Land use in Ward One of the Stutterheim district
- Authors: Kopke, Desmond
- Date: 1962
- Subjects: Land use -- South Africa -- Stutterheim , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stutterheim (South Africa) -- Geography , Stutterheim (South Africa) -- Social conditions , Stutterheim (South Africa) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013465
- Description: The work began with the production by the author of a geological map of the area, since this essential task had not previously been undertaken. A detailed study of the settlement plan, containing both European and African smallholders, was then made. This proved a very fruitful field of study, because within the area the settlement plan is undergoing dramatic changes which are having an effect on the land use pattern within the area. This study was concerned mainly with the production of a detailed land use map and a quantitative analysis of the land use distributions revealed by this map. The classification used fer the categories on the land use map closely resembles one used in the land use map of 'The Border Region' produced by the Border Regional Survey (1957/8) which was in turn based on the World Land Use Map classification. Accompanying this text are seven maps produced by the author, three of the land settlement plan (1: 50,000), one each of the geology (1: 50,000) and rainfall (1:125,000) and two of the land use (l: 50,000 and 1: 125,000) in the area. The field sheets (1: 18,000) which show the land use of the area in great detail, are to be found in the library of the Geography Departmont, Rhodes University in atlas form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1962
- Authors: Kopke, Desmond
- Date: 1962
- Subjects: Land use -- South Africa -- Stutterheim , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stutterheim (South Africa) -- Geography , Stutterheim (South Africa) -- Social conditions , Stutterheim (South Africa) -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013465
- Description: The work began with the production by the author of a geological map of the area, since this essential task had not previously been undertaken. A detailed study of the settlement plan, containing both European and African smallholders, was then made. This proved a very fruitful field of study, because within the area the settlement plan is undergoing dramatic changes which are having an effect on the land use pattern within the area. This study was concerned mainly with the production of a detailed land use map and a quantitative analysis of the land use distributions revealed by this map. The classification used fer the categories on the land use map closely resembles one used in the land use map of 'The Border Region' produced by the Border Regional Survey (1957/8) which was in turn based on the World Land Use Map classification. Accompanying this text are seven maps produced by the author, three of the land settlement plan (1: 50,000), one each of the geology (1: 50,000) and rainfall (1:125,000) and two of the land use (l: 50,000 and 1: 125,000) in the area. The field sheets (1: 18,000) which show the land use of the area in great detail, are to be found in the library of the Geography Departmont, Rhodes University in atlas form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1962
Rural underdevelopment in the former Ciskei with specific reference to Glenmore Village
- Authors: Malila, Brett
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions , Glenmore (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003076 , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions , Glenmore (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Description: This thesis examines development changes that took place in Glenmore after 1994. To examine such change one needs to have a concise historical understanding of the situation in Glenmore before democracy. The aim of the work is to critique development at a local, rural level, pinpointing the major changes, if any, that came with the incorporation of the former homeland of Ciskei (and thus Glenmore village) with South Africa. These people were forcibly resettled in 1979 for political and economic reasons. Their situation then was one of dire poverty; it is argued here that even with democracy, their history of underdevelopment has continued. The reason for this continued underdevelopment is the structure of the former reserves. The overall political context has changed in South Africa but the most important aspect with regard to the development of the homelands: land, has not. At the central level, the government has churned out a wide variety of development policies, which due to the prevailing political and economic context of the times are fraught with inconsistencies. The example used here to show some of these inconsistencies is the 1997 White Paper on Land Reform. This confusion at the central level with regard to the perceived future of South Africa has managed to adversely affect the rural areas and their development. There very well might be policies in abundance to improve the life-world of the rural poor, but there are inconsistencies between this policy and actual practice. With regard to Glenmore the confusion in the present government’s central development policy is arguably the main reason for the underdevelopment of the village. The inconsistencies in policy such as the 1997 White Paper on Land Reform, have meant that the structure of the reserves has not changed. Vital issues such as land tenure and ownership have not been dealt with. The study thus shows that unless the structure of the homeland system which is predominantly based on issues of land, is changed, genuine social and economic development will not take place in areas like Glenmore.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Malila, Brett
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions , Glenmore (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003076 , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions , Glenmore (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Description: This thesis examines development changes that took place in Glenmore after 1994. To examine such change one needs to have a concise historical understanding of the situation in Glenmore before democracy. The aim of the work is to critique development at a local, rural level, pinpointing the major changes, if any, that came with the incorporation of the former homeland of Ciskei (and thus Glenmore village) with South Africa. These people were forcibly resettled in 1979 for political and economic reasons. Their situation then was one of dire poverty; it is argued here that even with democracy, their history of underdevelopment has continued. The reason for this continued underdevelopment is the structure of the former reserves. The overall political context has changed in South Africa but the most important aspect with regard to the development of the homelands: land, has not. At the central level, the government has churned out a wide variety of development policies, which due to the prevailing political and economic context of the times are fraught with inconsistencies. The example used here to show some of these inconsistencies is the 1997 White Paper on Land Reform. This confusion at the central level with regard to the perceived future of South Africa has managed to adversely affect the rural areas and their development. There very well might be policies in abundance to improve the life-world of the rural poor, but there are inconsistencies between this policy and actual practice. With regard to Glenmore the confusion in the present government’s central development policy is arguably the main reason for the underdevelopment of the village. The inconsistencies in policy such as the 1997 White Paper on Land Reform, have meant that the structure of the reserves has not changed. Vital issues such as land tenure and ownership have not been dealt with. The study thus shows that unless the structure of the homeland system which is predominantly based on issues of land, is changed, genuine social and economic development will not take place in areas like Glenmore.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
People-centred development in practice: the case of the Zikhova-Ngqinisa Sidibene Woodlot Trust Project
- Authors: Pona, Faith Zolisa
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Zikhova-Ngqinisa Sidibene Woodlot Trust Project , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Woodlots -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3356 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007610 , Zikhova-Ngqinisa Sidibene Woodlot Trust Project , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Woodlots -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study addresses the question of people-centred development as a transformative aspect of the new South African development arena. The concept is defined as the involvement and active participation of people in the decision-making, evaluation and implementation of the development processes, It is one of the forms of democratisation which involves the decentralisaton of authority to the lower tiers of government. This study provides an analysis of the efficacy, relevance, advantages and disadvantages of people-centred development in the South African context. The Zikhoya-Ngqinisa Woodlot Trust Project was chosen as a case study, The reason was that through the process of devolution of the Department of Forestry and Water Affairs (DWAF), which involved the handing over of the management and financial resources of the small woodlots to the communities for their own benefit, the two villages, Zikhova and Ngqinisa, were given the Zikhova woodlot. The devolution of DWAF is one of the various forms of decentralisation that has given more autonomy to the lower tiers of government in the sense that the communities now have to satisfy their own needs. The main focus of the study was to identify and analyse constraints on the implementation of people-centred development specific to the Zikhova-Ngqinisa Woodlot Trust Project. Other interrelated aspects of people-centred development such as sustainability, community involvement and benefits of the project were also investigated and analysed. , KMBT_363
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Pona, Faith Zolisa
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Zikhova-Ngqinisa Sidibene Woodlot Trust Project , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Woodlots -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3356 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007610 , Zikhova-Ngqinisa Sidibene Woodlot Trust Project , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Woodlots -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study addresses the question of people-centred development as a transformative aspect of the new South African development arena. The concept is defined as the involvement and active participation of people in the decision-making, evaluation and implementation of the development processes, It is one of the forms of democratisation which involves the decentralisaton of authority to the lower tiers of government. This study provides an analysis of the efficacy, relevance, advantages and disadvantages of people-centred development in the South African context. The Zikhoya-Ngqinisa Woodlot Trust Project was chosen as a case study, The reason was that through the process of devolution of the Department of Forestry and Water Affairs (DWAF), which involved the handing over of the management and financial resources of the small woodlots to the communities for their own benefit, the two villages, Zikhova and Ngqinisa, were given the Zikhova woodlot. The devolution of DWAF is one of the various forms of decentralisation that has given more autonomy to the lower tiers of government in the sense that the communities now have to satisfy their own needs. The main focus of the study was to identify and analyse constraints on the implementation of people-centred development specific to the Zikhova-Ngqinisa Woodlot Trust Project. Other interrelated aspects of people-centred development such as sustainability, community involvement and benefits of the project were also investigated and analysed. , KMBT_363
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Rural livelihoods at Dwesa/Cwebe: poverty, development and natural resource use on the Wild Coast, South Africa
- Authors: Timmermans, Herman Gerald
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007174 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This thesis uses the sustainable rural livelihoods framework to investigate the livelihoods of communities residing adjacent to a remote protected area on the Wild Coast. The communities living in the area are among the poorest in South Africa and are largely dependent on migrant remittances and state welfare grants for their survival. Soon after South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, the communities lodged a land claim against the protected area on the basis of past removals. In 2001, their land rights to the protected area were restored, opening up new avenues for the development of the area. It is argued that livelihood systems in the area are complex, varied and dynamic, and that for development to be sustainable, it needs to be informed by a thorough understanding of the many factors that shape the context in which livelihoods are generated. The research is based primarily on 'in-depth' micro-studies of two villages in the area - Ntubeni and Cwebe. It includes a detailed assessment of the extent and distribution of poverty and the various factors that make households vulnerable to livelihood shocks. The role of the rich and diverse natural resource base, the property rights associated with it, and the under-development of infrastructure and services in the area, are discussed in relation to livelihood prospects. A systems approach is used to examine the various ways in which livestock husbandry, cropping, natural resource use, employment and welfare dependence interact. Finally, the thesis examines in some detail the distribution of household assets, livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes between the two villages, and between households in different income groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Timmermans, Herman Gerald
