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Exploring the attitudes of selected community members on the interplay between incidences of poverty and the escalation of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

- Mrashula, Zodidi

  • Authors: Mrashula, Zodidi
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7941 , vital:30987
  • Description: Cofimvaba has had a noticeable increase of people who got infected with HIV/AIDS and is one of the poorest of the poor in the Eastern Cape. Hence, the researcher became interested to investigate the interplay between incidences of poverty and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The reasons for the continued increase of HIV infection in Cofimvaba were investigated. The study used a qualitative approach, was descriptive and explorative and specifically used a case study as a specific research design. The study investigated 32 participants, nine of whom were infected and diagnosed to be seropositive between the years 2012, and 2014; six community members; twelve from the volunteer care givers who were members from the support group. The study also investigated a number of key informants who included a traditional leader, a care giver, a nurse, a social worker and a community development practitioner. The study used a non-probability sampling methodology, but specifically purposive sampling technique. On data collection, the study triangulated both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of the study revealed that people who are infected with HIV/AIDS are unemployed, illiterate and suffer from poverty. The study also found that poor people are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infections. The study findings were as follows: There is a lack knowledge about HIV/AIDS that leads to lack of prevention. It has been discovered that there is a high level of poverty and HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. High level of unemployment is a contributing factor of poverty and high level of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. Level of unprotected sex as driver of HIV/AIDS has also been identified. There is an inextricable relationship poverty and prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Unreliability of the food parcel on people who are HIV positive leads to poverty. The study findings were also as: Caregivers breaching the ethos and principle of confidentiality leads to people not to to HIV/disclose their HIV/AIDS status. Migration driving vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. It has been insisted that transactional sex drives to HIV/AIDS. Low HIV/AIDS education makes people to be vulnerable to HIVAIDS., The fear of testing makes people unaware of their HIV/AIDS status. Also the excessive alcohol intake as a driver to HIV/AIDS vulnerability. It has also been noted that only women responded to the study and there was a high rate of death revealed on account of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. The researcher has also made the following recommendations to the study: obligatory psychol-social support programs for PLWHA, extension and replication of community based organisation, collaboration between different stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS domain. Widen the horizon of training education and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns and availability of counselling, job opportunity, social grants and food parcels.
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The role of farmer organisations in smallholder cabbage in value-chain development in Ndakana Village, Stutterheim, Eastern Cape province, South Africa

- Labase, Tshifhiwa Noluthando.

  • Authors: Labase, Tshifhiwa Noluthando.
  • Date: 2015-06
  • Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28999 , vital:76447
  • Description: The South African agricultural sector dualistic in nature, where a large commercial and smallholder sectors co-exist. The commercial sector is well resourced while the small holder sector is characterised by being resource poor, having very short value chains, lacking access to markets and low productivity. Smallholder farmers sell their produce at farm gate with minimal value addition. These have implications on household income and overall livelihoods of farmers. In an attempt to overcome some of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, several farmer support organisations have been established by the South African government. Despite these initiatives poverty in the Eastern Cape remains wide spread and deep. Over the years high value agricultural markets have become more sophisticated and regulated making it increasingly difficult for smallholder farmers to participate in lucrative value chains. The study was carried out in Ndakana Location in Stutterheim, which is under Amahlathi Local Municipality. The study intended to assess the role of farmer organisations in value chain development of cabbage smallholder farmers in this area. The research was conducted through interviews using questionnaires to collect primary data. Econometric formulas were used to calculate Gross Marketing Margin to gain information on cabbage value chains as well as examining relative performance of individual and organised farmers. Cobb Douglas model was used to determine factors that influence relative performance of individual and smallholder farmers. Results for individual farmers indicated that, five variables were found to be significant farming experience, access to technical support, area planted, labour and quantity of fertiliser. All the variables had positive values, implying an increase in these variables is more likely to cause an increase in output. Results for organised farmers indicated that five variables were also found to be significant labour, area planted, farm experience, quantity of fertiliser and price of fertiliser. Labour had a negative value meaning an increase in labour will lead to an increase in output at a decreasing rate. Price of fertiliser also had a negative value meaning a decrease in price of fertiliser will lead to an increase in the amount of fertiliser used. The rest of the variables had positive values, implying an increase in these variables will most likely cause an increase in output. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2015
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Children's grants and social security communities in the Eastern Cape: the case of Nqabarha administrative area

- Mwangolela, Tafadzwa Fungayi

  • Authors: Mwangolela, Tafadzwa Fungayi
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Children -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Grants-in-aid , Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
  • Identifier: vital:11946 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005990 , Children -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Grants-in-aid , Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: This study examines the impact of children’s grants on household access to food, education and health care. In the face of increased poverty and socio-economic inequalities, social grants are a critical poverty alleviation intervention implemented by the government of South Africa. The children’s grants are offered as part of the social security system which is provided for in the Republic of South Africa Constitution of 1996 and the Social Assistance Act of 2004. The basic needs conceptual framework is the lens informing the focus of the study. Among other major findings, the study reveals that (a) childrens grants play a critical role in improvement of access to food, health care and education, (b) childrens grants are used as collateral, to access short term loans, and (c) social networks and home gardens play a significant role in aiding children’s grants to ensure household access to food, education and health care.
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Effectiveness of the high value crop-based extension model in improving rural livelihoods

