Would an asset-based community development approach counteract a community deficit mindset in Leliefontein?
- Authors: Hopkins, Grant Camden
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009316 , Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: This research report aims to explore the potential of an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach in Leliefontein. Through the ABCD process, an inventory of the individual capacities of a sample group will be undertaken, as well as an inventory of the significant local associations, organisations and institutions, as well as their capacities. The objective will be to use the asset-mapping process to challenge negative community self-perceptions, enabling them to build new, positive images that empower and release latent potential. The information gathered will also be made available to the individuals, organisations, associations and institutions within the community, along with some ideas on how mutually beneficial partnerships can be developed. The key objective will be to assist the community of Leliefontein, to no longer regard themselves from a deficit mindset, but positively, as a community with tremendous resources, assets and relationships that can be harnessed for 4 community economic development. Asset-mapping can then be used by local organisations to build new relationships within the community, as well as relationships that harness resources outside of the immediate community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hopkins, Grant Camden
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009316 , Community development , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: This research report aims to explore the potential of an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach in Leliefontein. Through the ABCD process, an inventory of the individual capacities of a sample group will be undertaken, as well as an inventory of the significant local associations, organisations and institutions, as well as their capacities. The objective will be to use the asset-mapping process to challenge negative community self-perceptions, enabling them to build new, positive images that empower and release latent potential. The information gathered will also be made available to the individuals, organisations, associations and institutions within the community, along with some ideas on how mutually beneficial partnerships can be developed. The key objective will be to assist the community of Leliefontein, to no longer regard themselves from a deficit mindset, but positively, as a community with tremendous resources, assets and relationships that can be harnessed for 4 community economic development. Asset-mapping can then be used by local organisations to build new relationships within the community, as well as relationships that harness resources outside of the immediate community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Toward universal sustainability: strategies and guidelines
- Authors: Robertson, Struan Ross
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sustainability , Sustainable development , Economic development , Social planning
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71591 , vital:29922
- Description: This research considers the notion of universal sustainability, which involves the three well-known pillars of sustainable development, namely, economic development, social development, and environmental sustainability. Critical to achieving this unity of purpose in the aligning of economic and social aspirations with the limits of the natural environment is the enhancing of human capability and the development of political institutions capable of representing the interests of all people by leveraging resources responsibly. Universal sustainability differs from the concept of sustainable development in that the emphasis is cast not on merely achieving economic development despite the challenges presented by social and environmental concerns, but on seeking to understand what a better society might look like that integrates outcomes in-line with these three factors. Universal sustainability is about re-thinking the purpose of material progress to realign this with the need for social cohesion and to reposition human values and expectations safely within ecological boundaries. In other words, strategies and guidelines that promote the realisation of universal sustainability would recommend a society that values economic and technological progress with equal measure to social development and environmental sustainability, as well as all the other factors that promote human wellbeing. Consequently, this research also considers the inter-linkages that are found between economic development (i.e. technological advancement) and social (i.e. normative progress) and societal (i.e. long-term institutional differentiation) development with respect to labour markets, the formation of skills, the scope of welfare regimes and hence, the trajectory of the social reproduction of society. The prospects of environmental sustainability, like that of societal development, are found to be influenced by the values that a society holds and the ability of economic and social factors to adapt in response to the environmental challenges that face societies in socially workable ways. This research concerns the great quest for meaning and purpose that humans have undertaken throughout history, and asks how human wellbeing – in its best, most expansive sense, can be improved and how societies can advance and prosper going forward while keeping the avenue of individual self-actualisation open as a possibility in the everyday lives of citizens? In achieving this end, this research looks at what economic development strategies suggest as tenable against these aspirations. Furthermore, this research looks at the experience of advanced democratic societies to better conceive of how material progress, social cohesion via education and welfare, and environmental sustainability can be attained. The selection of these countries ensures understanding for the kind of political arrangements that safeguard human wellbeing and give voice to freedom, material opportunities, and civic responsibilities. Critical to both these assessments is defining the mechanics that underlie the processes that achieve material and moral progress in human societies. The main goal of this research is to recommend strategies and guidelines for developing countries like South Africa that wish to develop and thrive. Therefore, this research presents an assessment framework for understanding both universal sustainability and how to achieve it. This research concludes that mindfulness about the natural environment and the services it supplies, as well as mindfulness about what drives economic development and what supports the conditions for human flourishing, are necessary for universal sustainability strategies and guidelines to work. Indeed, the ideologies that societies subscribe to and the values they hold are important 84 to creating the right conditions for economic tools to work to advance economic development, material improvement, socio-environmental justice, and ultimately for achieving universal sustainability. But central to both economic and environmental futures is an understanding that at the heart of the matter is a concern for apprehending what drives human behaviour and aspiration, and what creates social cohesion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Robertson, Struan Ross
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sustainability , Sustainable development , Economic development , Social planning
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71591 , vital:29922
- Description: This research considers the notion of universal sustainability, which involves the three well-known pillars of sustainable development, namely, economic development, social development, and environmental sustainability. Critical to achieving this unity of purpose in the aligning of economic and social aspirations with the limits of the natural environment is the enhancing of human capability and the development of political institutions capable of representing the interests of all people by leveraging resources responsibly. Universal sustainability differs from the concept of sustainable development in that the emphasis is cast not on merely achieving economic development despite the challenges presented by social and environmental concerns, but on seeking to understand what a better society might look like that integrates outcomes in-line with these three factors. Universal sustainability is about re-thinking the purpose of material progress to realign this with the need for social cohesion and to reposition human values and expectations safely within ecological boundaries. In other words, strategies and guidelines that promote the realisation of universal sustainability would recommend a society that values economic and technological progress with equal measure to social development and environmental sustainability, as well as all the other factors that promote human wellbeing. Consequently, this research also considers the inter-linkages that are found between economic development (i.e. technological advancement) and social (i.e. normative progress) and societal (i.e. long-term institutional differentiation) development with respect to labour markets, the formation of skills, the scope of welfare regimes and hence, the trajectory of the social reproduction of society. The prospects of environmental sustainability, like that of societal development, are found to be influenced by the values that a society holds and the ability of economic and social factors to adapt in response to the environmental challenges that face societies in socially workable ways. This research concerns the great quest for meaning and purpose that humans have undertaken throughout history, and asks how human wellbeing – in its best, most expansive sense, can be improved and how societies can advance and prosper going forward while keeping the avenue of individual self-actualisation open as a possibility in the everyday lives of citizens? In achieving this end, this research looks at what economic development strategies suggest as tenable against these aspirations. Furthermore, this research looks at the experience of advanced democratic societies to better conceive of how material progress, social cohesion via education and welfare, and environmental sustainability can be attained. The selection of these countries ensures understanding for the kind of political arrangements that safeguard human wellbeing and give voice to freedom, material opportunities, and civic responsibilities. Critical to both these assessments is defining the mechanics that underlie the processes that achieve material and moral progress in human societies. The main goal of this research is to recommend strategies and guidelines for developing countries like South Africa that wish to develop and thrive. Therefore, this research presents an assessment framework for understanding both universal sustainability and how to achieve it. This research concludes that mindfulness about the natural environment and the services it supplies, as well as mindfulness about what drives economic development and what supports the conditions for human flourishing, are necessary for universal sustainability strategies and guidelines to work. Indeed, the ideologies that societies subscribe to and the values they hold are important 84 to creating the right conditions for economic tools to work to advance economic development, material improvement, socio-environmental justice, and ultimately for achieving universal sustainability. But central to both economic and environmental futures is an understanding that at the heart of the matter is a concern for apprehending what drives human behaviour and aspiration, and what creates social cohesion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of co-operatives in the socio-economic developmet of Dutywa villages
- Authors: Mqingwana, Cwaka Batandwa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9069 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1306 , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate how the co-operatives can be used to uplift the standard of living in the rural, with specific reference to Dutywa villages of Ngcingwane, Mangati and Mbewuleni. In other words is ‘how do we make co-operatives work’. The overall purpose of the study was to investigate whether co-operatives have contributed to positive change in the socio-economic conditions in the three villages of Dutywa. The research further analyzes the performance of the co-operatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research was also to find out what the challenges are and what are the gaps associated with the performance of the co-operatives. The research was also to look at how the support from different government departments and other government agencies are used to enhance the co-operatives governance. Lastly, the research was to find the best model for co-operative development and what needs to be done to enhance the capacity of the co-operatives. In the study that was carried out, four different approaches were used. The research was based on action research which involved a range of instruments like questionnaires, focus group interviews, conversation and observation. Both comparative and qualitative research frameworks were used for different purposes and at different times. Comparative approach is used when the three co-operatives are compared to each other. Differences on governance and administrative issues on governance such as capital, market and the impact thereafter is reported on. The research assumption was that co-operative development is a viable tool for economic development of the rural areas. This can help many South Africans and many communities come out of poverty. However, there are 6 limitations that are caused by the inability of government to co-ordinate co-operative development. Despite the role that co-operatives play in South Africa, co-operatives still experience a number of challenges. These challenges are, amongst others, lack of access to finance, lack of access to market, lack of business skills, lack of infrastructural facilities and lack of knowledge about the co-operative. In view of the challenges facing the co-operatives, the government instituted a number of state departments and parastatals for funding and other necessary support. These are DTI, DEDEA (in the Eastern Cape), ECDC, SEDA, Department of Labour and municipalities. The objectives of these support institutions are to provide necessary support needed by co-operatives and to ensure that co-operative development is sustainable. The findings of this study suggest that co-operatives play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the rural villages. Co-operatives create self-employment and sometimes employment through temporary employment offered; provide space and time for socialization and lastly co-operative members are sometimes through their produce able to provide basic foodstuffs to the family. In view of the socio-economic benefits of the co-operatives in rural villages of Dutywa, it is highly recommended that various support programmes that are already there within the departments should be enhanced. Assistance to co-operatives should not only be limited to government funding for co-operatives but more concentration should be on finding market for their products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mqingwana, Cwaka Batandwa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural development , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9069 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1306 , Rural development , Sustainable development
