A curriculum framework for undergraduate coastal and marine tourism university programmes
- Authors: Jonas, Lynn Cindy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Curricula , Tourism -- Study and teaching (Higher) Marine ecotourism Ecotourism -- Study and teaching (Higher) Tourism -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40006 , vital:35646
- Description: The ocean economy has gained increasing economic significance over the past several years. Marine tourism as an economic activity has increased tremendously over the past several years. Not only does marine tourism and leisure have the ability to create employment, but there are numerous entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry. The importance of the coastal and marine tourism sector is evident and research in this sector abounds however, the issue of marine tourism education has been neglected as an area of research. A need therefore exists for the creation of ocean economy related qualifications and programmes and this study developed a curriculum framework for undergraduate coastal and marine tourism university programmes around which future Coastal and Marine Tourism (CMT) programmes could be created. The research objectives were to firstly determine the coastal and marine tourism stakeholders and role players’ perceptions and expectations of undergraduate coastal and marine tourism education and graduate competencies. The second objective was to ascertain the statutory and policy matters that shape university programmes and finally to incorporate the UNESCO-IBE curriculum framework into undergraduate coastal and marine tourism university programmes. This study fit within the pragmatic paradigm and a mixed methods research approach was utilised with a multiphase design. The data collection process was divided into three phases with Phase One collecting qualitative data through content analysis, Phase Two collecting quantitative data through a survey with questionnaire as research instrument and Phase Three collecting qualitative data through a semi-structured interview with an interview schedule as research instrument. Phase One included document analysis in order to determine the subsectors of the CMT industry, statutory and policy documents to determine programme development regulations as well as collected information regarding the socio-economic environment of the country. Phase Two collected data from industry operators and Phase Three collected data from educators and industry association representatives. The study identified four sub-sectors of the CMT industry namely Conservation Areas, Coastal and Marine Adventure Activities, Land-based Marine Tourism Attractions and Marine Resources and Recreation. All three phases of data collection were utilised to develop these four sub-sectors. The pertinent findings of Phase One indicate that the socio-economic environment in which the CMT programme would be developed is one with a slow economic growth rate, low numeracy and literacy levels with high numbers of unemployed graduates. Language policies are critical in order to accommodate English second language speakers. Furthermore, there are low levels of academics with doctoral degrees with targets to improve the status quo. Phase Two data collection notes that industry operators would prefer a programme that has strong practical and vocational focus with matters such as excursions, work-based learning and alternative teaching methods being important. These findings are supported during Phase Three data collection with educators and industry association representatives placing stronger focus on practical presentation of content and engagement with industry through site visits and demonstration of activities to students. Based on the findings in all three phases, a schematic of the CMT curriculum framework is developed and presented. Recommendations are made for the implementation of the CMT curriculum framework in order to identify omissions and to include the student voice. Stronger linkages should also be forged between industry and academia in order to facilitate the CMT programme. Further research could also test and implement the four identified sub-sectors in order to determine its suitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jonas, Lynn Cindy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Curricula , Tourism -- Study and teaching (Higher) Marine ecotourism Ecotourism -- Study and teaching (Higher) Tourism -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40006 , vital:35646
- Description: The ocean economy has gained increasing economic significance over the past several years. Marine tourism as an economic activity has increased tremendously over the past several years. Not only does marine tourism and leisure have the ability to create employment, but there are numerous entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry. The importance of the coastal and marine tourism sector is evident and research in this sector abounds however, the issue of marine tourism education has been neglected as an area of research. A need therefore exists for the creation of ocean economy related qualifications and programmes and this study developed a curriculum framework for undergraduate coastal and marine tourism university programmes around which future Coastal and Marine Tourism (CMT) programmes could be created. The research objectives were to firstly determine the coastal and marine tourism stakeholders and role players’ perceptions and expectations of undergraduate coastal and marine tourism education and graduate competencies. The second objective was to ascertain the statutory and policy matters that shape university programmes and finally to incorporate the UNESCO-IBE curriculum framework into undergraduate coastal and marine tourism university programmes. This study fit within the pragmatic paradigm and a mixed methods research approach was utilised with a multiphase design. The data collection process was divided into three phases with Phase One collecting qualitative data through content analysis, Phase Two collecting quantitative data through a survey with questionnaire as research instrument and Phase Three collecting qualitative data through a semi-structured interview with an interview schedule as research instrument. Phase One included document analysis in order to determine the subsectors of the CMT industry, statutory and policy documents to determine programme development regulations as well as collected information regarding the socio-economic environment of the country. Phase Two collected data from industry operators and Phase Three collected data from educators and industry association representatives. The study identified four sub-sectors of the CMT industry namely Conservation Areas, Coastal and Marine Adventure Activities, Land-based Marine Tourism Attractions and Marine Resources and Recreation. All three phases of data collection were utilised to develop these four sub-sectors. The pertinent findings of Phase One indicate that the socio-economic environment in which the CMT programme would be developed is one with a slow economic growth rate, low numeracy and literacy levels with high numbers of unemployed graduates. Language policies are critical in order to accommodate English second language speakers. Furthermore, there are low levels of academics with doctoral degrees with targets to improve the status quo. Phase Two data collection notes that industry operators would prefer a programme that has strong practical and vocational focus with matters such as excursions, work-based learning and alternative teaching methods being important. These findings are supported during Phase Three data collection with educators and industry association representatives placing stronger focus on practical presentation of content and engagement with industry through site visits and demonstration of activities to students. Based on the findings in all three phases, a schematic of the CMT curriculum framework is developed and presented. Recommendations are made for the implementation of the CMT curriculum framework in order to identify omissions and to include the student voice. Stronger linkages should also be forged between industry and academia in order to facilitate the CMT programme. Further research could also test and implement the four identified sub-sectors in order to determine its suitability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Pre-service education students’ application of visualisation strategies to solve mathematical word-problems
- Authors: Shaw, Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Word problems (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16604 , vital:40735
- Description: This classroom-based action research dissertation examined visualisation strategies used by pre-service Intermediate Phase PGCE education students to solve mathematical word-problems. The setting was an Eastern Cape university. Previous literature indicated a positive correlation between the use of visual scaffolds and success in solving word problems. However, a gap was found insofar as little research had been published on the application of visualisation to word-problems by student teachers in South Africa. This thesis advances our understanding of the role visualisation may play in assisting student teachers to solve word-problems. The theoretic framework was informed by Bruner’s theory of learning. The research was grounded in the hermeneutic tradition. An interpretivist research paradigm was expedited by using an inductive, naturalistic perspective and relativist ontology. Thirty-eight student-teachers participated in the study. Parallel and convergent qualitative and quantitative data gathering instruments were used, thereby facilitating triangulation and examination for microgenesis. It was found that vestiges of past teaching practices initially limited the participants’ knowledge to a deeply-flawed, banking model of routines and an instrumental perception of mathematics. Disruptive calls for social justice impeded progress. Albeit visualisation strategies liberated understanding, many foundational concepts and skills had to be reconstructed. The confluence of time and rehearsal culminated in some measure of expertise. Sustained effort enabled new knowledge to be compressed and consigned to long-term memory. Salient visual representations assisted participants to conceptualise relational mathematical meta-concepts and reduced the cognitive demands imposed by word-problems but that achievement was a hard-won prize.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Shaw, Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Word problems (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16604 , vital:40735
- Description: This classroom-based action research dissertation examined visualisation strategies used by pre-service Intermediate Phase PGCE education students to solve mathematical word-problems. The setting was an Eastern Cape university. Previous literature indicated a positive correlation between the use of visual scaffolds and success in solving word problems. However, a gap was found insofar as little research had been published on the application of visualisation to word-problems by student teachers in South Africa. This thesis advances our understanding of the role visualisation may play in assisting student teachers to solve word-problems. The theoretic framework was informed by Bruner’s theory of learning. The research was grounded in the hermeneutic tradition. An interpretivist research paradigm was expedited by using an inductive, naturalistic perspective and relativist ontology. Thirty-eight student-teachers participated in the study. Parallel and convergent qualitative and quantitative data gathering instruments were used, thereby facilitating triangulation and examination for microgenesis. It was found that vestiges of past teaching practices initially limited the participants’ knowledge to a deeply-flawed, banking model of routines and an instrumental perception of mathematics. Disruptive calls for social justice impeded progress. Albeit visualisation strategies liberated understanding, many foundational concepts and skills had to be reconstructed. The confluence of time and rehearsal culminated in some measure of expertise. Sustained effort enabled new knowledge to be compressed and consigned to long-term memory. Salient visual representations assisted participants to conceptualise relational mathematical meta-concepts and reduced the cognitive demands imposed by word-problems but that achievement was a hard-won prize.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Patriarchy and the participation of women in Zimbabwean national politics: a study of selected women Politicians in Matabeleland Region
- Authors: Manyevere, Sithabile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women politicians Women -- Political activity -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17506 , vital:41082
- Description: The research sought to analyse how patriarchal perceptions have affected women in Zimbabwean national politics with specific focus on women politicians in Matabeleland region. The researcher observed that women politicians in this region seem to face multiple oppressions and yet seem to have been excluded in previous studies. The mixed method approach was adopted for the research. Questionnaires were used for the quantitative method, while key informant interviews and focus group discussions were utilised for the qualitative method. Findings from the survey revealed stereotypical perceptions such as that men are better leaders than women, women are not capable of holding decision making positions and the perception that politics is not safe for women. The findings from the key informants indicate that women politicians in Matabeleland face quite a number of challenges emanating from these patriarchal perceptions. The challenges include violence, humiliation and cultural stigmatization. Although women have attempted to resist patriarchy, it seems that the resistance has not been enough to eliminate the patriarchal mentality and the oppressions that accompany it. The research adopts a combination of feminist and intersectionality theory as a framework for analysis of the problem under investigation. The research potentially contributes to academic discourse by advancing literature on the multi-faceted aspects of patriarchy. The study recommends psychological and financial empowerment of women, electoral reforms and criminalization of offenders. The implementation of proper reforms and corrective measures envisage the long-awaited new dawn among women whom since time memorial, have been suppressed by deep-seated societal and patriarchal beliefs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Manyevere, Sithabile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women politicians Women -- Political activity -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17506 , vital:41082
- Description: The research sought to analyse how patriarchal perceptions have affected women in Zimbabwean national politics with specific focus on women politicians in Matabeleland region. The researcher observed that women politicians in this region seem to face multiple oppressions and yet seem to have been excluded in previous studies. The mixed method approach was adopted for the research. Questionnaires were used for the quantitative method, while key informant interviews and focus group discussions were utilised for the qualitative method. Findings from the survey revealed stereotypical perceptions such as that men are better leaders than women, women are not capable of holding decision making positions and the perception that politics is not safe for women. The findings from the key informants indicate that women politicians in Matabeleland face quite a number of challenges emanating from these patriarchal perceptions. The challenges include violence, humiliation and cultural stigmatization. Although women have attempted to resist patriarchy, it seems that the resistance has not been enough to eliminate the patriarchal mentality and the oppressions that accompany it. The research adopts a combination of feminist and intersectionality theory as a framework for analysis of the problem under investigation. The research potentially contributes to academic discourse by advancing literature on the multi-faceted aspects of patriarchy. The study recommends psychological and financial empowerment of women, electoral reforms and criminalization of offenders. The implementation of proper reforms and corrective measures envisage the long-awaited new dawn among women whom since time memorial, have been suppressed by deep-seated societal and patriarchal beliefs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Photophysical properties and photodynamic therapy activities of symmetrical and asymmetrical porphyrins embedded into Pluronic polymer micelles and nonlinear optical properties of an asymmetrical phthalocyanine
- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni Elizabeth
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Porphyrins , Phthalocyanines
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67625 , vital:29122
- Description: This work reports on the synthesis of symmetrical and asymmetrical novel porphyrins that have been incorporated into Pluronic polymers, as well as the synthesis of asymmetrical phthalocyanine. The new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), mass spectrometry and UV–Visible spectroscopy. The porphyrins that are synthesised were not water soluble but upon incorporating into Pluronic polymer micelles, they became water soluble. The polymer was also modified and linked to folic acid, to enhance selectivity for photodynamic therapy application, where MCF7 breast cancer cells were used. The singlet oxygen quantum yields were lower for the metal free porphyrins as compared to metalled ones due to the heavy atom effect of ClGa, Zn and Cl2Si in the latter which encourages intersystem crossing to the triplet state. Singlet oxygen quantum yields for water soluble derivatives increased upon being encapsulated into the micelles for all. The Stern-Volmer constant (Ksv), binding constant (Kb) and number of binding sites (n) were investigated in order to understand the interaction between the polymer micelles and the porphyrins, and it was showed that the central metals play a role in the manner which the porphyrin interacts with the micelles. The dark toxicity and photodynamic activity of the novel porphyrins upon encapsulating to Pluronic polymer micelles is also reported. There was minimal dark toxicity for all complexes with > 90% cell survival. The photodynamic activity of water insoluble porphyrins improved when encapsulated into the micelles. Novel asymmetrical phthalocyanines were also synthesised for nonlinear optics (NLO) studies in solution and thin films.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni Elizabeth
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Porphyrins , Phthalocyanines
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67625 , vital:29122
- Description: This work reports on the synthesis of symmetrical and asymmetrical novel porphyrins that have been incorporated into Pluronic polymers, as well as the synthesis of asymmetrical phthalocyanine. The new compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), mass spectrometry and UV–Visible spectroscopy. The porphyrins that are synthesised were not water soluble but upon incorporating into Pluronic polymer micelles, they became water soluble. The polymer was also modified and linked to folic acid, to enhance selectivity for photodynamic therapy application, where MCF7 breast cancer cells were used. The singlet oxygen quantum yields were lower for the metal free porphyrins as compared to metalled ones due to the heavy atom effect of ClGa, Zn and Cl2Si in the latter which encourages intersystem crossing to the triplet state. Singlet oxygen quantum yields for water soluble derivatives increased upon being encapsulated into the micelles for all. The Stern-Volmer constant (Ksv), binding constant (Kb) and number of binding sites (n) were investigated in order to understand the interaction between the polymer micelles and the porphyrins, and it was showed that the central metals play a role in the manner which the porphyrin interacts with the micelles. The dark toxicity and photodynamic activity of the novel porphyrins upon encapsulating to Pluronic polymer micelles is also reported. There was minimal dark toxicity for all complexes with > 90% cell survival. The photodynamic activity of water insoluble porphyrins improved when encapsulated into the micelles. Novel asymmetrical phthalocyanines were also synthesised for nonlinear optics (NLO) studies in solution and thin films.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring emotional intelligence perceptions of school leaders in relation to social justice: a case study
- Authors: Bese, Samuel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Educational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36529 , vital:33963
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore school leaders’ perceptions of intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional intelligence (EI) in relation to social justice aspects, such as equity, access and inclusive participation in the Libode Educational District of Eastern Cape Province. This district, like many other rural districts in South Africa, has to face critical leadership issues, which have an influence on how school leaders could enact social justice practices in schools (DoE, 2012). This qualitative study employed twelve in-depth interview research participants, which included 6 purposively selected principals and 6 deputy principals. Data collection and content analysis also included the following: 6 focus group interviews with head of departments (HODs) and school governing bodies (SGBs); document analysis of the minutes of school meetings; and Department of Education (DoE) memorandums. The key findings that emerged through the descriptive, exploratory, social interpretive perspectives used in this study revealed the relevance of: • school leaders’ perceptions of intrapersonal EI in enhancing social justice practices with regard to equity, access, and inclusive participation; and • school leaders’ perceptions of interpersonal EI in enhancing social justice practices with regard to equity, access, and inclusive participation. The research participants’ perceptions of EI promoted deeper understanding of how school leaders could engage in social justice in relation to school leadership, teamwork, building bonds, developing others, becoming change agents, and managing conflicts in their schools. The study also captured that EI leaders can greatly manage their emotions to enhance their abilities to identify and control their destructive impulses as well as understanding and handling others’ emotions. It would be commendable for school leaders to have a deeper understanding of how their emotions could enhance social justice in their schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bese, Samuel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Educational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36529 , vital:33963
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore school leaders’ perceptions of intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional intelligence (EI) in relation to social justice aspects, such as equity, access and inclusive participation in the Libode Educational District of Eastern Cape Province. This district, like many other rural districts in South Africa, has to face critical leadership issues, which have an influence on how school leaders could enact social justice practices in schools (DoE, 2012). This qualitative study employed twelve in-depth interview research participants, which included 6 purposively selected principals and 6 deputy principals. Data collection and content analysis also included the following: 6 focus group interviews with head of departments (HODs) and school governing bodies (SGBs); document analysis of the minutes of school meetings; and Department of Education (DoE) memorandums. The key findings that emerged through the descriptive, exploratory, social interpretive perspectives used in this study revealed the relevance of: • school leaders’ perceptions of intrapersonal EI in enhancing social justice practices with regard to equity, access, and inclusive participation; and • school leaders’ perceptions of interpersonal EI in enhancing social justice practices with regard to equity, access, and inclusive participation. The research participants’ perceptions of EI promoted deeper understanding of how school leaders could engage in social justice in relation to school leadership, teamwork, building bonds, developing others, becoming change agents, and managing conflicts in their schools. The study also captured that EI leaders can greatly manage their emotions to enhance their abilities to identify and control their destructive impulses as well as understanding and handling others’ emotions. It would be commendable for school leaders to have a deeper understanding of how their emotions could enhance social justice in their schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A model for using learners' online behaviour to inform differentiated instructional design in MOODLE
- Authors: Leppan, Ronald George
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cyberspace -- Psychological aspects , Web applications in libraries Moodle Special education -- Computer programs Computer-assisted instruction -- Computer programs Open source software
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40393 , vital:36155
- Description: This thesis proposes a learning analytics-based process model, derived from a web analytics process, which aims to build a learner profile of attributes from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instructional design in Moodle. Commercial websites are rife with examples of personalisation based on web analytics, while the personalisation of online learning has not yet gained such widespread adoption. Several Instructional Design Models recommend that, in addition to taking prior knowledge and learning outcomes into account, instruction should also be informed by learner attributes. Learning design choices should be made based on unique learner attributes that influence their learning processes. Learner attributes are generally derived from well-known learning styles and associated learning style questionnaires. However, there are some criticisms of learning style theories and the use of questionnaires to create a learner profile. Attributes that can be inferred from learners’ online behaviour could provide a more dynamic learner profile. Education institutions are increasingly using Learning Management Systems, such as Moodle, to deliver and manage online learning. Moodle is not designed to create a learner profile or provide differentiated instruction. However, the abundant data generated by learners accessing course material presented in Moodle provides an opportunity for educators to build such a dynamic learner profile. Individual learner profiles can be used by educators who desire to tailor instruction to the needs of their learners. The proposed model was developed and evaluated using an iterative design focused approach that incorporates characteristics of a web analytics process, instructional design models, Learning Management Systems, educational data mining and adaptive education technologies. At each iteration, the model was evaluated using a technical risk and efficacy strategy. This strategy proposes a formative evaluation in an artificial setting. Evaluation criteria used include relevance, consistency, practicality and utility. The contributions of this thesis address the lack of prescriptive guidance on how to analyse learner online behaviours in order to differentiate learning design in Moodle. The theoretical contribution is a model for a dynamic data-driven approach to profile building and a phased differentiated learning design in a Learning Management System. The practical contribution is an evaluation of the expected practicality and utility of learner modelling from Moodle log files and the provision of tailored instruction using standard Moodle tools. The proposed model recommends that educators should define goals, develop Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to measure goal attainment, collect and analyse suitable metrics towards KPIs, test optional alternative hypotheses and implement actionable insights. To enable differentiated instruction, two phases are necessary: learner modelling and differentiated learning design. Both phases rely on the selection of suitable attributes which influence learning processes, and which can be dynamically inferred from online behaviours. In differentiated learning design, the selection/creation and sequencing of Learning Objects are influenced by the learner attributes. In learner modelling, the data sources and data analysis techniques should enable the discovery of the learner attributes that was catered for in the learning design. Educators who follow the steps described in the proposed model will be capable of building a learner profile from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instruction based on any learning style theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A model for using learners' online behaviour to inform differentiated instructional design in MOODLE
- Authors: Leppan, Ronald George
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cyberspace -- Psychological aspects , Web applications in libraries Moodle Special education -- Computer programs Computer-assisted instruction -- Computer programs Open source software
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40393 , vital:36155
- Description: This thesis proposes a learning analytics-based process model, derived from a web analytics process, which aims to build a learner profile of attributes from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instructional design in Moodle. Commercial websites are rife with examples of personalisation based on web analytics, while the personalisation of online learning has not yet gained such widespread adoption. Several Instructional Design Models recommend that, in addition to taking prior knowledge and learning outcomes into account, instruction should also be informed by learner attributes. Learning design choices should be made based on unique learner attributes that influence their learning processes. Learner attributes are generally derived from well-known learning styles and associated learning style questionnaires. However, there are some criticisms of learning style theories and the use of questionnaires to create a learner profile. Attributes that can be inferred from learners’ online behaviour could provide a more dynamic learner profile. Education institutions are increasingly using Learning Management Systems, such as Moodle, to deliver and manage online learning. Moodle is not designed to create a learner profile or provide differentiated instruction. However, the abundant data generated by learners accessing course material presented in Moodle provides an opportunity for educators to build such a dynamic learner profile. Individual learner profiles can be used by educators who desire to tailor instruction to the needs of their learners. The proposed model was developed and evaluated using an iterative design focused approach that incorporates characteristics of a web analytics process, instructional design models, Learning Management Systems, educational data mining and adaptive education technologies. At each iteration, the model was evaluated using a technical risk and efficacy strategy. This strategy proposes a formative evaluation in an artificial setting. Evaluation criteria used include relevance, consistency, practicality and utility. The contributions of this thesis address the lack of prescriptive guidance on how to analyse learner online behaviours in order to differentiate learning design in Moodle. The theoretical contribution is a model for a dynamic data-driven approach to profile building and a phased differentiated learning design in a Learning Management System. The practical contribution is an evaluation of the expected practicality and utility of learner modelling from Moodle log files and the provision of tailored instruction using standard Moodle tools. The proposed model recommends that educators should define goals, develop Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to measure goal attainment, collect and analyse suitable metrics towards KPIs, test optional alternative hypotheses and implement actionable insights. To enable differentiated instruction, two phases are necessary: learner modelling and differentiated learning design. Both phases rely on the selection of suitable attributes which influence learning processes, and which can be dynamically inferred from online behaviours. In differentiated learning design, the selection/creation and sequencing of Learning Objects are influenced by the learner attributes. In learner modelling, the data sources and data analysis techniques should enable the discovery of the learner attributes that was catered for in the learning design. Educators who follow the steps described in the proposed model will be capable of building a learner profile from Moodle log files that can be used for differentiated instruction based on any learning style theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Using a social-ecological systems approach to investigate hillslope seep wetlands ecosystem structure and functionality in the Tsitsa River catchment, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Libala, Notiswa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Wetland management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Slopes (Physical geography) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Vegetation management -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River Catchment , Land degradation -- Control -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River Catchment , Grazing -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River Catchment , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River Catchment , Wetland plants -- Effect of grazing on