- Jakavula, Siyabulela Cornelius

  • Authors: Jakavula, Siyabulela Cornelius
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work , Agricultural administration -- South Africa , Agriculture -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11202 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007533 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work , Agricultural administration -- South Africa , Agriculture -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The problem that is researched in this study relates to the effectiveness of the extension model applied in the High Value Crop programme in improving rural livelihoods in the Eastern Cape. The extent of poverty in rural areas in the Eastern Cape motivated for the intervention of the Is‘Baya through the introduction of Integrated Village Renewal Programme (IVRP). The need to improve the quality of life of rural households through the promotion of agriculture and industry gave rise to the collaborative effort between the Is‘Baya Development Trust and Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in South Africa. The HVC programme was established to mitigate the effects of food shortage and poverty through the production of fruit trees, herbs and vegetables at household level. Evaluation of the effectiveness of this collaborative effort was carried out in four local municipalities of the OR Tambo District and these included: King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality (Zangci); Nyadeni municipality (Hluleka); Port St Johns municipality (Noqhekwana) and Ngquza Hill municipality (Hombe). An equal number of villages where Siyazondla was implemented by DRDAR were visited for the survey to relate the extension model applied with HVC. The villages visited included: OR Tambo (Mhlontlo local municipality) Xhokonxa village; Amathole (Amahlathi local municipality) Ndakana village, (Ngqushwa local municipality) Mgababa village and (Mbhashe local municipality) Mbanyana village. The broad objective of the study therefore, was to evaluate the effectiveness of the extension model applied on the HVC programme as well as to identify the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders involved in the model. The specific objectives of the study were to describe the HVC based extension model as it is currently organized and implemented in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in relation to the erstwhile Siyazondla programme, to establish the effectiveness of the extension model in terms of skills transfer and capacity development, to determine the socio-economic impact of the extension model on the livelihood of involved households, to establish the extent to which the extension model has empowered women and youths and to study the factors that has contributed to the sustainability of the extension model. In carrying out this research and in line with the practice of Agricultural Research for Development (ARD), qualitative and quantitative methods of information gathering were applied. Group approach such as the Rural Rapid Appraisal (RRA) and the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods of data collection were used. These tools include semi-structured interviews, focus-group discussions, transect walks, seasonal calendars, key-informant interviews, resource maps and secondary data. A sample of 149 respondents was selected from eight villages in the OR Tambo and Amathole districts. The HVC model was analysed using qualitative approach, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The Is‘Baya/ARC extension model is thus said to be effective in meeting the objectives of the HVC programme due to the efficient transfer of skills and technology and its positive impact on the livelihood of the people. There was also an improvement of the income and food security status of the rural dwellers in O.R Tambo district. The regression analysis model was applied and the results of the model were significant to the highest income earned. Out of 22 explanatory variables fitted in the regression model, 12 were significant. The R² and adjusted R² are 73 percent and 68 percent respectively which shows the significance of the fitted variables in the model. The very high F value of 15.427 shows strong significance of the fitted variables to the model. The study therefore concluded that the HVC based extension model implemented by Is‘Baya and ARC was very effective in improving rural livelihoods. The study further recommended investment in infrastructure, market linkages, value adding, public-private partnerships, creation of tenure security, investigation of different funding sources, investment on agricultural research, extension of skills provided and implementation of similar model by the public sector.
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Rural households livelihoods' strategies and opportunities with regard to farming: a case of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality

- Gidi, Lungile Sivuyile

  • Authors: Gidi, Lungile Sivuyile
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Qamata , Livelihood strategies , Irrigation farmers and crop , Livestock production
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007218 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Qamata , Livelihood strategies , Irrigation farmers and crop , Livestock production
  • Description: South Africa and other developing countries are grappling with high levels of poverty as a result of slow to negligible rural development. Irrigation development is one essential component that can be used to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in rural areas. In the President‟s “State of the Nation Address” in 2011, the President of South Africa outlined measures to reduce hunger and poverty in communal areas through enhanced government‟s expenditures in rural infrastructure developments, especially for such amenities as irrigation and roads, with a view to promoting food security. The broad objective of this study is to assess livelihood strategies and opportunities with regard to farming in Qamata area of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. The stratified random sampling method was applied in order to choose a sample of 70 household that were interviewed by means of semi-structured questionnaires. Out of these, 53 belonged to the irrigation project and 17 farmers were non-irrigation farmers. The results show that women play an active role in agriculture. The Multiple Regression model was used to assess the relative importance of different livelihood strategies adopted by both irrigation and non-irrigation farmers in improving household food security and welfare in Qamata. More specifically, the study assessed the impact of different livelihood strategies on production of butternut, goats, maize and poultry (Chicken) in Qamata. The results show increased agricultural production, crop diversification and higher incomes from irrigation farming as compared to dry land farming. Irrigation farming has enabled many households to diversify their sources of income and therefore include activities and enterprises that contribute to enhanced household welfare. The study showed that household size is crucial in crop production, followed by gender of the household head. The government and research institutes need to come up with programmes to train people on ways to produce crop and livestock products more efficiently.
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Assessing the role of cooperatives in poverty alleviation in the Eastern Cape: a the case of Amathole district municipality

