investigate formal and informal institutions pertaining to land, rangeland management and support services, extension services amongst Agri-park beneficiaries, and explore options with communities to strengthen these institutions for the application of the Agri-park projects. The role of local institutions in economic development has received steadily increasing attention from researchers, policy makers and development practitioners. , institutions can be defined as the formal and informal rules of the game that have been formulated to rule people‟s behaviour and transactions. Informal rules may include among others, customs, norms and standards, religion, indigenous law while formal rules may include laws, constitutions, policies, markets and firms. This study used a survey design, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies involving the use of questionnaire. The data for this study was collected from 114 households which are Agri-park project beneficiaries, the extension officer, project site manager and local economic development officer. The data were collected through face to face and telephonic interviews. Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0) were used for descriptive analysis in order to identify the existing local institutions and how they should be strengthen. The results showed that a number of local institutions do exist. The main findings of this study were as follows: (1) Project beneficiaries were aware of their stakeholders and that they knew the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in the project. (2) Traditional leaders were aware about the project and that they have a major role to play. (3) Project beneficiaries have organized themselves into groups of co-operatives and their co-operatives are registered with the Department of Agriculture. (4) Project initiators are going to transfer the ownership of the project to these communities after it becomes well established. (5) There was a mutual agreement of youth employment rotation in the project between these four communities. (6) The condition of lease agreement for a land where the project currently running is 9 months renewable contract with the rental payment of R 6300.00 per annum. (7) The lease agreement gives the church a property right to reclaim the land should payments not be made. (8) Project beneficiaries possess some agricultural skills and that they have received various training. The study recommended that there is a need to strengthen these rules and regulation for the project to become more efficient and productive in the long-run. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2013
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndita, Bongani Herschel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects , Rangelands
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24587 , vital:63210
- Description: The study investigated local institutions amongst Agri-park project beneficiaries: A case of Dutywa Agri-park in Mbashe Local Municipality. Specifically, the dissertation sought to: investigate formal and informal institutions pertaining to land, rangeland management and support services, extension services amongst Agri-park beneficiaries, and explore options with communities to strengthen these institutions for the application of the Agri-park projects. The role of local institutions in economic development has received steadily increasing attention from researchers, policy makers and development practitioners. , institutions can be defined as the formal and informal rules of the game that have been formulated to rule people‟s behaviour and transactions. Informal rules may include among others, customs, norms and standards, religion, indigenous law while formal rules may include laws, constitutions, policies, markets and firms. This study used a survey design, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies involving the use of questionnaire. The data for this study was collected from 114 households which are Agri-park project beneficiaries, the extension officer, project site manager and local economic development officer. The data were collected through face to face and telephonic interviews. Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0) were used for descriptive analysis in order to identify the existing local institutions and how they should be strengthen. The results showed that a number of local institutions do exist. The main findings of this study were as follows: (1) Project beneficiaries were aware of their stakeholders and that they knew the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in the project. (2) Traditional leaders were aware about the project and that they have a major role to play. (3) Project beneficiaries have organized themselves into groups of co-operatives and their co-operatives are registered with the Department of Agriculture. (4) Project initiators are going to transfer the ownership of the project to these communities after it becomes well established. (5) There was a mutual agreement of youth employment rotation in the project between these four communities. (6) The condition of lease agreement for a land where the project currently running is 9 months renewable contract with the rental payment of R 6300.00 per annum. (7) The lease agreement gives the church a property right to reclaim the land should payments not be made. (8) Project beneficiaries possess some agricultural skills and that they have received various training. The study recommended that there is a need to strengthen these rules and regulation for the project to become more efficient and productive in the long-run. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2013
- Full Text:
Negotiating identity and belonging: perspectives of children living in a disadvantaged community in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Ridley, Tamerin Amy
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Group identity , Self-esteem