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007174 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This thesis uses the sustainable rural livelihoods framework to investigate the livelihoods of communities residing adjacent to a remote protected area on the Wild Coast. The communities living in the area are among the poorest in South Africa and are largely dependent on migrant remittances and state welfare grants for their survival. Soon after South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, the communities lodged a land claim against the protected area on the basis of past removals. In 2001, their land rights to the protected area were restored, opening up new avenues for the development of the area. It is argued that livelihood systems in the area are complex, varied and dynamic, and that for development to be sustainable, it needs to be informed by a thorough understanding of the many factors that shape the context in which livelihoods are generated. The research is based primarily on 'in-depth' micro-studies of two villages in the area - Ntubeni and Cwebe. It includes a detailed assessment of the extent and distribution of poverty and the various factors that make households vulnerable to livelihood shocks. The role of the rich and diverse natural resource base, the property rights associated with it, and the under-development of infrastructure and services in the area, are discussed in relation to livelihood prospects. A systems approach is used to examine the various ways in which livestock husbandry, cropping, natural resource use, employment and welfare dependence interact. Finally, the thesis examines in some detail the distribution of household assets, livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes between the two villages, and between households in different income groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Institutional change and ecosystem dynamics in the communal areas around Mt Coke State Forest, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Cundill, Georgina
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4746 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006959 , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Through a combination of theoretical discussion and case study analysis from two villages in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, this thesis explores the relationship between institutional change and ecosystem dynamics through a multi-scale approach that combines local and scientific knowledge. Several conceptual approaches were combined in this study. These included; the Resilience perspective, the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods approach, the Millennium Assessment framework and principles, and the Environmental Entitlements approach. Various participatory research techniques were employed which combined with GIS technologies, existing data sets, and historical records. Common pool resource areas are social spaces, where local values attached to resources are institutionally mediated, politically nuanced, economically interpreted and historically situated. Political driving forces at various scales have played a disproportionate role in local level institutional functioning in the case study area. In particular, inappropriate state-lead interventions into land use planning have weakened local level institutions, and have reduced the ability of the linked social-ecological system to cope with change and uncertainty. People and ecosystems become more vulnerable when driving forces such as political upheaval, economic depression and drought over-lap. However, rural people are not mere spectators in the face of these driving forces; they respond both reactively and proactively to ensure resilience to change and uncertainty. Ecosystems at Mt Coke play a key role during times of crisis in rural livelihoods. These ecosystems have undergone various short-term cyclical changes largely in response to rainfall fluctuations, and some longer-term changes linked to political events and trends that have affected management practices and local institutions over time. Orthodox ecological interpretations of ecosystem change appear to ignore four key factors identified in this study: 1) the role of institutions in shaping access to resources, 2) the demand for resources in rural livelihoods, 3) the dynamic interaction between social and natural systems, and 4) the interaction between social and natural systems across scales of analysis. The future of common pool resource management lies in the combination of local and scientific knowledge through an adaptive management approach that encourages learning and adaptation in local level institutional structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Cundill, Georgina
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4746 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006959 , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Through a combination of theoretical discussion and case study analysis from two villages in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, this thesis explores the relationship between institutional change and ecosystem dynamics through a multi-scale approach that combines local and scientific knowledge. Several conceptual approaches were combined in this study. These included; the Resilience perspective, the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods approach, the Millennium Assessment framework and principles, and the Environmental Entitlements approach. Various participatory research techniques were employed which combined with GIS technologies, existing data sets, and historical records. Common pool resource areas are social spaces, where local values attached to resources are institutionally mediated, politically nuanced, economically interpreted and historically situated. Political driving forces at various scales have played a disproportionate role in local level institutional functioning in the case study area. In particular, inappropriate state-lead interventions into land use planning have weakened local level institutions, and have reduced the ability of the linked social-ecological system to cope with change and uncertainty. People and ecosystems become more vulnerable when driving forces such as political upheaval, economic depression and drought over-lap. However, rural people are not mere spectators in the face of these driving forces; they respond both reactively and proactively to ensure resilience to change and uncertainty. Ecosystems at Mt Coke play a key role during times of crisis in rural livelihoods. These ecosystems have undergone various short-term cyclical changes largely in response to rainfall fluctuations, and some longer-term changes linked to political events and trends that have affected management practices and local institutions over time. Orthodox ecological interpretations of ecosystem change appear to ignore four key factors identified in this study: 1) the role of institutions in shaping access to resources, 2) the demand for resources in rural livelihoods, 3) the dynamic interaction between social and natural systems, and 4) the interaction between social and natural systems across scales of analysis. The future of common pool resource management lies in the combination of local and scientific knowledge through an adaptive management approach that encourages learning and adaptation in local level institutional structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
A review of lessons learned to inform capacity-building for sustainable nature-based tourism development in the European Union funded ʺSupport to the Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programmeʺ
- Authors: Wright, Brian Bradley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003628 , Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This case-study establishes the influences of power-knowledge relationships on capacity-building for sustainability in the European Union Funded ‘Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme’ (EU Programme). It aims to capture the lessons learned for capacitybuilding to support nature-based tourism initiatives on the Wild Coast. The EU Programme aimed to achieve economic and social development of previously disadvantaged communities through nature-based tourism enterprises, and to develop capacity of local authorities and communities to support environmental management. The study discusses common trends in thematic categories emerging from the research data, and contextualises research findings in a broader development landscape. This study indicates that power-knowledge relations were reflected in the EU Programme’s development ideology by an exclusionary development approach, which lacked a participatory ethos. This exclusionary approach did not support an enabling environment for capacity-building. This development approach, guiding the programme conceptualization, design and implementation processes, resulted in a programme with unrealistic objectives, time-frames and resource allocations; a programme resisted by provincial and local government. The study provides a causal link between participation, programme relevance, programme ownership, commitment of stakeholders, effective management and capacity-building for sustainable programme implementation. The study argues that the underlying motivation for the exclusionary EU development ideology in the programme is driven by a risk management strategy. This approach allows the EU to hold power in the development process, whereas, an inclusionary participative development methodology would require a more in-depth negotiation with stakeholders, thereby requiring the EU to relinquish existing levels of power and control. This may increase the risk of an unexpected programme design outcome and associated exposure to financial risk. It may also have a significant financial effect on donor countries' consultancies and consultants currently driving the development industry. This study recommends an interactive-participative methodology for programme design and implementation, if an enabling environment for capacity-building is to be created. In addition, all programme stakeholders must share contractual accountability for programme outcomes. This requires a paradigm shift in the EU development ideology to an inclusionary methodology. However, this research suggests that the current EU development approach will not voluntarily change. I, therefore, argue that South Africa needs to develop a legislative framework that will guide donor-funded development programme methodology, to support an enabling environment for capacity-building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Wright, Brian Bradley
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003628 , Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Sustainable development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Conservation and natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- International cooperation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic development , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- European Union countries , European Union countries -- Foreign economic relations -- South Africa , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This case-study establishes the influences of power-knowledge relationships on capacity-building for sustainability in the European Union Funded ‘Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative Pilot Programme’ (EU Programme). It aims to capture the lessons learned for capacitybuilding to support nature-based tourism initiatives on the Wild Coast. The EU Programme aimed to achieve economic and social development of previously disadvantaged communities through nature-based tourism enterprises, and to develop capacity of local authorities and communities to support environmental management. The study discusses common trends in thematic categories emerging from the research data, and contextualises research findings in a broader development landscape. This study indicates that power-knowledge relations were reflected in the EU Programme’s development ideology by an exclusionary development approach, which lacked a participatory ethos. This exclusionary approach did not support an enabling environment for capacity-building. This development approach, guiding the programme conceptualization, design and implementation processes, resulted in a programme with unrealistic objectives, time-frames and resource allocations; a programme resisted by provincial and local government. The study provides a causal link between participation, programme relevance, programme ownership, commitment of stakeholders, effective management and capacity-building for sustainable programme implementation. The study argues that the underlying motivation for the exclusionary EU development ideology in the programme is driven by a risk management strategy. This approach allows the EU to hold power in the development process, whereas, an inclusionary participative development methodology would require a more in-depth negotiation with stakeholders, thereby requiring the EU to relinquish existing levels of power and control. This may increase the risk of an unexpected programme design outcome and associated exposure to financial risk. It may also have a significant financial effect on donor countries' consultancies and consultants currently driving the development industry. This study recommends an interactive-participative methodology for programme design and implementation, if an enabling environment for capacity-building is to be created. In addition, all programme stakeholders must share contractual accountability for programme outcomes. This requires a paradigm shift in the EU development ideology to an inclusionary methodology. However, this research suggests that the current EU development approach will not voluntarily change. I, therefore, argue that South Africa needs to develop a legislative framework that will guide donor-funded development programme methodology, to support an enabling environment for capacity-building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Is land tenure a significant variable for promoting agricultural productivity in rural villages?: the case study of Nonkcampa Village in the Buffalo City Municipality, Province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Gqokoma, Daniel Atwell
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Buffalo City (South Africa) , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003101 , Buffalo City (South Africa) , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research explored the causal relationship between the communal land tenure and the stagnant agricultural productivity in rural villages. It is assumed that there is covariance between the communal land tenure and the stagnant agricultural productivity. The communal land tenure deprived the villagers of the land ownership rights to mortgage their landholdings to secure agricultural credit from financial institutions, or to advance them as own contributions to obtain Government-provided grants under the ILRAD. Under such circumstances, the villagers could not raise the level of agricultural productivity. The Permit to Occupy (PTO) certificates, issued to the landholders, provided for usufruct rights only i.e. right to occupy and use an allotment. The related research was conducted at Nonkcampa village. The metatheory, “Positivism” and the quantitative paradigm were applied to collate and analyse the data. The research findings confirmed the correlation between the land tenure and the agricultural productivity, as the respondents claimed not to have had any access to agricultural inputs. Hence, the agricultural productivity on the arable land had stagnated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Gqokoma, Daniel Atwell