- Vellem, Babalwa Faith

  • Authors: Vellem, Babalwa Faith
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11669 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007113 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The study Assess the role of Cooperatives in Poverty Alleviation in the Eastern Cape Case Study of Amathole District Municipality how cooperatives are conducted in the Amathole District Municipality and establishes the perceptions of staff and members of the public about the service rendered by the municipality, and developing the mechanisms that can be used to identify cooperatives activities and how to improve the services rendered by the municipality, and if there are any challenges, they must be resolved. The research was also to look at how the support from government and other government agencies are used to enhance the cooperatives governance. Lastly, the research was to find the best model for cooperative development and what needs to be done to enhance the capacity of the cooperatives. The literature indicates that staff must be equipped with necessary skills; however it is evident that training and development is essential for the members of the cooperative. Questionnaires and interviews were used as a method of collecting data from the respondents. In this study, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyse the data. The research assumption was that cooperative development is a viable tool for economic development of the rural areas. This can help many South Africans and many communities come out of poverty. However, there are limitations that were caused by the inability of government to co-ordinate cooperative development. Despite the role that cooperatives play in South Africa, cooperatives still experience a number of challenges. These challenges are, amongst others, lack of access to finance, lack of access to market, lack of business skills, lack of infrastructural facilities and lack of knowledge about the cooperative. In view of the challenges facing the cooperatives, the government instituted a number of state departments and parastatals for funding and other necessary support. These are DTI, DEDEA (in the Eastern Cape), ECDC, South African Development Agency (SEDA), Department of Labour and municipalities. The objectives of these support institutions are to provide necessary support needed by cooperatives and to ensure that cooperative development is sustainable.
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Government-sponsored community development projects as poverty alleviation tools: evidence from Mdantsane, East London

- Gedze, Ntombebhongo

  • Authors: Gedze, Ntombebhongo
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Poverty alleviation , Community participation , Mdantsane Township
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
  • Identifier: vital:11948 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005995 , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Poverty alleviation , Community participation , Mdantsane Township
  • Description: The study investigates whether government-sponsored community development projects in the township of Mdantsane, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa, have achieved the intended goal of alleviating poverty among the beneficiaries. The specific outcomes of poverty alleviation are: improved income, acquisition of new skills, reduced dependence on welfare grants. Four urban farming projects were selected, namely: Buffalo City Organic Producers, Sakhisizwe Nursery, Lusindiso Farmer’s Trading Co-operative and Mbombela Co-operative. Focus group discussions and a mini survey were conducted with project beneficiaries, while relevant government officials were interviewed. Conceptual insights were drawn from community development theory. The findings showed that the broader context within which the projects occurred was characterised by a pro-poor social policy, relative availability of resources with which to translate it into action, and a measure of entrepreneurial potential amongst community members. However, while one of the projects showed some promise (in the sense that beneficiaries acquired new skills and had a generally positive attitude despite not enjoying any improved income status), all the others appeared doomed and trapped in dynamics such as: excessive government control of the management of the initiatives, ineffective project monitoring, and the mischaracterisation of the initiatives by both the government and the beneficiaries. A distorted sense of ownership and perverse community participation seemed to prevail, which in turn robbed the initiatives of their poverty alleviation potential. The study thus concluded that specific benefactor-beneficiary dynamics are crucial for the success of a given anti-poverty intervention. A robust pro-poor social policy, availability of resources with which to translate it into action, and local entrepreneurial potential do not in themselves bring about success; they must operate in a certain way and be undergirded by certain principles for them to become a powerful mechanism for alleviating poverty. It is against this background that the researcher offers some recommendations.
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The impact of the new co-operative act on employment and poverty reduction: a case study of sorghum producers in the Eastern Cape province