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24813 , vital:63598
- Description: Developing an identity with self-esteem and a sense of self-worth is a child’s fundamental right (Vandenbroek, 2001). To encourage identity formation children need to ask and answer questions such as: ‘Who am I?’, ‘Where do I belong?’ and ‘Is it ok to be who I am?’ A child’s identity is shaped largely by his/her experiences with regards to relationships and belonging within communities and familial structures. However, South Africa faces a host of problems, including poverty, violence, HIV/AIDS, all of which contribute to the breakdown of these familial and community structures. Utilising a participatory action framework, this research aims to provide insight into how children living in a disadvantaged community negotiate identity and belonging. This insight into children’s perceptions of identity and belonging is useful for identifying resources within the community which promote a positive sense of identity and belonging, and also to identify areas where support and intervention are required. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ridley, Tamerin Amy
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Group identity , Self-esteem
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24813 , vital:63598
- Description: Developing an identity with self-esteem and a sense of self-worth is a child’s fundamental right (Vandenbroek, 2001). To encourage identity formation children need to ask and answer questions such as: ‘Who am I?’, ‘Where do I belong?’ and ‘Is it ok to be who I am?’ A child’s identity is shaped largely by his/her experiences with regards to relationships and belonging within communities and familial structures. However, South Africa faces a host of problems, including poverty, violence, HIV/AIDS, all of which contribute to the breakdown of these familial and community structures. Utilising a participatory action framework, this research aims to provide insight into how children living in a disadvantaged community negotiate identity and belonging. This insight into children’s perceptions of identity and belonging is useful for identifying resources within the community which promote a positive sense of identity and belonging, and also to identify areas where support and intervention are required. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
Opening up global food trade to developing countries: an evaluation of the World Trade Organisation's agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary measure
- Authors: Nyatsanza, Sharon
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: World Trade Organization , Food contamination , Food handling -- Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27413 , vital:67294
- Description: Food safety and consumer protection has been a major concern of regulators since the 12th century. Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures were therefore introduced to protect human, animal and plant safety. With the expansion of international trade came the increase in the use of SPS measures. However these increases in the use of SPS measures were accompanied with their misuse for protectionist purposes. SPS measures which had been created for legitimate purposes quickly became significant barriers to trade. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) adopted the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) as a mechanism to regulate the use of SPS measures and avoid their potential use as protectionist tools. Trade liberalization and market access has been a primary aim of the WTO, therefore in principle the SPS Agreement is supposed to open up global food trade for all countries.Apart from opening up global food trade, another purpose of the SPS Agreement was to protect the developing countries, accommodate their special needs and in turn promote their economic development. Developing countries are heavily dependent on global food trade for their economic development. However developing states can only benefit from global food trade if they comply with SPS standards set in the importing countries. Considering their reliance on the agro – food sector the economic development of developing states is heavily reliant on the successful implementation of the SPS Agreement. According the SPS Agreement must avoid the use of illegitimate SPS measures and promote market access. It is therefore crucial that the SPS Agreement be analysed to determine whether its text, application and or interpretation satisfies the objective of opening up global food trade especially for developing states. The objective is to show the significance of a regulatory framework that is as much as possible devoid of any loopholes or shortcomings, which could frustrate the developmental interests. Inappropriate accommodation of developmental interests in the SPS Agreement could have adverse impacts on the development prospectus of developing countries. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2013
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyatsanza, Sharon
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: World Trade Organization , Food contamination , Food handling -- Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27413 , vital:67294
