The design of a school model rural school for the rural Transkei, province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Van der Walt, Louwrens
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School buildings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Designs and plans Elementary school buildings -- South Africa -- Transkei -- Design and construction , School buildings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15422 , vital:28243
- Description: This treatise investigates the issues and processes involved in the school provision systems used to provide schools in the former Transkei area of the Eastern Cape. The purpose of the treatise is to better understand the contextual, spatial, physical and theoretical nature of the rural areas at present of the Transkei and how these provision systems have responded to this. From this understanding a set of architectural issues are identified from which an appropriate building is designed, along with an appropriate provision system. Several precedents of provision systems used in the Transkei are investigated, along with several architectural precedents according to their particular responses. This is done in order to uncover the spatial relationships, material and physical aspects, as well as theoretical issues, from which an appropriate architectural language can be identified. The need for the provision systems to be investigated is established along with the identification of four sites within the Transkei area which are to be investigated. The selected site on which the design will be implemented is located on a tar road between Dutya and Willowvale as it has similar attributes to most existing school sites in the former Transkei and therefore functions as a good testing ground for developing an appropriate design that can be implemented on multiple sites. In order for the design of the provision system and building to be appropriate, an in-depth contextual analysis is done on the Transkei area as a whole from which a set of constraints and informants are derived to better guide the design.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van der Walt, Louwrens
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School buildings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Designs and plans Elementary school buildings -- South Africa -- Transkei -- Design and construction , School buildings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15422 , vital:28243
- Description: This treatise investigates the issues and processes involved in the school provision systems used to provide schools in the former Transkei area of the Eastern Cape. The purpose of the treatise is to better understand the contextual, spatial, physical and theoretical nature of the rural areas at present of the Transkei and how these provision systems have responded to this. From this understanding a set of architectural issues are identified from which an appropriate building is designed, along with an appropriate provision system. Several precedents of provision systems used in the Transkei are investigated, along with several architectural precedents according to their particular responses. This is done in order to uncover the spatial relationships, material and physical aspects, as well as theoretical issues, from which an appropriate architectural language can be identified. The need for the provision systems to be investigated is established along with the identification of four sites within the Transkei area which are to be investigated. The selected site on which the design will be implemented is located on a tar road between Dutya and Willowvale as it has similar attributes to most existing school sites in the former Transkei and therefore functions as a good testing ground for developing an appropriate design that can be implemented on multiple sites. In order for the design of the provision system and building to be appropriate, an in-depth contextual analysis is done on the Transkei area as a whole from which a set of constraints and informants are derived to better guide the design.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design of a retirement home: bridging the gap for the elderly generation through the design of a retirement complex in the heart of a growing city core located in Walmer, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Watson, Robin Anthony
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Adult day care centers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Design and construction , Nursing homes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Design and construction , Older people -- Dwellings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Planning , Old age homes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39185 , vital:35054
- Description: This treatise has been developed from a combination of a specific programme and site related issues. The project centred around the design of a new retirement complex in Walmer, Port Elizabeth. The specific urban condition is of particular interest as the site is centrally located at a meeting point of three different spatial urban conditions, namely commercial, institutional and suburban residential. The programme developed from the need to develop a new typology of elderly housing for the growing elderly population in Port Elizabeth in order to address the often overlooked issues of the existing typologies. These issues were looked into, leading to the understanding that the existing retirement options available within Port Elizabeth are based on the functional separation of the different levels of care required by the elderly in establishments that are isolated from the greater community and are, in some cases, institutional in nature. However, when looking at models for retirement facilities available within other contexts, it is clear that new and innovated models have been developed which have advantages over these 'traditional' establishments. This treatise aims at developing a retirement model within the suburb of Walmer that supports a variety of unique residential options and comprehensive services that meet the needs of recently retired persons who remain active, as well as frail residents. The identifiable challenge is the establishment of an architectural model that provides its occupants with privacy and identity while allowing them to integrate with their environment and avoids the need to move as they grow older.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Watson, Robin Anthony
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Adult day care centers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Design and construction , Nursing homes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Design and construction , Older people -- Dwellings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Planning , Old age homes -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39185 , vital:35054