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate how the co-operatives can be used to uplift the standard of living in the rural, with specific reference to Dutywa villages of Ngcingwane, Mangati and Mbewuleni. In other words is ‘how do we make co-operatives work’. The overall purpose of the study was to investigate whether co-operatives have contributed to positive change in the socio-economic conditions in the three villages of Dutywa. The research further analyzes the performance of the co-operatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research was also to find out what the challenges are and what are the gaps associated with the performance of the co-operatives. The research was also to look at how the support from different government departments and other government agencies are used to enhance the co-operatives governance. Lastly, the research was to find the best model for co-operative development and what needs to be done to enhance the capacity of the co-operatives. In the study that was carried out, four different approaches were used. The research was based on action research which involved a range of instruments like questionnaires, focus group interviews, conversation and observation. Both comparative and qualitative research frameworks were used for different purposes and at different times. Comparative approach is used when the three co-operatives are compared to each other. Differences on governance and administrative issues on governance such as capital, market and the impact thereafter is reported on. The research assumption was that co-operative development is a viable tool for economic development of the rural areas. This can help many South Africans and many communities come out of poverty. However, there are 6 limitations that are caused by the inability of government to co-ordinate co-operative development. Despite the role that co-operatives play in South Africa, co-operatives still experience a number of challenges. These challenges are, amongst others, lack of access to finance, lack of access to market, lack of business skills, lack of infrastructural facilities and lack of knowledge about the co-operative. In view of the challenges facing the co-operatives, the government instituted a number of state departments and parastatals for funding and other necessary support. These are DTI, DEDEA (in the Eastern Cape), ECDC, SEDA, Department of Labour and municipalities. The objectives of these support institutions are to provide necessary support needed by co-operatives and to ensure that co-operative development is sustainable. The findings of this study suggest that co-operatives play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the rural villages. Co-operatives create self-employment and sometimes employment through temporary employment offered; provide space and time for socialization and lastly co-operative members are sometimes through their produce able to provide basic foodstuffs to the family. In view of the socio-economic benefits of the co-operatives in rural villages of Dutywa, it is highly recommended that various support programmes that are already there within the departments should be enhanced. Assistance to co-operatives should not only be limited to government funding for co-operatives but more concentration should be on finding market for their products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The relationship between conflict cycles and sustainable development goals
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zimkhitha Pamela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Conflict management Social conflict Economic development -- Political aspects Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22846 , vital:30110
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between conflict and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and the effect this relationship has on achieving these goals by the year 2030. The researcher gathered the data on this relationship from three communities within the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data collection tools that were used helped the researcher to develop a work plan that guided the type of information that should be collected with regards to the current situation in the three communities being studied. Three sample communities, namely Ndwayana, Ndlambe and Pikoli communities in the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used. The first samples’ (Ndwayana community) responses to the survey, revealed that there are conflicts amongst the community members and amongst the community leadership. At Ndlambe, the response to the survey revealed that there is a divide between tribal authority and the community. In this village there are factions, with some of the people siding with the tribal authority and others who are against it. The third sample, which is from Pikoli community, however disclosed that conflict in their village is manageable and is mostly caused by outsiders. Based on the findings of the research, NGO’s and government have instituted development programmes in these villages, meaning that they are doing their part in trying to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, efforts in some villages are rejected and conflicts still exist. This shows that there is a relationship between conflicts and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zimkhitha Pamela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Conflict management Social conflict Economic development -- Political aspects Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22846 , vital:30110
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between conflict and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and the effect this relationship has on achieving these goals by the year 2030. The researcher gathered the data on this relationship from three communities within the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data collection tools that were used helped the researcher to develop a work plan that guided the type of information that should be collected with regards to the current situation in the three communities being studied. Three sample communities, namely Ndwayana, Ndlambe and Pikoli communities in the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used. The first samples’ (Ndwayana community) responses to the survey, revealed that there are conflicts amongst the community members and amongst the community leadership. At Ndlambe, the response to the survey revealed that there is a divide between tribal authority and the community. In this village there are factions, with some of the people siding with the tribal authority and others who are against it. The third sample, which is from Pikoli community, however disclosed that conflict in their village is manageable and is mostly caused by outsiders. Based on the findings of the research, NGO’s and government have instituted development programmes in these villages, meaning that they are doing their part in trying to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, efforts in some villages are rejected and conflicts still exist. This shows that there is a relationship between conflicts and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The integration of sustainable development goals into business strategies: evidence from the Johannesburg stock exchange top 100
- Authors: Sibango, Lukhanyo Wilfred
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Sustainable development , stock exchange -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58179 , vital:58662
- Description: The main of objective of this study was to identify factors influencing the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business strategies and activities of the top 100 companies listed on the JSE for the period of 2018 to 2019. The study used one dependent variable (SDG integration) and five independent variables (company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission/vision). To measure SDG integration, a dichotomous scale ranging from 0 and 1 was applied. A scale of 1 was allocated if SDGs are integrated into company strategies and business activities and 0 if there is no integration mentioned. The influence of company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission statements on the integration of SDGs into strategies was investigated using random effect regression model. The findings showed that company size, board size and mentioning of sustainability in mission statements has a positive influence of SDG integration. Financial leverage and profitability were found not to have any significant influence on SDG reporting. The results of this study provided several important implications. Regulators, policy makers and sustainability advocates may gain further understanding into some of the factors that motivate firms to integrate SDGs into strategies. For various stakeholders, the findings suggested that stakeholders should seek ways to exert greater pressure on firms to not only disclose SDGs, but to integrate them in business strategies The study had some limitations, as it relied on a limited sample of only the top 100 firms listed on the JSE. The study period was only limited to 2018 and 2019 financial years. Due to these limitations, the researchers cannot claim that the results of the study are generalisable to all contexts. The study suggested future research to further explore how the board characteristics such as age, gender, education, and nationality influence the level of SDG integration. Furthermore, qualitative research was suggested to investigate the reasons that companies give for integrating SDGs into strategies, and the obstacles they face which could result in non-integration. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Sibango, Lukhanyo Wilfred
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Sustainable development , stock exchange -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58179 , vital:58662
- Description: The main of objective of this study was to identify factors influencing the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business strategies and activities of the top 100 companies listed on the JSE for the period of 2018 to 2019. The study used one dependent variable (SDG integration) and five independent variables (company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission/vision). To measure SDG integration, a dichotomous scale ranging from 0 and 1 was applied. A scale of 1 was allocated if SDGs are integrated into company strategies and business activities and 0 if there is no integration mentioned. The influence of company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission statements on the integration of SDGs into strategies was investigated using random effect regression model. The findings showed that company size, board size and mentioning of sustainability in mission statements has a positive influence of SDG integration. Financial leverage and profitability were found not to have any significant influence on SDG reporting. The results of this study provided several important implications. Regulators, policy makers and sustainability advocates may gain further understanding into some of the factors that motivate firms to integrate SDGs into strategies. For various stakeholders, the findings suggested that stakeholders should seek ways to exert greater pressure on firms to not only disclose SDGs, but to integrate them in business strategies The study had some limitations, as it relied on a limited sample of only the top 100 firms listed on the JSE. The study period was only limited to 2018 and 2019 financial years. Due to these limitations, the researchers cannot claim that the results of the study are generalisable to all contexts. The study suggested future research to further explore how the board characteristics such as age, gender, education, and nationality influence the level of SDG integration. Furthermore, qualitative research was suggested to investigate the reasons that companies give for integrating SDGs into strategies, and the obstacles they face which could result in non-integration. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effect of macroeconomic factors on the sustainable production of fresh produce in South Africa
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Reimagining Culture and Creative Industries: Developing Career Connected Pathways
- Authors: Macklin, Scott