- Description: Food safety and consumer protection has been a major concern of regulators since the 12th century. Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures were therefore introduced to protect human, animal and plant safety. With the expansion of international trade came the increase in the use of SPS measures. However these increases in the use of SPS measures were accompanied with their misuse for protectionist purposes. SPS measures which had been created for legitimate purposes quickly became significant barriers to trade. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) adopted the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) as a mechanism to regulate the use of SPS measures and avoid their potential use as protectionist tools. Trade liberalization and market access has been a primary aim of the WTO, therefore in principle the SPS Agreement is supposed to open up global food trade for all countries.Apart from opening up global food trade, another purpose of the SPS Agreement was to protect the developing countries, accommodate their special needs and in turn promote their economic development. Developing countries are heavily dependent on global food trade for their economic development. However developing states can only benefit from global food trade if they comply with SPS standards set in the importing countries. Considering their reliance on the agro – food sector the economic development of developing states is heavily reliant on the successful implementation of the SPS Agreement. According the SPS Agreement must avoid the use of illegitimate SPS measures and promote market access. It is therefore crucial that the SPS Agreement be analysed to determine whether its text, application and or interpretation satisfies the objective of opening up global food trade especially for developing states. The objective is to show the significance of a regulatory framework that is as much as possible devoid of any loopholes or shortcomings, which could frustrate the developmental interests. Inappropriate accommodation of developmental interests in the SPS Agreement could have adverse impacts on the development prospectus of developing countries. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, 2013
- Full Text:
Production and characterization of a bioflocculant from a consortium of bacteria belonging to the halomonas and micrococcus genera
- Okaiyeto, Kunle (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7211-714X)
- Authors: Okaiyeto, Kunle (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7211-714X)
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Flocculents , Bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25822 , vital:64489
- Description: The physicochemical properties of two bioflocculant producing bacteria; Halomonas sp. Okoh and Micrococcus sp. Leo were investigated. The optimum culture conditions for the individual species were determined. All the growth conditions examined for the individual bacteria were similar. Glucose and ammonium sulphate as sole carbon and nitrogen sources respectively resulted in optimum production of bioflocculant. The flocculating activity of the bioflocculants was stimulated when Al3+ was used as the coagulating aid under acidic medium. The information obtained from individual strains was used to produce a bioflocculant from the consortium of the two bacteria. After purification, the bioflocculant yields from 1L fermentation broths were 1.213 g from Halomonas sp. Okoh, 0.738 g from Micrococcus sp. Leo and 3.51 g from the consortium. The chemical analyses of the purified bioflocculants showed that they were glycoproteins. The thermostability property of the bioflocculants was investigated between 50-100oC and the results revealed that they are heat-stable. Fourier transform infrared revealed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino groups in the bioflocculant molecules. Scaning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the structure of each bioflocculant(s) and kaolin clay before and after flocculation. From the results obtained, the idea of using the two strains in consortium for bioflocculant production resulted in an improvement in terms of flocculating activity and yield. The bioflocculants appears to have promise as an alternative to chemical flocculants used in various industrial processes such as wastewater treatment and drinking water purification. , Thesis (MA) -- Science and Agriculture, 2013
- Full Text:
- Authors: Okaiyeto, Kunle (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7211-714X)
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Flocculents , Bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25822 , vital:64489
- Description: The physicochemical properties of two bioflocculant producing bacteria; Halomonas sp. Okoh and Micrococcus sp. Leo were investigated. The optimum culture conditions for the individual species were determined. All the growth conditions examined for the individual bacteria were similar. Glucose and ammonium sulphate as sole carbon and nitrogen sources respectively resulted in optimum production of bioflocculant. The flocculating activity of the bioflocculants was stimulated when Al3+ was used as the coagulating aid under acidic medium. The information obtained from individual strains was used to produce a bioflocculant from the consortium of the two bacteria. After purification, the bioflocculant yields from 1L fermentation broths were 1.213 g from Halomonas sp. Okoh, 0.738 g from Micrococcus sp. Leo and 3.51 g from the consortium. The chemical analyses of the purified bioflocculants showed that they were glycoproteins. The thermostability property of the bioflocculants was investigated between 50-100oC and the results revealed that they are heat-stable. Fourier transform infrared revealed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino groups in the bioflocculant molecules. Scaning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the structure of each bioflocculant(s) and kaolin clay before and after flocculation. From the results obtained, the idea of using the two strains in consortium for bioflocculant production resulted in an improvement in terms of flocculating activity and yield. The bioflocculants appears to have promise as an alternative to chemical flocculants used in various industrial processes such as wastewater treatment and drinking water purification. , Thesis (MA) -- Science and Agriculture, 2013
- Full Text:
Production and characterization of a bioflocculant from a consortium of bacteria belonging to the halomonas and micrococcus genera.