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115936 , vital:34270
- Description: Wetlands are critical ecosystems that can provide services of great social, economic and environmental value to the society. Yet, in South Africa, hillslope seep wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems due to human-induced activities and are disappearing rapidly. Further, despite the potential vulnerability of hillslope seep wetland to disturbances, and their criticality in relation to all year round provision of forage for livestock grazing, they are among the most poorly studied wetland systems. Using a social-ecological system framing, and drawing on a range of ecological and social sciences methods, this study shed light on ways in which an integrative approach can contribute to sustainable utilisation of hillslope seep wetlands in the Tsitsa River catchment in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The study specific objectives were to i) evaluate the performance of Floristic Quality Assessment Index (FQAI), WET-Health and Floristic Assessment Quotient for Wetlands Index (FQAWet) indices for assessing hillslope seep wetlands ecological health ii) develop a trait-based approach for assessing the potential resilience and vulnerability of hillslope seep wetland plant species to disturbances, iii) assess the role of hillslope seep wetlands in the local communities in relation to livestock, and explore understanding of local people about the value of hillslope seep wetlands, iv) demonstrate collaborative insights emerging from an integrative social-ecological system research process to inform sustainable management of hillslope seep wetlands. A total of 11 hillslope seep wetlands were visually classified based on the level of erosion. Plant species composition within the wetlands was determined along a 100 m line transects across the hillslope wetland sites. 5 quadrats of 0.2m2 were also placed along transect for vegetation collection and cover. The plant species collected were used to calculate (FQAI) and FQAWet scores to evaluate the condition of hillslope seep wetlands. The degree of human disturbances was assessed using the Anthropogenic Activity Index (AAI), an index for qualitatively assessing the degree of human disturbance based on visual inspection of a wetland site. Factors represented in the AAI, include: (i) surrounding land use intensity; (ii) soil disturbance; (iii) hydrological alteration; (iv) habitat alteration within wetland; (v) vegetation community quality. The vegetation samples were collected in summer 2016 and winter 2017. All assessed indices were regressed against AAI to evaluate their performances. All assessed indices FQAI, FQAWet and WET-Health showed that hillslope seep wetland were impacted by human activities. FQAIall and WET-Health showed the strongest response to AAI in winter, while FQAIdom and FAQWet showed a weak response to AAI in all seasons. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that FQAIall and WET-Health are potentially better tools for assessing the biological conditions of hillslope seep wetland in South Africa. A novel trait-based approach was developed using seven plant traits and 27 trait attributes. Based on the developed approach, plant species were grouped into three potentially vulnerable groups in relation to grazing pressure. It was then predicted that species belonging to the highly vulnerable group would be less dominant at the highly disturbed sites, as well as in the winter season when grazing pressure is at its highest. The result corresponds largely with the seasonal predictions; however this was not the case for sites. The approach developed in this study worked and it was useful for predicting the potential responses of plant species in hillslope seep wetlands to grazing pressure. The success of the approach seasonally could be attributed to the careful selection of the traits, reflecting the mechanistic relationship between the grazing mode of stress on vegetation and trait-mediated biotic response. However, this still need to be refined using accurate vegetation cover methods that might have had impact on the lack of correspondence within sites. The results of the present study revealed that communities largely perceive hillslope seep wetlands as important ecosystems for their livelihoods. They recognise that the importance stems from services provided by the wetlands, particularly for livestock grazing during the dry season. Although hillslope seep wetlands are viewed as important ecosystems for livelihoods, the communities also perceive these wetlands as highly eroded ecosystems. Community members indicate willingness to strengthen local natural resource governance systems, which could lead to better management of hillslope seep wetlands. A range of protective strategies for hillslope seep were suggested by community members, including fencing, active herding and rotational grazing. The study suggests that active involvement of local communities is critical to the successful management of natural resources. The study highlights the need to consider the role of local people as influential components within social-ecological systems in order to promote effective management and conservation interventions of hillslope seep wetlands. Overall, the study highlights the criticality of an integrative social-ecological system approach for holistic management of hillslope seep wetlands within the studied catchment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Libala, Notiswa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Wetland management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Slopes (Physical geography) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Vegetation management -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River Catchment , Land degradation -- Control -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River Catchment , Grazing -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River Catchment , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Tsitsa River Catchment , Wetland plants -- Effect of grazing on
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115936 , vital:34270
- Description: Wetlands are critical ecosystems that can provide services of great social, economic and environmental value to the society. Yet, in South Africa, hillslope seep wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems due to human-induced activities and are disappearing rapidly. Further, despite the potential vulnerability of hillslope seep wetland to disturbances, and their criticality in relation to all year round provision of forage for livestock grazing, they are among the most poorly studied wetland systems. Using a social-ecological system framing, and drawing on a range of ecological and social sciences methods, this study shed light on ways in which an integrative approach can contribute to sustainable utilisation of hillslope seep wetlands in the Tsitsa River catchment in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The study specific objectives were to i) evaluate the performance of Floristic Quality Assessment Index (FQAI), WET-Health and Floristic Assessment Quotient for Wetlands Index (FQAWet) indices for assessing hillslope seep wetlands ecological health ii) develop a trait-based approach for assessing the potential resilience and vulnerability of hillslope seep wetland plant species to disturbances, iii) assess the role of hillslope seep wetlands in the local communities in relation to livestock, and explore understanding of local people about the value of hillslope seep wetlands, iv) demonstrate collaborative insights emerging from an integrative social-ecological system research process to inform sustainable management of hillslope seep wetlands. A total of 11 hillslope seep wetlands were visually classified based on the level of erosion. Plant species composition within the wetlands was determined along a 100 m line transects across the hillslope wetland sites. 5 quadrats of 0.2m2 were also placed along transect for vegetation collection and cover. The plant species collected were used to calculate (FQAI) and FQAWet scores to evaluate the condition of hillslope seep wetlands. The degree of human disturbances was assessed using the Anthropogenic Activity Index (AAI), an index for qualitatively assessing the degree of human disturbance based on visual inspection of a wetland site. Factors represented in the AAI, include: (i) surrounding land use intensity; (ii) soil disturbance; (iii) hydrological alteration; (iv) habitat alteration within wetland; (v) vegetation community quality. The vegetation samples were collected in summer 2016 and winter 2017. All assessed indices were regressed against AAI to evaluate their performances. All assessed indices FQAI, FQAWet and WET-Health showed that hillslope seep wetland were impacted by human activities. FQAIall and WET-Health showed the strongest response to AAI in winter, while FQAIdom and FAQWet showed a weak response to AAI in all seasons. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that FQAIall and WET-Health are potentially better tools for assessing the biological conditions of hillslope seep wetland in South Africa. A novel trait-based approach was developed using seven plant traits and 27 trait attributes. Based on the developed approach, plant species were grouped into three potentially vulnerable groups in relation to grazing pressure. It was then predicted that species belonging to the highly vulnerable group would be less dominant at the highly disturbed sites, as well as in the winter season when grazing pressure is at its highest. The result corresponds largely with the seasonal predictions; however this was not the case for sites. The approach developed in this study worked and it was useful for predicting the potential responses of plant species in hillslope seep wetlands to grazing pressure. The success of the approach seasonally could be attributed to the careful selection of the traits, reflecting the mechanistic relationship between the grazing mode of stress on vegetation and trait-mediated biotic response. However, this still need to be refined using accurate vegetation cover methods that might have had impact on the lack of correspondence within sites. The results of the present study revealed that communities largely perceive hillslope seep wetlands as important ecosystems for their livelihoods. They recognise that the importance stems from services provided by the wetlands, particularly for livestock grazing during the dry season. Although hillslope seep wetlands are viewed as important ecosystems for livelihoods, the communities also perceive these wetlands as highly eroded ecosystems. Community members indicate willingness to strengthen local natural resource governance systems, which could lead to better management of hillslope seep wetlands. A range of protective strategies for hillslope seep were suggested by community members, including fencing, active herding and rotational grazing. The study suggests that active involvement of local communities is critical to the successful management of natural resources. The study highlights the need to consider the role of local people as influential components within social-ecological systems in order to promote effective management and conservation interventions of hillslope seep wetlands. Overall, the study highlights the criticality of an integrative social-ecological system approach for holistic management of hillslope seep wetlands within the studied catchment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Aiding the education agenda? the role of non-governmental organisations in learner performance and retention in Joza, Grahamstown, South Africa
- Authors: Nomsenge, Sinazo Onela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Black people -- Education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Joza Youth Hub (Makhanda) , Upstart Youth Development Project (Makhanda) , Village Scribe Association (Makhanda) , Ikamba Youth (Makhanda) , Access Music Project(Makhanda)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76468 , vital:30568
- Description: This thesis describes the network of complexities that characterise the world and work of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). It examines the ways in which organisations navigate different internal, sectoral and contextual intricacies while operating under the command of their chosen developmental mandates. This description is drawn from a sociological analysis of the internal workings of education NGOs, their external affiliations as well as the negotiations which underpin their operations and survival. Collectively, the careful illustration of these underpinnings outlines both the role that NGOs play in the performance and retention of learners in the Grahamstown-east township of Joza and also their position in the town’s basic education sector. Private and non-governmental interveners have, particularly from the closing decades of the 20th century, been conceptually and operationally deployed as panaceas of the socio-economic scarcities which continue to pervade much of the ‘developing’ world. Their involvement in the socio-economic missions of populations living in the Global South has grown both laterally and in the depth of how development is understood and defined, carried out and also measured. NGOs, as widely acclaimed institutional arms of global development imperatives, therefore assume prominent positions in framing policy and implementation models, prescribing performance benchmarks and pronouncing non-compliance. Likewise, education NGOs have obtained normative prescription status in global education policy and practice largely on the back of the Education for All (EFA) objectives, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the neo-liberal logics which have championed state retreat in favour of private sector ascendance in globalised development. This, in conjunction with the persistent struggles of educational transformation in the Global South, has given NGOs little trouble in legitimising their prominent presence in education and other sectors of socio-economic relief in these parts of the world. Little illusion remains however, in many commentary circles, of the role of NGOs in advancing development ideals, the honesty of their altruistic intents, their ideological leanings as well as their efficacy in carrying out their mandates. As such, the logics which have been used to dethrone developing state structures in order to expand the space for private intervention along with the prevailing and deepening markers of educational underperformance, have been central features of the criticisms levelled against NGOs. This thesis intervenes in these ongoing reflections by describing the role of NGOs in educational outcomes, particularly learner performance and retention in Joza. This analysis demonstrates the organisational, sector-level and broader community forces which influence not only the form which non-state interventions take on and the daily preoccupations of their carriers but broadly, the position they occupy in the town’s overall educational profile. By way of locating NGOs within Grahamstown’s educational landscape, this thesis first demonstrates, the conflicted nature of NGO operations from an international, sectoral, national, local and organisational level. The discussion then illustrates how the preoccupations of NGOs are scattered between the different communities which they occupy within these levels. Their reliance on these players demands that organisations be tactical in guarding both their survival and, at times, the conflicting allegiances which grant them different forms of legitimacy. Internal struggles which characterise this imbalance of forces results in a trade-off which often favours organisational preservation mechanisms over systemic educational overhaul. As such, while non-state interveners can be lauded for extending educational support to those who would otherwise not have such, the gains of NGO intervention are often absorbed by internal urgencies for organisational legitimacy and preservation. This, in a context which possesses a unique set of socio-economic and educational deficits that require, at the very least, radical and unbridled mediation, means that pre-existing inequalities in educational inputs and outcomes along with the resultant inequities in youth socio-economic prospects, can find refuge in the very sector whose support and intervention is sought out and justified for such. This thesis lays out the nuances of these tensions and contradictions and offers this case as a point of reference for further considerations of the persistent markers of underperformance which characterise developing communities that enjoy high concentrations of non-state educational intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nomsenge, Sinazo Onela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Black people -- Education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Education -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Joza Youth Hub (Makhanda) , Upstart Youth Development Project (Makhanda) , Village Scribe Association (Makhanda) , Ikamba Youth (Makhanda) , Access Music Project(Makhanda)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76468 , vital:30568