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Buffalo City (South Africa) , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3313 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003101 , Buffalo City (South Africa) , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research explored the causal relationship between the communal land tenure and the stagnant agricultural productivity in rural villages. It is assumed that there is covariance between the communal land tenure and the stagnant agricultural productivity. The communal land tenure deprived the villagers of the land ownership rights to mortgage their landholdings to secure agricultural credit from financial institutions, or to advance them as own contributions to obtain Government-provided grants under the ILRAD. Under such circumstances, the villagers could not raise the level of agricultural productivity. The Permit to Occupy (PTO) certificates, issued to the landholders, provided for usufruct rights only i.e. right to occupy and use an allotment. The related research was conducted at Nonkcampa village. The metatheory, “Positivism” and the quantitative paradigm were applied to collate and analyse the data. The research findings confirmed the correlation between the land tenure and the agricultural productivity, as the respondents claimed not to have had any access to agricultural inputs. Hence, the agricultural productivity on the arable land had stagnated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The mutual embodiment of landscape and livelihoods: an environmental history of Nqabara
- Authors: De Klerk, Henning
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscapes -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007054 , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscapes -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This thesis presents a history of the landscape of Nqabara, an administrative area in a rural and coastal area of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In the process of investigating landscape history, the inquiry engages with a range of data sources from diverging discursive contexts, including data from ethnographic fieldwork, from the consultation of archival documents and historical reports as well as from comparative historic and ethnographic research, necessitating a critical consideration of the epistemological contexts of data production and the dialogue between researcher and data. Furthermore, in its aim to move beyond historical description towards explanation, the study interrogates the dualist ontological conceptualisations of nature and culture, society and ecology, object and meaning upon which are built three dominant conceptual frameworks concerned with human-environment relationships: social-ecological systems theory, transdisciplinary landscape studies and political ecology. Drawing primarily upon the works of James Gibson, Anthony Giddens and Tim Ingold, an ontological foundation is developed to guide the enquiry and move towards an alternative understanding of the relationship of people’s livelihoods with respect to the landscape in which it is lived, which I call here the praxisembodiment perspective. This ontology takes the situated patterns of action of a situated agent-in-its-environment as its point of departure and proceeds to develop a framework explaining how relations among the patterns of action of different agents-in-their-environment, emerge in structures that simultaneously enable and constrain future action. The foundation is thereby provided for a monist understanding of how landscape and social structure emerge simultaneously from the complex intersection of patterns of actions and interactions of agents in their environment. This framework calls for an understanding of time, space and scale, not as independent variables influencing process and action, but as emergent properties arising from the patterns of actions of situated agents. Finally the alternative ontology is applied to the history of landscape and livelihoods of people of Nqabara. It is concluded that an appropriate understanding and explanation of the critical transformations in the landscape as well as in social institutions, should be sought through analysis of the complex ways in which patterns of action of multiple spatial and temporal rhythms and between multiple agents in an environment, intersect and resonate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: De Klerk, Henning
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscapes -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007054 , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human beings -- Effect of environment on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscapes -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This thesis presents a history of the landscape of Nqabara, an administrative area in a rural and coastal area of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In the process of investigating landscape history, the inquiry engages with a range of data sources from diverging discursive contexts, including data from ethnographic fieldwork, from the consultation of archival documents and historical reports as well as from comparative historic and ethnographic research, necessitating a critical consideration of the epistemological contexts of data production and the dialogue between researcher and data. Furthermore, in its aim to move beyond historical description towards explanation, the study interrogates the dualist ontological conceptualisations of nature and culture, society and ecology, object and meaning upon which are built three dominant conceptual frameworks concerned with human-environment relationships: social-ecological systems theory, transdisciplinary landscape studies and political ecology. Drawing primarily upon the works of James Gibson, Anthony Giddens and Tim Ingold, an ontological foundation is developed to guide the enquiry and move towards an alternative understanding of the relationship of people’s livelihoods with respect to the landscape in which it is lived, which I call here the praxisembodiment perspective. This ontology takes the situated patterns of action of a situated agent-in-its-environment as its point of departure and proceeds to develop a framework explaining how relations among the patterns of action of different agents-in-their-environment, emerge in structures that simultaneously enable and constrain future action. The foundation is thereby provided for a monist understanding of how landscape and social structure emerge simultaneously from the complex intersection of patterns of actions and interactions of agents in their environment. This framework calls for an understanding of time, space and scale, not as independent variables influencing process and action, but as emergent properties arising from the patterns of actions of situated agents. Finally the alternative ontology is applied to the history of landscape and livelihoods of people of Nqabara. It is concluded that an appropriate understanding and explanation of the critical transformations in the landscape as well as in social institutions, should be sought through analysis of the complex ways in which patterns of action of multiple spatial and temporal rhythms and between multiple agents in an environment, intersect and resonate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Gender and development: a study of the impact of selected cooperatives in the Eastern Cape Province
- Sithole, Noluthando Victoria
- Authors: Sithole, Noluthando Victoria
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Easttern Cape , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11752 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/194 , Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Easttern Cape , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In 1994 South Africa took a new direction towards democratic governance. This led to a change of government principles and approaches in leading the country. The people became the centre of the country’s development, resulting in the adoption of people-centred development and people-driven strategies. A special focus highlighted women as in the category which had endured poverty the most in South Africa. The South African government, through its various departments, has a responsibility to improve the lives of South Africans, and the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Social Development is one of the departments which has committed itself towards changing the lives of women in the community. As a strategy to implement community development, the Provincial Department of Social Development is funding women cooperative programmes. Women cooperatives are a relatively new endeavour to address poverty within the democratic South Africa. The study supports the notion and attempts to show the impact that women have on community development. The researcher began studying the trends and realized that the funds allocated and the funding process of community development programmes by Provincial Department of Social Development is not working towards empowering communities. A purposive sampling method was used to select two women cooperative programmes in the Chris Hani District Municipality to explore the role of women in community development in the current context of democracy and social welfare transformation in South Africa; to explore the impact of gender through women cooperatives on community development and to explore strategies for the empowerment of women through community development intervention. The design of the study is qualitative, exploratory and descriptive in nature. The study also adapted evaluation and gender analysis methods to verify the effectiveness of women programmes. The study recommends that women be empowered with skills, knowledge, resources and opportunities to enable them to be more effective in community development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Sithole, Noluthando Victoria
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Easttern Cape , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11752 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/194 , Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women in cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Easttern Cape , Gender identity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In 1994 South Africa took a new direction towards democratic governance. This led to a change of government principles and approaches in leading the country. The people became the centre of the country’s development, resulting in the adoption of people-centred development and people-driven strategies. A special focus highlighted women as in the category which had endured poverty the most in South Africa. The South African government, through its various departments, has a responsibility to improve the lives of South Africans, and the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Social Development is one of the departments which has committed itself towards changing the lives of women in the community. As a strategy to implement community development, the Provincial Department of Social Development is funding women cooperative programmes. Women cooperatives are a relatively new endeavour to address poverty within the democratic South Africa. The study supports the notion and attempts to show the impact that women have on community development. The researcher began studying the trends and realized that the funds allocated and the funding process of community development programmes by Provincial Department of Social Development is not working towards empowering communities. A purposive sampling method was used to select two women cooperative programmes in the Chris Hani District Municipality to explore the role of women in community development in the current context of democracy and social welfare transformation in South Africa; to explore the impact of gender through women cooperatives on community development and to explore strategies for the empowerment of women through community development intervention. The design of the study is qualitative, exploratory and descriptive in nature. The study also adapted evaluation and gender analysis methods to verify the effectiveness of women programmes. The study recommends that women be empowered with skills, knowledge, resources and opportunities to enable them to be more effective in community development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Implementing a robust, cost effective, e-commerce platform for a disadvantaged community of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Njeje, Sicelo Given
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Computer network architectures -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet marketing , Business enterprises -- Computer networks , Electronic commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11373 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/75 , Computer network architectures -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet marketing , Business enterprises -- Computer networks , Electronic commerce
- Description: The development of electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the most visible business use of the World Wide Web. The primary goal of an e-commerce site is to sell goods and services online. This project deals with developing an e-commerce platform for marginalized communities of the Eastern Cape region, South Africa. An online “shopping mall” to support the marketing of art and crafts from disadvantaged communities is presented, with Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP (LAMP) as the development environment. Free and Open Source Software has been chosen to develop the virtual shopping mall system because the use of Open Source allows easy localization and extensions to the system developed and long term sustainability, as the source code is available. Also, it might start a “virtuous” circle, whereby young members of the communities hosting art and craft makers become involved in maintenance, and then production, of software systems. One important design constraint from the e-commerce platform presented in this thesis is the possibility for the art and craft makers to manage their shops directly, from the initial loading of their wares to the day-to-day maintenance, such as changes of price or items. The user requirement elicitation and initial field testing were conducted in Dwesa, an area on the wild coast, South Africa. The system currently comprising two shops is live at the time of writing this thesis at www.dwesa.com.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Njeje, Sicelo Given