- Manciya, Sixolise

  • Authors: Manciya, Sixolise
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Sorghum industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poor -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Economic conditions , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11180 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001026 , Sorghum industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poor -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture, Cooperative -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Economic conditions , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: In general, traditional co-operatives suffer from free-rider, horizon, portfolio, control and influence problems that starve them of both equity and debt capital. Evidently, the factors which constrain agricultural development also inhibit co-operative development in the former homelands. These factors include socio-economic as well as political factors operating in the environment of the cooperatives. In addition to these external factors, co-operatives have several internal problems such as inefficient management and lack of understanding of the co-operative concept and principles. The New Cooperative Act No. 14 of 2005 was an attempt at addressing these fundamental problems. The purpose of this study was to analyze the extent towhich cooperatives organized on the basis of this new Act have performed and to ascertainwhether or not they have met the expectations of the policy makers. In order to address these issues a structured questionnaire was used to interview 100 farmers. Farmers were divided into two groups, one group consisting of fifty members and the other fifty non-members; all these farmers were randomly selected from Ndonga and Maqhashu in Lady frère. The study investigated and profiled the socio-economic situation of the communities of Ndonga and Maqhashu with particular emphasis on the employment and poverty situations, as well as the income earning opportunities in the communities. It also undertook a comparison of the members and non-members of the co-operatives in terms of their production results under the sorghum production programmes in the two communities.The data were analyzed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics which explain some measures of central tendency and dispersion as well as levels of significance. A t-test of independent samples was used to compare the means for the sorghum yields and revenues for non-members and members of the co-operative. Gross margin analysis was also used to determine the financial implications of cooperation for the smallholders. In addition, a multiple regression model and a discriminant function were fitted to determine the factors explaining the differences in performance of members and non-members of the cooperative society. The Gross Margin analysis shows that the cooperatives are operating at a loss, meaning they produce less with high production costs. However, the results also show that the Ndonga and Maqhashu sorghum co-operative did not benefit only its members but the whole community through significant job creation for the local population.
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An assessment of the impact of local economic development on urban poverty alleviation: a case of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

- Mbeba, Roland D

  • Authors: Mbeba, Roland D
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poor -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11424 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/548 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poor -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Local Economic Development has in recent years, gained wide spread acceptance, as a locality-based response to economic challenges. It is now firmly on the agenda of many national and local government and key international agencies. Adopting a desk study approach, reviewing extensive literature on LED, the study sought to establish the impact of LED strategy employed by Buffalo City Municipality, and assess the extent to which it has alleviated poverty. The study shows that the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) LED strategy has limited impact on poverty alleviation due to a myriad of factors, which reinforce and interact with each other thereby limiting development and trapping residents in poverty. The thesis argues that there is significant room for a paradigm shift from predominantly pro-growth to pro-poor LED, and the need to adopt a comprehensive LED strategy that seeks to include of both pro-growth and pro-poor strategies. Both cannot operate without the other in the bid to promote development in Buffalo City, mainly with Agriculture, Tourism, and SMME having significant potential to bring about local economic development. Moreover, the promotion of Private-Public Partnerships play an integral role in the socio-economic development of Buffalo City, and more so the participation of local people is even more fundamental, which will give them the opportunity to take charge of their own development. Therefore, the study suggests a new LED agenda, which is pro-poor, holistic, and moves away from ‘piecemeal’ project based LED activities, and adopts comprehensive economic programmes so that LED has significant impact on poverty alleviation.
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An exploration into the challenges faced by rural communities in the effective use of land for subsistence agriculture for poverty alleviation: a case study of the Mpongo and Twecwana communities in the Eastern Cape

- Mlonyeni, Xolani

  • Authors: Mlonyeni, Xolani
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Community Development)
  • Identifier: vital:11844 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005645 , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The escalation of poverty simultaneously with the decline of small-scale agriculture in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape in particular, raises serious concerns within the government circles in South Africa and among researchers. Of the nine provinces of South Africa, the rate of poverty in the Eastern Cape is a pathetic one and is the largest contributor to poverty statistics in the whole of South Africa. Machete (2004) stresses that high levels of poverty are visible in the rural areas and the large proportions of the people who are poor in South Africa are found in the rural areas. It is widely accepted that small-scale agriculture plays a vital role in and contributes substantially to socio-economic life of people living in the rural areas and is one of the strategies most suited to combat poverty for the majority of the people in the rural areas. This study explored the challenges that limit the effective use of land for subsistence agriculture as a strategy for poverty alleviation at Mpongo and Twecwana villages in Tsholomnqa. The study adopted a qualitative approach in order to get in-depth understanding of the challenges as experienced by the participants. The sample comprised of fifteen (15) subsistence farmers and three (3) extension officers from the department of agriculture. The data was collected from the participants through the focus group technique with an interview schedule containing open ended questions. The findings of the study indicated that the communities lack capital such as money, machinery, labour and other resources needed to pursue agricultural livelihoods. The findings also showed that agricultural infrastructure such as dams, rivers, fencing have deteriorated. Machete (2004, p.8) concurring with Pote (2008) says “inadequate physical infrastructure in the rural areas, particular in the former homeland areas remains a major obstacle to smallholder agricultural growth in South Africa”. In the two villages the situation is worsened by a total lack of irrigation scheme development. These communities rely entirely on seasonal and natural rainfall for their crops to be cultivated and grown. It was also found that the introduction of state grants contributed for the rural communities to do way with their traditional socio-economic agricultural livelihoods. The end results were for food production from gardens and communal fields come to a total collapse in many communities in the rural areas. The findings also show that youth is less interested to participate and pursue agricultural based activities in the rural areas. Williams et al (2008) claim that young people are unwilling to pursue agricultural studies as career of choice because of negative image attached to it. Many youths regard agriculture as an activity which belongs to adult and ordinary people. Drought was also cited as the worst natural disaster that has threatened the already disadvantaged small scale agriculture in these rural areas. These deficiencies have rendered subsistence agricultural centred activities to a total collapse.
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Application of the sustainable livelihoods framework to the analysis of the Provincial Growth and Development Plan of the Eastern Cape: a case study of the Massive Food Production Programme in Nkonkobe Municipality and Buffalo City Municipality