- Description: This treatise has been developed from a combination of a specific programme and site related issues. The project centred around the design of a new retirement complex in Walmer, Port Elizabeth. The specific urban condition is of particular interest as the site is centrally located at a meeting point of three different spatial urban conditions, namely commercial, institutional and suburban residential. The programme developed from the need to develop a new typology of elderly housing for the growing elderly population in Port Elizabeth in order to address the often overlooked issues of the existing typologies. These issues were looked into, leading to the understanding that the existing retirement options available within Port Elizabeth are based on the functional separation of the different levels of care required by the elderly in establishments that are isolated from the greater community and are, in some cases, institutional in nature. However, when looking at models for retirement facilities available within other contexts, it is clear that new and innovated models have been developed which have advantages over these 'traditional' establishments. This treatise aims at developing a retirement model within the suburb of Walmer that supports a variety of unique residential options and comprehensive services that meet the needs of recently retired persons who remain active, as well as frail residents. The identifiable challenge is the establishment of an architectural model that provides its occupants with privacy and identity while allowing them to integrate with their environment and avoids the need to move as they grow older.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design of a research centre for the study of indigenous medical plants, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha
- Authors: Dabula, Xola
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: College buildings , Research institutes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Designs and plans , Architecture -- Technological innovations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Architecture, Modern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18718 , vital:28710
- Description: This treatise is preoccupied with the design of an Indigenous Medicine Research Institute within the region of (the former) underdeveloped Transkei. The interest in the matter developed out of a concern for a medical system which finds itself in jeopardy of depletion due to over-harvesting which is endangering the ecosystem and its dependents. This is as a resultant lack of development due to its informal nature, and loss of impact of traditional knowledge. Indigenous medicine forms part of the cultural, religious, medical and socio-economical back bone of the region, research will create opportunities for the discovery of new medicinal plants and exploring the applications of age-old remedies in contemporary times. Thus developing and promoting indigenous medicine of the region to a wider user group, in a sustainable method which will protect the environment. Architecturally, the design seeks to respond to an in-depth quest to identify the appropriate nurturing of the relationship between learning and the natural environment, while accommodating the necessary programmatic components which will satisfy the needs of the Institute; namely education, conservation and research. Central to the design is the development of an architecture that addresses the fundamental challenges of education, conservation and the research of plants, in a manner that provides opportunities for collaborative learning practices and an interchange between the user-groups and the plants to be studied, resulting in a building that is at harmony with nature. Through this collaboration of the diverse components, an effective scheme has evolved which offers a singular co-operative environment for the indigenous medical system, in a particular effort to transform the learning environment and extend of the knowledge, as a catalyst for further development and reconciliation with nature. Set in the academic context of the Walter Sisulu University Campus, a once major university in Transkei renowned for its medical department, the Research Institute facility re-establishes the University's medical status in a manner that truly represents its region. The built form will integrate itself into the existing campus conditions in a contemporary way that sets up a response which is conducive to the discovery, preservation and sharing of knowledge pertaining to indigenous medicine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dabula, Xola
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: College buildings , Research institutes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Designs and plans , Architecture -- Technological innovations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Architecture, Modern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18718 , vital:28710
- Description: This treatise is preoccupied with the design of an Indigenous Medicine Research Institute within the region of (the former) underdeveloped Transkei. The interest in the matter developed out of a concern for a medical system which finds itself in jeopardy of depletion due to over-harvesting which is endangering the ecosystem and its dependents. This is as a resultant lack of development due to its informal nature, and loss of impact of traditional knowledge. Indigenous medicine forms part of the cultural, religious, medical and socio-economical back bone of the region, research will create opportunities for the discovery of new medicinal plants and exploring the applications of age-old remedies in contemporary times. Thus developing and promoting indigenous medicine of the region to a wider user group, in a sustainable method which will protect the environment. Architecturally, the design seeks to respond to an in-depth quest to identify the appropriate nurturing of the relationship between learning and the natural environment, while accommodating the necessary programmatic components which will satisfy the needs of the Institute; namely education, conservation and research. Central to the design is the development of an architecture that addresses the fundamental challenges of education, conservation and the research of plants, in a manner that provides opportunities for collaborative learning practices and an interchange between the user-groups and the plants to be studied, resulting in a building that is at harmony with nature. Through this collaboration of the diverse components, an effective scheme has evolved which offers a singular co-operative environment for the indigenous medical system, in a particular effort to transform the learning environment and extend of the knowledge, as a catalyst for further development and reconciliation with nature. Set in the academic context of the Walter Sisulu University Campus, a once major university in Transkei renowned for its medical department, the Research Institute facility re-establishes the University's medical status in a manner that truly represents its region. The built form will integrate itself into the existing campus conditions in a contemporary way that sets up a response which is conducive to the discovery, preservation and sharing of knowledge pertaining to indigenous medicine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design of a new opera house for Port Elizabeth: as a catalyst for a harbour waterfront development
- Authors: Davidson, Michael James
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Theaters -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Centers for the performing arts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Theater architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18696 , vital:28708