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Computer network architectures -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet marketing , Business enterprises -- Computer networks , Electronic commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11373 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/75 , Computer network architectures -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet marketing , Business enterprises -- Computer networks , Electronic commerce
- Description: The development of electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the most visible business use of the World Wide Web. The primary goal of an e-commerce site is to sell goods and services online. This project deals with developing an e-commerce platform for marginalized communities of the Eastern Cape region, South Africa. An online “shopping mall” to support the marketing of art and crafts from disadvantaged communities is presented, with Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP (LAMP) as the development environment. Free and Open Source Software has been chosen to develop the virtual shopping mall system because the use of Open Source allows easy localization and extensions to the system developed and long term sustainability, as the source code is available. Also, it might start a “virtuous” circle, whereby young members of the communities hosting art and craft makers become involved in maintenance, and then production, of software systems. One important design constraint from the e-commerce platform presented in this thesis is the possibility for the art and craft makers to manage their shops directly, from the initial loading of their wares to the day-to-day maintenance, such as changes of price or items. The user requirement elicitation and initial field testing were conducted in Dwesa, an area on the wild coast, South Africa. The system currently comprising two shops is live at the time of writing this thesis at www.dwesa.com.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Integrating natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems for rural economic development: a model for rural enterprise development, health and nutrition initiatives in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Lupuwana, Pumezo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Ethnobotany)
- Identifier: vital:11884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/81 , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study demonstrated that the demographic profile of the Eastern Cape Province portrayed high levels of poverty and underdevelopment in the mostly rural population. This is despite the fact that the Eastern Cape is characterized by a rich endowment of natural resources, hosting a wide range of natural plant species, numerous rivers, water springs from mountains and no less than six biomes due to the variety of climatic conditions prevalent in the Province. In contrast, the natural resources found in the Province were regarded to have a high potential to grow and transform the economy of the Province. In this study, the integrated approach was conceptualized, developed and implemented in action within the rural communities selected with varying degrees of success, as a function of the material and objective socio-economic conditions prevailing in each community. A model for rural enterprise development based on agricultural production utilizing the principles of Community-Public-Private Partnerships was conceptualized and executed with the assistance of specialist professionals from various disciplines and organizations. Case studies structured on the basis of methodologies derived from the integration of natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the conceptual framework of the study as indicated by the following case studies. The first case study undertaken was the development of agricultural enterprises in the selected rural communities in joint ventures through the commercial production of food and vegetable crops for local markets and to provide nutrition for the rural communities as the first line of therapy against the HIV/AIDS infection and other diseases associated with malnutrition. The second case study was the establishment of an agricultural enterprise in partnership between rural communities, government agencies and agricultural specialist for the commercial production of grain crops, namely, Sorghum alternating with Wheat to satisfy the demand of local markets for these crops. The third case study was the establishment of a community-based enterprise through the commercial production of two Pelargonium plant species, namely, Pelargonium reniforme and P. sidoides. The two species had a high market demand in the pharmaceutical industry; hence, the plant species were V domestically cultivated to satisfy the industry demand and to ensure the survival of the plant species. The enterprise succeeded in sustaining the livelihoods of the rural communities and conserving the plant species. The fourth case study was the commercial production of essential oil-producing plants in six selected rural communities providing employment for some of the members of these communities even though the initial phase of the start-up enterprise was a trial cultivation to determine the suitability of the environmental and climatic conditions for the propagation of the selected essential-producing plants. The demand for essential oils in local and international markets was determined to relatively high. The incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems of the rural communities in the planning and implementation processes in the areas of Commercial Agricultural Production and Primary Health Care resulted in a gradual paradigm shift on the part of rural communities from a dependence mindset to one of self-reliance that is critical for sustainable rural economic development and the improvement of rural livelihoods. An integrated approach in the strategic planning and execution that involved the rural communities by government stakeholders, the academic community and other stakeholders from the Private Sector was piloted. The recognition of Indigenous Knowledge Systems by all the relevant stakeholders and their essential role in rural enterprise development, food production and primary health care as a pre-requisite for a successful transformation agenda was highlighted as never before. An all-inclusive approach that accorded the rural communities the status of equal partnership had a positive impact on most aspects of planning and implementing programmes for sustainable rural economic development and biodiversity conservation. Working in partnership with rural communities was found to be a challenge; hence, an understanding of the sub-cultures and the social dynamics that often manifested themselves in the form of internecine conflicts became necessary for successfully initiating the research programme in the rural communities. Furthermore, recognition of the rural communities as an integral part of the solution towards biodiversity conservation and the sustainable exploitation of natural resources was found to be a critical component for an effective strategy to ensure the continued survival of the endangered plant species. This attitude underpinned the co-operation of the rural communities and the overarching goals of rural transformation towards the consistent and sustainable improvement of rural livelihoods. Theapproach also marked a radical shift from all the preceeding practices in biodiversity conservation and the management of sustainable natural resource utilization. The study demonstrated that the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Natural Sciences for sustainable rural economic development with the ultimate strategic objective of contributing towards the reduction of poverty, the improvement of the quality and cost-effectiveness of primary health care and adequate food production is feasible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Lupuwana, Pumezo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Ethnobotany)
- Identifier: vital:11884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/81 , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study demonstrated that the demographic profile of the Eastern Cape Province portrayed high levels of poverty and underdevelopment in the mostly rural population. This is despite the fact that the Eastern Cape is characterized by a rich endowment of natural resources, hosting a wide range of natural plant species, numerous rivers, water springs from mountains and no less than six biomes due to the variety of climatic conditions prevalent in the Province. In contrast, the natural resources found in the Province were regarded to have a high potential to grow and transform the economy of the Province. In this study, the integrated approach was conceptualized, developed and implemented in action within the rural communities selected with varying degrees of success, as a function of the material and objective socio-economic conditions prevailing in each community. A model for rural enterprise development based on agricultural production utilizing the principles of Community-Public-Private Partnerships was conceptualized and executed with the assistance of specialist professionals from various disciplines and organizations. Case studies structured on the basis of methodologies derived from the integration of natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the conceptual framework of the study as indicated by the following case studies. The first case study undertaken was the development of agricultural enterprises in the selected rural communities in joint ventures through the commercial production of food and vegetable crops for local markets and to provide nutrition for the rural communities as the first line of therapy against the HIV/AIDS infection and other diseases associated with malnutrition. The second case study was the establishment of an agricultural enterprise in partnership between rural communities, government agencies and agricultural specialist for the commercial production of grain crops, namely, Sorghum alternating with Wheat to satisfy the demand of local markets for these crops. The third case study was the establishment of a community-based enterprise through the commercial production of two Pelargonium plant species, namely, Pelargonium reniforme and P. sidoides. The two species had a high market demand in the pharmaceutical industry; hence, the plant species were V domestically cultivated to satisfy the industry demand and to ensure the survival of the plant species. The enterprise succeeded in sustaining the livelihoods of the rural communities and conserving the plant species. The fourth case study was the commercial production of essential oil-producing plants in six selected rural communities providing employment for some of the members of these communities even though the initial phase of the start-up enterprise was a trial cultivation to determine the suitability of the environmental and climatic conditions for the propagation of the selected essential-producing plants. The demand for essential oils in local and international markets was determined to relatively high. The incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems of the rural communities in the planning and implementation processes in the areas of Commercial Agricultural Production and Primary Health Care resulted in a gradual paradigm shift on the part of rural communities from a dependence mindset to one of self-reliance that is critical for sustainable rural economic development and the improvement of rural livelihoods. An integrated approach in the strategic planning and execution that involved the rural communities by government stakeholders, the academic community and other stakeholders from the Private Sector was piloted. The recognition of Indigenous Knowledge Systems by all the relevant stakeholders and their essential role in rural enterprise development, food production and primary health care as a pre-requisite for a successful transformation agenda was highlighted as never before. An all-inclusive approach that accorded the rural communities the status of equal partnership had a positive impact on most aspects of planning and implementing programmes for sustainable rural economic development and biodiversity conservation. Working in partnership with rural communities was found to be a challenge; hence, an understanding of the sub-cultures and the social dynamics that often manifested themselves in the form of internecine conflicts became necessary for successfully initiating the research programme in the rural communities. Furthermore, recognition of the rural communities as an integral part of the solution towards biodiversity conservation and the sustainable exploitation of natural resources was found to be a critical component for an effective strategy to ensure the continued survival of the endangered plant species. This attitude underpinned the co-operation of the rural communities and the overarching goals of rural transformation towards the consistent and sustainable improvement of rural livelihoods. Theapproach also marked a radical shift from all the preceeding practices in biodiversity conservation and the management of sustainable natural resource utilization. The study demonstrated that the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Natural Sciences for sustainable rural economic development with the ultimate strategic objective of contributing towards the reduction of poverty, the improvement of the quality and cost-effectiveness of primary health care and adequate food production is feasible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Investigating aspects of corporate citizenship on private game farms: the case of Mtshelezi Game Reserve in Makana Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Nyama, Cynthia