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Critical realism , Sustainable development , Cultural industries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57726 , vital:58227
- Description: Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) have an enormous potential to impact society’s socio-economic development. The approach of this study argues for the possibility of developing progressive social transformation and stands in distinction to those who argue against this possibility and casts doubt on the concept of development entirely. This study offers a hopeful alternative path navigating through overly optimistic and cynical viewpoints in the concept of a CCI ecosystem. The intent is to shift the discourse to consider creativity and culture as contributing to cross-sector dialogue and understanding, as well as allowing participants to take charge of their own development and providing the foundation for inclusive and sustainable capacity building and innovative progress. This study makes the development case that co-creating staged generative pathways with participants is critical for shifting societal circumstances away from “extractive” processes and towards more “complementary” actions leading to a desired state of inclusive well-being. Furthermore, it contends that scholarship that views Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) as self-contained or apart from the economy and society is ineffective. Due to its multi-sector, emergent and complex nature, a mixed methods research strategy drawing upon Margaret Archer's (1995) Morphogenetic Approach rooted in the Critical Realist meta-theory, was used in this research. Data was gathered and mined from a citywide situational survey, semi-structured questionnaires and co-sector focus group sessions. Transformative Scenario Planning (Kahane, 2012) was implemented to articulate a cross-sector and co-created account of the make-up, actions, and interrelationships of the facets and mechanisms that are responsible for shaping CCI as a significant contributor to a desired quality of life and well-being of a community. This research study sought to understand how, for whom, when and in what ways the powers, liabilities, dispositions, and resources found in the creative sector can be understood to raise engagement and strengthen the results of socio-economic initiatives. It is limited to a situational analysis of CCI in Seattle, Washington. ix Based on the findings, a case for capacity building through integrated career-connected learning pathways has been created and offered as a research-informed, adaptable, and adoptable Creative Exchange Learning Co-Lab (CELCL) curriculum. This staged development process is designed whereby the implications for individual and organisational revitalisation are intended to occur simultaneously. Creative actions, cultural expressions, learning opportunities, and business strategies are exposed, and opportunities arise through this collaborative development process, engaging transformative actions that generate activity around the needs, assets, and interests of particular communities of practice in Seattle. It is recommended that this process be implemented in order to move towards a more sustainable, connected, and equitable CCI ecosystem. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Macklin, Scott
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Critical realism , Sustainable development , Cultural industries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57726 , vital:58227
- Description: Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) have an enormous potential to impact society’s socio-economic development. The approach of this study argues for the possibility of developing progressive social transformation and stands in distinction to those who argue against this possibility and casts doubt on the concept of development entirely. This study offers a hopeful alternative path navigating through overly optimistic and cynical viewpoints in the concept of a CCI ecosystem. The intent is to shift the discourse to consider creativity and culture as contributing to cross-sector dialogue and understanding, as well as allowing participants to take charge of their own development and providing the foundation for inclusive and sustainable capacity building and innovative progress. This study makes the development case that co-creating staged generative pathways with participants is critical for shifting societal circumstances away from “extractive” processes and towards more “complementary” actions leading to a desired state of inclusive well-being. Furthermore, it contends that scholarship that views Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) as self-contained or apart from the economy and society is ineffective. Due to its multi-sector, emergent and complex nature, a mixed methods research strategy drawing upon Margaret Archer's (1995) Morphogenetic Approach rooted in the Critical Realist meta-theory, was used in this research. Data was gathered and mined from a citywide situational survey, semi-structured questionnaires and co-sector focus group sessions. Transformative Scenario Planning (Kahane, 2012) was implemented to articulate a cross-sector and co-created account of the make-up, actions, and interrelationships of the facets and mechanisms that are responsible for shaping CCI as a significant contributor to a desired quality of life and well-being of a community. This research study sought to understand how, for whom, when and in what ways the powers, liabilities, dispositions, and resources found in the creative sector can be understood to raise engagement and strengthen the results of socio-economic initiatives. It is limited to a situational analysis of CCI in Seattle, Washington. ix Based on the findings, a case for capacity building through integrated career-connected learning pathways has been created and offered as a research-informed, adaptable, and adoptable Creative Exchange Learning Co-Lab (CELCL) curriculum. This staged development process is designed whereby the implications for individual and organisational revitalisation are intended to occur simultaneously. Creative actions, cultural expressions, learning opportunities, and business strategies are exposed, and opportunities arise through this collaborative development process, engaging transformative actions that generate activity around the needs, assets, and interests of particular communities of practice in Seattle. It is recommended that this process be implemented in order to move towards a more sustainable, connected, and equitable CCI ecosystem. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Quantification of water resources uncertainties in two sub-basins of the Limpopo River basin
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Nadia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hydrologic models -- Limpopo River Watershed , Water-supply -- Limpopo River Watershed , Water-supply -- Management , Sustainable development , Rain and rainfall -- Mathematical models , Runoff -- Mathematical models , Reservoirs -- Limpopo River Watershed
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63267 , vital:28388
- Description: The demand for water is rapidly growing, placing more strain on access to the resources and subsequently its management. For sustainable management, there is a need to accurately quantify the available water resources. Unfortunately, the data required for such assessments are frequently far from sufficient in terms of availability and quality, especially in southern Africa. In the absence of historical observed data, models are generally used to describe the different hydrological processes and generate data and information that will inform management and policy decision making. Ideally, any hydrological model should be based on a sound conceptual understanding of the processes in the basin and be backed by quantitative information for the parameterization of the model. Such data is however, often inadequate in many sub-basins necessitating the incorporation of the uncertainty related to the estimation process. Model parameter estimation and input data are significant sources of uncertainty that should be quantified. Also, in southern Africa water use data are unreliable because available databases consist of licensed information and actual use is generally unknown. In this study, the water resources of two sub-basins of the Limpopo River basin – the Mogalakwena in South Africa and the Shashe shared between Botswana and Zimbabwe – are estimated. The study assessed how uncertainties in the Pitman model parameterisation and input water use data affect the estimation of surface water resources of the selected sub-basins. Farm reservoirs and irrigated areas data from various sources were collected and used to run the Pitman model. Results indicate that the total model output uncertainty is higher for the Shashe sub-basin which is more data scarce than the Mogalakwena sub-basin. The study illustrates the importance of including uncertainty in the water resources assessment process to provide baseline data for decision making in resource management and planning. The study reviews existing information sources associated with the quantification of water balance components and gives an update of water resources of the sub-basin. The flows generated by the model at the outlet of the basin were between 22.6 Mm3 and 24.7 Mm3 per month when incorporating uncertainty to the main physical runoff generating parameters. The total predictive uncertainty of the model increased to between 22.2 Mm3 and 25.0 Mm3 when anthropogenic water use data such as small farm and large reservoirs and irrigation were included. The flows generated for Shashe was between 11.7 Mm3 and 14.5 Mm3 per month when incorporating uncertainty to the main physical runoff generating parameters. The predictive uncertainty of the model changed to 11.7 Mm3 and 17.7 Mm3 after the water use uncertainty was added. However, it is expected that the uncertainty could be reduced by using higher resolution remote sensing imagery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Nadia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hydrologic models -- Limpopo River Watershed , Water-supply -- Limpopo River Watershed , Water-supply -- Management , Sustainable development , Rain and rainfall -- Mathematical models , Runoff -- Mathematical models , Reservoirs -- Limpopo River Watershed
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63267 , vital:28388
- Description: The demand for water is rapidly growing, placing more strain on access to the resources and subsequently its management. For sustainable management, there is a need to accurately quantify the available water resources. Unfortunately, the data required for such assessments are frequently far from sufficient in terms of availability and quality, especially in southern Africa. In the absence of historical observed data, models are generally used to describe the different hydrological processes and generate data and information that will inform management and policy decision making. Ideally, any hydrological model should be based on a sound conceptual understanding of the processes in the basin and be backed by quantitative information for the parameterization of the model. Such data is however, often inadequate in many sub-basins necessitating the incorporation of the uncertainty related to the estimation process. Model parameter estimation and input data are significant sources of uncertainty that should be quantified. Also, in southern Africa water use data are unreliable because available databases consist of licensed information and actual use is generally unknown. In this study, the water resources of two sub-basins of the Limpopo River basin – the Mogalakwena in South Africa and the Shashe shared between Botswana and Zimbabwe – are estimated. The study assessed how uncertainties in the Pitman model parameterisation and input water use data affect the estimation of surface water resources of the selected sub-basins. Farm reservoirs and irrigated areas data from various sources were collected and used to run the Pitman model. Results indicate that the total model output uncertainty is higher for the Shashe sub-basin which is more data scarce than the Mogalakwena sub-basin. The study illustrates the importance of including uncertainty in the water resources assessment process to provide baseline data for decision making in resource management and planning. The study reviews existing information sources associated with the quantification of water balance components and gives an update of water resources of the sub-basin. The flows generated by the model at the outlet of the basin were between 22.6 Mm3 and 24.7 Mm3 per month when incorporating uncertainty to the main physical runoff generating parameters. The total predictive uncertainty of the model increased to between 22.2 Mm3 and 25.0 Mm3 when anthropogenic water use data such as small farm and large reservoirs and irrigation were included. The flows generated for Shashe was between 11.7 Mm3 and 14.5 Mm3 per month when incorporating uncertainty to the main physical runoff generating parameters. The predictive uncertainty of the model changed to 11.7 Mm3 and 17.7 Mm3 after the water use uncertainty was added. However, it is expected that the uncertainty could be reduced by using higher resolution remote sensing imagery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Now that we have the land: analysing the experiences of land reform beneficiaries in the Makana Municipal District of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Msuthu, Simela Thuleka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Land reform , Sustainable development , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167551 , vital:41491
