Application of the sustainable livelihoods framework to the analysis of the Provincial Growth and Development Plan of the Eastern Cape: a case study of the Massive Food Production Programme in Nkonkobe Municipality and Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Dirwayi, Tafadzwa P
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/353 , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Government of the Eastern Cape Province introduced the Massive Food Production programme, which is a cornerstone within the agrarian reform initiative of the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP). The programme has been going on for more than seven years, however little has been documented on its impact. The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme on the livelihoods in Nkonkobe Municipality. This study did not only investigate its impact on the participants but also assessed its impact on the recipient communities. Accordingly, the specific objectives of the study were to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Programme on the asset base of participants, the general livelihood activities, and the livelihood outcomes. Among other livelihood activities, the study made an in-depth investigation on the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme on maize crop production. This is because the Massive Food Production was aimed at maize crop production. Previous studies investigated on the indicators of success that can be used to measure the impact of this programme. After the wide-ranging evaluation of views, arguments and research findings, a model to measure impact of the programme was designed. The asset base improvement was used as the proxy of impact. Nine factors were selected from the principal component analysis of the many factors that were taken to affect participation. Three other dummy variables to proximate location, participation and group turnover were added to the regression model that was developed to measure impact. The DFID Sustainable Livelihood Framework was used to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme. This approach was used in both conceptualizing the study and the selection of variables. The DFID Sustainable Livelihood Approach was selected because unlike the CARE or UNDP Sustainable Livelihood models, it was designed for such purposes. Data collection was accomplished through observation, interviewing, and focus group discussions. The researcher also made use of project annual reports on change of livelihoods, baseline survey reports, project log frame, internal reports, work plans, budgets and mid-term evaluation reports as sources of secondary data. v The research findings were analysed using several analytical procedures, including the conventional descriptive statistics, principal components analysis, and linear regression analysis. The use of the different types of analysis was driven by the research questions under investigation and the theories on which they are based, and by the available data. The study revealed that to some extent the Massive Food Production Programme has managed to improve the asset base of the farmers. However, its impact on ensuring food security is still debatable. Findings of the study revealed that most of the participants and the non-participants communities experienced food shortages in the last season 2007/8 for at most three months. The study revealed that the highest agricultural income is from livestock sales. The varying locations showed the potential of livestock production. It is recommended that development agencies consider livestock production as an agricultural strategy with immense potential for enhancing sustaining rural livelihoods
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Dirwayi, Tafadzwa P
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/353 , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Government of the Eastern Cape Province introduced the Massive Food Production programme, which is a cornerstone within the agrarian reform initiative of the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP). The programme has been going on for more than seven years, however little has been documented on its impact. The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme on the livelihoods in Nkonkobe Municipality. This study did not only investigate its impact on the participants but also assessed its impact on the recipient communities. Accordingly, the specific objectives of the study were to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Programme on the asset base of participants, the general livelihood activities, and the livelihood outcomes. Among other livelihood activities, the study made an in-depth investigation on the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme on maize crop production. This is because the Massive Food Production was aimed at maize crop production. Previous studies investigated on the indicators of success that can be used to measure the impact of this programme. After the wide-ranging evaluation of views, arguments and research findings, a model to measure impact of the programme was designed. The asset base improvement was used as the proxy of impact. Nine factors were selected from the principal component analysis of the many factors that were taken to affect participation. Three other dummy variables to proximate location, participation and group turnover were added to the regression model that was developed to measure impact. The DFID Sustainable Livelihood Framework was used to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme. This approach was used in both conceptualizing the study and the selection of variables. The DFID Sustainable Livelihood Approach was selected because unlike the CARE or UNDP Sustainable Livelihood models, it was designed for such purposes. Data collection was accomplished through observation, interviewing, and focus group discussions. The researcher also made use of project annual reports on change of livelihoods, baseline survey reports, project log frame, internal reports, work plans, budgets and mid-term evaluation reports as sources of secondary data. v The research findings were analysed using several analytical procedures, including the conventional descriptive statistics, principal components analysis, and linear regression analysis. The use of the different types of analysis was driven by the research questions under investigation and the theories on which they are based, and by the available data. The study revealed that to some extent the Massive Food Production Programme has managed to improve the asset base of the farmers. However, its impact on ensuring food security is still debatable. Findings of the study revealed that most of the participants and the non-participants communities experienced food shortages in the last season 2007/8 for at most three months. The study revealed that the highest agricultural income is from livestock sales. The varying locations showed the potential of livestock production. It is recommended that development agencies consider livestock production as an agricultural strategy with immense potential for enhancing sustaining rural livelihoods