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Game farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Economic conditions , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003872 , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Game farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Economic conditions , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Research show that post 1996 period has experienced an unprecedented increase in game based operations. The corporate citizenship or corporate social responsibility of the game reserves is of much interest to this study with a focus on the rights of previous and current occupants of farms, workers’ well-being, job creation, quality of life and poverty alleviation within the game/tourism industry. The research was conducted as a qualitative case study and the tools employed for data gathering include: a review of the relevant literature, interviews (face-to-face), the administering of a questionnaire survey and document analysis from diversity of resources which include the Department of Labour, East Cape Agricultural Research Project, and through use of multiple data sources. The approach taken in this dissertation is to examine to what extent the private game reserves in the Makana Municipality can be labelled as “corporate citizens” and this was done by means of a case study of one private game reserve. The areas that are deemed to be most important in this regard are (i) employment history (ii) educational opportunities (iii) wages (iv) housing (v) land tenure. The study established that younger, better educated people are likely to secure better paying employment on PGR. The nature and conditions of sale of the farm to the PGR can impact on the employment secured by workers in the new dispensation. Workers are tied to these jobs because of the very long hours that prevent them from doing anything else to earn money. Some of the workers had opportunities to learn new skills but the question remains; which people are these and how long will growing differentials in earnings reproduce the poorly educated worker in the next generation. The study also high lightened the need for academics and researchers to come with a common set of corporate citizenship measures such as to measure corporate social impacts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Nyama, Cynthia
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Game farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Economic conditions , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003872 , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Game farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Agricultural laborers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Economic conditions , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Research show that post 1996 period has experienced an unprecedented increase in game based operations. The corporate citizenship or corporate social responsibility of the game reserves is of much interest to this study with a focus on the rights of previous and current occupants of farms, workers’ well-being, job creation, quality of life and poverty alleviation within the game/tourism industry. The research was conducted as a qualitative case study and the tools employed for data gathering include: a review of the relevant literature, interviews (face-to-face), the administering of a questionnaire survey and document analysis from diversity of resources which include the Department of Labour, East Cape Agricultural Research Project, and through use of multiple data sources. The approach taken in this dissertation is to examine to what extent the private game reserves in the Makana Municipality can be labelled as “corporate citizens” and this was done by means of a case study of one private game reserve. The areas that are deemed to be most important in this regard are (i) employment history (ii) educational opportunities (iii) wages (iv) housing (v) land tenure. The study established that younger, better educated people are likely to secure better paying employment on PGR. The nature and conditions of sale of the farm to the PGR can impact on the employment secured by workers in the new dispensation. Workers are tied to these jobs because of the very long hours that prevent them from doing anything else to earn money. Some of the workers had opportunities to learn new skills but the question remains; which people are these and how long will growing differentials in earnings reproduce the poorly educated worker in the next generation. The study also high lightened the need for academics and researchers to come with a common set of corporate citizenship measures such as to measure corporate social impacts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A GIS assessment of development and land use change in the coastal zone of the Ndlambe and Ngqushwa local municipalities, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Palmer, Bronwyn Jane
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Ndlambe Municipality , Ngqushwa Municipality , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Coastal zone management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Geographic information systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005511 , Ndlambe Municipality , Ngqushwa Municipality , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Coastal zone management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Geographic information systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The coastal zone accommodates some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and offers a wide range of ecosystem goods and services; consequently it has become a focal point of human development. People are attracted to the coast because of access to resources, favourable climate, aesthetic appeal and potential for recreational activities. As pressure for utilisation and development increases, so does the need to manage the coastal system more effectively. This research focuses on the coastal zone of the Ndlambe and Ngqushwa local municipalities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, which are physically and environmentally similar, yet have distinct demographic and socio-economic differences. The research integrates information using GIS, from three time epochs, to determine where development and land use change is occurring. The Ndlambe Local Municipality displays high levels of formal development, while the Ngqushwa Local Municipality exhibits little formal development. These differences in development and land use are related to economic, social and legislative ‘drivers’ based on an adapted Driver-Pressure-State- Impact-Response model. The model identifies that development and land use changes lead to increased pressure on the natural system, which in turn leads to shifts in the natural state of the coastal zone, resulting in adverse impacts on the coastal zone. Changes in the natural functioning of the coastal zone highlight the need for a response in terms of changes in legislation governing coastal management and spatial planning. This research concludes that pressure for development in the coastal zone within the research site is beginning to increase and will adversely affect the coastal zone if not managed effectively. These two local municipalities have the opportunity to move forward and develop in such a way that allows for conservation and sound management of the coastal zone, which will ensure long-term sustainability within the coastal zones of the Ndlambe and Ngqushwa local municipalities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Palmer, Bronwyn Jane
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Ndlambe Municipality , Ngqushwa Municipality , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Coastal zone management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Geographic information systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005511 , Ndlambe Municipality , Ngqushwa Municipality , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Coastal zone management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Geographic information systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The coastal zone accommodates some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and offers a wide range of ecosystem goods and services; consequently it has become a focal point of human development. People are attracted to the coast because of access to resources, favourable climate, aesthetic appeal and potential for recreational activities. As pressure for utilisation and development increases, so does the need to manage the coastal system more effectively. This research focuses on the coastal zone of the Ndlambe and Ngqushwa local municipalities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, which are physically and environmentally similar, yet have distinct demographic and socio-economic differences. The research integrates information using GIS, from three time epochs, to determine where development and land use change is occurring. The Ndlambe Local Municipality displays high levels of formal development, while the Ngqushwa Local Municipality exhibits little formal development. These differences in development and land use are related to economic, social and legislative ‘drivers’ based on an adapted Driver-Pressure-State- Impact-Response model. The model identifies that development and land use changes lead to increased pressure on the natural system, which in turn leads to shifts in the natural state of the coastal zone, resulting in adverse impacts on the coastal zone. Changes in the natural functioning of the coastal zone highlight the need for a response in terms of changes in legislation governing coastal management and spatial planning. This research concludes that pressure for development in the coastal zone within the research site is beginning to increase and will adversely affect the coastal zone if not managed effectively. These two local municipalities have the opportunity to move forward and develop in such a way that allows for conservation and sound management of the coastal zone, which will ensure long-term sustainability within the coastal zones of the Ndlambe and Ngqushwa local municipalities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Access to credit and the effect of credit constraints on household welfare in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Baiyegunhi, Lloyd-James Segun
- Authors: Baiyegunhi, Lloyd-James Segun
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Credit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000977 , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Credit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In recent years, concern about food safety linked to health issues has seen a rise in private food safety standards in addition to the regulations set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). These have presented challenges to producers and exporters of agricultural food products especially the producers of fresh fruits and vegetables. In spite of the food safety-linked challenges from the demand side, the vast range of business-environment forces pose equally formidable challenges that negatively impact on the exporting industries’ ability to maintain or improve their market shares and their ability to compete in world markets. The objective of this study was therefore to establish the competitiveness of the South African citrus industry in the international markets within this prevailing scenario. Due to the diversity of the definitions of competitiveness as a concept, this study formulated the following working definition: “the ability to create, deliver and maintain value and constant market share through strategic management of the industrial environment or competitiveness drivers”. This was based on the understanding that the international market shares of an industry are a function of forces in the business environment which range from intra-industry, external and national as well as the international elements. The unit of analysis were the citrus producers engaged in export of their products and the study made use of 151 responses by producers. The study adopted a five-step approach to the analysis of the performance of the South African citrus industry in the global markets, starting with the analysis of the Constant Market Share (CMS) of the South African citrus industry in various world markets, establishing the impact of the business environmental factors upon competitiveness, establishing the costs of compliance with private food safety standards, determining the non-price benefits of compliance with the standards, as well as highlighting the strategies for enhancing long-term competitiveness of the industry in the international markets. South Africa is one of the top three countries dominating the citrus fruit export market. Since its entry into the citrus fruit exports market in the 1900s, the industry has sustained its activity in the international market. The Constant Market Share Analysis shows that, amidst the challenges on the international market side, and the changes in the business environment, over much of which the industry has limited control and influence, the industry has maintained its competitive advantage in several markets. The CMS shows that South Africa’s lemons are competitive in America. Despite a negative trend, the South African grapefruit has been competitive in France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Oranges have been competitive in the Greece, Italy, Portugal, UK, Asian and Northern Europe markets. Competitiveness in these markets has been due to the inherent competitiveness of the industry. Competitiveness in such markets as the Middle East has been attributed to the relatively rapid growth of these markets. The South African citrus industry has similarly undergone many major processes of transformation. The business environmental factors influencing its performance have ranged reform to the challenges beyond the country’s borders. These factors directly and indirectly affect the performance of the industry in the export market. They have influenced the flow of fruits into different international destinations. Of major concern are the food safety and private standards. Challenges in traditional markets as well as opportunities presented by demand from newly emerging citrus consuming nations have seen a diversification in the marketing of the South African citrus. The intensity of competition in the global market is reflected by the fluctuations in the market shares in different markets as well as the increase and fluctuations of fruit rejection rates in some lucrative markets such as America. A combination of challenging national environmental forces and stringent demand conditions negatively impact on revenues especially from markets characterised by price competitiveness. This study identified cost of production, foreign market support systems, adaptability, worker skills, challenges of management in an international environment and government policies such as labour and trade policies as some of the most influential obstacles to competitiveness. Some of the most competiveness-enhancing factors were market availability, market size, market information, market growth and the availability of research institutions. However, compliance with private standards still poses a challenge to the exporters. The different performance levels of the industry in various markets prove the dissimilarity of the demand conditions in the global market. These are supported by the negative influence associated with the foreign market support regimes as well as the challenges associated with compliance with private food safety standards. While market availability, market growth, market information and size were identified as enhancing competitiveness, the fluctuations and inconsistencies in the competitiveness of the industry in different foreign markets require more than finding markets. Resource allocation by both the government and the industry may need to take into account the off-setting of the national challenges and support of farmers faced with distorted and unfair international playing fields. Otherwise, market availability is not a challenge for the industry save meeting the specifications therewith as well as price competitiveness which is unattainable for the South African citrus producers faced with high production costs. For the purposes of further study, it is recommended that account should be taken of all the products marketed by the industry (including processed products such as fruit juices) in order to have a whole picture of the competitiveness of the industry in the international market. This study also proffers a new theoretical framework for the analysis of the business environment for the citrus industry and other agro-businesses. This framework takes into account the indispensability of the food safety standards and measures as well as the diversity of the global consumer and the non-negotiability of food trade for the sustenance of the growing population.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Baiyegunhi, Lloyd-James Segun