- Okaiyeto, Kunle (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7211-714X)
- Authors: Okaiyeto, Kunle (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7211-714X)
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Flocculants , Bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26119 , vital:64917
- Description: The physicochemical properties of two bioflocculant producing bacteria; Halomonas sp. Okoh and Micrococcus sp. Leo were investigated. The optimum culture conditions for the individual species were determined. All the growth conditions examined for the individual bacteria were similar. Glucose and ammonium sulphate as sole carbon and nitrogen sources respectively resulted in optimum production of bioflocculant. The flocculating activity of the bioflocculants was stimulated when Al3+ was used as the coagulating aid under acidic medium. The information obtained from individual strains was used to produce a bioflocculant from the consortium of the two bacteria. After purification, the bioflocculant yields from 1L fermentation broths were 1.213 g from Halomonas sp. Okoh, 0.738 g from Micrococcus sp. Leo and 3.51 g from the consortium. The chemical analyses of the purified bioflocculants showed that they were glycoproteins. The thermostability property of the bioflocculants was investigated between 50-100oC and the results revealed that they are heat-stable. Fourier transform infrared revealed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino groups in the bioflocculant molecules. Scaning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the structure of each bioflocculant(s) and kaolin clay before and after flocculation. From the results obtained, the idea of using the two strains in consortium for bioflocculant production resulted in an improvement in terms of flocculating activity and yield. The bioflocculants appears to have promise as an alternative to chemical flocculants used in various industrial processes such as wastewater treatment and drinking water purification. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty Science and Agriculture, 2013
- Full Text:
- Authors: Okaiyeto, Kunle (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7211-714X)
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Flocculants , Bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26119 , vital:64917
- Description: The physicochemical properties of two bioflocculant producing bacteria; Halomonas sp. Okoh and Micrococcus sp. Leo were investigated. The optimum culture conditions for the individual species were determined. All the growth conditions examined for the individual bacteria were similar. Glucose and ammonium sulphate as sole carbon and nitrogen sources respectively resulted in optimum production of bioflocculant. The flocculating activity of the bioflocculants was stimulated when Al3+ was used as the coagulating aid under acidic medium. The information obtained from individual strains was used to produce a bioflocculant from the consortium of the two bacteria. After purification, the bioflocculant yields from 1L fermentation broths were 1.213 g from Halomonas sp. Okoh, 0.738 g from Micrococcus sp. Leo and 3.51 g from the consortium. The chemical analyses of the purified bioflocculants showed that they were glycoproteins. The thermostability property of the bioflocculants was investigated between 50-100oC and the results revealed that they are heat-stable. Fourier transform infrared revealed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino groups in the bioflocculant molecules. Scaning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the structure of each bioflocculant(s) and kaolin clay before and after flocculation. From the results obtained, the idea of using the two strains in consortium for bioflocculant production resulted in an improvement in terms of flocculating activity and yield. The bioflocculants appears to have promise as an alternative to chemical flocculants used in various industrial processes such as wastewater treatment and drinking water purification. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty Science and Agriculture, 2013
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The impact of the exchange rate volatility on unemployment in South Africa
- Nyahokwe, Olivia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2903-1014
- Authors: Nyahokwe, Olivia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2903-1014
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Unemployment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25580 , vital:64336
- Description: Real exchange rate volatility have important effects on production, employment and trade, so it is crucial to understand its impact on unemployment especially on a country like South Africa.This study analyses the impact of the real exchange rate volatility on unemployment and the dynamic adjustment of unemployment rate following shocks to its determinants using quarterly South African data covering the period 2000 to 2010. It begins with a review of literature on the impact of exchange rate volatility on unemployment and provides a brief updated background on the exchange rate and unemployment in South Africa. An empirical model linking the real exchange rate to unemployment is then specified. In contrast to previous analyses, this study augments the cointegration and vector autoregression (VAR) and the GARCH model including analysis with impulse response and variance decomposition analyses to provide robust long run effects and short run dynamic effects on the unemployment rate. The empirical analysis using a variety of specifications,estimation techniques, and robustness tests suggests that exchange rate volatility has a statistically and economically significant impact on employment. The variables that have been found to have a long run relationship with unemployment rate include the real exchange rate, exports ,real interest rate and the gross domestic product.The impulse response functions broadly corroborate the theoretical predictions, but only real interest rate and exports have a significant impact on unemployment in the short run. Results from the variance decompositions are largely similar to those from the impulse response analysis. The real exchange rate and exports are the only variables found to significantly explain the variation in the unemployment. The most interesting result that emerged from this analysis and is supported by previous research is that among other determinants, the real exchange rate explain the largest proportion of the variation in unemployment rate. On balance, the evidence therefore suggests that unemployment rate fluctuations are predominantly equilibrium responses to real exchange rate shocks in comparison with interest rates, economic growth and exports. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2013