- Description: This thesis describes the network of complexities that characterise the world and work of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). It examines the ways in which organisations navigate different internal, sectoral and contextual intricacies while operating under the command of their chosen developmental mandates. This description is drawn from a sociological analysis of the internal workings of education NGOs, their external affiliations as well as the negotiations which underpin their operations and survival. Collectively, the careful illustration of these underpinnings outlines both the role that NGOs play in the performance and retention of learners in the Grahamstown-east township of Joza and also their position in the town’s basic education sector. Private and non-governmental interveners have, particularly from the closing decades of the 20th century, been conceptually and operationally deployed as panaceas of the socio-economic scarcities which continue to pervade much of the ‘developing’ world. Their involvement in the socio-economic missions of populations living in the Global South has grown both laterally and in the depth of how development is understood and defined, carried out and also measured. NGOs, as widely acclaimed institutional arms of global development imperatives, therefore assume prominent positions in framing policy and implementation models, prescribing performance benchmarks and pronouncing non-compliance. Likewise, education NGOs have obtained normative prescription status in global education policy and practice largely on the back of the Education for All (EFA) objectives, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the neo-liberal logics which have championed state retreat in favour of private sector ascendance in globalised development. This, in conjunction with the persistent struggles of educational transformation in the Global South, has given NGOs little trouble in legitimising their prominent presence in education and other sectors of socio-economic relief in these parts of the world. Little illusion remains however, in many commentary circles, of the role of NGOs in advancing development ideals, the honesty of their altruistic intents, their ideological leanings as well as their efficacy in carrying out their mandates. As such, the logics which have been used to dethrone developing state structures in order to expand the space for private intervention along with the prevailing and deepening markers of educational underperformance, have been central features of the criticisms levelled against NGOs. This thesis intervenes in these ongoing reflections by describing the role of NGOs in educational outcomes, particularly learner performance and retention in Joza. This analysis demonstrates the organisational, sector-level and broader community forces which influence not only the form which non-state interventions take on and the daily preoccupations of their carriers but broadly, the position they occupy in the town’s overall educational profile. By way of locating NGOs within Grahamstown’s educational landscape, this thesis first demonstrates, the conflicted nature of NGO operations from an international, sectoral, national, local and organisational level. The discussion then illustrates how the preoccupations of NGOs are scattered between the different communities which they occupy within these levels. Their reliance on these players demands that organisations be tactical in guarding both their survival and, at times, the conflicting allegiances which grant them different forms of legitimacy. Internal struggles which characterise this imbalance of forces results in a trade-off which often favours organisational preservation mechanisms over systemic educational overhaul. As such, while non-state interveners can be lauded for extending educational support to those who would otherwise not have such, the gains of NGO intervention are often absorbed by internal urgencies for organisational legitimacy and preservation. This, in a context which possesses a unique set of socio-economic and educational deficits that require, at the very least, radical and unbridled mediation, means that pre-existing inequalities in educational inputs and outcomes along with the resultant inequities in youth socio-economic prospects, can find refuge in the very sector whose support and intervention is sought out and justified for such. This thesis lays out the nuances of these tensions and contradictions and offers this case as a point of reference for further considerations of the persistent markers of underperformance which characterise developing communities that enjoy high concentrations of non-state educational intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Implementation of school-based assessment in high schools, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa : implications for teaching and learning
- Authors: Chipfiko, Jack
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: High schools -- Examinations Educational tests and measurements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15892 , vital:40549
- Description: The purpose of any education system is to deliver a quality educational product. Various forms of assessment are used to ensure the suitability of the product and inform decisions. In South Africa, School-Based Assessment(SBA) is one of the tools used to assess the content competences, skills, values and attitudes; to provide learners, parents and teachers with results that are a meaningful indication of what the learners know, understand and can do at the time of assessment (DBE, 2012). Surprisingly, on a yearly basis, Umalusi reports reveal that SBA marks are rejected resulting in the learners being resulted on mostly the year end examination. The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of SBA with a view to unearth the factors contributing to the perennial rejection of SBA marks, resulting in learners from some schools being unfairly assessed. To explore the research problem, a mixed methods study, employing a concurrent triangulation design, was employed. Total Quality Management theory was the theoretical framework anchoring this study. Sub research questions to interrogate the research problem focused on examining the roles of the teachers, learners and parents in the implementation of SBA; assessing the structures in place to support the implementation of SBA; examining how teachers, learners and parents play complementary roles in the implementation of SBA; and identifying strategies to enhance the implementation of SBA in South African (SA) high schools. Data were collected using Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions with purposively selected samples of teachers, learners and SGB chairpersons from high schools in White River Circuit in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. The use of mixed methods produced quantitative and qualitative data which were independently analysed and merged during interpretation. Findings revealed that: participants and respondents confirmed the various roles of SBA in teaching and learning; structures were in place to support the implementation of SBA in high schools; complementarity of roles were sporadic in the implementation of SBA in high schools; and various strategies were employed to enhance the implementation of SBA in high schools. Implications for teaching and learning focused on realigning the implementation processes in the production of a quality educational product, and maximising its benefits to teachers, learners and parents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Chipfiko, Jack
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: High schools -- Examinations Educational tests and measurements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15892 , vital:40549
- Description: The purpose of any education system is to deliver a quality educational product. Various forms of assessment are used to ensure the suitability of the product and inform decisions. In South Africa, School-Based Assessment(SBA) is one of the tools used to assess the content competences, skills, values and attitudes; to provide learners, parents and teachers with results that are a meaningful indication of what the learners know, understand and can do at the time of assessment (DBE, 2012). Surprisingly, on a yearly basis, Umalusi reports reveal that SBA marks are rejected resulting in the learners being resulted on mostly the year end examination. The purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of SBA with a view to unearth the factors contributing to the perennial rejection of SBA marks, resulting in learners from some schools being unfairly assessed. To explore the research problem, a mixed methods study, employing a concurrent triangulation design, was employed. Total Quality Management theory was the theoretical framework anchoring this study. Sub research questions to interrogate the research problem focused on examining the roles of the teachers, learners and parents in the implementation of SBA; assessing the structures in place to support the implementation of SBA; examining how teachers, learners and parents play complementary roles in the implementation of SBA; and identifying strategies to enhance the implementation of SBA in South African (SA) high schools. Data were collected using Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions with purposively selected samples of teachers, learners and SGB chairpersons from high schools in White River Circuit in Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. The use of mixed methods produced quantitative and qualitative data which were independently analysed and merged during interpretation. Findings revealed that: participants and respondents confirmed the various roles of SBA in teaching and learning; structures were in place to support the implementation of SBA in high schools; complementarity of roles were sporadic in the implementation of SBA in high schools; and various strategies were employed to enhance the implementation of SBA in high schools. Implications for teaching and learning focused on realigning the implementation processes in the production of a quality educational product, and maximising its benefits to teachers, learners and parents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Vernacular radio and peace building in Kenya: a study of popular vernacular radio stations in three conflict-prone regions
- Authors: Kijana, Eunice Abuya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Radio journalism -- Kenya , Radio broadcasting -- Kenya Documentary radio programs Peace-building -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42251 , vital:36639
- Description: In Kenya, just like in most African countries, ethnicity-related conflicts are a common phenomenon. Often times, the media, especially vernacular radio has been accused of incitement to violence as was in the case of 1994 Rwanda genocide and the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya. As a result, numerous studies have focused on the role that the media, especially vernacular radio plays in perpetuating ethnic conflict, while very little has been done to establish its role in peace building. Therefore, this study was informed by the assumption that the media is a double edged sword; while it can fuel tension and lead to conflict, it can also contribute to peace between conflicting parties. It therefore sought to establish the role that vernacular radio play in peace building in Kenya. The literature reviewed showed that vernacular radio has the potential to promote peace in society. The study was therefore guided by the social responsibility theory which underpins the necessity for the media/ journalist to keep society’s interest as a top priority. This means that the society expects journalists to be accountable, liable and responsible in carrying out their duties. This study utilized both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Using a case study of popular vernacular radio stations in three conflict prone regions in Kenya, the researcher employed content analysis, questionnaires and interviews as tools for data collection. The results indicate that the stations have put in place specific policies aimed at ensuring impartiality in reporting and that journalists adhere to them in their work. The stations also work in partnership with other peace practitioners by developing programs that are aimed at promoting peace within and between communities. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the stations’ journalists largely understand and comply with the sections of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya which addresses the need for responsible conflict reporting. Based on these findings, the study therefore concludes that vernacular radio stations working in conflict prone regions in Kenya play a positive role in peace building. However, the study recommends more specialized trainings for journalists in order for these stations to be more effective in this role of peace building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kijana, Eunice Abuya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Radio journalism -- Kenya , Radio broadcasting -- Kenya Documentary radio programs Peace-building -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42251 , vital:36639