- Description: The “land question” in South Africa goes back more than a century to the 1913 Natives Land Act which facilitated the dispossession of African people from fertile land to arid homelands and congested townships. This mass dispossession of Africans from their land was accompanied by an array of legislation aimed at restricting their upward mobility, thus laying the foundations of structural inequality in South Africa. The advent of democracy in 1994 brought about a number of legislative reforms aimed at addressing the injustices that were imposed by the colonial and apartheid governments on the African people. At the forefront of these legislative efforts was the restoration of land to the original inhabitants of the country. Research indicates that, since 1994, the South African government has issued out land to different individuals and communities around the country in an attempt to address structural unemployment and poverty that plague the country. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Theoretical framework, this study sought to examine the experiences of land reform beneficiaries in the Makana Municipal district of the Eastern Cape, in order to determine the extent to which the transfer of land to landless people has met the governments’ agenda to alleviate poverty and unemployment in the rural regions of South Africa. The findings in this study show that, successful land reform in South Africa is hindered mostly by two factors. Firstly, the inability of land beneficiaries to access quality education, skills training, finances and formal agricultural value chains. Secondly, land beneficiaries are further placed at a disadvantage by the poor quality of public services in their local municipalities and inconsistent post-settlement support from the state. The conclusion made in this study, is that the government has to be cognizant of the aforementioned structural barriers, when designing and rolling out land reform projects throughout the country. Failure to address these glaring structural barriers, will result in the creation of a peasant class of people living on underutilized land.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Msuthu, Simela Thuleka
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Land reform , Sustainable development , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167551 , vital:41491
- Description: The “land question” in South Africa goes back more than a century to the 1913 Natives Land Act which facilitated the dispossession of African people from fertile land to arid homelands and congested townships. This mass dispossession of Africans from their land was accompanied by an array of legislation aimed at restricting their upward mobility, thus laying the foundations of structural inequality in South Africa. The advent of democracy in 1994 brought about a number of legislative reforms aimed at addressing the injustices that were imposed by the colonial and apartheid governments on the African people. At the forefront of these legislative efforts was the restoration of land to the original inhabitants of the country. Research indicates that, since 1994, the South African government has issued out land to different individuals and communities around the country in an attempt to address structural unemployment and poverty that plague the country. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Theoretical framework, this study sought to examine the experiences of land reform beneficiaries in the Makana Municipal district of the Eastern Cape, in order to determine the extent to which the transfer of land to landless people has met the governments’ agenda to alleviate poverty and unemployment in the rural regions of South Africa. The findings in this study show that, successful land reform in South Africa is hindered mostly by two factors. Firstly, the inability of land beneficiaries to access quality education, skills training, finances and formal agricultural value chains. Secondly, land beneficiaries are further placed at a disadvantage by the poor quality of public services in their local municipalities and inconsistent post-settlement support from the state. The conclusion made in this study, is that the government has to be cognizant of the aforementioned structural barriers, when designing and rolling out land reform projects throughout the country. Failure to address these glaring structural barriers, will result in the creation of a peasant class of people living on underutilized land.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Mercosur-SACU relations : an examination of the revised economic initiative for South-South Cooperation
- Authors: Mpepho, Lwandiso Arthur
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Developing countries -- Economic policy , Customs unions , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020348
- Description: The study was conducted to examine economic relations between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Mercado Commun del Sur (translated Southern Common Market), in short (Mercosur). SACU was established in 1910 and consists of five member countries, namely; South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland. Mercosur was created in 1991 and consists of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela being associate members. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the Mercosur-SACU relations had created more economic opportunities for both regions. In pursuit of this aim, the study revised and analysed the evolution, development and growth of both Mercosur and SACU. It also analysed the achievements and challenges faced by each of the blocs in their respective regions. The conclusion of the analysis indicate that, countries which were economically stronger before the establishment of formal bloc-to-bloc relations, Brazil in Mercosur and South Africa in SACU, tended to reap disproportionally high dividends than others. The study further concludes that challenges facing Mercosur and SACU countries should not discourage them in pursuing collective developmental initiatives such as regional integration and South-South Cooperation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mpepho, Lwandiso Arthur
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Developing countries -- Economic policy , Customs unions , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8326 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020348
- Description: The study was conducted to examine economic relations between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Mercado Commun del Sur (translated Southern Common Market), in short (Mercosur). SACU was established in 1910 and consists of five member countries, namely; South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland. Mercosur was created in 1991 and consists of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela being associate members. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the Mercosur-SACU relations had created more economic opportunities for both regions. In pursuit of this aim, the study revised and analysed the evolution, development and growth of both Mercosur and SACU. It also analysed the achievements and challenges faced by each of the blocs in their respective regions. The conclusion of the analysis indicate that, countries which were economically stronger before the establishment of formal bloc-to-bloc relations, Brazil in Mercosur and South Africa in SACU, tended to reap disproportionally high dividends than others. The study further concludes that challenges facing Mercosur and SACU countries should not discourage them in pursuing collective developmental initiatives such as regional integration and South-South Cooperation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating the effectiveness of environmental sustainability initiatives at General Motors South Africa
- Authors: Walsh, Lauren Arlene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: General Motors Corporation , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Environmental aspects , Industrial management -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020996
- Description: There is a consensus globally that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing operations. Immediate actions are required to reduce the carbon footprint in order for the environment to endure future logistics processes and activities (The National Treasury department of South Africa, 2010). Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emissions generated from manufacturing processes, distribution networks and treatments processes (Verfaillie and Bidwell, 2000). Companies globally are expected to monitor pollution and focus on reducing the discharge of pollutants. Logistics Managers are therefore pressured to reduce the carbon footprint as it affects the environment and our health. Companies are becoming more concerned with the impact of various activities and processes on the environment. Traditional logistics models, primarily focuses on minimising cost with little focus on the environmental impact and sustaining operations for the future (Sbihi and Eglese, 2009) General Motors (GM) is a multi-national vehicle manufacturer with operations in various countries. GM filed for bankruptcy in 2009 resulting in the formation of the new GM; one of the focus areas was to ensure sustainability which resulted in the introduction of the ‘Sustainability in motion’ program in 2009 (New York Times, 2009). General Motors South Africa (GMSAf) is a vehicle assembler with manufacturing facilities and head offices located in Port Elizabeth. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the multinational General Motors Company. The aim of the research is to determine whether a culture that promotes environmentally conscious behaviour exists within employees and their relationships within a team, with management, stakeholders and suppliers. The study will assist in highlighting areas which need improvement to enable the creation of environmentally sustainable initiatives and implementation thereof. The empirical study revealed that the following management commitment, education and training, performance management and participation and involvement were important factors in the effective implementation of an environmental sustainability program.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Walsh, Lauren Arlene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: General Motors Corporation , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Environmental aspects , Industrial management -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020996
- Description: There is a consensus globally that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing operations. Immediate actions are required to reduce the carbon footprint in order for the environment to endure future logistics processes and activities (The National Treasury department of South Africa, 2010). Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emissions generated from manufacturing processes, distribution networks and treatments processes (Verfaillie and Bidwell, 2000). Companies globally are expected to monitor pollution and focus on reducing the discharge of pollutants. Logistics Managers are therefore pressured to reduce the carbon footprint as it affects the environment and our health. Companies are becoming more concerned with the impact of various activities and processes on the environment. Traditional logistics models, primarily focuses on minimising cost with little focus on the environmental impact and sustaining operations for the future (Sbihi and Eglese, 2009) General Motors (GM) is a multi-national vehicle manufacturer with operations in various countries. GM filed for bankruptcy in 2009 resulting in the formation of the new GM; one of the focus areas was to ensure sustainability which resulted in the introduction of the ‘Sustainability in motion’ program in 2009 (New York Times, 2009). General Motors South Africa (GMSAf) is a vehicle assembler with manufacturing facilities and head offices located in Port Elizabeth. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the multinational General Motors Company. The aim of the research is to determine whether a culture that promotes environmentally conscious behaviour exists within employees and their relationships within a team, with management, stakeholders and suppliers. The study will assist in highlighting areas which need improvement to enable the creation of environmentally sustainable initiatives and implementation thereof. The empirical study revealed that the following management commitment, education and training, performance management and participation and involvement were important factors in the effective implementation of an environmental sustainability program.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Indigenous knowledge for agricultural development: a framework for potato farming in Bui division, North West Region of Cameroon
- Authors: Ngek, Shillie Peter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Cameroon -- Bui , Agricultural industries -- Cameroon , Sustainable agriculture , Sustainable development , Indigenous peoples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33703 , vital:32974