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Credit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000977 , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Investments -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Credit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In recent years, concern about food safety linked to health issues has seen a rise in private food safety standards in addition to the regulations set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). These have presented challenges to producers and exporters of agricultural food products especially the producers of fresh fruits and vegetables. In spite of the food safety-linked challenges from the demand side, the vast range of business-environment forces pose equally formidable challenges that negatively impact on the exporting industries’ ability to maintain or improve their market shares and their ability to compete in world markets. The objective of this study was therefore to establish the competitiveness of the South African citrus industry in the international markets within this prevailing scenario. Due to the diversity of the definitions of competitiveness as a concept, this study formulated the following working definition: “the ability to create, deliver and maintain value and constant market share through strategic management of the industrial environment or competitiveness drivers”. This was based on the understanding that the international market shares of an industry are a function of forces in the business environment which range from intra-industry, external and national as well as the international elements. The unit of analysis were the citrus producers engaged in export of their products and the study made use of 151 responses by producers. The study adopted a five-step approach to the analysis of the performance of the South African citrus industry in the global markets, starting with the analysis of the Constant Market Share (CMS) of the South African citrus industry in various world markets, establishing the impact of the business environmental factors upon competitiveness, establishing the costs of compliance with private food safety standards, determining the non-price benefits of compliance with the standards, as well as highlighting the strategies for enhancing long-term competitiveness of the industry in the international markets. South Africa is one of the top three countries dominating the citrus fruit export market. Since its entry into the citrus fruit exports market in the 1900s, the industry has sustained its activity in the international market. The Constant Market Share Analysis shows that, amidst the challenges on the international market side, and the changes in the business environment, over much of which the industry has limited control and influence, the industry has maintained its competitive advantage in several markets. The CMS shows that South Africa’s lemons are competitive in America. Despite a negative trend, the South African grapefruit has been competitive in France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Oranges have been competitive in the Greece, Italy, Portugal, UK, Asian and Northern Europe markets. Competitiveness in these markets has been due to the inherent competitiveness of the industry. Competitiveness in such markets as the Middle East has been attributed to the relatively rapid growth of these markets. The South African citrus industry has similarly undergone many major processes of transformation. The business environmental factors influencing its performance have ranged reform to the challenges beyond the country’s borders. These factors directly and indirectly affect the performance of the industry in the export market. They have influenced the flow of fruits into different international destinations. Of major concern are the food safety and private standards. Challenges in traditional markets as well as opportunities presented by demand from newly emerging citrus consuming nations have seen a diversification in the marketing of the South African citrus. The intensity of competition in the global market is reflected by the fluctuations in the market shares in different markets as well as the increase and fluctuations of fruit rejection rates in some lucrative markets such as America. A combination of challenging national environmental forces and stringent demand conditions negatively impact on revenues especially from markets characterised by price competitiveness. This study identified cost of production, foreign market support systems, adaptability, worker skills, challenges of management in an international environment and government policies such as labour and trade policies as some of the most influential obstacles to competitiveness. Some of the most competiveness-enhancing factors were market availability, market size, market information, market growth and the availability of research institutions. However, compliance with private standards still poses a challenge to the exporters. The different performance levels of the industry in various markets prove the dissimilarity of the demand conditions in the global market. These are supported by the negative influence associated with the foreign market support regimes as well as the challenges associated with compliance with private food safety standards. While market availability, market growth, market information and size were identified as enhancing competitiveness, the fluctuations and inconsistencies in the competitiveness of the industry in different foreign markets require more than finding markets. Resource allocation by both the government and the industry may need to take into account the off-setting of the national challenges and support of farmers faced with distorted and unfair international playing fields. Otherwise, market availability is not a challenge for the industry save meeting the specifications therewith as well as price competitiveness which is unattainable for the South African citrus producers faced with high production costs. For the purposes of further study, it is recommended that account should be taken of all the products marketed by the industry (including processed products such as fruit juices) in order to have a whole picture of the competitiveness of the industry in the international market. This study also proffers a new theoretical framework for the analysis of the business environment for the citrus industry and other agro-businesses. This framework takes into account the indispensability of the food safety standards and measures as well as the diversity of the global consumer and the non-negotiability of food trade for the sustenance of the growing population.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Cultural and linguistic localization of the virtual shop owner interfaces of e commerce platforms for rural development
- Authors: Dyakalashe, Siyabulela
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer architecture -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11379 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/276 , User interfaces (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer architecture -- Design and construction
- Description: The introduction of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for rural development in rural marginalized societies is vastly growing. However, the success of developing and deploying ICT related services is still in question as influential factors such as adaptability, scalability, sustainability, and usability have great effect on the rate of growth of ICTs in rural environments. The problem is that these ICT services should be maintained and sustained by the targeted communities. The main cause for rural marginalization is the fact that some communities situated in rural settings are educationally challenged and computer illiterate or semiliterate in comparison with urban communities. An ICT for development (ICT4D) intervention in the form of an e-Commerce platform that targets the social and economic growth of rural marginalized communities has been developed and field tested at Dwesa, a rural community located on the Wild Coast of the former homeland of Transkei in the Eastern Cape Province. The e-Commerce platform is known as “buy at Dwesa” and can be visited at this URL, http://www.dwesa.com. The aim of the e-Commerce platform is to motivate small entrepreneurs in rural areas to market their products and themselves to the global market as they lack the skills and resources for marketing their art and crafts. Virtual stores are created for a small group of entrepreneurs who will maintain and sustain the stores on their own. These entrepreneurs are often elderly women with limited education and little to no computer literacy - meaning that sustaining the stores may prove difficult for them. In this research we discuss the re-design and re-development of the virtual shop-owner interfaces of the e-Commerce platform to make them more culturally and linguistically localized. The virtual shops allow shop-owners to upload their artifacts to advertise and sell on the customer’s end of the e-Commerce platform. For multilingual and multicultural communities, adoption of the software interfaces to the user’s cultural and linguistic needs and modes of expression is important as failure to do so may reduce the level of benefits of e-Commerce initiatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Dyakalashe, Siyabulela
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer architecture -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11379 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/276 , User interfaces (Computer systems) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Computer architecture -- Design and construction
- Description: The introduction of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for rural development in rural marginalized societies is vastly growing. However, the success of developing and deploying ICT related services is still in question as influential factors such as adaptability, scalability, sustainability, and usability have great effect on the rate of growth of ICTs in rural environments. The problem is that these ICT services should be maintained and sustained by the targeted communities. The main cause for rural marginalization is the fact that some communities situated in rural settings are educationally challenged and computer illiterate or semiliterate in comparison with urban communities. An ICT for development (ICT4D) intervention in the form of an e-Commerce platform that targets the social and economic growth of rural marginalized communities has been developed and field tested at Dwesa, a rural community located on the Wild Coast of the former homeland of Transkei in the Eastern Cape Province. The e-Commerce platform is known as “buy at Dwesa” and can be visited at this URL, http://www.dwesa.com. The aim of the e-Commerce platform is to motivate small entrepreneurs in rural areas to market their products and themselves to the global market as they lack the skills and resources for marketing their art and crafts. Virtual stores are created for a small group of entrepreneurs who will maintain and sustain the stores on their own. These entrepreneurs are often elderly women with limited education and little to no computer literacy - meaning that sustaining the stores may prove difficult for them. In this research we discuss the re-design and re-development of the virtual shop-owner interfaces of the e-Commerce platform to make them more culturally and linguistically localized. The virtual shops allow shop-owners to upload their artifacts to advertise and sell on the customer’s end of the e-Commerce platform. For multilingual and multicultural communities, adoption of the software interfaces to the user’s cultural and linguistic needs and modes of expression is important as failure to do so may reduce the level of benefits of e-Commerce initiatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Implementation of a rewards based negotiation module for an e commerce platform
- Authors: Jere, Nobert Rangarirai
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Computer network architecture -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11378 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/267 , Computer network architecture -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been widely deployed in developmental programs and this has lead to the creation of a new field – ICT for Development (ICT4D). Within the context of ICT4D, various e-services are being developed, including e-Commerce, e-Government, e-Health and e-Judiciary. ICT4D projects allow Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in rural areas to increase sales and gain a market share in the global market. However, many of these ICT4D projects do not succeed, because they fail to bring enough financial value to SMMEs due to the form they currently have. An obvious example is e-Commerce, which should be a source of revenue for business organizations, but most often is not. This thesis presents the design and implementation of a rewarding and negotiation application for a shopping portal to improve the marketing of products for rural entrepreneurs. The shopping portal has been set up for the Dwesa community, a marginalized area in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The proposed system, called the Dwesa Rewarding Program (DRP) enables customers buying online to get points for some of the activities carried out on the shopping portal. It also allows customers to negotiate and make offers whilst purchasing and get rewarded for buying online. The novelty of the system is in its flexibility and adaptability. One achievement of this system is the establishment of negotiation rules which allows fairness in rewarding customers. This should in turn lead to increased sales on the e-Commerce platform in marginalized areas and subsequently increased effectiveness of ICT4D for socio-economic development