- Description: In Kenya, just like in most African countries, ethnicity-related conflicts are a common phenomenon. Often times, the media, especially vernacular radio has been accused of incitement to violence as was in the case of 1994 Rwanda genocide and the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya. As a result, numerous studies have focused on the role that the media, especially vernacular radio plays in perpetuating ethnic conflict, while very little has been done to establish its role in peace building. Therefore, this study was informed by the assumption that the media is a double edged sword; while it can fuel tension and lead to conflict, it can also contribute to peace between conflicting parties. It therefore sought to establish the role that vernacular radio play in peace building in Kenya. The literature reviewed showed that vernacular radio has the potential to promote peace in society. The study was therefore guided by the social responsibility theory which underpins the necessity for the media/ journalist to keep society’s interest as a top priority. This means that the society expects journalists to be accountable, liable and responsible in carrying out their duties. This study utilized both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Using a case study of popular vernacular radio stations in three conflict prone regions in Kenya, the researcher employed content analysis, questionnaires and interviews as tools for data collection. The results indicate that the stations have put in place specific policies aimed at ensuring impartiality in reporting and that journalists adhere to them in their work. The stations also work in partnership with other peace practitioners by developing programs that are aimed at promoting peace within and between communities. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the stations’ journalists largely understand and comply with the sections of the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya which addresses the need for responsible conflict reporting. Based on these findings, the study therefore concludes that vernacular radio stations working in conflict prone regions in Kenya play a positive role in peace building. However, the study recommends more specialized trainings for journalists in order for these stations to be more effective in this role of peace building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The sociology of police criminality and ill-discipline in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa
- Authors: Long, Amy Megan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17462 , vital:41078
- Description: Policing as a global concept, involves an exchange of trust between the public and a given police service, with the underlying basis of this exchange being an understanding that the police exist to protect citizens and their property, and to ensure that order is maintained in societies. The police services, by virtue of the nature of their role in society, can therefore be regarded as ‘protectors’. The South African Police Service are guided by the same philosophies as policing services globally. Recently in South Africa though, there has been an increase in reports accusing policemen of becoming involved in criminal activities themselves. With a focus on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality policing district, this study presents and analyses incidences of undocumented police crimes; the causes thereof; and the role of disciplinary procedures (both internally and legally) in preventing such incidences of crime. This study utilised a qualitative methodology to gather and analyse data. A total of 60 serving police officers and 10 key informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with these police officers and key informants, reveal that police men and women are involved in violent and economic crimes in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality policing district. Most violent crimes include assault, and torture; whilst economic crimes include corruption and theft. Underlying reasons for such crimes include inadequate remuneration, frustration in respect of the efficacy of the criminal justice system, vigilantism within the policing services, and socially learned violence. Internal (within SAPS and IPID) and legal disciplinary measures (through the criminal and civil justice system) were established to be ineffective in managing and eradicating incidences of both violent and economic crimes. The consequences of incidences of police criminality are reduced legitimacy of the policing services to deliver on its mandate to protect and serve the people of the Republic of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Long, Amy Megan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17462 , vital:41078
- Description: Policing as a global concept, involves an exchange of trust between the public and a given police service, with the underlying basis of this exchange being an understanding that the police exist to protect citizens and their property, and to ensure that order is maintained in societies. The police services, by virtue of the nature of their role in society, can therefore be regarded as ‘protectors’. The South African Police Service are guided by the same philosophies as policing services globally. Recently in South Africa though, there has been an increase in reports accusing policemen of becoming involved in criminal activities themselves. With a focus on the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality policing district, this study presents and analyses incidences of undocumented police crimes; the causes thereof; and the role of disciplinary procedures (both internally and legally) in preventing such incidences of crime. This study utilised a qualitative methodology to gather and analyse data. A total of 60 serving police officers and 10 key informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with these police officers and key informants, reveal that police men and women are involved in violent and economic crimes in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality policing district. Most violent crimes include assault, and torture; whilst economic crimes include corruption and theft. Underlying reasons for such crimes include inadequate remuneration, frustration in respect of the efficacy of the criminal justice system, vigilantism within the policing services, and socially learned violence. Internal (within SAPS and IPID) and legal disciplinary measures (through the criminal and civil justice system) were established to be ineffective in managing and eradicating incidences of both violent and economic crimes. The consequences of incidences of police criminality are reduced legitimacy of the policing services to deliver on its mandate to protect and serve the people of the Republic of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Social Media as Human Rights Watchdog: A critical Analysis of Facebook and WhatsApp use by Citizens and Civil Society Groups in the Run-up to the 2018 Elections in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mututwa, Wishes.T
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social media Online social networks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15837 , vital:40531
- Description: This study analysed the use of social media platforms, WhatsApp and Facebook in monitoring human rights ahead of Zimbabwe’s 2018 Harmonised elections. Zimbabwe has witnessed gross human rights violations since the attainment of independence in 1980 but most of these violations have been misrepresented, partially captured or ignored particularly by the partisan state media. While issues of human rights have been researched on, there has been a gap in research on the role of social media in safeguarding human rights in Zimbabwe, particularly during election times. There has also been a gap in research about the influences of social media, not just to inspire revolutions but to strengthen democratic practices in Zimbabwe through vibrant discussions of human rights issues on social media platforms. This study was informed by Habermas Theory of public sphere and Social network theory in order to analyse texts shared and discussed on WhatsApp and Facebook about human rights committed ahead of 2018 Harmonised elections. The aim was to establish use of social media as watchdog of human rights. A qualitative content analysis was applied to study texts shared on WhatsApp and Facebook about human rights violations across the country. Three WhatsApp groups and seven Facebook pages were selected for the study from which posts and responses from participants were extracted for analysis. The findings of the study revealed that social media can effectively strengthen democratic practices by exposing government’s unconstitutional practices. Further, social media can be useful in offering ordinary citizens a platform for engagement with civic society as they discuss issues that affect them. The findings of the study also hold the state accountable for the majority of human rights abuses committed throughout the election campaign period. The study then recommended that the government of Zimbabwe should go back to constitutionalism and abide by international human rights treaties to which they are signatory. Further, the study recommended that Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and other independent commissions be empowered so that human rights are fully enjoyed in Zimbabwe, not just during election campaign periods but all the time
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mututwa, Wishes.T
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social media Online social networks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15837 , vital:40531
- Description: This study analysed the use of social media platforms, WhatsApp and Facebook in monitoring human rights ahead of Zimbabwe’s 2018 Harmonised elections. Zimbabwe has witnessed gross human rights violations since the attainment of independence in 1980 but most of these violations have been misrepresented, partially captured or ignored particularly by the partisan state media. While issues of human rights have been researched on, there has been a gap in research on the role of social media in safeguarding human rights in Zimbabwe, particularly during election times. There has also been a gap in research about the influences of social media, not just to inspire revolutions but to strengthen democratic practices in Zimbabwe through vibrant discussions of human rights issues on social media platforms. This study was informed by Habermas Theory of public sphere and Social network theory in order to analyse texts shared and discussed on WhatsApp and Facebook about human rights committed ahead of 2018 Harmonised elections. The aim was to establish use of social media as watchdog of human rights. A qualitative content analysis was applied to study texts shared on WhatsApp and Facebook about human rights violations across the country. Three WhatsApp groups and seven Facebook pages were selected for the study from which posts and responses from participants were extracted for analysis. The findings of the study revealed that social media can effectively strengthen democratic practices by exposing government’s unconstitutional practices. Further, social media can be useful in offering ordinary citizens a platform for engagement with civic society as they discuss issues that affect them. The findings of the study also hold the state accountable for the majority of human rights abuses committed throughout the election campaign period. The study then recommended that the government of Zimbabwe should go back to constitutionalism and abide by international human rights treaties to which they are signatory. Further, the study recommended that Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and other independent commissions be empowered so that human rights are fully enjoyed in Zimbabwe, not just during election campaign periods but all the time
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The morphological complexity of L1 Arabic-speaking children
- Authors: Issa, Iyad
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cognition in children , Reading , Arabic language -- Orthography and spelling , Arabic language -- Orthography and spelling -- Study and teaching , Arabic language -- Study and teaching , Arabic language -- Phonetics
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92831 , vital:30754
- Description: Spelling poses a challenge to Arabic-speaking learners due to the complexity of the morphological and orthographic system in Arabic. Arabic morphology has been argued to play a critical role in spelling since its morphological operations are built on a system consisting of a root that is interlocking into different patterns of vowels to form different categories of words. In addition, Arabic orthography is considered to be loyal to the morphographic principle (Ravid, 2012), where morphemes correspond to graphic representation regardless of the pronunciation, especially in the non-vowelized texts. This study made a detailed classification of spelling errors in a word dictation task, based on morphological structures, undertaken by 107 Typically-developing learners (TD) and learners with learning disabiities (LD) attending the same schools. All participants ranged in age from 7 years, 3 months to 15 years, 2 months (grades 2 to 8). The spelling task was made up of 400 common words representing all morphological forms in different conjugations and grammatical classes. The results indicated that learners made three types of errors: errors with respect to the root, errors with respect to the word pattern, and errors with respect to both the root and the word pattern. The results also showed that TD and LD learners follow a similar pattern of complexity even though the LD group produced more errors than the TD group. The results revealed that MA and PA exhibited significant positive regression (b= 9.398, 16.106 respectively) with spelling, indicating that learners with higher scores in PA and MA have higher scores in spelling. The results argued for the crucial contribution that morphological awareness makes towards the general spelling abilities among learners and provide additional evidence for the nonlinear growth of morphological knowedge in spelling. In addition, spelling errors suggested that the spelling process goes in a hierarchical way where words can be accessed and processed either according to the root or according to the stem. Intact verbs are processed according to their root and word pattern. Some weak verb forms, whose radicals undergo modifications, are processed according to their stem, while those whose radicals are fully represented in the spoken word, are processed according to their root and word patterns. Therefore, roots or stems are firstly accessed and attached to basic word patterns (the grapheme without diacritics and affixes). Thereafter, prefixes and, then, suffixes are attached to the word pattern and, finally, diacritics are accessed and attached to the word pattern.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Issa, Iyad
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cognition in children , Reading , Arabic language -- Orthography and spelling , Arabic language -- Orthography and spelling -- Study and teaching , Arabic language -- Study and teaching , Arabic language -- Phonetics
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92831 , vital:30754
- Description: Spelling poses a challenge to Arabic-speaking learners due to the complexity of the morphological and orthographic system in Arabic. Arabic morphology has been argued to play a critical role in spelling since its morphological operations are built on a system consisting of a root that is interlocking into different patterns of vowels to form different categories of words. In addition, Arabic orthography is considered to be loyal to the morphographic principle (Ravid, 2012), where morphemes correspond to graphic representation regardless of the pronunciation, especially in the non-vowelized texts. This study made a detailed classification of spelling errors in a word dictation task, based on morphological structures, undertaken by 107 Typically-developing learners (TD) and learners with learning disabiities (LD) attending the same schools. All participants ranged in age from 7 years, 3 months to 15 years, 2 months (grades 2 to 8). The spelling task was made up of 400 common words representing all morphological forms in different conjugations and grammatical classes. The results indicated that learners made three types of errors: errors with respect to the root, errors with respect to the word pattern, and errors with respect to both the root and the word pattern. The results also showed that TD and LD learners follow a similar pattern of complexity even though the LD group produced more errors than the TD group. The results revealed that MA and PA exhibited significant positive regression (b= 9.398, 16.106 respectively) with spelling, indicating that learners with higher scores in PA and MA have higher scores in spelling. The results argued for the crucial contribution that morphological awareness makes towards the general spelling abilities among learners and provide additional evidence for the nonlinear growth of morphological knowedge in spelling. In addition, spelling errors suggested that the spelling process goes in a hierarchical way where words can be accessed and processed either according to the root or according to the stem. Intact verbs are processed according to their root and word pattern. Some weak verb forms, whose radicals undergo modifications, are processed according to their stem, while those whose radicals are fully represented in the spoken word, are processed according to their root and word patterns. Therefore, roots or stems are firstly accessed and attached to basic word patterns (the grapheme without diacritics and affixes). Thereafter, prefixes and, then, suffixes are attached to the word pattern and, finally, diacritics are accessed and attached to the word pattern.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Synthesis, characterisation and biological evaluation of novel anti-infective compounds bearing ferrocene, arylpyrrole, thiazolidinedione, quinoline and triazole moieties