- Description: Over the years, people have planned and carried out their activities depending on their indigenous knowledge base. In agriculture, documented importance of indigenous knowledge has been noted in different ways such as in crop health management, soil nutrient management, and food processing and food preservation. Indigenous smallholder farmers across the world have developed techniques that reflect their intimate knowledge of their local environments and ecosystems to improve their agricultural yields and minimise postharvest losses. However, such indigenous knowledge techniques are rarely documented or enhanced to boost agricultural practice and ensure food security. The present study has identified potato farming in Cameroon as a potential contributor to the socio-economic development of farmers, their communities and their country. The potato farming industry largely consists of smallholder farmers, predominantly women, producing primarily of immediate consumption. Historically, these farmers have been sustaining their farms through indigenous knowledge and practices that are not being exploited to the fullest beneficial opportunities for these farmers. It has often been suggested that Western highly mechanised approaches should be implemented to commercialise these farms in order to access these benefits. These approaches of mechanisation require large capital outlays, which these smallholder farmers cannot afford, hence the approach taken by the present study to capitalise on the indigenous knowledge and practices of these farmers. The present study argued that working with the existing indigenous knowledge and practices of these farmers, a level of commercialisation, with the resulting job creation and economic benefits, could be achieved. This study has succeeded in identifying the causes of postharvest potato losses on the smallholding farms, the obstacles in reducing these losses and the techniques to reduce these losses. The study provides important recommendations to improve smallholder potato farming in Cameroon. By implementing the findings of this study, the Cameroon government, prospective potato farmers, entrepreneurs, traditional authorities and NGOs could make a significant contribution to the improvement of socio-economic conditions and the reduction of poverty levels in these farming communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngek, Shillie Peter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Cameroon -- Bui , Agricultural industries -- Cameroon , Sustainable agriculture , Sustainable development , Indigenous peoples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33703 , vital:32974
- Description: Over the years, people have planned and carried out their activities depending on their indigenous knowledge base. In agriculture, documented importance of indigenous knowledge has been noted in different ways such as in crop health management, soil nutrient management, and food processing and food preservation. Indigenous smallholder farmers across the world have developed techniques that reflect their intimate knowledge of their local environments and ecosystems to improve their agricultural yields and minimise postharvest losses. However, such indigenous knowledge techniques are rarely documented or enhanced to boost agricultural practice and ensure food security. The present study has identified potato farming in Cameroon as a potential contributor to the socio-economic development of farmers, their communities and their country. The potato farming industry largely consists of smallholder farmers, predominantly women, producing primarily of immediate consumption. Historically, these farmers have been sustaining their farms through indigenous knowledge and practices that are not being exploited to the fullest beneficial opportunities for these farmers. It has often been suggested that Western highly mechanised approaches should be implemented to commercialise these farms in order to access these benefits. These approaches of mechanisation require large capital outlays, which these smallholder farmers cannot afford, hence the approach taken by the present study to capitalise on the indigenous knowledge and practices of these farmers. The present study argued that working with the existing indigenous knowledge and practices of these farmers, a level of commercialisation, with the resulting job creation and economic benefits, could be achieved. This study has succeeded in identifying the causes of postharvest potato losses on the smallholding farms, the obstacles in reducing these losses and the techniques to reduce these losses. The study provides important recommendations to improve smallholder potato farming in Cameroon. By implementing the findings of this study, the Cameroon government, prospective potato farmers, entrepreneurs, traditional authorities and NGOs could make a significant contribution to the improvement of socio-economic conditions and the reduction of poverty levels in these farming communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
How community participation influences the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project
- Nsanzya, Brenda Monde Kabika
- Authors: Nsanzya, Brenda Monde Kabika
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Citizen participation , Economic development projects , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9208 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020622
- Description: In recent decades, development thinking has shifted from mainstream development strategies to more alternative development approaches incorporating various aspects of development such as equity, gender, sustainability, and participation. In South Africa, a country emerging from a past of injustice, community participation has become a central theme in social development as a way of addressing past inequalities. However, despite its popularity, there are concerns that its benefits are less visible. The literature on community participation shows that there are a number of factors why community participation in development projects has not been successful in many communities. On the other hand, literature on participatory development also shows that there are benefits of participation in development projects; community participation can be successful when the community has genuine participation in the process. However, there is evidence that even where participatory development has been successful, is not necessarily easy to replicate in other areas. This study sought to evaluate participation and how this affects the sustainability and success of the Ilitha farming project. Using the qualitative and quantitative indicators of participation by Oakley et al. (1991), which were adapted from various sources, I have shown that there was a high level of participation by members of this project who started on a small-scale basis, with minimal contributions in order to address the problem of unemployment, lack of skills and income opportunities, and growing poverty in the Ilitha community. The study has shown that success in participation is linked to the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project. This project is a success because it has achieved its initial objectives and has potential for expansion. In addition, the expansion of project activities has increased and sustains the project income throughout the year, benefiting not only project members but other members of the Ilitha community including the old age home, the HIV Aids awareness centre and households with patients needing assistance. Project success can be sustained on a long-term basis with a high level of participation through commitment, hard work, quality leadership, consultation, team work and respect for each project member as an equal partner irrespective of differences in age, gender and length of membership in the project. The level of internal sustainability i.e. the ability for the project to maintain its own developmental momentum is evidently high. The executive has led the project from its inception in 2003 to date with a clear vision and long-term commitment. However, there is a need for a succession plan in order to ensure continuity of the project as the current executive may not be able to continue due to old age. Secondary partnerships in the Ilitha farming project have had a significant impact on the level of success and sustainability of the project through the provision of funds, training and technical assistance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nsanzya, Brenda Monde Kabika
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Citizen participation , Economic development projects , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9208 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020622
- Description: In recent decades, development thinking has shifted from mainstream development strategies to more alternative development approaches incorporating various aspects of development such as equity, gender, sustainability, and participation. In South Africa, a country emerging from a past of injustice, community participation has become a central theme in social development as a way of addressing past inequalities. However, despite its popularity, there are concerns that its benefits are less visible. The literature on community participation shows that there are a number of factors why community participation in development projects has not been successful in many communities. On the other hand, literature on participatory development also shows that there are benefits of participation in development projects; community participation can be successful when the community has genuine participation in the process. However, there is evidence that even where participatory development has been successful, is not necessarily easy to replicate in other areas. This study sought to evaluate participation and how this affects the sustainability and success of the Ilitha farming project. Using the qualitative and quantitative indicators of participation by Oakley et al. (1991), which were adapted from various sources, I have shown that there was a high level of participation by members of this project who started on a small-scale basis, with minimal contributions in order to address the problem of unemployment, lack of skills and income opportunities, and growing poverty in the Ilitha community. The study has shown that success in participation is linked to the success and sustainability of the Ilitha farming project. This project is a success because it has achieved its initial objectives and has potential for expansion. In addition, the expansion of project activities has increased and sustains the project income throughout the year, benefiting not only project members but other members of the Ilitha community including the old age home, the HIV Aids awareness centre and households with patients needing assistance. Project success can be sustained on a long-term basis with a high level of participation through commitment, hard work, quality leadership, consultation, team work and respect for each project member as an equal partner irrespective of differences in age, gender and length of membership in the project. The level of internal sustainability i.e. the ability for the project to maintain its own developmental momentum is evidently high. The executive has led the project from its inception in 2003 to date with a clear vision and long-term commitment. However, there is a need for a succession plan in order to ensure continuity of the project as the current executive may not be able to continue due to old age. Secondary partnerships in the Ilitha farming project have had a significant impact on the level of success and sustainability of the project through the provision of funds, training and technical assistance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Greening Ndlambe Village
- Authors: Vithi-Masiza, Noluthando
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58396 , vital:59082
- Description: In 1994 the new democratic government of South Africa introduced the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) which was aimed at massive infrastructure expansion. Tackling the housing crisis has been encountered by growing demands for low carbon footprint, reduced use of non-renewable resources and as part of the green agenda. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the South African government set a variety of objectives aimed at achieving an environmentally sustainable future for all. While South Africa has embraced green economy principles, tested integrated approaches are still to be seen in housing construction. This study sought to explore the greening of Ndlambe green village in the Port Alfred area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. To achieve the study objectives, a qualitative research approach was used, employing the case study research strategy and primary data was collected by means of focus groups. Community members, engineers, environmentalists and town planners constituted the study sample. Secondary data sources were also used in this study, along with field observation. The collected data was analysed using the thematic analysis technique. Findings from the study revealed that community members perceived Green village initiative as important and is required in South Africa given the challenges that are experienced such as energy consumption load shedding, water shortages. The economic value proposition of green building is measured through two different lenses, namely economic profit and social profit. The municipalities must take a leading role in by forming policies supporting environmentally friendly activities, with building being one crucial area. Recommendations from the study proposed that partnerships involving communities, private companies, the government and other various interest groups are imperative in order to accelerating the green building agenda. The government must be challenges to develop sustainable funding solutions for a green economy. Lastly, increased awareness about green building among the society may also drive better acceptability and ultimately, a strong social reputation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Vithi-Masiza, Noluthando
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58396 , vital:59082