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Jere, Nobert Rangarirai
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Computer network architecture -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11378 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/267 , Computer network architecture -- South Africa -- Design and construction , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been widely deployed in developmental programs and this has lead to the creation of a new field – ICT for Development (ICT4D). Within the context of ICT4D, various e-services are being developed, including e-Commerce, e-Government, e-Health and e-Judiciary. ICT4D projects allow Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in rural areas to increase sales and gain a market share in the global market. However, many of these ICT4D projects do not succeed, because they fail to bring enough financial value to SMMEs due to the form they currently have. An obvious example is e-Commerce, which should be a source of revenue for business organizations, but most often is not. This thesis presents the design and implementation of a rewarding and negotiation application for a shopping portal to improve the marketing of products for rural entrepreneurs. The shopping portal has been set up for the Dwesa community, a marginalized area in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The proposed system, called the Dwesa Rewarding Program (DRP) enables customers buying online to get points for some of the activities carried out on the shopping portal. It also allows customers to negotiate and make offers whilst purchasing and get rewarded for buying online. The novelty of the system is in its flexibility and adaptability. One achievement of this system is the establishment of negotiation rules which allows fairness in rewarding customers. This should in turn lead to increased sales on the e-Commerce platform in marginalized areas and subsequently increased effectiveness of ICT4D for socio-economic development
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Implementing an integrated e-government functionality for a marginalized community in the Eastern Cape South Africa
- Authors: Jakachira, Bobby Tichaona
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11377 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/273 , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Traditional methods of providing public services to disadvantaged rural communities in South Africa have, over the years, proven to be inefficient and in most such communities, simply non-existent. Although the South African government has taken initiatives to make these public services cheaply and conveniently available online at national level, access at local municipal level is still lacking. The goal of this study is to develop a cost-effective e-government system that will contribute to improved provision of public services to the Dwesa area, a rural community in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, by the government. A prototype construction approach was used, to develop a cost-effective four-modular web application. Interviews were conducted in the field, resulting in four e-government system modules, based on open-source software, developed and integrated to form a single, dynamic web component that will act as a one-stop shop for Dwesa community members. These are the Dwesa Online Application Centre (DOAC) to apply for important government documents and grants, the Dwesa Online Reporting Centre (DORC) to report various grievances to the responsible agencies, the Dwesa Forum Corner (DFC), a digital community, and the management back-end module. The Dwesa e-government portal was developed using Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP (LAMP) technology, a Zoop framework to model the individual components and a JQUERY JavaScript library to increase the responsiveness of the user interfaces. The most significant contributions of this thesis have been the development of a cost-effective, integrated e-government functionality, applicable to disadvantaged communities, and the greater understanding this has given of the tools and methodologies that can be used to deliver public services efficiently to citizens. The final evaluation of this e-government system gives significant evidence that the e-government portal provides a solid foundation that will allow e-government implementation to raise the provision of public services to a higher level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Jakachira, Bobby Tichaona
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11377 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/273 , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet in public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Traditional methods of providing public services to disadvantaged rural communities in South Africa have, over the years, proven to be inefficient and in most such communities, simply non-existent. Although the South African government has taken initiatives to make these public services cheaply and conveniently available online at national level, access at local municipal level is still lacking. The goal of this study is to develop a cost-effective e-government system that will contribute to improved provision of public services to the Dwesa area, a rural community in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, by the government. A prototype construction approach was used, to develop a cost-effective four-modular web application. Interviews were conducted in the field, resulting in four e-government system modules, based on open-source software, developed and integrated to form a single, dynamic web component that will act as a one-stop shop for Dwesa community members. These are the Dwesa Online Application Centre (DOAC) to apply for important government documents and grants, the Dwesa Online Reporting Centre (DORC) to report various grievances to the responsible agencies, the Dwesa Forum Corner (DFC), a digital community, and the management back-end module. The Dwesa e-government portal was developed using Linux-Apache-MySQL-PHP (LAMP) technology, a Zoop framework to model the individual components and a JQUERY JavaScript library to increase the responsiveness of the user interfaces. The most significant contributions of this thesis have been the development of a cost-effective, integrated e-government functionality, applicable to disadvantaged communities, and the greater understanding this has given of the tools and methodologies that can be used to deliver public services efficiently to citizens. The final evaluation of this e-government system gives significant evidence that the e-government portal provides a solid foundation that will allow e-government implementation to raise the provision of public services to a higher level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The contribution of municipal commonage to local people's livelihoods in small South African towns
- Authors: Davenport, Nicholas Ashbury
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Land tenure -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Property -- South Africa , Property rights -- South Africa , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources, Communal -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4749 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006976 , Land tenure -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Property -- South Africa , Property rights -- South Africa , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources, Communal -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: To redress past discrepancies in land tenure, the ANC government acknowledged that land needs to be made accessible to the previously disadvantaged, announcing that commonage would be a pillar of their land reform programme. Municipal commonage is land granted by the state to municipalities for urban households to use. Presently many urbanites in South Africa seek a livelihood from commonage. However, there has been no livelihood valuation of the contribution commonage makes to previously disadvantaged households. Thus there is a need to calculate the benefits of the commonage programme. Through a two phase approach, this thesis investigated firstly, the proportion of township households which use commonage; and the main characteristics of those households. Secondly, the thesis looks at the extent to which commonage contributes to users' livelihoods and the dominant livelihood strategies pursued by user households. Data was collected for three towns in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa; Bathurst, Fort Beaufort, and Grahamstown. Firstly it was found that between 27-70% of households used commonage, with the largest town having the lowest proportion of users, and vice versa for the smallest town. In terms of household characteristics, each study town was unique. Both Bathurst and Grahamstown user households were poorer than non-using households, however all Fort Beaufort households were considered poor. To assess the benefits of the commonage programme, the marketed and non-marketed consumptive direct-use values of land-based livelihoods on commonage were calculated via the 'own reported values' method. Commonage contributions to total livelihoods ranged between 14-20%. If the contributors from commonage were excluded, over 10% of households in each study town would drop to living below the poverty line. Additionally, commonage was being used productively, with the productivity at each study town being worth over R1 000 per hectare and over R4.7 million per commonage. Finally, a typology of subsistence/survivalist commonage users is presented, with four types being identified. Overall, results suggest that commonage use has increased over the last decade. Moreover, due to food inflation and urbanisation the use of commonage is expected to increase further, highlighting the need for holistic commonage management plans to be created, which should include strategies such as sustainable grazing regimes and natural resource management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Davenport, Nicholas Ashbury
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Land tenure -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Property -- South Africa , Property rights -- South Africa , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources, Communal -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4749 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006976 , Land tenure -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Property -- South Africa , Property rights -- South Africa , Commons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources, Communal -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: To redress past discrepancies in land tenure, the ANC government acknowledged that land needs to be made accessible to the previously disadvantaged, announcing that commonage would be a pillar of their land reform programme. Municipal commonage is land granted by the state to municipalities for urban households to use. Presently many urbanites in South Africa seek a livelihood from commonage. However, there has been no livelihood valuation of the contribution commonage makes to previously disadvantaged households. Thus there is a need to calculate the benefits of the commonage programme. Through a two phase approach, this thesis investigated firstly, the proportion of township households which use commonage; and the main characteristics of those households. Secondly, the thesis looks at the extent to which commonage contributes to users' livelihoods and the dominant livelihood strategies pursued by user households. Data was collected for three towns in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa; Bathurst, Fort Beaufort, and Grahamstown. Firstly it was found that between 27-70% of households used commonage, with the largest town having the lowest proportion of users, and vice versa for the smallest town. In terms of household characteristics, each study town was unique. Both Bathurst and Grahamstown user households were poorer than non-using households, however all Fort Beaufort households were considered poor. To assess the benefits of the commonage programme, the marketed and non-marketed consumptive direct-use values of land-based livelihoods on commonage were calculated via the 'own reported values' method. Commonage contributions to total livelihoods ranged between 14-20%. If the contributors from commonage were excluded, over 10% of households in each study town would drop to living below the poverty line. Additionally, commonage was being used productively, with the productivity at each study town being worth over R1 000 per hectare and over R4.7 million per commonage. Finally, a typology of subsistence/survivalist commonage users is presented, with four types being identified. Overall, results suggest that commonage use has increased over the last decade. Moreover, due to food inflation and urbanisation the use of commonage is expected to increase further, highlighting the need for holistic commonage management plans to be created, which should include strategies such as sustainable grazing regimes and natural resource management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The effectiveness of traditional leaders in the development of the rural Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kewana, Nonzaliseko Gladys
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11411 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/296 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa
- Description: Traditional leadership is a contested field in social and political environments. The new, democratic government has created an environment that accommodates the existence of traditional leadership by introducing policies that guide their functioning. The White Paper on Traditional Leadership of 2003 spells out the roles and responsibilities of traditional leaders. This document when used with the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 2003 may minimise the existing tensions between the traditional leaders and the democratically elected councillors. The White Paper on Traditional Leadership of 2003 has been designed accordingly with the Bill of Rights. Equality and prevention of unfair discrimination, has been entrenched in the Bill of Rights of the Republic of South Africa. Traditional leaders, therefore, do have a space in the governance of South Africa. They are expected to participate in development programmes and in promoting service delivery. This study used the method of a case study. It is a qualitative study. Questionnaires and interviews are tools used to collect data. Various observations and findings were made with proposed recommendations. Most important to note is that, the traditional leaders are aware of the White Paper on Traditional Leadership but do not know what to do about it. This reveals that there is a gap between practice and policy. is the recommendation of the study that, the officials from Local Government and Traditional Affairs and those from the municipalities workshop and mentor the traditional leaders as well as the democratically elected councillors. Such a practice could minimise if not eliminate the tensions that result in poor service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kewana, Nonzaliseko Gladys
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11411 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/296 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political leadership -- South Africa
- Description: Traditional leadership is a contested field in social and political environments. The new, democratic government has created an environment that accommodates the existence of traditional leadership by introducing policies that guide their functioning. The White Paper on Traditional Leadership of 2003 spells out the roles and responsibilities of traditional leaders. This document when used with the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 2003 may minimise the existing tensions between the traditional leaders and the democratically elected councillors. The White Paper on Traditional Leadership of 2003 has been designed accordingly with the Bill of Rights. Equality and prevention of unfair discrimination, has been entrenched in the Bill of Rights of the Republic of South Africa. Traditional leaders, therefore, do have a space in the governance of South Africa. They are expected to participate in development programmes and in promoting service delivery. This study used the method of a case study. It is a qualitative study. Questionnaires and interviews are tools used to collect data. Various observations and findings were made with proposed recommendations. Most important to note is that, the traditional leaders are aware of the White Paper on Traditional Leadership but do not know what to do about it. This reveals that there is a gap between practice and policy. is the recommendation of the study that, the officials from Local Government and Traditional Affairs and those from the municipalities workshop and mentor the traditional leaders as well as the democratically elected councillors. Such a practice could minimise if not eliminate the tensions that result in poor service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A P2P middleware design for digital access nodes in marginalised rural areas
- Authors: Wertlen, Ronald
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Software design , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- Simulation methods , Computer networks , Data transmission systems , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing , Middleware -- Development , Computer software
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11391 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/254 , Software design , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- Simulation methods , Computer networks , Data transmission systems , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing , Middleware -- Development , Computer software
- Description: This thesis addresses software design within the field of Information and Communications Technology for Development (ICTD). Specifically, it makes a case for the design and development of software which is custom-made for the context of marginalised rural areas (MRAs). One of the main aims of any ICTD project is sustainability and such sustainability is particularly difficult in MRAs because of the high costs of projects located there. Most literature on ICTD projects focuses on other factors, such as management, regulations, social and community issues when discussing this issue. Technical matters are often down-played or ignored entirely. This thesis argues that MRAs exhibit unique technical characteristics and that by understanding these characteristics, one can possibly design more cost-effective software. One specific characteristic is described and addressed in this thesis – a characteristic we describe here for the first time and call a network island. Further analysis of the literature generates a picture of a distributed network of access nodes (DANs) within such network islands, which are connected by high speed networks and are able to share resources and stimulate usage of technology by offering a wide range of services. This thesis attempts to design a fitting middleware platform for such a context, which would achieve the following aims: i) allow software developers to create solutions for the context more efficiently (correctly, rapidly); ii) stimulate product managers and business owners to create innovative software products more easily (cost-effectively). A given in the context of this thesis is that the software should use free/libre open source software (FLOSS) – good arguments do also exist for the use of FLOSS. A review of useful FLOSS frameworks is undertaken and several of these are examined in an applied part of the thesis, to see how useful they may be. They form the basis for a walking skeleton implementation of the proposed middleware. The Spring framework is the basis for experiments, along with Spring-Webservices, JMX and PHP 5’s web service capabilities. This thesis builds on three years of work at the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), an experimental testbed in a MRA in the Mbashe district of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Several existing products are deployed at the SLL in the fields of eCommerce, eGovernment and eLearning. Requirements specifications are engineered from a variety of sources, including interviews, mailing lists, the author’s experience as a supervisor at the SLL, and a review of the existing SLL products. Future products are also investigated, as the thesis considers current trends in ICTD. Use cases are also derived and listed. Most of the use cases are concerned with management functions of DANs that can be automated, so that operators of DANs can focus on their core business and not on technology. Using the UML Components methodology, the thesis then proceeds to design a middleware component architecture that is derived from the requirements specification. The process proceeds step-by-step, so that the reader can follow how business rules, operations and interfaces are derived from the use cases. Ultimately, the business rules, interfaces and operations are related to business logic, system interfaces and operations that are situated in specific components. The components in turn are derived from the business information model, that is derived from the business concepts that were initially used to describe the context for the requirements engineering. In this way, a logical method for software design is applied to the problem domain to methodically derive a software design for a middleware solution. The thesis tests the design by considering possible weaknesses in the design. The network aspect is tested by interpolating from formal assumptions about the nature of the context. The data access layer is also identified as a possible bottleneck. We suggest the use of fast indexing methods instead of relational databases to maintain flexibility and efficiency of the data layer. Lessons learned from the exercise are discussed, within the context of the author’s experience in software development teams, as well as in ICTD projects. This synthesis of information leads to warnings about the psychology of middleware development. We note that the ICTD domain is a particularly difficult one with regards to software development as business requirements are not usually clearly formulated and developers do not have the requisite domain knowledge. In conclusion, the core arguments of the thesis are recounted in a bullet form, to lay bare the reasoning behind this work. Novel aspects of the work are also highlighted. They include the description of a network island, and aspects of the DAN middleware requirements engineering and design. Future steps for work based on this thesis are mapped out and open problems relating to this research are touched upon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Wertlen, Ronald
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Software design , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- Simulation methods , Computer networks , Data transmission systems , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing , Middleware -- Development , Computer software
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11391 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/254 , Software design , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- Simulation methods , Computer networks , Data transmission systems , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing , Middleware -- Development , Computer software
- Description: This thesis addresses software design within the field of Information and Communications Technology for Development (ICTD). Specifically, it makes a case for the design and development of software which is custom-made for the context of marginalised rural areas (MRAs). One of the main aims of any ICTD project is sustainability and such sustainability is particularly difficult in MRAs because of the high costs of projects located there. Most literature on ICTD projects focuses on other factors, such as management, regulations, social and community issues when discussing this issue. Technical matters are often down-played or ignored entirely. This thesis argues that MRAs exhibit unique technical characteristics and that by understanding these characteristics, one can possibly design more cost-effective software. One specific characteristic is described and addressed in this thesis – a characteristic we describe here for the first time and call a network island. Further analysis of the literature generates a picture of a distributed network of access nodes (DANs) within such network islands, which are connected by high speed networks and are able to share resources and stimulate usage of technology by offering a wide range of services. This thesis attempts to design a fitting middleware platform for such a context, which would achieve the following aims: i) allow software developers to create solutions for the context more efficiently (correctly, rapidly); ii) stimulate product managers and business owners to create innovative software products more easily (cost-effectively). A given in the context of this thesis is that the software should use free/libre open source software (FLOSS) – good arguments do also exist for the use of FLOSS. A review of useful FLOSS frameworks is undertaken and several of these are examined in an applied part of the thesis, to see how useful they may be. They form the basis for a walking skeleton implementation of the proposed middleware. The Spring framework is the basis for experiments, along with Spring-Webservices, JMX and PHP 5’s web service capabilities. This thesis builds on three years of work at the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), an experimental testbed in a MRA in the Mbashe district of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Several existing products are deployed at the SLL in the fields of eCommerce, eGovernment and eLearning. Requirements specifications are engineered from a variety of sources, including interviews, mailing lists, the author’s experience as a supervisor at the SLL, and a review of the existing SLL products. Future products are also investigated, as the thesis considers current trends in ICTD. Use cases are also derived and listed. Most of the use cases are concerned with management functions of DANs that can be automated, so that operators of DANs can focus on their core business and not on technology. Using the UML Components methodology, the thesis then proceeds to design a middleware component architecture that is derived from the requirements specification. The process proceeds step-by-step, so that the reader can follow how business rules, operations and interfaces are derived from the use cases. Ultimately, the business rules, interfaces and operations are related to business logic, system interfaces and operations that are situated in specific components. The components in turn are derived from the business information model, that is derived from the business concepts that were initially used to describe the context for the requirements engineering. In this way, a logical method for software design is applied to the problem domain to methodically derive a software design for a middleware solution. The thesis tests the design by considering possible weaknesses in the design. The network aspect is tested by interpolating from formal assumptions about the nature of the context. The data access layer is also identified as a possible bottleneck. We suggest the use of fast indexing methods instead of relational databases to maintain flexibility and efficiency of the data layer. Lessons learned from the exercise are discussed, within the context of the author’s experience in software development teams, as well as in ICTD projects. This synthesis of information leads to warnings about the psychology of middleware development. We note that the ICTD domain is a particularly difficult one with regards to software development as business requirements are not usually clearly formulated and developers do not have the requisite domain knowledge. In conclusion, the core arguments of the thesis are recounted in a bullet form, to lay bare the reasoning behind this work. Novel aspects of the work are also highlighted. They include the description of a network island, and aspects of the DAN middleware requirements engineering and design. Future steps for work based on this thesis are mapped out and open problems relating to this research are touched upon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010