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Impact of access to free basic electricity on households' poverty in Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mvondo, Jephthe M
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11419 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/280 , Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study was premised on the truism that men have historically served in higher echelons of organizational management structures and women are under-represented. The principal objective was to explore the constraints faced by women in accessing higher leadership and senior management positions in public, private and non-governmental organisations in Zimbabwe. This study adopted the triangulation method, that is, qualitative and quantitative approaches. These mixed research methods, were upgraded by the feminist research methodologies, thereby making a contribution in the field of research. The study found out that the constraints that mostly hinder women from accessing leadership and senior management positions in public, private and NGOs were cultural practices, which represent levels of power and control that in turn hinder reforms; and women's socialisation into feminised roles. The study also found out that in most organisations, most females work under male leadership, and this traditional organisational culture, needs to be deconstructed and reversed in order to achieve gender equality. The study recommended for a human centric and integrated organizational management strategy for public, private and NGOs in Zimbabwe. The adoption of a human centric and integrated management approach should aim at gender equity and reduce women's under-representation. A human centred organizational culture has to be practiced, that would create organisational ethos that guide organizational management. An integrated organizational management approach should integrate all systems and processes into one complete framework, enabling people to work as a single unit, unified by organizational goals, shared vision and common values. The system should depend on a balanced mix of the masculine and feminine attributes. The approach should put its weight towards adoption of measures to attract, advance and empower women so as to benefit from their qualifications, experience and talent in a highly competitive environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mvondo, Jephthe M
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11419 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/280 , Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Quality of life -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study was premised on the truism that men have historically served in higher echelons of organizational management structures and women are under-represented. The principal objective was to explore the constraints faced by women in accessing higher leadership and senior management positions in public, private and non-governmental organisations in Zimbabwe. This study adopted the triangulation method, that is, qualitative and quantitative approaches. These mixed research methods, were upgraded by the feminist research methodologies, thereby making a contribution in the field of research. The study found out that the constraints that mostly hinder women from accessing leadership and senior management positions in public, private and NGOs were cultural practices, which represent levels of power and control that in turn hinder reforms; and women's socialisation into feminised roles. The study also found out that in most organisations, most females work under male leadership, and this traditional organisational culture, needs to be deconstructed and reversed in order to achieve gender equality. The study recommended for a human centric and integrated organizational management strategy for public, private and NGOs in Zimbabwe. The adoption of a human centric and integrated management approach should aim at gender equity and reduce women's under-representation. A human centred organizational culture has to be practiced, that would create organisational ethos that guide organizational management. An integrated organizational management approach should integrate all systems and processes into one complete framework, enabling people to work as a single unit, unified by organizational goals, shared vision and common values. The system should depend on a balanced mix of the masculine and feminine attributes. The approach should put its weight towards adoption of measures to attract, advance and empower women so as to benefit from their qualifications, experience and talent in a highly competitive environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Impact of in-field rainwater harvesting technology on household food security: a case of Guquka and Khayalethu villages in Central Eastern Cape Province
- Hlanganise, Yoliswa Happiness
- Authors: Hlanganise, Yoliswa Happiness
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Water consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/352 , Water consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this investigation was to assess the impact of the In-Field Rainwater Harvesting technology on household food security in the study area. The study was conducted in Nkonkobe Local Municipality of the Amathole District Municipality in central Eastern Cape Province. The areas under investigation are Guquka and Khayaletu villages of the Thyume Valley, which is located about 30 kilometres north of Alice. The method used to assess the impact of the IRWH on household food security was a pair wise comparison method. During September 2009, there were 60 (34 in Guquka and 26 in Khayaletu) households who adopted the technology in home gardens. In order to get a clear picture of the impact of the technology on food security, a decision was taken to assess both the project members and non-project members, hence the pairwise comparison method. The non-project members (also 60 households) were selected randomly from those who were interviewed during the situation analysis in 2004. Five indicators were used to assess household food security. These were household income, expenditure on food, diet diversity, energy-protein intakes, and micro-nutrient intakes (Vitamin A, C and Iron). The income and expenditure