- Description: In 1994 the new democratic government of South Africa introduced the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) which was aimed at massive infrastructure expansion. Tackling the housing crisis has been encountered by growing demands for low carbon footprint, reduced use of non-renewable resources and as part of the green agenda. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the South African government set a variety of objectives aimed at achieving an environmentally sustainable future for all. While South Africa has embraced green economy principles, tested integrated approaches are still to be seen in housing construction. This study sought to explore the greening of Ndlambe green village in the Port Alfred area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. To achieve the study objectives, a qualitative research approach was used, employing the case study research strategy and primary data was collected by means of focus groups. Community members, engineers, environmentalists and town planners constituted the study sample. Secondary data sources were also used in this study, along with field observation. The collected data was analysed using the thematic analysis technique. Findings from the study revealed that community members perceived Green village initiative as important and is required in South Africa given the challenges that are experienced such as energy consumption load shedding, water shortages. The economic value proposition of green building is measured through two different lenses, namely economic profit and social profit. The municipalities must take a leading role in by forming policies supporting environmentally friendly activities, with building being one crucial area. Recommendations from the study proposed that partnerships involving communities, private companies, the government and other various interest groups are imperative in order to accelerating the green building agenda. The government must be challenges to develop sustainable funding solutions for a green economy. Lastly, increased awareness about green building among the society may also drive better acceptability and ultimately, a strong social reputation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Going green: the impact of integrated sustainability reporting within JSE companies
- Authors: Nkosi, Jabulani Elias
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9129 , vital:26467
- Description: The world is threatened by the possibility of an irreversible catastrophe that many would blame on the environmental impact of the present lifestyle, the results of which are climate change or global warming. This is clearly unacceptable to both present and future generations. If going green really means changing the way we live and pursuing knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and socio-ecologically responsible decisions, it is time to protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. Integrated sustainability reporting should be viewed as a vehicle to accomplish this global agenda of going green beyond mere legal requirements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of integrated sustainability reporting (ISR) on achieving green business status within JSE listed companies. To achieve the purpose, an in-depth literature study and empirical research were undertaken using a triangulation method. After a detailed descriptive and content analysis of the collected primary and secondary data, the study found the following: Most of the JSE listed corporations’ integrated reports are not utilising the CSR, GRI guidelines and voluntary standards as effective tools to drive the process of green sustainable business. Some of the JSE listed organisations are treating financial and non-financial matters as separate issues in their integrated reports; The ISR has no impact in terms of using the NEMA framework in driving the process of green sustainable business in the JSE listed organisations; Most of the JSE listed organisations were fully aware of ecological sustainability as a pillar to drive the process of green sustainable business. They treat this pillar of sustainable development as a separate entity from socio-economic developmental issues. Most of the JSE listed corporations adhere to all the bylaws and regulations of ecological sustainability within their required certification of ISO 14001 standards in order to remain effectively certified by the auditing authority. Some integrated reports indicated much support for staff in terms of health, educational activities, labour laws and programmes that advance the socio-economic aspects of human beings; The study has found that the social pillar of sustainability is mostly supported by JSE listed organisations in South Africa - to the level of the requirements of labour relations legislation. It is not integrated with sustainability policies beyond the statutory requirements; It was further noticed in this study that integrated sustainability reports, based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles and the King III reporting guidelines, disclose outcomes and results regarding the JSE listed organisations’ obligations, strategy and management approach which occurred within the reporting period. To address the above-listed findings, the researcher recommended that the JSE listed organisations integrate the NEMA, EMS, CSR, GRI and King III guidelines in their integrated sustainability reporting, in order to produce an effective sustainable green business in South Africa that is ecologically accountable and socio-economically supportive to all multi-stakeholders. The government and non-governmental organisations are the key players to drive the process of going green using the ISR. The government needs more structured policies and regulations that will support the National Development Plan in the pursuit of green economy in the form of grants and incentives that are beyond the present status quo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nkosi, Jabulani Elias
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9129 , vital:26467
- Description: The world is threatened by the possibility of an irreversible catastrophe that many would blame on the environmental impact of the present lifestyle, the results of which are climate change or global warming. This is clearly unacceptable to both present and future generations. If going green really means changing the way we live and pursuing knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and socio-ecologically responsible decisions, it is time to protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. Integrated sustainability reporting should be viewed as a vehicle to accomplish this global agenda of going green beyond mere legal requirements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of integrated sustainability reporting (ISR) on achieving green business status within JSE listed companies. To achieve the purpose, an in-depth literature study and empirical research were undertaken using a triangulation method. After a detailed descriptive and content analysis of the collected primary and secondary data, the study found the following: Most of the JSE listed corporations’ integrated reports are not utilising the CSR, GRI guidelines and voluntary standards as effective tools to drive the process of green sustainable business. Some of the JSE listed organisations are treating financial and non-financial matters as separate issues in their integrated reports; The ISR has no impact in terms of using the NEMA framework in driving the process of green sustainable business in the JSE listed organisations; Most of the JSE listed organisations were fully aware of ecological sustainability as a pillar to drive the process of green sustainable business. They treat this pillar of sustainable development as a separate entity from socio-economic developmental issues. Most of the JSE listed corporations adhere to all the bylaws and regulations of ecological sustainability within their required certification of ISO 14001 standards in order to remain effectively certified by the auditing authority. Some integrated reports indicated much support for staff in terms of health, educational activities, labour laws and programmes that advance the socio-economic aspects of human beings; The study has found that the social pillar of sustainability is mostly supported by JSE listed organisations in South Africa - to the level of the requirements of labour relations legislation. It is not integrated with sustainability policies beyond the statutory requirements; It was further noticed in this study that integrated sustainability reports, based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles and the King III reporting guidelines, disclose outcomes and results regarding the JSE listed organisations’ obligations, strategy and management approach which occurred within the reporting period. To address the above-listed findings, the researcher recommended that the JSE listed organisations integrate the NEMA, EMS, CSR, GRI and King III guidelines in their integrated sustainability reporting, in order to produce an effective sustainable green business in South Africa that is ecologically accountable and socio-economically supportive to all multi-stakeholders. The government and non-governmental organisations are the key players to drive the process of going green using the ISR. The government needs more structured policies and regulations that will support the National Development Plan in the pursuit of green economy in the form of grants and incentives that are beyond the present status quo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Evaluation of income generating projects in Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province
- Makapela, Noxolo Navel Yolanda
- Authors: Makapela, Noxolo Navel Yolanda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011849 , Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Description: This study, evaluating income generating projects was conducted on four projects, of which two are in Middleburg that is forming part of Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality and another two are in Hofmeyer that is forming part of Tsolwana Local Municipality. Both these municipalities are in Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Two of these projects are bakery projects and the other two are poultry projects. The study was explorative in nature as it was aimed at finding the reasons for the non-sustainability of income generating projects in this district municipality. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied. Both the explanatory and a multigroup post-test-only design research designs were used when conducting this study. This was due to the fact that the researcher was interested in evaluating income generating projects with the aim of finding out what leads to their failure, and also of finding out how can they be assisted to be able to sustain themselves. Five respondents from each project were willing to take part in the study and this led to a total of 20 respondents who participated through answering questions that were asked to them by the interviewers guided by the questionnaire which is appendix A of the paper. The results of the study indicated the following factors as the ones that are contributing to the non sustainability of income generating projects: Lack of market for the products; Lack of passion to volunteer from project members; Unnatural causes like storms, that ended up delaying the implementation of the projects; Minimal support from communities by buying their products mostly on credit or not abiding by credit terms when credit is given; Non payment of the project members; Lack of transport for the projects to transport their products to market. The key recommendation that was made was that another study needs to be conducted to verify as to whether these findings can be generalised to other projects in the same district. Additional recommendations are that project members need to be skilled on an ongoing basis, the funders should avail funding for the payment of the beneficiaries, beneficiaries need to be encouraged to volunteer and participate in all the activities of the project, all stakeholders need to ensure the availability of resources before the projects are implemented, and the projects need to have project committees that are made of knowledgeable people who are committed in seeing to it that the projects are sustained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Makapela, Noxolo Navel Yolanda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011849 , Community development -- South Africa -- Queenstown , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Tarkastad , Economic assistance, Domestic -- South Africa -- Middleburg , Sustainable development
- Description: This study, evaluating income generating projects was conducted on four projects, of which two are in Middleburg that is forming part of Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality and another two are in Hofmeyer that is forming part of Tsolwana Local Municipality. Both these municipalities are in Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Two of these projects are bakery projects and the other two are poultry projects. The study was explorative in nature as it was aimed at finding the reasons for the non-sustainability of income generating projects in this district municipality. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were applied. Both the explanatory and a multigroup post-test-only design research designs were used when conducting this study. This was due to the fact that the researcher was interested in evaluating income generating projects with the aim of finding out what leads to their failure, and also of finding out how can they be assisted to be able to sustain themselves. Five respondents from each project were willing to take part in the study and this led to a total of 20 respondents who participated through answering questions that were asked to them by the interviewers guided by the questionnaire which is appendix A of the paper. The results of the study indicated the following factors as the ones that are contributing to the non sustainability of income generating projects: Lack of market for the products; Lack of passion to volunteer from project members; Unnatural causes like storms, that ended up delaying the implementation of the projects; Minimal support from communities by buying their products mostly on credit or not abiding by credit terms when credit is given; Non payment of the project members; Lack of transport for the projects to transport their products to market. The key recommendation that was made was that another study needs to be conducted to verify as to whether these findings can be generalised to other projects in the same district. Additional recommendations are that project members need to be skilled on an ongoing basis, the funders should avail funding for the payment of the beneficiaries, beneficiaries need to be encouraged to volunteer and participate in all the activities of the project, all stakeholders need to ensure the availability of resources before the projects are implemented, and the projects need to have project committees that are made of knowledgeable people who are committed in seeing to it that the projects are sustained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Effects of urban expansion on coastal vegetation ecosystems conservation and functioning in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa
- Olatoye, Tolulope Ayodeji https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2249-9258
- Authors: Olatoye, Tolulope Ayodeji https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2249-9258
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Sustainable development , City planning -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21556 , vital:48885
- Description: Coastal urban expansion is on an upward trajectory, which poses serious threats to ecosystem functioning, human wellbeing and the general environment across the globe. It is on this premise that this study brings to the fore the growing complexity of environmental sustainability problems in a former apartheid space, as characterized by coastal urbanization and the intricacies of vegetation conservation. Consequently, literature utilized for this study reveals that urban expansion has led to an uncontrolled threat to the coastal ecosystem, culminating in soil erosion, environmental pollution through illegal dumping of solid waste, loss of coastal vegetation to other land use types, among others. Therefore, constant monitoring of these spaces is needed due to their fragility, as they are pivotal in the earth-atmosphere processes to the benefit of the entire humanity. To this end, the current study offers critical analysis and insights about the South African coastal ecological space. The essence of using BCMM in its consideration as an ecological space and former apartheid territory brings to the fore a scientific explanation of the spatial configuration and changes in the CVEs of the study area during the post-colonial era. In the course of investigating this study, the Urban Green Sustainability (UGS) theory was adopted in the course of selecting the review of literature, methodological approach and analysis of results. A mixed methodological approach (qualitative, quantitative and geospatial techniques) was explored in data collection and analysis. 254 copies of the questionnaire were returned and analysed for this research. Results generated revealed by the BCMM respondents confirms the occurrence of uncontrolled urbanization, deforestation and crop cultivation as major causes of coastal vegetation loss. In the same vein, the LULC classification results revealed that about 466 km2 of forest vegetation has been lost in BCMM from 1998-2018. Also, LULC classification results were validated by performing the Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI), Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI), Kappa’s coefficient (k), coefficient of determination (R2) and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (P) tests. The results also revealed that the built-up area had increased from 194 km2 in 1998 to 814 km2 in 2008. Further, all statistical tests revealed very good and highly correlated overall classification accuracies (of R2=0.89 and P=0.86) during the study period (1998 – 2018). This study makes a clarion call towards the rehabilitation of degraded coastal environments and proffers solutions towards the actualization of environmentally sustainable CVEs which offers optimal ecosystem services. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
- Authors: Olatoye, Tolulope Ayodeji https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2249-9258
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Sustainable development , City planning -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21556 , vital:48885
- Description: Coastal urban expansion is on an upward trajectory, which poses serious threats to ecosystem functioning, human wellbeing and the general environment across the globe. It is on this premise that this study brings to the fore the growing complexity of environmental sustainability problems in a former apartheid space, as characterized by coastal urbanization and the intricacies of vegetation conservation. Consequently, literature utilized for this study reveals that urban expansion has led to an uncontrolled threat to the coastal ecosystem, culminating in soil erosion, environmental pollution through illegal dumping of solid waste, loss of coastal vegetation to other land use types, among others. Therefore, constant monitoring of these spaces is needed due to their fragility, as they are pivotal in the earth-atmosphere processes to the benefit of the entire humanity. To this end, the current study offers critical analysis and insights about the South African coastal ecological space. The essence of using BCMM in its consideration as an ecological space and former apartheid territory brings to the fore a scientific explanation of the spatial configuration and changes in the CVEs of the study area during the post-colonial era. In the course of investigating this study, the Urban Green Sustainability (UGS) theory was adopted in the course of selecting the review of literature, methodological approach and analysis of results. A mixed methodological approach (qualitative, quantitative and geospatial techniques) was explored in data collection and analysis. 254 copies of the questionnaire were returned and analysed for this research. Results generated revealed by the BCMM respondents confirms the occurrence of uncontrolled urbanization, deforestation and crop cultivation as major causes of coastal vegetation loss. In the same vein, the LULC classification results revealed that about 466 km2 of forest vegetation has been lost in BCMM from 1998-2018. Also, LULC classification results were validated by performing the Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI), Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI), Kappa’s coefficient (k), coefficient of determination (R2) and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (P) tests. The results also revealed that the built-up area had increased from 194 km2 in 1998 to 814 km2 in 2008. Further, all statistical tests revealed very good and highly correlated overall classification accuracies (of R2=0.89 and P=0.86) during the study period (1998 – 2018). This study makes a clarion call towards the rehabilitation of degraded coastal environments and proffers solutions towards the actualization of environmentally sustainable CVEs which offers optimal ecosystem services. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
Dynamics of agricultural micro, small and medium enterprise life-cycle financing and implications for sector development in Zimbabwe
- Kichini, Gilbert https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2972-1023
- Authors: Kichini, Gilbert https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2972-1023
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Agriculture--Economic aspects--Zimbabwe , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20296 , vital:45648
- Description: Small, micro and medium-scale enterprises (SMMEs) contribute significantly to economic growth, employment and boosting the livelihoods of the poor in Zimbabwe. In the context of the Fast-track Land Reform and Re-distribution programme, agricultural SMMEs are viewed as the main pillar that anchors the recovery of the agricultural sector. Despite the key role they play, these SMMEs operate in a financially constrained environment in which access to funding is limited. In such a context, the ability of the SMMEs to perform their role depends on the strategic use of limited funding. One way to achieve this is to ensure that the funding used at each of the life-cycle stages of the business is the most suitable in addressing the main threats to business success. Much has been studied about how the supply-side factors have constrained growth and development. However, very limited focus has been placed on how SMME owners use the limited funding secured to address the main operational problems faced. The funding behaviour of the owners has to support the supply-side initiatives if the SMMEs are to survive and fulfil their envisaged role in the economy. This study thus analyses the use of funding by the owners along the business life-cycle based on a six-stage life-cycle model. It further analyses the suitability of such funding given the unique operational needs and challenges per stage as well as best practices. The specific objectives of the study are to identify the level of knowledge that SMME owners have about the financing options available and which ones are mostly used, determine the use and suitability of life-cycle financing focusing on agricultural SMMEs and also determine the most suitable life-cycle funding in terms of best practices for sector development. A cross-sectional survey research design was used given the lack of accurate time-series data and it followed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. The owners or managers of agricultural SMMEs and the institutions providing funding constituted the two populations studied. A multiple-stage sampling strategy was used to determine a final sample of 320 owners of agricultural SMMEs while purposive sampling was used to draw a sample of 12 main SMME financing institutions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the owners while an administered semi- structured questionnaire was used for financing institutions. The unit of analysis was the funding used along the business life-cycle. Frequency, binary logistic regression, Chi-Square tests of association and Odds-ratio analysis were used for quantitative data analysis while Qualitative-failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (Q-FMECA) and thematic analysis were used to analyse qualitative data. Results show a persistent rather than transitory reliance on internal funding contrary to theoretical propositions on life-cycle financing. Overall, life-cycle funding used was not in line with best practices for funding SMMEs especially in financially constrained environments where funding should be effectively and efficiently used. The study adds to literature on agricultural SMMEs funding in financially constrained environments and makes offers some policy recommendations to improve financing for development of the key subsector. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Kichini, Gilbert https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2972-1023
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Agriculture--Economic aspects--Zimbabwe , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20296 , vital:45648
- Description: Small, micro and medium-scale enterprises (SMMEs) contribute significantly to economic growth, employment and boosting the livelihoods of the poor in Zimbabwe. In the context of the Fast-track Land Reform and Re-distribution programme, agricultural SMMEs are viewed as the main pillar that anchors the recovery of the agricultural sector. Despite the key role they play, these SMMEs operate in a financially constrained environment in which access to funding is limited. In such a context, the ability of the SMMEs to perform their role depends on the strategic use of limited funding. One way to achieve this is to ensure that the funding used at each of the life-cycle stages of the business is the most suitable in addressing the main threats to business success. Much has been studied about how the supply-side factors have constrained growth and development. However, very limited focus has been placed on how SMME owners use the limited funding secured to address the main operational problems faced. The funding behaviour of the owners has to support the supply-side initiatives if the SMMEs are to survive and fulfil their envisaged role in the economy. This study thus analyses the use of funding by the owners along the business life-cycle based on a six-stage life-cycle model. It further analyses the suitability of such funding given the unique operational needs and challenges per stage as well as best practices. The specific objectives of the study are to identify the level of knowledge that SMME owners have about the financing options available and which ones are mostly used, determine the use and suitability of life-cycle financing focusing on agricultural SMMEs and also determine the most suitable life-cycle funding in terms of best practices for sector development. A cross-sectional survey research design was used given the lack of accurate time-series data and it followed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. The owners or managers of agricultural SMMEs and the institutions providing funding constituted the two populations studied. A multiple-stage sampling strategy was used to determine a final sample of 320 owners of agricultural SMMEs while purposive sampling was used to draw a sample of 12 main SMME financing institutions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the owners while an administered semi- structured questionnaire was used for financing institutions. The unit of analysis was the funding used along the business life-cycle. Frequency, binary logistic regression, Chi-Square tests of association and Odds-ratio analysis were used for quantitative data analysis while Qualitative-failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (Q-FMECA) and thematic analysis were used to analyse qualitative data. Results show a persistent rather than transitory reliance on internal funding contrary to theoretical propositions on life-cycle financing. Overall, life-cycle funding used was not in line with best practices for funding SMMEs especially in financially constrained environments where funding should be effectively and efficiently used. The study adds to literature on agricultural SMMEs funding in financially constrained environments and makes offers some policy recommendations to improve financing for development of the key subsector. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
Different dimensions of inequality and sustainable economic growth in Africa