- Dirwayi, Tafadzwa P

  • Authors: Dirwayi, Tafadzwa P
  • Date: 2010
  • Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/353 , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The Government of the Eastern Cape Province introduced the Massive Food Production programme, which is a cornerstone within the agrarian reform initiative of the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP). The programme has been going on for more than seven years, however little has been documented on its impact. The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme on the livelihoods in Nkonkobe Municipality. This study did not only investigate its impact on the participants but also assessed its impact on the recipient communities. Accordingly, the specific objectives of the study were to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Programme on the asset base of participants, the general livelihood activities, and the livelihood outcomes. Among other livelihood activities, the study made an in-depth investigation on the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme on maize crop production. This is because the Massive Food Production was aimed at maize crop production. Previous studies investigated on the indicators of success that can be used to measure the impact of this programme. After the wide-ranging evaluation of views, arguments and research findings, a model to measure impact of the programme was designed. The asset base improvement was used as the proxy of impact. Nine factors were selected from the principal component analysis of the many factors that were taken to affect participation. Three other dummy variables to proximate location, participation and group turnover were added to the regression model that was developed to measure impact. The DFID Sustainable Livelihood Framework was used to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme. This approach was used in both conceptualizing the study and the selection of variables. The DFID Sustainable Livelihood Approach was selected because unlike the CARE or UNDP Sustainable Livelihood models, it was designed for such purposes. Data collection was accomplished through observation, interviewing, and focus group discussions. The researcher also made use of project annual reports on change of livelihoods, baseline survey reports, project log frame, internal reports, work plans, budgets and mid-term evaluation reports as sources of secondary data. v The research findings were analysed using several analytical procedures, including the conventional descriptive statistics, principal components analysis, and linear regression analysis. The use of the different types of analysis was driven by the research questions under investigation and the theories on which they are based, and by the available data. The study revealed that to some extent the Massive Food Production Programme has managed to improve the asset base of the farmers. However, its impact on ensuring food security is still debatable. Findings of the study revealed that most of the participants and the non-participants communities experienced food shortages in the last season 2007/8 for at most three months. The study revealed that the highest agricultural income is from livestock sales. The varying locations showed the potential of livestock production. It is recommended that development agencies consider livestock production as an agricultural strategy with immense potential for enhancing sustaining rural livelihoods
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Impact of access to free basic electricity on households' poverty in Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape

- Mvondo, Jephthe M

  • Authors: Mvondo, Jephthe M
  • Date: 2010
  • Subjects: Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11419 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/280 , Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The study was premised on the truism that men have historically served in higher echelons of organizational management structures and women are under-represented. The principal objective was to explore the constraints faced by women in accessing higher leadership and senior management positions in public, private and non-governmental organisations in Zimbabwe. This study adopted the triangulation method, that is, qualitative and quantitative approaches. These mixed research methods, were upgraded by the feminist research methodologies, thereby making a contribution in the field of research. The study found out that the constraints that mostly hinder women from accessing leadership and senior management positions in public, private and NGOs were cultural practices, which represent levels of power and control that in turn hinder reforms; and women's socialisation into feminised roles. The study also found out that in most organisations, most females work under male leadership, and this traditional organisational culture, needs to be deconstructed and reversed in order to achieve gender equality. The study recommended for a human centric and integrated organizational management strategy for public, private and NGOs in Zimbabwe. The adoption of a human centric and integrated management approach should aim at gender equity and reduce women's under-representation. A human centred organizational culture has to be practiced, that would create organisational ethos that guide organizational management. An integrated organizational management approach should integrate all systems and processes into one complete framework, enabling people to work as a single unit, unified by organizational goals, shared vision and common values. The system should depend on a balanced mix of the masculine and feminine attributes. The approach should put its weight towards adoption of measures to attract, advance and empower women so as to benefit from their qualifications, experience and talent in a highly competitive environment.
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Impact of in-field rainwater harvesting technology on household food security: a case of Guquka and Khayalethu villages in Central Eastern Cape Province