data were collected from the 120 households. However, the detailed food data were collected from selected cases from both groups at different times (seasons) of the year. A case study approach was employed in data collection. A total of 12 cases (six households per village) were selected for this investigation. These were selected mainly according to the degree of poverty. The total of six households from each village comprised three project members and three non-members i.e. one from each poverty class (non- poor, poor and ultra-poor) in both categories. The data on the kinds of food products consumed by households was gathered using the food account method (FAM). The food consumed was then analysed for nutrient adequacy. The main findings of this investigation show the IRWH technology to have a positive impact on food security and nutrition of the project members. The technology made significant contributions to the amount of energy and vitamins A and C consumed by households especially during wet seasons. Substantial contributions of garden produce were noted among the project members. However, these contributions were not enough to ensure household food security. The results indicate that there are nutritional problems in the study area. Firstly, there is protein- v energy malnutrition mainly affecting the poor and the ultra-poor households. Secondly, there is hidden hunger affecting all poverty categories, even the non-poor households. This is mainly demonstrated by poor diet quality i.e. diet that lacks essential nutrients identified
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Hlanganise, Yoliswa Happiness
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Water consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/352 , Water consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this investigation was to assess the impact of the In-Field Rainwater Harvesting technology on household food security in the study area. The study was conducted in Nkonkobe Local Municipality of the Amathole District Municipality in central Eastern Cape Province. The areas under investigation are Guquka and Khayaletu villages of the Thyume Valley, which is located about 30 kilometres north of Alice. The method used to assess the impact of the IRWH on household food security was a pair wise comparison method. During September 2009, there were 60 (34 in Guquka and 26 in Khayaletu) households who adopted the technology in home gardens. In order to get a clear picture of the impact of the technology on food security, a decision was taken to assess both the project members and non-project members, hence the pairwise comparison method. The non-project members (also 60 households) were selected randomly from those who were interviewed during the situation analysis in 2004. Five indicators were used to assess household food security. These were household income, expenditure on food, diet diversity, energy-protein intakes, and micro-nutrient intakes (Vitamin A, C and Iron). The income and expenditure data were collected from the 120 households. However, the detailed food data were collected from selected cases from both groups at different times (seasons) of the year. A case study approach was employed in data collection. A total of 12 cases (six households per village) were selected for this investigation. These were selected mainly according to the degree of poverty. The total of six households from each village comprised three project members and three non-members i.e. one from each poverty class (non- poor, poor and ultra-poor) in both categories. The data on the kinds of food products consumed by households was gathered using the food account method (FAM). The food consumed was then analysed for nutrient adequacy. The main findings of this investigation show the IRWH technology to have a positive impact on food security and nutrition of the project members. The technology made significant contributions to the amount of energy and vitamins A and C consumed by households especially during wet seasons. Substantial contributions of garden produce were noted among the project members. However, these contributions were not enough to ensure household food security. The results indicate that there are nutritional problems in the study area. Firstly, there is protein- v energy malnutrition mainly affecting the poor and the ultra-poor households. Secondly, there is hidden hunger affecting all poverty categories, even the non-poor households. This is mainly demonstrated by poor diet quality i.e. diet that lacks essential nutrients identified
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Mobile phones interaction techniques for second economy people
- Authors: Edim, Azom Emmanuel
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cell phone systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) , Human-computer interaction , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11392 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/519 , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cell phone systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) , Human-computer interaction , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Second economy people in developing countries are people living in communities that are underserved in terms of basic amenities and social services. Due to literacy challenges and user accessibility problems in rural communities, it is often difficult to design user interfaces that conform to the capabilities and cultural experiences of low-literacy rural community users. Rural community users are technologically illiterate and lack the knowledge of the potential of information and communication technologies. In order to embrace new technology, users will need to perceive the user interface and application as useful and easy to interact with. This requires proper understanding of the users and their socio-cultural environment. This will enable the interfaces and interactions to conform to their behaviours, motivations as well as cultural experiences and preferences and thus enhance usability and user experience. Mobile phones have the potential to increase access to information and provide a platform for economic development in rural communities. Rural communities have economic potential in terms of agriculture and micro-enterprises. Information technology can be used to enhance socio-economic activities and improve rural livelihood. We conducted a study to design user interfaces for a mobile commerce application for micro-entrepreneurs in a rural community in South Africa. The aim of the study was to design mobile interfaces and interaction techniques that are easy to use and meet the cultural preferences and experiences of users who have little to no previous