- Authors: Oderinlo, Ogunyemi Olajide
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/114714 , vital:34016 , 10.21504/10962/114714
- Description: Expected release date-April 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Oderinlo, Ogunyemi Olajide
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/114714 , vital:34016 , 10.21504/10962/114714
- Description: Expected release date-April 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
Implementation of multicultural education by high school teachers in multicultural classrooms in selected schools-Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Matshikiza, Siphokazi, Luggya, S K
- Authors: Matshikiza, Siphokazi , Luggya, S K
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Multicultural education -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa Culturally relevant pedagogy -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11352 , vital:39064
- Description: This study deals with the implementation of Multicultural Education by High School Teachers (HST) in multicultural classrooms in selected high schools in Chris Hani West District of Education, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The purpose of the study was to explore the implementation of ME by HST in multicultural classrooms. The study was located in an interpretivist paradigm, which enabled the researcher to obtain data directly from the subjects themselves, by sitting with the participants and hearing their views, voices, perceptions, opinions, interpretations and expectations with regard to the implementation of Multicultural Education (ME) in High Schools. Case study research design was adopted in the study in order to get in-depth information about what is happening in schools. Purposive sampling strategy was used by the researcher to select individuals who could offer an authentic account of the phenomenon under study. The researcher collected data, which were qualitative in nature utilising basic semi- structured face- to- face interviews, focus groups, classroom observations and document analysis. The data were collected and analysed inductively for the themes and patterns to be derived. The study revealed that ME approach is being implemented by some of the teachers in the selected schools however, there were challenges encountered. According to the findings of the study, it was revealed that teachers did not receive training from the Department of Education on how to implement ME approach at the schools. It was also found that teachers were empowered only with different types of prescribed textbooks and the guidelines on the course content in their learning.The study recommends that ME should be part of the curriculum for in-service teacher training. The school policy framework should enforce and regulate the practice of ME by the HST. In this regard, teachers need to be well equipped to be able to implement ME effectively. Therefore, the classroom strategies and interventions need to be created to provide equal learning opportunities for all diverse learners from different backgrounds with different learning needs in the multicultural classrooms. However, the Department of Education should organise workshops and seminars for the teachers to be able to implement ME effectively in the classrooms. v Furthermore, the Department should ensure that the content of the books that the publishers select for the learners do incorporate ME throughout the topics and themes of the books. Adequate resources should be provided for both learners and teachers for the successful implementation of ME. Parents should be involved for new developments and curriculum transformation in the school level as vital stakeholders. This should encourage the ownership of the education process by everybody involved to yield positive outcome. Language policy on the curriculum should be revisited for all the learning areas except the learners’ mother tongue. This could make the learners understand the content of their relevant learning areas easily. Therefore, teachers need to shift from old approach to the new approach to meet and be able to address the needs of the learners effectively. Support and monitoring should be rendered by the Department of Education for the successful implementation of ME.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Matshikiza, Siphokazi , Luggya, S K
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Multicultural education -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa Culturally relevant pedagogy -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11352 , vital:39064
- Description: This study deals with the implementation of Multicultural Education by High School Teachers (HST) in multicultural classrooms in selected high schools in Chris Hani West District of Education, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The purpose of the study was to explore the implementation of ME by HST in multicultural classrooms. The study was located in an interpretivist paradigm, which enabled the researcher to obtain data directly from the subjects themselves, by sitting with the participants and hearing their views, voices, perceptions, opinions, interpretations and expectations with regard to the implementation of Multicultural Education (ME) in High Schools. Case study research design was adopted in the study in order to get in-depth information about what is happening in schools. Purposive sampling strategy was used by the researcher to select individuals who could offer an authentic account of the phenomenon under study. The researcher collected data, which were qualitative in nature utilising basic semi- structured face- to- face interviews, focus groups, classroom observations and document analysis. The data were collected and analysed inductively for the themes and patterns to be derived. The study revealed that ME approach is being implemented by some of the teachers in the selected schools however, there were challenges encountered. According to the findings of the study, it was revealed that teachers did not receive training from the Department of Education on how to implement ME approach at the schools. It was also found that teachers were empowered only with different types of prescribed textbooks and the guidelines on the course content in their learning.The study recommends that ME should be part of the curriculum for in-service teacher training. The school policy framework should enforce and regulate the practice of ME by the HST. In this regard, teachers need to be well equipped to be able to implement ME effectively. Therefore, the classroom strategies and interventions need to be created to provide equal learning opportunities for all diverse learners from different backgrounds with different learning needs in the multicultural classrooms. However, the Department of Education should organise workshops and seminars for the teachers to be able to implement ME effectively in the classrooms. v Furthermore, the Department should ensure that the content of the books that the publishers select for the learners do incorporate ME throughout the topics and themes of the books. Adequate resources should be provided for both learners and teachers for the successful implementation of ME. Parents should be involved for new developments and curriculum transformation in the school level as vital stakeholders. This should encourage the ownership of the education process by everybody involved to yield positive outcome. Language policy on the curriculum should be revisited for all the learning areas except the learners’ mother tongue. This could make the learners understand the content of their relevant learning areas easily. Therefore, teachers need to shift from old approach to the new approach to meet and be able to address the needs of the learners effectively. Support and monitoring should be rendered by the Department of Education for the successful implementation of ME.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Behavioural flexibility in an endangered seabird during current changes
- Authors: Traisnel, Gwendoline
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Penguins -- South Africa , Penguins -- Behavior Sea birds -- Behavior Sea birds -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43800 , vital:37048
- Description: Penguins spend a large part of their life cycle at sea and are amongst the most threatened seabirds as they suffer high mortality and have low reproductive success. Across the world, many populations are currently declining despite the constant development of conservation actions. The lack of information at the individual level reduces the understanding of individual variability and its potential role in the population dynamics of these vulnerable species. For example, long-lived species are characterised by substantial individual heterogeneity in their contribution to the overall population dynamic that should be understood when considering the implemention of conservation policies. This thesis explored some of the primary mechanisms behind inter-individual differences in behaviour and breeding success in the endangered African penguin Spheniscus demersus. On Bird island (Algoa Bay), nest defence behaviours were investigated on adults brooding chicks 1-3 weeks-old and chicks were measured at regular intervals (every 5 days) to assess their growth rate, a proxy for breeding success in this species. All adults were sexed and implanted with a passive integrated transponder which was used for individual identification. In this species, males are usually larger than females and have a higher survival rates both as juveniles and as adults. A subsample of them was equipped with tracking devices (GPSs and Time Depth Recorders), sometimes over consecutive foraging trips and across years. Finally, mate and nest fidelity were investigated to understand the drivers and consequences of this trait in that population. Breeding success was linked to nest defence behaviours, with bolder birds generally showing lower breeding success. This relation could not, however, be explained by differences in foraging strategies. Males were generally bolder than females when defending the nests, but their foraging behaviour did not vary with their personality. They generally had lower foraging effort than females. By contrast, bolder females performed more sinuous path, more wiggles and travelled larger vertical distances than shyer ones. Overall, females were more flexible than males over consecutive trips, suggesting that they probably adjust their behaviours to the offspring needs in this species. However, no sex difference in behavioural flexibility between sexes was visible across years, indicating that environmental variability may equally impact females and males’ behaviour over such time-scale. Generally, consistency was time-scale dependent as penguins increased their foraging flexibility across years, potentially adjusting to the variability of the environment. Interestingly, foraging consistency over consecutive trips increased during years of poor environmental conditions, and individuals with consistent foraging strategies were more successful than more flexible individuals when resources were extremely scarce. Finally, while nest and mate fidelity were high in this species, individuals that changed nest/partners, improved their breeding outcome. Particularly, after low breeding success females were more likely to change nest site and thereby partner to possibly improve their fitness. The potential biased adult sex ratio towards males in this population may facilitate changes in females which may have more partners available to re-mate than males. The present thesis reveals the existence of individual differences in behaviour and breeding success which relate to personality in penguins. These findings highlight the importance to integrate individual variability to predict future population dynamics in the context of global changes to understand the resilience and vulnerability of the species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Traisnel, Gwendoline
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Penguins -- South Africa , Penguins -- Behavior Sea birds -- Behavior Sea birds -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43800 , vital:37048
- Description: Penguins spend a large part of their life cycle at sea and are amongst the most threatened seabirds as they suffer high mortality and have low reproductive success. Across the world, many populations are currently declining despite the constant development of conservation actions. The lack of information at the individual level reduces the understanding of individual variability and its potential role in the population dynamics of these vulnerable species. For example, long-lived species are characterised by substantial individual heterogeneity in their contribution to the overall population dynamic that should be understood when considering the implemention of conservation policies. This thesis explored some of the primary mechanisms behind inter-individual differences in behaviour and breeding success in the endangered African penguin Spheniscus demersus. On Bird island (Algoa Bay), nest defence behaviours were investigated on adults brooding chicks 1-3 weeks-old and chicks were measured at regular intervals (every 5 days) to assess their growth rate, a proxy for breeding success in this species. All adults were sexed and implanted with a passive integrated transponder which was used for individual identification. In this species, males are usually larger than females and have a higher survival rates both as juveniles and as adults. A subsample of them was equipped with tracking devices (GPSs and Time Depth Recorders), sometimes over consecutive foraging trips and across years. Finally, mate and nest fidelity were investigated to understand the drivers and consequences of this trait in that population. Breeding success was linked to nest defence behaviours, with bolder birds generally showing lower breeding success. This relation could not, however, be explained by differences in foraging strategies. Males were generally bolder than females when defending the nests, but their foraging behaviour did not vary with their personality. They generally had lower foraging effort than females. By contrast, bolder females performed more sinuous path, more wiggles and travelled larger vertical distances than shyer ones. Overall, females were more flexible than males over consecutive trips, suggesting that they probably adjust their behaviours to the offspring needs in this species. However, no sex difference in behavioural flexibility between sexes was visible across years, indicating that environmental variability may equally impact females and males’ behaviour over such time-scale. Generally, consistency was time-scale dependent as penguins increased their foraging flexibility across years, potentially adjusting to the variability of the environment. Interestingly, foraging consistency over consecutive trips increased during years of poor environmental conditions, and individuals with consistent foraging strategies were more successful than more flexible individuals when resources were extremely scarce. Finally, while nest and mate fidelity were high in this species, individuals that changed nest/partners, improved their breeding outcome. Particularly, after low breeding success females were more likely to change nest site and thereby partner to possibly improve their fitness. The potential biased adult sex ratio towards males in this population may facilitate changes in females which may have more partners available to re-mate than males. The present thesis reveals the existence of individual differences in behaviour and breeding success which relate to personality in penguins. These findings highlight the importance to integrate individual variability to predict future population dynamics in the context of global changes to understand the resilience and vulnerability of the species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Accountability deficits in local government in South Africa: implications for social and economic development