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyahokwe, Olivia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2903-1014
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Unemployment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25580 , vital:64336
- Description: Real exchange rate volatility have important effects on production, employment and trade, so it is crucial to understand its impact on unemployment especially on a country like South Africa.This study analyses the impact of the real exchange rate volatility on unemployment and the dynamic adjustment of unemployment rate following shocks to its determinants using quarterly South African data covering the period 2000 to 2010. It begins with a review of literature on the impact of exchange rate volatility on unemployment and provides a brief updated background on the exchange rate and unemployment in South Africa. An empirical model linking the real exchange rate to unemployment is then specified. In contrast to previous analyses, this study augments the cointegration and vector autoregression (VAR) and the GARCH model including analysis with impulse response and variance decomposition analyses to provide robust long run effects and short run dynamic effects on the unemployment rate. The empirical analysis using a variety of specifications,estimation techniques, and robustness tests suggests that exchange rate volatility has a statistically and economically significant impact on employment. The variables that have been found to have a long run relationship with unemployment rate include the real exchange rate, exports ,real interest rate and the gross domestic product.The impulse response functions broadly corroborate the theoretical predictions, but only real interest rate and exports have a significant impact on unemployment in the short run. Results from the variance decompositions are largely similar to those from the impulse response analysis. The real exchange rate and exports are the only variables found to significantly explain the variation in the unemployment. The most interesting result that emerged from this analysis and is supported by previous research is that among other determinants, the real exchange rate explain the largest proportion of the variation in unemployment rate. On balance, the evidence therefore suggests that unemployment rate fluctuations are predominantly equilibrium responses to real exchange rate shocks in comparison with interest rates, economic growth and exports. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2013
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The role and impact of trade unions on service delivery in Lukhanji Municipality (Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Brown, Gregory Simon
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Municipal services , Labor unions , Service industries workers -- Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26537 , vital:65578
- Description: The role and impact of trade unions on service delivery is such a pertinent question to research given the times our young democracy goes through. This was an inevitable piece of study to undertake especially from the point of view to examine which form and philosophy of unionism suits the public sector best. The wildcat strikes and unprotected industrial action that grip municipalities at 10 o’clock early in the day needs deeper thinking and new ground-breaking solutions. Very fundamental questions have to be examined to determine the extent of control SAMWU as a union have over the strategic management environment of the local sphere of state. Lukhanji municipality, given its strategic location happened to host many regional offices of all COSATU affiliated unions happens to be an inconvenient choice of the nucleus of radical trade unionism in Queenstown fall victim and the study examines that. Subsequently to that the municipality fell victim to rigid and radical forms of trade union operations that has strangled it to the point of it losing its character and role of a developmentalist institution in the communities it served. The study also highlights the severe service delivery backlogs in both former Transkei Ezibeleni and Ciskei Whittlesea and how transformation and integration of these two areas have been neglected as shown by the socio-economic profile. The study in the last Chapter makes particular recommendations on how the Strategic Management environment and corporate principles should be prioritised for Performance Management to be introduced and routinely implemented. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2013
- Full Text:
- Authors: Brown, Gregory Simon
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Municipal services , Labor unions , Service industries workers -- Labor unions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26537 , vital:65578