- Hlanganise, Yoliswa Happiness

  • Authors: Hlanganise, Yoliswa Happiness
  • Date: 2010
  • Subjects: Water consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/352 , Water consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The aim of this investigation was to assess the impact of the In-Field Rainwater Harvesting technology on household food security in the study area. The study was conducted in Nkonkobe Local Municipality of the Amathole District Municipality in central Eastern Cape Province. The areas under investigation are Guquka and Khayaletu villages of the Thyume Valley, which is located about 30 kilometres north of Alice. The method used to assess the impact of the IRWH on household food security was a pair wise comparison method. During September 2009, there were 60 (34 in Guquka and 26 in Khayaletu) households who adopted the technology in home gardens. In order to get a clear picture of the impact of the technology on food security, a decision was taken to assess both the project members and non-project members, hence the pairwise comparison method. The non-project members (also 60 households) were selected randomly from those who were interviewed during the situation analysis in 2004. Five indicators were used to assess household food security. These were household income, expenditure on food, diet diversity, energy-protein intakes, and micro-nutrient intakes (Vitamin A, C and Iron). The income and expenditure data were collected from the 120 households. However, the detailed food data were collected from selected cases from both groups at different times (seasons) of the year. A case study approach was employed in data collection. A total of 12 cases (six households per village) were selected for this investigation. These were selected mainly according to the degree of poverty. The total of six households from each village comprised three project members and three non-members i.e. one from each poverty class (non- poor, poor and ultra-poor) in both categories. The data on the kinds of food products consumed by households was gathered using the food account method (FAM). The food consumed was then analysed for nutrient adequacy. The main findings of this investigation show the IRWH technology to have a positive impact on food security and nutrition of the project members. The technology made significant contributions to the amount of energy and vitamins A and C consumed by households especially during wet seasons. Substantial contributions of garden produce were noted among the project members. However, these contributions were not enough to ensure household food security. The results indicate that there are nutritional problems in the study area. Firstly, there is protein- v energy malnutrition mainly affecting the poor and the ultra-poor households. Secondly, there is hidden hunger affecting all poverty categories, even the non-poor households. This is mainly demonstrated by poor diet quality i.e. diet that lacks essential nutrients identified
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Mobile phones interaction techniques for second economy people

- Edim, Azom Emmanuel

  • Authors: Edim, Azom Emmanuel
  • Date: 2010
  • Subjects: Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cell phone systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) , Human-computer interaction , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Computer Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11392 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/519 , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cell phone systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) , Human-computer interaction , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Second economy people in developing countries are people living in communities that are underserved in terms of basic amenities and social services. Due to literacy challenges and user accessibility problems in rural communities, it is often difficult to design user interfaces that conform to the capabilities and cultural experiences of low-literacy rural community users. Rural community users are technologically illiterate and lack the knowledge of the potential of information and communication technologies. In order to embrace new technology, users will need to perceive the user interface and application as useful and easy to interact with. This requires proper understanding of the users and their socio-cultural environment. This will enable the interfaces and interactions to conform to their behaviours, motivations as well as cultural experiences and preferences and thus enhance usability and user experience. Mobile phones have the potential to increase access to information and provide a platform for economic development in rural communities. Rural communities have economic potential in terms of agriculture and micro-enterprises. Information technology can be used to enhance socio-economic activities and improve rural livelihood. We conducted a study to design user interfaces for a mobile commerce application for micro-entrepreneurs in a rural community in South Africa. The aim of the study was to design mobile interfaces and interaction techniques that are easy to use and meet the cultural preferences and experiences of users who have little to no previous experience of mobile commerce technology. And also to explore the potentials of information technologies rural community users, and bring mobile added value services to rural micro-entrepreneurs. We applied a user-centred design approach in Dwesa community and used qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect data for the design of the user interfaces (graphic user interface and voice user interface) and mobile commerce application. We identified and used several interface elements to design and finally evaluate the graphical user interface. The statistics analysis of the evaluation results show that the users in the community have positive perception of the usefulness of the application, the ease of use and intention to use the application. Community users with no prior experience with this technology were able to learn and understand the interface, recorded minimum errors and a high level of v precision during task performance when they interacted with the shop-owner graphic user interface. The voice user interface designed in this study consists of two flavours (dual tone multi-frequency input and voice input) for rural users. The evaluation results show that community users recorded higher tasks successes and minimum errors with the dual tone multi-frequency input interface than the voice only input interface. Also, a higher percentage of users prefer the dual tone multi-frequency input interface. The t-Test statistical analysis performed on the tasks completion times and error rate show that there was significant statistical difference between the dual tone multi-frequency input interface and the voice input interface. The interfaces were easy to learn, understand and use. Properly designed user interfaces that meet the experience and capabilities of low-literacy users in rural areas will improve usability and users‟ experiences. Adaptation of interfaces to users‟ culture and preferences will enhance information services accessibility among different user groups in different regions. This will promote technology acceptance in rural communities for socio-economic benefits. The user interfaces presented in this study can be adapted to different cultures to provide similar services for marginalised communities in developing countries
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A critical perspective of national norms and standards of school funding in Eastern Cape East London District