experience of mobile commerce technology. And also to explore the potentials of information technologies rural community users, and bring mobile added value services to rural micro-entrepreneurs. We applied a user-centred design approach in Dwesa community and used qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect data for the design of the user interfaces (graphic user interface and voice user interface) and mobile commerce application. We identified and used several interface elements to design and finally evaluate the graphical user interface. The statistics analysis of the evaluation results show that the users in the community have positive perception of the usefulness of the application, the ease of use and intention to use the application. Community users with no prior experience with this technology were able to learn and understand the interface, recorded minimum errors and a high level of v precision during task performance when they interacted with the shop-owner graphic user interface. The voice user interface designed in this study consists of two flavours (dual tone multi-frequency input and voice input) for rural users. The evaluation results show that community users recorded higher tasks successes and minimum errors with the dual tone multi-frequency input interface than the voice only input interface. Also, a higher percentage of users prefer the dual tone multi-frequency input interface. The t-Test statistical analysis performed on the tasks completion times and error rate show that there was significant statistical difference between the dual tone multi-frequency input interface and the voice input interface. The interfaces were easy to learn, understand and use. Properly designed user interfaces that meet the experience and capabilities of low-literacy users in rural areas will improve usability and users‟ experiences. Adaptation of interfaces to users‟ culture and preferences will enhance information services accessibility among different user groups in different regions. This will promote technology acceptance in rural communities for socio-economic benefits. The user interfaces presented in this study can be adapted to different cultures to provide similar services for marginalised communities in developing countries
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Edim, Azom Emmanuel
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cell phone systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) , Human-computer interaction , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11392 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/519 , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cell phone systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) , Human-computer interaction , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Second economy people in developing countries are people living in communities that are underserved in terms of basic amenities and social services. Due to literacy challenges and user accessibility problems in rural communities, it is often difficult to design user interfaces that conform to the capabilities and cultural experiences of low-literacy rural community users. Rural community users are technologically illiterate and lack the knowledge of the potential of information and communication technologies. In order to embrace new technology, users will need to perceive the user interface and application as useful and easy to interact with. This requires proper understanding of the users and their socio-cultural environment. This will enable the interfaces and interactions to conform to their behaviours, motivations as well as cultural experiences and preferences and thus enhance usability and user experience. Mobile phones have the potential to increase access to information and provide a platform for economic development in rural communities. Rural communities have economic potential in terms of agriculture and micro-enterprises. Information technology can be used to enhance socio-economic activities and improve rural livelihood. We conducted a study to design user interfaces for a mobile commerce application for micro-entrepreneurs in a rural community in South Africa. The aim of the study was to design mobile interfaces and interaction techniques that are easy to use and meet the cultural preferences and experiences of users who have little to no previous experience of mobile commerce technology. And also to explore the potentials of information technologies rural community users, and bring mobile added value services to rural micro-entrepreneurs. We applied a user-centred design approach in Dwesa community and used qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect data for the design of the user interfaces (graphic user interface and voice user interface) and mobile commerce application. We identified and used several interface elements to design and finally evaluate the graphical user interface. The statistics analysis of the evaluation results show that the users in the community have positive perception of the usefulness of the application, the ease of use and intention to use the application. Community users with no prior experience with this technology were able to learn and understand the interface, recorded minimum errors and a high level of v precision during task performance when they interacted with the shop-owner graphic user interface. The voice user interface designed in this study consists of two flavours (dual tone multi-frequency input and voice input) for rural users. The evaluation results show that community users recorded higher tasks successes and minimum errors with the dual tone multi-frequency input interface than the voice only input interface. Also, a higher percentage of users prefer the dual tone multi-frequency input interface. The t-Test statistical analysis performed on the tasks completion times and error rate show that there was significant statistical difference between the dual tone multi-frequency input interface and the voice input interface. The interfaces were easy to learn, understand and use. Properly designed user interfaces that meet the experience and capabilities of low-literacy users in rural areas will improve usability and users‟ experiences. Adaptation of interfaces to users‟ culture and preferences will enhance information services accessibility among different user groups in different regions. This will promote technology acceptance in rural communities for socio-economic benefits. The user interfaces presented in this study can be adapted to different cultures to provide similar services for marginalised communities in developing countries
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
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