- Authors: Sepogwane, Pheladi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Budget deficits -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa Local government -- South Africa -- Evaluation South Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43424 , vital:36879
- Description: Local government faces require that spheres of government provide accountable, effective, transparent, and good governance. Yet local government face challenges that compel a need for mechanisms that will improve the accountability and effective management of municipal resources. There have been concerns among scholars that development is not being coordinated by an evenly powerful formation of fitting accountability regimes (Abata, 2012; Adenuga, 2013). For this reason, the study aims to investigate to what degree and how trends towards local government policymaking and implementation have been matched by correspondent changes and innovations in accountability regimes and practices. In keeping with the distinctions made above, it undertakes research on accountability practices in two domains of politics. It entails a systematic comparative empirical research on accountability regimes surrounding: the municipal mayors, committees and managers in regular policymaking, implementation and crisis management; evaluating the effectiveness of accountability regimes as catalysts of development programmes. The Researcher observed growing concerns on the issues of accountability. Hence an exploratory study on the issue based on qualitative research methodology was undertaken. The method of research is comprised of a case study, observation and interviews that were conducted. The accountability systems that were examined include the political, bureaucratic and professional accountability systems. Yet the two accountability mechanisms that were designed highlight the challenges in the dominance, abuse of powers, non-compliance with the code of conduct, the lack of exemplary behaviour and accountability deficits. The major conclusion that is drawn from the research study is that a multi-dimensional is required to ensure effective accountability systems in municipalities. The recommendations include the enforcement of the legal instruments, codes of conduct; the impartial prosecution of violators; implementing effective policies on training and personnel management and encouraging associations and stakeholders to play a catalytic role in enforcing accountability in municipalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sepogwane, Pheladi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Budget deficits -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa Local government -- South Africa -- Evaluation South Africa -- Economic conditions Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43424 , vital:36879
- Description: Local government faces require that spheres of government provide accountable, effective, transparent, and good governance. Yet local government face challenges that compel a need for mechanisms that will improve the accountability and effective management of municipal resources. There have been concerns among scholars that development is not being coordinated by an evenly powerful formation of fitting accountability regimes (Abata, 2012; Adenuga, 2013). For this reason, the study aims to investigate to what degree and how trends towards local government policymaking and implementation have been matched by correspondent changes and innovations in accountability regimes and practices. In keeping with the distinctions made above, it undertakes research on accountability practices in two domains of politics. It entails a systematic comparative empirical research on accountability regimes surrounding: the municipal mayors, committees and managers in regular policymaking, implementation and crisis management; evaluating the effectiveness of accountability regimes as catalysts of development programmes. The Researcher observed growing concerns on the issues of accountability. Hence an exploratory study on the issue based on qualitative research methodology was undertaken. The method of research is comprised of a case study, observation and interviews that were conducted. The accountability systems that were examined include the political, bureaucratic and professional accountability systems. Yet the two accountability mechanisms that were designed highlight the challenges in the dominance, abuse of powers, non-compliance with the code of conduct, the lack of exemplary behaviour and accountability deficits. The major conclusion that is drawn from the research study is that a multi-dimensional is required to ensure effective accountability systems in municipalities. The recommendations include the enforcement of the legal instruments, codes of conduct; the impartial prosecution of violators; implementing effective policies on training and personnel management and encouraging associations and stakeholders to play a catalytic role in enforcing accountability in municipalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Intercountry adoption and alternative care in South Africa: a model for determining placement in the best interests of the child
- Authors: Van der Walt, Glynis Trow
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intercountry adoption -- South Africa , ntercountry adoption -- Law and legislation Interethnic adoption -- South Africa Interracial adoption -- South Africa Children (International law) Children -- Legal status, laws, etc
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44202 , vital:37129
- Description: The concept that the family forms the foundation of our society is well established in national and international law.1 The family unit provides a child with a sense of security and identity.2 Moreover, the family as a unit plays a pivotal role in the upbringing of children, enabling them to develop to their full potential.3 Children who have inadequate or no parental care are clearly at risk of being denied such a nurturing environment. The large number of orphaned children following the devastating effects of World War II highlighted the serious need for countries to consider appropriate alternative placement for such children.5 Recognising the importance of the family unit, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) expressly acknowledges the family as the “natural and fundamental group unit of society”.6 Article 16 of the UDHR further states that the family unit is entitled to protection by the state and society.7 However, the vulnerability of parents, families and children has been intensified by recent global, regional and national developments, including the global economic crisis, devastating consequences of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, widespread poverty,8 unwanted pregnancies,9 child abandonment,10 rapid urbanisation, and the increased migration of adults and children into and within South Africa in search of economic and political refuge.11 In particular, the impact of the HIV pandemic on children in South Africa cannot be understated. South Africa has the largest percentage of HIV/AIDS-infected persons in the world, resulting in many children in South Africa being deprived of a family environment. The importance of family and the role it must play in caring for a child cannot be doubted, and both the national law of South Africa and international law bear testimony to this. Accordingly, it is understandable that the biological family remains the primary favoured unit of care for a child. Where, for whatever reason, the natural family fails or is unavailable to care for the child concerned, national and international law make provision for the care of an orphaned and/or abandoned child (OAC). Family forms are changing around the world, and South Africa is typical in several respects. Diverse family arrangements and household forms are recognised as providing a family-type environment for a South African child. In understanding the meaning of “family” in South Africa it must be noted that the family may extend beyond the biological parents of a child to a multi-generational network of people who are linked by blood, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Relationship can also include non-blood relationships as in the instance of relationship through the ties of marriage or ties of co-residence. Whilst not exclusive to South Africa, it must also be noted in South Africa under apartheid regime, policies and practices were designed specifically to protect the nuclear family. The Department of Social Development (DSD) drafted the White Paper on Families and this was approved in 2013. The White Paper made conscious strides in granting recognition to a diversity of family forms in South Africa. It departed from the assumptions held of Western or nuclear families only as a norm. It is in light of this diversity that the concept “family” must be read in this research. Consideration of placing a child in appropriate alternative care must be contemplated in light of the context of the human rights movement and the development and recognition of the rights of a child in his or her own right.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Van der Walt, Glynis Trow
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intercountry adoption -- South Africa , ntercountry adoption -- Law and legislation Interethnic adoption -- South Africa Interracial adoption -- South Africa Children (International law) Children -- Legal status, laws, etc
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44202 , vital:37129
- Description: The concept that the family forms the foundation of our society is well established in national and international law.1 The family unit provides a child with a sense of security and identity.2 Moreover, the family as a unit plays a pivotal role in the upbringing of children, enabling them to develop to their full potential.3 Children who have inadequate or no parental care are clearly at risk of being denied such a nurturing environment. The large number of orphaned children following the devastating effects of World War II highlighted the serious need for countries to consider appropriate alternative placement for such children.5 Recognising the importance of the family unit, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) expressly acknowledges the family as the “natural and fundamental group unit of society”.6 Article 16 of the UDHR further states that the family unit is entitled to protection by the state and society.7 However, the vulnerability of parents, families and children has been intensified by recent global, regional and national developments, including the global economic crisis, devastating consequences of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, widespread poverty,8 unwanted pregnancies,9 child abandonment,10 rapid urbanisation, and the increased migration of adults and children into and within South Africa in search of economic and political refuge.11 In particular, the impact of the HIV pandemic on children in South Africa cannot be understated. South Africa has the largest percentage of HIV/AIDS-infected persons in the world, resulting in many children in South Africa being deprived of a family environment. The importance of family and the role it must play in caring for a child cannot be doubted, and both the national law of South Africa and international law bear testimony to this. Accordingly, it is understandable that the biological family remains the primary favoured unit of care for a child. Where, for whatever reason, the natural family fails or is unavailable to care for the child concerned, national and international law make provision for the care of an orphaned and/or abandoned child (OAC). Family forms are changing around the world, and South Africa is typical in several respects. Diverse family arrangements and household forms are recognised as providing a family-type environment for a South African child. In understanding the meaning of “family” in South Africa it must be noted that the family may extend beyond the biological parents of a child to a multi-generational network of people who are linked by blood, including grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Relationship can also include non-blood relationships as in the instance of relationship through the ties of marriage or ties of co-residence. Whilst not exclusive to South Africa, it must also be noted in South Africa under apartheid regime, policies and practices were designed specifically to protect the nuclear family. The Department of Social Development (DSD) drafted the White Paper on Families and this was approved in 2013. The White Paper made conscious strides in granting recognition to a diversity of family forms in South Africa. It departed from the assumptions held of Western or nuclear families only as a norm. It is in light of this diversity that the concept “family” must be read in this research. Consideration of placing a child in appropriate alternative care must be contemplated in light of the context of the human rights movement and the development and recognition of the rights of a child in his or her own right.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Statistical Analysis of the Radio-Interferometric Measurement Equation, a derived adaptive weighting scheme, and applications to LOFAR-VLBI observation of the Extended Groth Strip
- Authors: Bonnassieux, Etienne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Radio astronomy , Astrophysics , Astrophysics -- Instruments -- Calibration , Imaging systems in astronomy , Radio interferometers , Radio telescopes , Astronomy -- Observations
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93789 , vital:30942
- Description: J.R.R Tolkien wrote, in his Mythopoeia, that “He sees no stars who does not see them first, of living silver made that sudden burst, to flame like flowers beneath the ancient song”. In his defense of myth-making, he formulates the argument that the attribution of meaning is an act of creation - that “trees are not ‘trees’ until so named and seen” - and that this capacity for creation defines the human creature. The scientific endeavour, in this context, can be understood as a social expression of a fundamental feature of humanity, and from this endeavour flows much understanding. This thesis, one thread among many, focuses on the study of astronomical objects as seen by the radio waves they emit. What are radio waves? Electromagnetic waves were theorised by James Clerk Maxwell (Maxwell 1864) in his great theoretical contribution to modern physics, their speed matching the speed of light as measured by Ole Christensen R0mer and, later, James Bradley. It was not until Heinrich Rudolf Hertz’s 1887 experiment that these waves were measured in a laboratory, leading to the dawn of radio communications - and, later, radio astronomy. The link between radio waves and light was one of association: light is known to behave as a wave (Young double-slit experiment), with the same propagation speed as electromagnetic radiation. Light “proper” is also known to exist beyond the optical regime: Herschel’s experiment shows that when diffracted through a prism, sunlight warms even those parts of a desk which are not observed to be lit (first evidence of infrared light). The link between optical light and unseen electromagnetic radiation is then an easy step to make, and one confirmed through countless technological applications (e.g. optical fiber to name but one). And as soon as this link is established, a question immediately comes to the mind of the astronomer: what does the sky, our Universe, look like to the radio “eye”? Radio astronomy has a short but storied history: from Karl Jansky’s serendipitous observation of the centre of the Milky Way, which outshines our Sun in the radio regime, in 1933, to Grote Reber’s hand-built back-yard radio antenna in 1937, which successfully detected radio emission from the Milky Way itself, to such monumental projects as the Square Kilometer Array and its multiple pathfinders, it has led to countless discoveries and the opening of a truly new window on the Universe. The work presented in this thesis is a contribution to this discipline - the culmination of three years of study, which is a rather short time to get a firm grasp of radio interferometry both in theory and in practice. The need for robust, automated methods - which are improving daily, thanks to the tireless labour of the scientists in