- Mamatu, Ntombizonke Lydia

  • Authors: Mamatu, Ntombizonke Lydia
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Education and state -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa -- Finance , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/303 , Education and state -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa -- Finance , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Education policies remain a contested terrain in both the social and political environments. They are not neutral instruments and are used both to maintain the existing social order and also to promote varying kinds of change or mobility. The South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act 84 of 1996) hereafter SASA, which is the source of all policies that regulate school issues in South Africa promotes democratic methods of school governing and education provisioning that favours the previously disadvantaged groups. The NNSSF is one of the policies of SASA that makes schooling accessible to the poor through school fee exemptions while attempting to close the gap between the rich and the poor through differentiated school funding created according to researched poverty levels and standardized target lists. This has been designed to fulfil one of the essential human rights of man- education that has been entrenched in the Bill of Rights of the Republic of South Africa Constitution, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) hereafter, Constitution. Thus, the study’s objective is to evaluate the implementation of the NNSSF policy in public schools focussing on school fee exemptions. The extent to which poor parents and learners are given school fee exemptions as they are supposed to according to the policy will be indicators of whether the NNSSF is justly or unjustly implemented in public schools. Learners are the recipients of the right to education. Parents are given the responsibility to fund the education of their children. However, for poor parents to fulfil that they need advice and assistance from the teachers and SGBs to be able to access the school fee exemptions while they have a right to just administrative action and to human dignity in dealing with them. SGBs and teachers have to create a favourable environment for the just implementation of the NNSSF by advising and xiii assisting deserving parents and learners to access school fee exemptions so that the right to education is fulfilled. The duty of in loco parentis and acting in the best interest of the child enforce teachers to do everything possible to ensure that learners access education. EDOs are supposed to guide, monitor and supervise the implementation of the policy while legal bodies should assist parents and learners to demand their right when it is violated through litigation. The study used the method of survey which is quantitative and interviews which are qualitative. Questionnaires and interview schedules were tools used to collect data that was analysed through statistical methods and represented in the form of tables and pie-charts. Various significant findings were made that had a bearing on the implementation of the NNSSF policy in public schools, most important to note is that some learners who have the right to education are aware of this right but do not know how to ensure that it is not violated. Parents are not given the opportunity to decide whether school fees should be charged in their schools. Above that they are not given the advice they need to be able to access school fee exemptions. Some teachers think that by advising and assisting learners and parents they will be buying cheap popularity- showing ignorance. EDOs do not know how schools implement the NNSSF, they are not involved in anyway. Thus the study views the implementation of NNSSF policy in public schools as unjust and recommends that SGBs and teachers need to be educated, guided and monitored by the EDOs on the policy and its implementation. They in turn will have to educate parents and learners so that they are able to access school fee exemptions thereby receiving education – their right.
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The green revolution and poverty alleviation challenges faced by women in small-scale agriculture: an investigation into the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme, Mbhashe local municipality Eastern Cape

- Blaai-Mdolo, Bulelwa

  • Authors: Blaai-Mdolo, Bulelwa
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Rural Development)
  • Identifier: vital:11935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/133 , Women in agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The researcher is perturbed by the escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in Mbhashe Local Municipality (Integrated Development Plan, 2008/9) despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The main objective of this study is to identify the underlying factors and challenges faced by women of the Impumelelo Isezandleni Community Garden and Poultry Project in meeting the set objectives of the programme such as improving food security and job creation through sustainable agricultural development. This project falls under the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme (SHFPP), which is one of the programmes developed under the Green Revolution strategy of the Department of Agriculture. SHFPP is proclaimed to be running successfully in improving food security in the Mbhashe Local Municipality (MECDoA: 2008/9). 7 ABSTRACT The researcher is perturbed by the escalating levels of poverty and unemployment in Mbhashe Local Municipality (Integrated Development Plan, 2008/9) despite the poverty alleviation programmes that have been established since 1994. The main objective of this study is to identify the underlying factors and challenges faced by women of the Impumelelo Isezandleni Community Garden and Poultry Project in meeting the set objectives of the programme such as improving food security and job creation through sustainable agricultural development. This project falls under the Siyazondla Homestead Food Production Programme (SHFPP), which is one of the programmes developed under the Green Revolution strategy of the Department of Agriculture. SHFPP is proclaimed to be running successfully in improving food security in the Mbhashe Local Municipality (MECDoA: 2008/9). The dissertation argues that women, the beneficiaries of the project, are faced with a variety of challenges which make it impossible to meet the set objectives. Using a qualitative research methodology where semi-structured interviews gather data from 15 respondents who are beneficiaries in the project, findings indicate that there are a number of challenges and constraints that are experienced by women in the project. These challenges amongst others range from gender equity, culture and tradition; lack of provisions for diverse women population in the project; violation of the people-centered approach; limited women empowerment; insufficient support and lack of capacity from the Department of Agriculture (DoA) officials, the non-existent Land Reform Programme etc. While women seem committed and want the project to grow to sustain them, this is not complemented with enough support by the DoA. The study anticipates that should these women find viable alternatives, they will soon abandon the project. To avoid a total anticipated collapse of the project in future, the study recommends that a serious intervention by the state should occur coupled with the revitalization of the programme and a paradigm shift towards an effective food security programme which emphasizes women and their important role in agriculture.
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An assessment of the child support grant as a poverty alleviation intervention in South Africa: the case of Mdantsane township in the Eastern Cape

