The impact of agricultural infrastructure on rural livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Mankahla, Sipesihle Qukeza
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46141 , vital:39508
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of agricultural infrastructure on rural livelihoods of kwaZulu-Natal. The main objective of the study is to look into the ways in which rural infrastructure can improve the livelihoods of kwaZulu-Natal farmers. Government programmes such as agri-parks, one household-one hectare and cooperative funding, when implemented according to their objective, can improve the implementation of infrastructure development in rural areas of kwaZulu-Natal. The objectives of the study were achieved by reviewing the literature relevant to the topic. Data was sourced from primary and secondary sources. A qualitative method was used as the qualitative approach has been considered to be the most appropriate method in achieving research objectives. This approach puts emphasis on the meanings and experiences as found in the study of Lincoln and Denzin. This approach best describes events, opinions and views without the use of data in the form of numbers; rather it provides textual data that gives an insight into the occurrence being studied. The developments in agriculture would not be sustainable without developing the rural areas and addressing the issues of poverty and enhancing investment capacities of the resource-poor farmers. The linkage of infrastructure to positive economic development cannot be denied. Agricultural infrastructure is infrastructure such as irrigation, rural electrification, roads, and markets in close coordination with institutional infrastructure. There is a long list of infrastructure assets that affect rural development. There is basic agricultural infrastructure which forms the foundation for agricultural economic development of rural livelihoods. This infrastructure includes transport networks, access to water and livestock agricultural infrastructure. Thus, the study sought to establish the impact of existing agricultural infrastructure on agricultural economic development and improvement of rural livelihoods in kwaZulu-Natal. The study revealed that the rural farmers in this province were affected and limited by poor road infrastructure and that access to suitable water for irrigation was far from ideal. As a result, the sector is hindered and does not perform to its full potential and this slows economic development and negatively affects rural livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mankahla, Sipesihle Qukeza
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46141 , vital:39508
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of agricultural infrastructure on rural livelihoods of kwaZulu-Natal. The main objective of the study is to look into the ways in which rural infrastructure can improve the livelihoods of kwaZulu-Natal farmers. Government programmes such as agri-parks, one household-one hectare and cooperative funding, when implemented according to their objective, can improve the implementation of infrastructure development in rural areas of kwaZulu-Natal. The objectives of the study were achieved by reviewing the literature relevant to the topic. Data was sourced from primary and secondary sources. A qualitative method was used as the qualitative approach has been considered to be the most appropriate method in achieving research objectives. This approach puts emphasis on the meanings and experiences as found in the study of Lincoln and Denzin. This approach best describes events, opinions and views without the use of data in the form of numbers; rather it provides textual data that gives an insight into the occurrence being studied. The developments in agriculture would not be sustainable without developing the rural areas and addressing the issues of poverty and enhancing investment capacities of the resource-poor farmers. The linkage of infrastructure to positive economic development cannot be denied. Agricultural infrastructure is infrastructure such as irrigation, rural electrification, roads, and markets in close coordination with institutional infrastructure. There is a long list of infrastructure assets that affect rural development. There is basic agricultural infrastructure which forms the foundation for agricultural economic development of rural livelihoods. This infrastructure includes transport networks, access to water and livestock agricultural infrastructure. Thus, the study sought to establish the impact of existing agricultural infrastructure on agricultural economic development and improvement of rural livelihoods in kwaZulu-Natal. The study revealed that the rural farmers in this province were affected and limited by poor road infrastructure and that access to suitable water for irrigation was far from ideal. As a result, the sector is hindered and does not perform to its full potential and this slows economic development and negatively affects rural livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of discounting fees by civil engineering consultants
- Authors: Siqiti, Khulile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Consulting engineers , Consultants Civil engineering , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47246 , vital:39836
- Description: The study provides insight into the views and perceptions of consulting engineers on the discounting of professional fees. The purpose of the research was to determine the impact of discounting professional fees in the civil engineering profession and ultimately potential ways in which the civil engineering profession could improve business sustainability. The study included a review of literature, which was utilised to develop a questionnaire. A total of 26 practicing consulting engineers, who are members of Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), and represented small, medium and large consulting engineering firms, participated in the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire investigates the respondents’ perceptions on the impact of discounting professional fees in the civil engineering profession and the amount of discount offered as well as the reasons for discounting fees. The results show that the practice of discounting professional fees is widespread, affecting small, medium and large consulting firms. The results also indicate that prevailing market conditions in civil engineering profession are the primary reasons why consulting engineers offer discounts on fees. Respondents agreed that projects are awarded to the lowest bidder during tender process. Respondents also agreed that experienced engineers are allocated less time on projects to manage project costs. The findings suggest that discounting of professional fees is a great concern that needs to be addressed in order to attain profession business sustainability. It is suggested that the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) should regulate the fee structures and ensure that all professionals, whether employed in the public or private sector, understand the basic finances on running a professional consultancy to deliver a service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Siqiti, Khulile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Consulting engineers , Consultants Civil engineering , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47246 , vital:39836
- Description: The study provides insight into the views and perceptions of consulting engineers on the discounting of professional fees. The purpose of the research was to determine the impact of discounting professional fees in the civil engineering profession and ultimately potential ways in which the civil engineering profession could improve business sustainability. The study included a review of literature, which was utilised to develop a questionnaire. A total of 26 practicing consulting engineers, who are members of Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), and represented small, medium and large consulting engineering firms, participated in the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire investigates the respondents’ perceptions on the impact of discounting professional fees in the civil engineering profession and the amount of discount offered as well as the reasons for discounting fees. The results show that the practice of discounting professional fees is widespread, affecting small, medium and large consulting firms. The results also indicate that prevailing market conditions in civil engineering profession are the primary reasons why consulting engineers offer discounts on fees. Respondents agreed that projects are awarded to the lowest bidder during tender process. Respondents also agreed that experienced engineers are allocated less time on projects to manage project costs. The findings suggest that discounting of professional fees is a great concern that needs to be addressed in order to attain profession business sustainability. It is suggested that the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) should regulate the fee structures and ensure that all professionals, whether employed in the public or private sector, understand the basic finances on running a professional consultancy to deliver a service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
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