the field - is becoming ever stronger as the SKA approaches, looming large on the horizon; but even today, in the precursor era of LOFAR, MeerKAT and other pathfinders, it is keenly felt. When I started my doctorate, the sheer scale of the task at hand felt overwhelming - to actually be able to contribute to its resolution seemed daunting indeed! Thankfully, as the saying goes, no society sets for itself material goals which it cannot achieve. This thesis took place at an exciting time for radio interferometry: at the start of my doctorate, the LOFAR international stations were - to my knowledge - only beginning to be used, and even then, only tentatively; MeerKAT had not yet shown its first light; the techniques used throughout my work were still being developed. At the time of writing, great strides have been made. One of the greatest technical challenges of LOFAR - imaging using the international stations - is starting to become reality. This technical challenge is the key problem that this thesis set out to address. While we only achieved partial success so far, it is a testament to the difficulty of the task that it is not yet truly resolved. One of the major results of this thesis is a model of a bright resolved source near a famous extragalactic field: properly modeling this source not only allows the use of international LOFAR stations, but also grants deeper access to the extragalactic field itself, which is otherwise polluted by the 3C source’s sidelobes. This result was only achieved thanks to the other major result of this thesis: the development of a theoretical framework with which to better understand the effect of calibration errors on images made from interferometric data, and an algorithm to strongly mitigate them. The structure of this manuscript is as follows: we begin with an introduction to radio interferometry, LOFAR, and the emission mechanisms which dominate for our field of interest. These introductions are primarily intended to give a brief overview of the technical aspects of the data reduced in this thesis. We follow with an overview of the Measurement Equation formalism, which underpins our theoretical work. This is the keystone of this thesis. We then show the theoretical work that was developed as part of the research work done during the doctorate - which was published in Astronomy & Astrophysics. Its practical application - a quality-based weighting scheme - is used throughout our data reduction. This data reduction is the next topic of this thesis: we contextualise the scientific interest of the data we reduce, and explain both the methods and the results we achieve.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bonnassieux, Etienne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Radio astronomy , Astrophysics , Astrophysics -- Instruments -- Calibration , Imaging systems in astronomy , Radio interferometers , Radio telescopes , Astronomy -- Observations
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93789 , vital:30942
- Description: J.R.R Tolkien wrote, in his Mythopoeia, that “He sees no stars who does not see them first, of living silver made that sudden burst, to flame like flowers beneath the ancient song”. In his defense of myth-making, he formulates the argument that the attribution of meaning is an act of creation - that “trees are not ‘trees’ until so named and seen” - and that this capacity for creation defines the human creature. The scientific endeavour, in this context, can be understood as a social expression of a fundamental feature of humanity, and from this endeavour flows much understanding. This thesis, one thread among many, focuses on the study of astronomical objects as seen by the radio waves they emit. What are radio waves? Electromagnetic waves were theorised by James Clerk Maxwell (Maxwell 1864) in his great theoretical contribution to modern physics, their speed matching the speed of light as measured by Ole Christensen R0mer and, later, James Bradley. It was not until Heinrich Rudolf Hertz’s 1887 experiment that these waves were measured in a laboratory, leading to the dawn of radio communications - and, later, radio astronomy. The link between radio waves and light was one of association: light is known to behave as a wave (Young double-slit experiment), with the same propagation speed as electromagnetic radiation. Light “proper” is also known to exist beyond the optical regime: Herschel’s experiment shows that when diffracted through a prism, sunlight warms even those parts of a desk which are not observed to be lit (first evidence of infrared light). The link between optical light and unseen electromagnetic radiation is then an easy step to make, and one confirmed through countless technological applications (e.g. optical fiber to name but one). And as soon as this link is established, a question immediately comes to the mind of the astronomer: what does the sky, our Universe, look like to the radio “eye”? Radio astronomy has a short but storied history: from Karl Jansky’s serendipitous observation of the centre of the Milky Way, which outshines our Sun in the radio regime, in 1933, to Grote Reber’s hand-built back-yard radio antenna in 1937, which successfully detected radio emission from the Milky Way itself, to such monumental projects as the Square Kilometer Array and its multiple pathfinders, it has led to countless discoveries and the opening of a truly new window on the Universe. The work presented in this thesis is a contribution to this discipline - the culmination of three years of study, which is a rather short time to get a firm grasp of radio interferometry both in theory and in practice. The need for robust, automated methods - which are improving daily, thanks to the tireless labour of the scientists in the field - is becoming ever stronger as the SKA approaches, looming large on the horizon; but even today, in the precursor era of LOFAR, MeerKAT and other pathfinders, it is keenly felt. When I started my doctorate, the sheer scale of the task at hand felt overwhelming - to actually be able to contribute to its resolution seemed daunting indeed! Thankfully, as the saying goes, no society sets for itself material goals which it cannot achieve. This thesis took place at an exciting time for radio interferometry: at the start of my doctorate, the LOFAR international stations were - to my knowledge - only beginning to be used, and even then, only tentatively; MeerKAT had not yet shown its first light; the techniques used throughout my work were still being developed. At the time of writing, great strides have been made. One of the greatest technical challenges of LOFAR - imaging using the international stations - is starting to become reality. This technical challenge is the key problem that this thesis set out to address. While we only achieved partial success so far, it is a testament to the difficulty of the task that it is not yet truly resolved. One of the major results of this thesis is a model of a bright resolved source near a famous extragalactic field: properly modeling this source not only allows the use of international LOFAR stations, but also grants deeper access to the extragalactic field itself, which is otherwise polluted by the 3C source’s sidelobes. This result was only achieved thanks to the other major result of this thesis: the development of a theoretical framework with which to better understand the effect of calibration errors on images made from interferometric data, and an algorithm to strongly mitigate them. The structure of this manuscript is as follows: we begin with an introduction to radio interferometry, LOFAR, and the emission mechanisms which dominate for our field of interest. These introductions are primarily intended to give a brief overview of the technical aspects of the data reduced in this thesis. We follow with an overview of the Measurement Equation formalism, which underpins our theoretical work. This is the keystone of this thesis. We then show the theoretical work that was developed as part of the research work done during the doctorate - which was published in Astronomy & Astrophysics. Its practical application - a quality-based weighting scheme - is used throughout our data reduction. This data reduction is the next topic of this thesis: we contextualise the scientific interest of the data we reduce, and explain both the methods and the results we achieve.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An assessment of the social ecological system of Mabira forest and environs: implications for vulnerability to climate variability
- Authors: Jjagwe, Aisha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Climate hazards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44726 , vital:38163
- Description: Tropical forests are attracting attention in climate change debates considering the fundamental role they play as carbon sinks. Mabira Central Forest Reserve (CFR) found in the Lake Victoria basin region and of significance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It has however undergone drastic degradation since the 1970s and its social economic ecological and environmental functions are at risk. The present study assessed the Social Ecological System (SES) of Mabira CFR and environs as well as the implications for vulnerability to climate variability. It focused on; i) assessment of the spatial temporal changes of Mabira CFR; to which Landsat images of 1975, 1986, 2000 and 2015 were used in combination with ground truthing for a successful classification of land use/cover types. ii) Determine the implications of land use/cover types and forest management options for above ground biomass (AGB) and soil organic carbon (SOC); here Velle, (1995) allometric equation was adopted for the AGB while the Walkley and Black (1934) was used to determine soil organic carbon iii) Determine the implications of land use cover change for livelihood and vulnerability to climate change impacts; to this the Social Ecological systems framework by Ostrom (2009) was adopted to understand the vulnerability implications for land use cover change (LUCC) and Climate variability in a forest based community. The study reveals that heavy deforestation and degradation continue to pose threats to Mabira CFR and environs. Major drivers of LUCC are: population expansion, loss of soil fertility, poor agricultural practices, establishment of roadside markets, industrialization and unclear forestry boundary. Findings indicate that although forest comprised the biggest coverage between 1975 and 2000, it has faced massive reduction between 2000 and 2015. Major forest conversions have been to subsistence farming (5.94%). The implications of LUCC are reflected in; the exposure of soils to degradation as seen from deforestation; soil erosion; carbon sequestration and climate variability constraining livelihoods. AGB and carbon was found highest in the strict nature reserve where on average the parameters noted above were found to be bigger. The recreation buffer had less carbon compared to the strict nature reserve; however the production zone, which had scattered trees with smaller parameters, registered the lowest average total AGB and carbon. Results indicate a perfectly strong relationship between the AGB and carbon variables. Results also indicate that approximately 6,771092.344 tonnes are sunk in the strict nature reserve. SOC analyzed based on the soil carbon percentage content. In terms of soil depth, the 0-10cm and 10-20cm soil layers had relatively similar variations of least square means for carbon than at 20-30cm soil layer. The highest SOC was observed in the soil surface of 0-10 cm depth, with the highest mean of 2.78 % across all the management zones. The amount of soil organic matter also varied with land use /cover types. Study findings reveal that LUCC and land management have a direct influence on soil organic carbon accumulation. Results indicate that LUCC implications for AGB and SOC as well as climate variability lead to livelihood vulnerability. Climate hazards experienced have affected SES, temperature variation range between 1oC -2oC. These variations are likely to increase vulnerability. This study recommends mapping of LUCC to identify priority areas for intervention. Priority should be given to reducing deforestation and restore degraded areas. Future research should focus on building adaptive capacity for forest based communities to mitigate climate change, improving forest tenure as a strategy for climate change impacts, integrating climate change into forest policy reviews.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jjagwe, Aisha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Climate hazards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44726 , vital:38163
- Description: Tropical forests are attracting attention in climate change debates considering the fundamental role they play as carbon sinks. Mabira Central Forest Reserve (CFR) found in the Lake Victoria basin region and of significance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It has however undergone drastic degradation since the 1970s and its social economic ecological and environmental functions are at risk. The present study assessed the Social Ecological System (SES) of Mabira CFR and environs as well as the implications for vulnerability to climate variability. It focused on; i) assessment of the spatial temporal changes of Mabira CFR; to which Landsat images of 1975, 1986, 2000 and 2015 were used in combination with ground truthing for a successful classification of land use/cover types. ii) Determine the implications of land use/cover types and forest management options for above ground biomass (AGB) and soil organic carbon (SOC); here Velle, (1995) allometric equation was adopted for the AGB while the Walkley and Black (1934) was used to determine soil organic carbon iii) Determine the implications of land use cover change for livelihood and vulnerability to climate change impacts; to this the Social Ecological systems framework by Ostrom (2009) was adopted to understand the vulnerability implications for land use cover change (LUCC) and Climate variability in a forest based community. The study reveals that heavy deforestation and degradation continue to pose threats to Mabira CFR and environs. Major drivers of LUCC are: population expansion, loss of soil fertility, poor agricultural practices, establishment of roadside markets, industrialization and unclear forestry boundary. Findings indicate that although forest comprised the biggest coverage between 1975 and 2000, it has faced massive reduction between 2000 and 2015. Major forest conversions have been to subsistence farming (5.94%). The implications of LUCC are reflected in; the exposure of soils to degradation as seen from deforestation; soil erosion; carbon sequestration and climate variability constraining livelihoods. AGB and carbon was found highest in the strict nature reserve where on average the parameters noted above were found to be bigger. The recreation buffer had less carbon compared to the strict nature reserve; however the production zone, which had scattered trees with smaller parameters, registered the lowest average total AGB and carbon. Results indicate a perfectly strong relationship between the AGB and carbon variables. Results also indicate that approximately 6,771092.344 tonnes are sunk in the strict nature reserve. SOC analyzed based on the soil carbon percentage content. In terms of soil depth, the 0-10cm and 10-20cm soil layers had relatively similar variations of least square means for carbon than at 20-30cm soil layer. The highest SOC was observed in the soil surface of 0-10 cm depth, with the highest mean of 2.78 % across all the management zones. The amount of soil organic matter also varied with land use /cover types. Study findings reveal that LUCC and land management have a direct influence on soil organic carbon accumulation. Results indicate that LUCC implications for AGB and SOC as well as climate variability lead to livelihood vulnerability. Climate hazards experienced have affected SES, temperature variation range between 1oC -2oC. These variations are likely to increase vulnerability. This study recommends mapping of LUCC to identify priority areas for intervention. Priority should be given to reducing deforestation and restore degraded areas. Future research should focus on building adaptive capacity for forest based communities to mitigate climate change, improving forest tenure as a strategy for climate change impacts, integrating climate change into forest policy reviews.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019