- Authors: Raimi, Rasaq Being
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Inequality , Sustainable development , Economic growth -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59884 , vital:62483
- Description: The recent unprecedented economic growth across Africa for over two decades has been anticipated to alleviate poverty and close up the wide inequality gap in the continent; its impact, however, on the vast majority of people in Africa appears to be insignificant as more households are still battling with poverty and the inequality gap is still wide. This has, however, raised empirical questions regarding the nature of the relationship that exists between economic growth and inequality in Africa. Hence, these questions have created gaps in the literature as some studies found positive relationship while other results state otherwise. The study fills the existing gap by re-examining the relationship between dimensions of inequality and sustainable growth in Africa. The study applied parametric and non-parametric econometric techniques on more recent inequalities data covering 28 African countries. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between income inequality and sustainable growth in Africa, investigated the relationship between education inequality and sustainable growth in Africa, analysed the relationship between gender inequality and sustainable growth in Africa and discussed the relationship between land inequality and sustainable growth in Africa. The study covered the period of 1998-2020 and the data for the study were sourced from Standardised World Income Inequality Data Base (SWIID), World Economic Forum, World Bank Online Data Base, Benaabdelaali et al‘s (2012) paper and Ziesemer, THW‘s (2016) paper. Result from the analysis of income inequality and sustainable growth indicates a positive unidirectional relationship between the two variables. The findings suggest that African growth promotes more income inequality and income inequality does not interrupt the growth potential of the continent. The findings further reveal a positive relationship between sustainable growth and poverty rate in African region. This suggests that African economic growth alone cannot solve African poverty problem. Analysis of sustainable growth and education inequality shows an inverse relationship between the two variables. The result indicates that sustainable growth helps in reducing education inequality but a further increase in education inequality drags down sustainable growth in the long-run. Also, poverty is found to have a positive relationship with education inequality in Africa. However, no causal relationship is found between sustainable growth and education inequality but rather a unidirectional causality running from poverty to education inequality in Africa. iv In relation to the gender inequality analysis, the study also found a negative relationship between the two variables. Specifically, while sustainable growth is found to be bridging gender gap, gender inequality on the other hand is found to be a limiting factor on sustainable growth in Africa. The results also indicate a strong positive significant relationship between poverty and gender inequality in Africa. The analysis reveals the vulnerability of African women to poverty and also suggests that many African countries are yet to harness the enormous potentials possessed by women for their regional development. Furthermore, the study found a negative relationship between sustainable growth and land inequality in Africa. The result indicates that unequal land distribution is among the factors preventing Africa from achieving its high dream of sustainable growth and it is further responsible for the severe poverty especially among the rural dwellers where agricultural land is considered as an important determinant of family income. One way causality running from land inequality to sustainable growth is also established via granger causality result which further indicates that uneven land distribution has effects on sustainable growth. Based on these findings, the study concludes that economic growth though has been helping in bridging some dimensions of inequality in Africa, income related inequality is exempted. Also, it is evident that economic growth alone is not adequate to close the wide inequality gap that has persisted for so long in Africa. In conclusion, the study recommended among other things that many African policy makers need to intensify their developmental efforts to reach everyone in their countries so as to effectively fight the ugly poverty situation across the continent. Also, salary structure needs to be revisited across Africa via introduction of appropriate tax to redistribute income and help the low income earners to relatively meet up with the higher income earners. This will help in closing income gap and at the same time alleviate poverty. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Raimi, Rasaq Being
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Inequality , Sustainable development , Economic growth -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59884 , vital:62483
- Description: The recent unprecedented economic growth across Africa for over two decades has been anticipated to alleviate poverty and close up the wide inequality gap in the continent; its impact, however, on the vast majority of people in Africa appears to be insignificant as more households are still battling with poverty and the inequality gap is still wide. This has, however, raised empirical questions regarding the nature of the relationship that exists between economic growth and inequality in Africa. Hence, these questions have created gaps in the literature as some studies found positive relationship while other results state otherwise. The study fills the existing gap by re-examining the relationship between dimensions of inequality and sustainable growth in Africa. The study applied parametric and non-parametric econometric techniques on more recent inequalities data covering 28 African countries. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between income inequality and sustainable growth in Africa, investigated the relationship between education inequality and sustainable growth in Africa, analysed the relationship between gender inequality and sustainable growth in Africa and discussed the relationship between land inequality and sustainable growth in Africa. The study covered the period of 1998-2020 and the data for the study were sourced from Standardised World Income Inequality Data Base (SWIID), World Economic Forum, World Bank Online Data Base, Benaabdelaali et al‘s (2012) paper and Ziesemer, THW‘s (2016) paper. Result from the analysis of income inequality and sustainable growth indicates a positive unidirectional relationship between the two variables. The findings suggest that African growth promotes more income inequality and income inequality does not interrupt the growth potential of the continent. The findings further reveal a positive relationship between sustainable growth and poverty rate in African region. This suggests that African economic growth alone cannot solve African poverty problem. Analysis of sustainable growth and education inequality shows an inverse relationship between the two variables. The result indicates that sustainable growth helps in reducing education inequality but a further increase in education inequality drags down sustainable growth in the long-run. Also, poverty is found to have a positive relationship with education inequality in Africa. However, no causal relationship is found between sustainable growth and education inequality but rather a unidirectional causality running from poverty to education inequality in Africa. iv In relation to the gender inequality analysis, the study also found a negative relationship between the two variables. Specifically, while sustainable growth is found to be bridging gender gap, gender inequality on the other hand is found to be a limiting factor on sustainable growth in Africa. The results also indicate a strong positive significant relationship between poverty and gender inequality in Africa. The analysis reveals the vulnerability of African women to poverty and also suggests that many African countries are yet to harness the enormous potentials possessed by women for their regional development. Furthermore, the study found a negative relationship between sustainable growth and land inequality in Africa. The result indicates that unequal land distribution is among the factors preventing Africa from achieving its high dream of sustainable growth and it is further responsible for the severe poverty especially among the rural dwellers where agricultural land is considered as an important determinant of family income. One way causality running from land inequality to sustainable growth is also established via granger causality result which further indicates that uneven land distribution has effects on sustainable growth. Based on these findings, the study concludes that economic growth though has been helping in bridging some dimensions of inequality in Africa, income related inequality is exempted. Also, it is evident that economic growth alone is not adequate to close the wide inequality gap that has persisted for so long in Africa. In conclusion, the study recommended among other things that many African policy makers need to intensify their developmental efforts to reach everyone in their countries so as to effectively fight the ugly poverty situation across the continent. Also, salary structure needs to be revisited across Africa via introduction of appropriate tax to redistribute income and help the low income earners to relatively meet up with the higher income earners. This will help in closing income gap and at the same time alleviate poverty. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Developing assessment criteria for a sustainable energy sector development project: shale gas exploration in the Karoo
- Authors: Badassey, Jyoti
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008405 , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Description: This research project aims to assess development projects in the energy sector with its focus on the shale gas exploration in the Karoo. The assessment is based on a critical analysis of the concepts and principles of sustainability, complexity and the National Environmental Management Act, using a critical hermeneutics methodology to develop an assessment criterion. Critical hermeneutics is the science and art of interpreting texts, challenging the status quo, its influences and assumptions. Hermeneutics is the reaction to enlightenment fundamentalism, which is an over-reliance on rationality and the scientific method as a primary means of obtaining truth. Hence this research has adopted a triangulation of ideas and concepts derived from sustainability and complexity to find the truth about the sustainability of development projects (Cilliers, 1998; Deleuze & Guattari, 1994; Byrne, 1998). The Central Karoo is situated in the North Eastern part of the Western Province. It is characterised by dry, arid conditions with highly environmentally sensitive land. Central Karoo has the smallest concentration of people in the Western Cape (Van Vuuren, 2008). This research project offers an assessment that will help governments determine the feasibility of energy sector projects since it discusses the impact of exploration for shale gas in the Karoo and explains the process, recommendations and the environmental legislature required for any project to take place in South Africa. Further, it highlights the environmental damage caused by the shale gas exploration as well as the positive economic impact that it could have on the country. For this research, hermeneutics has offered a framework rather than a system; it is a research philosophy that places human experience at the forefront as it honours a variety of interpretations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Badassey, Jyoti
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9072 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008405 , Sustainable development , Economic development -- Sustainability
- Description: This research project aims to assess development projects in the energy sector with its focus on the shale gas exploration in the Karoo. The assessment is based on a critical analysis of the concepts and principles of sustainability, complexity and the National Environmental Management Act, using a critical hermeneutics methodology to develop an assessment criterion. Critical hermeneutics is the science and art of interpreting texts, challenging the status quo, its influences and assumptions. Hermeneutics is the reaction to enlightenment fundamentalism, which is an over-reliance on rationality and the scientific method as a primary means of obtaining truth. Hence this research has adopted a triangulation of ideas and concepts derived from sustainability and complexity to find the truth about the sustainability of development projects (Cilliers, 1998; Deleuze & Guattari, 1994; Byrne, 1998). The Central Karoo is situated in the North Eastern part of the Western Province. It is characterised by dry, arid conditions with highly environmentally sensitive land. Central Karoo has the smallest concentration of people in the Western Cape (Van Vuuren, 2008). This research project offers an assessment that will help governments determine the feasibility of energy sector projects since it discusses the impact of exploration for shale gas in the Karoo and explains the process, recommendations and the environmental legislature required for any project to take place in South Africa. Further, it highlights the environmental damage caused by the shale gas exploration as well as the positive economic impact that it could have on the country. For this research, hermeneutics has offered a framework rather than a system; it is a research philosophy that places human experience at the forefront as it honours a variety of interpretations.
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- Date Issued: 2011