- Description: The role and impact of trade unions on service delivery is such a pertinent question to research given the times our young democracy goes through. This was an inevitable piece of study to undertake especially from the point of view to examine which form and philosophy of unionism suits the public sector best. The wildcat strikes and unprotected industrial action that grip municipalities at 10 o’clock early in the day needs deeper thinking and new ground-breaking solutions. Very fundamental questions have to be examined to determine the extent of control SAMWU as a union have over the strategic management environment of the local sphere of state. Lukhanji municipality, given its strategic location happened to host many regional offices of all COSATU affiliated unions happens to be an inconvenient choice of the nucleus of radical trade unionism in Queenstown fall victim and the study examines that. Subsequently to that the municipality fell victim to rigid and radical forms of trade union operations that has strangled it to the point of it losing its character and role of a developmentalist institution in the communities it served. The study also highlights the severe service delivery backlogs in both former Transkei Ezibeleni and Ciskei Whittlesea and how transformation and integration of these two areas have been neglected as shown by the socio-economic profile. The study in the last Chapter makes particular recommendations on how the Strategic Management environment and corporate principles should be prioritised for Performance Management to be introduced and routinely implemented. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2013
- Full Text:
Understanding the sexual risk behaviours of people living with different mental illnesses and their vulnerability to HIV infection
- Authors: Ndlovu, Deogracious
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Health -- Social aspects , HIV infections
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25037 , vital:63899
- Description: This study was primarily carried out in order to assess the sexual risk behaviours of people living with mental illnesses as well as their vulnerability to HIV infection. It sets out the basic realities of the interaction between mental illness and HIV/AIDS and its impact on individuals and communities. This study explores the implications for health policy and practice, and suggests how to provide better support and assistance in the empowerment of people living with mental illness as far as HIV and AIDS is concerned, including community support. It was also the aim of this study to look into the factors that expose this group of people to HIV infection as well as to understand the link between HIV/AIDS and mental illness. It also tested the inclusion of people with mental disabilities in HIV and AIDS prevention and education programmes. The research was conducted on the basis of a qualitative research design. A semi-structured interview schedule was used in broad based interviews to gather information from caregivers or guardians of people with mental disabilities as well as the professionals in the mental health sector. The results of the research revealed that people who are living with mental illnesses are a vulnerable group as regards HIV infection. It also conveys that this group of people presents with sexual risk behaviours, which increase their vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. In addition, there are many barriers against the inclusion of this group of people in HIV and AIDS prevention and education programmes and, as a result, they are often excluded from participating in such programmes. Importantly, the findings of this study acknowledge that there is a two-fold relationship between mental illness and HIV/AIDS. It indicates that mental illnesses are still regarded as mysterious in the community and there is much stigma and discrimination towards the mentally ill, increasing their vulnerability to HIV infection. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndlovu, Deogracious
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Health -- Social aspects , HIV infections
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25037 , vital:63899
- Description: This study was primarily carried out in order to assess the sexual risk behaviours of people living with mental illnesses as well as their vulnerability to HIV infection. It sets out the basic realities of the interaction between mental illness and HIV/AIDS and its impact on individuals and communities. This study explores the implications for health policy and practice, and suggests how to provide better support and assistance in the empowerment of people living with mental illness as far as HIV and AIDS is concerned, including community support. It was also the aim of this study to look into the factors that expose this group of people to HIV infection as well as to understand the link between HIV/AIDS and mental illness. It also tested the inclusion of people with mental disabilities in HIV and AIDS prevention and education programmes. The research was conducted on the basis of a qualitative research design. A semi-structured interview schedule was used in broad based interviews to gather information from caregivers or guardians of people with mental disabilities as well as the professionals in the mental health sector. The results of the research revealed that people who are living with mental illnesses are a vulnerable group as regards HIV infection. It also conveys that this group of people presents with sexual risk behaviours, which increase their vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. In addition, there are many barriers against the inclusion of this group of people in HIV and AIDS prevention and education programmes and, as a result, they are often excluded from participating in such programmes. Importantly, the findings of this study acknowledge that there is a two-fold relationship between mental illness and HIV/AIDS. It indicates that mental illnesses are still regarded as mysterious in the community and there is much stigma and discrimination towards the mentally ill, increasing their vulnerability to HIV infection. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
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