- Mase, Blossom Bukelwa

  • Authors: Mase, Blossom Bukelwa
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Child support -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child welfare -- South Africa , Child support -- Government policy -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children -- Services for -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/299 , Child support -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child welfare -- South Africa , Child support -- Government policy -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children -- Services for -- South Africa
  • Description: There were different kinds of imbalances that were created by the past regime in which race and colour were determining factors in terms of access to state welfare. The State Maintance Grant was one of the state welfare interventions where African women did not even know how or where to access the grant. When the Child Support Grant was introduced in 1998 it gave hope to the vulnerable section of the society, the children. The CSG is one of the poverty alleviation programs introduced by the government to target the poverty stricken children of South Africa. This is a means tested program which not all children are to benefit but a certain portion of the society. There are special conditions attached to the grant which require to be fulfilled. These conditions require the child to be fed, clothed, immunized, school needs be paid, and have proper accommodation. This study made use of the Mdantsane Township which is 25 km away from East London city centre as a case study to determine whether the CSG has managed to achieve its objective of relieving poverty among children, given the conditions of poverty and unemployment in Mdantsane. The findings of this study indicate that the people of Mdantsane are still in poverty and the most affected sections remain the children. The respondents indicate that the people are unemployed as a result the CSG seems to be the source of livelihood in these households leaving the children at a disadvantage as the grant is intended for x their own needs. Therefore there is a need to investigate whether the CSG has any impact on the lives of these children. Also since Eastern Cape is known to be one of the poorest provinces, it is important to investigate whether the CSG has become the source of livelihood in some households.
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Integrating natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems for rural economic development: a model for rural enterprise development, health and nutrition initiatives in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

- Lupuwana, Pumezo

  • Authors: Lupuwana, Pumezo
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Ethnobotany)
  • Identifier: vital:11884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/81 , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: This study demonstrated that the demographic profile of the Eastern Cape Province portrayed high levels of poverty and underdevelopment in the mostly rural population. This is despite the fact that the Eastern Cape is characterized by a rich endowment of natural resources, hosting a wide range of natural plant species, numerous rivers, water springs from mountains and no less than six biomes due to the variety of climatic conditions prevalent in the Province. In contrast, the natural resources found in the Province were regarded to have a high potential to grow and transform the economy of the Province. In this study, the integrated approach was conceptualized, developed and implemented in action within the rural communities selected with varying degrees of success, as a function of the material and objective socio-economic conditions prevailing in each community. A model for rural enterprise development based on agricultural production utilizing the principles of Community-Public-Private Partnerships was conceptualized and executed with the assistance of specialist professionals from various disciplines and organizations. Case studies structured on the basis of methodologies derived from the integration of natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the conceptual framework of the study as indicated by the following case studies. The first case study undertaken was the development of agricultural enterprises in the selected rural communities in joint ventures through the commercial production of food and vegetable crops for local markets and to provide nutrition for the rural communities as the first line of therapy against the HIV/AIDS infection and other diseases associated with malnutrition. The second case study was the establishment of an agricultural enterprise in partnership between rural communities, government agencies and agricultural specialist for the commercial production of grain crops, namely, Sorghum alternating with Wheat to satisfy the demand of local markets for these crops. The third case study was the establishment of a community-based enterprise through the commercial production of two Pelargonium plant species, namely, Pelargonium reniforme and P. sidoides. The two species had a high market demand in the pharmaceutical industry; hence, the plant species were V domestically cultivated to satisfy the industry demand and to ensure the survival of the plant species. The enterprise succeeded in sustaining the livelihoods of the rural communities and conserving the plant species. The fourth case study was the commercial production of essential oil-producing plants in six selected rural communities providing employment for some of the members of these communities even though the initial phase of the start-up enterprise was a trial cultivation to determine the suitability of the environmental and climatic conditions for the propagation of the selected essential-producing plants. The demand for essential oils in local and international markets was determined to relatively high. The incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems of the rural communities in the planning and implementation processes in the areas of Commercial Agricultural Production and Primary Health Care resulted in a gradual paradigm shift on the part of rural communities from a dependence mindset to one of self-reliance that is critical for sustainable rural economic development and the improvement of rural livelihoods. An integrated approach in the strategic planning and execution that involved the rural communities by government stakeholders, the academic community and other stakeholders from the Private Sector was piloted. The recognition of Indigenous Knowledge Systems by all the relevant stakeholders and their essential role in rural enterprise development, food production and primary health care as a pre-requisite for a successful transformation agenda was highlighted as never before. An all-inclusive approach that accorded the rural communities the status of equal partnership had a positive impact on most aspects of planning and implementing programmes for sustainable rural economic development and biodiversity conservation. Working in partnership with rural communities was found to be a challenge; hence, an understanding of the sub-cultures and the social dynamics that often manifested themselves in the form of internecine conflicts became necessary for successfully initiating the research programme in the rural communities. Furthermore, recognition of the rural communities as an integral part of the solution towards biodiversity conservation and the sustainable exploitation of natural resources was found to be a critical component for an effective strategy to ensure the continued survival of the endangered plant species. This attitude underpinned the co-operation of the rural communities and the overarching goals of rural transformation towards the consistent and sustainable improvement of rural livelihoods. Theapproach also marked a radical shift from all the preceeding practices in biodiversity conservation and the management of sustainable natural resource utilization. The study demonstrated that the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Natural Sciences for sustainable rural economic development with the ultimate strategic objective of contributing towards the reduction of poverty, the improvement of the quality and cost-effectiveness of primary health care and adequate food production is feasible.
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