- Description: This document records the research and design process the author undertook during the treatise project. The project stems from the author’s interest in the architecture of opera houses and the potential for the design of a new iconic opera house in Port Elizabeth. Initial research begun with an analysis of the historical development of the opera house typology and the underlying principles of contemporary opera houses. Research was then directed towards the possibility of building a new opera house in Port Elizabeth, and what basis there might be for such a venture. This led to an exploration of urban catalyst buildings, particularly those initiating the regeneration of former industrial waterfronts. That Port Elizabeth has a notable industrial harbour, which may potentially be developed into a waterfront precinct was a key informant in choosing to formulate the project as an opera house that would be a catalyst for such a development. The vision for the building is one of beauty and grandeur. As an iconic attractor to the Port Elizabeth harbour, the opera house should delight visitors by its sculptural quality and spatial experience alongside the water’s edge. It should provide positive public space with activities that can be used by non-theatre patrons so that the building will attract large numbers of people, which will stimulate more development, in line with the theory of urban catalytic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Davidson, Michael James
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Theaters -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Centers for the performing arts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Theater architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18696 , vital:28708
- Description: This document records the research and design process the author undertook during the treatise project. The project stems from the author’s interest in the architecture of opera houses and the potential for the design of a new iconic opera house in Port Elizabeth. Initial research begun with an analysis of the historical development of the opera house typology and the underlying principles of contemporary opera houses. Research was then directed towards the possibility of building a new opera house in Port Elizabeth, and what basis there might be for such a venture. This led to an exploration of urban catalyst buildings, particularly those initiating the regeneration of former industrial waterfronts. That Port Elizabeth has a notable industrial harbour, which may potentially be developed into a waterfront precinct was a key informant in choosing to formulate the project as an opera house that would be a catalyst for such a development. The vision for the building is one of beauty and grandeur. As an iconic attractor to the Port Elizabeth harbour, the opera house should delight visitors by its sculptural quality and spatial experience alongside the water’s edge. It should provide positive public space with activities that can be used by non-theatre patrons so that the building will attract large numbers of people, which will stimulate more development, in line with the theory of urban catalytic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design of a maritime museum in the Durban harbour
- Authors: Holgate, Richard
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Museum architecture -- South Africa -- Durban -- Designs and plans Naval museums -- South Africa -- Darban -- Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19916 , vital:29005
- Description: This treatise focuses on the design of a maritime museum for Durban’s harbour. The building is concerned with the preservation of three vessels, namely the “JR More”, the “SAS Durban”, and the “Ulundi” that are currently stationed at the existing museum. The purpose of the treatise is to investigate the issues and processes involved in the design of a maritime museum in Durban. The research begins with an analysis of the typology in order to better understand the spatial and physical nature of a maritime museum. A set of architectural issues are identified in response to which an appropriate architectural design is proposed. Four particular precedents are investigated for which the spatial make up of each buildings is divided into categories, and the relationships between these are analyzed. The physical nature of the buildings is established, resulting in the identification of an appropriate architectural language. Analysis of the precedents leads to site selection criteria which are used to select an appropriate site from these possibilities. The nature of site is then investigated. A set of informants and constraints are developed by identifying the issues of site. The structuring elements of site are analysed individually and precedents are studied to establish a response to these issues. An architectural language that is site specific is then developed by investigating the nature of industrial harbours. With an understanding of the spatial and physical make up of the typology paired with responses to the specific issues of site, a maritime museum for Durban’s harbour is designed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Holgate, Richard
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Museum architecture -- South Africa -- Durban -- Designs and plans Naval museums -- South Africa -- Darban -- Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19916 , vital:29005
- Description: This treatise focuses on the design of a maritime museum for Durban’s harbour. The building is concerned with the preservation of three vessels, namely the “JR More”, the “SAS Durban”, and the “Ulundi” that are currently stationed at the existing museum. The purpose of the treatise is to investigate the issues and processes involved in the design of a maritime museum in Durban. The research begins with an analysis of the typology in order to better understand the spatial and physical nature of a maritime museum. A set of architectural issues are identified in response to which an appropriate architectural design is proposed. Four particular precedents are investigated for which the spatial make up of each buildings is divided into categories, and the relationships between these are analyzed. The physical nature of the buildings is established, resulting in the identification of an appropriate architectural language. Analysis of the precedents leads to site selection criteria which are used to select an appropriate site from these possibilities. The nature of site is then investigated. A set of informants and constraints are developed by identifying the issues of site. The structuring elements of site are analysed individually and precedents are studied to establish a response to these issues. An architectural language that is site specific is then developed by investigating the nature of industrial harbours. With an understanding of the spatial and physical make up of the typology paired with responses to the specific issues of site, a maritime museum for Durban’s harbour is designed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design of a Kaolin processing facility in Grahamstown, province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Bowles, Brendon Jerome
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Architecture, Modern -- 21st century -- Designs and plans , Architecture -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Designs and plans , Industrial buildings -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15433 , vital:28245
- Description: The Story of clay in the Grahamstown area can be dated as far back as 1812. In 1823 there was conflict between the Xhosa and the British Settlers over clay pits at Coombs valley, an area outside Grahamstown towards East London (Holleman, 1997, p. 50). Since the initial conflict, the mining of the resource has become a commercial activity. Pottery industries, brick making facilities and a kaolin mill were opened, with brick making being the only economically sustained activity which continues to present day. With the largest known deposits of quality kaolin in South Africa, the economic condition of the context of Grahamstown is not benefitting from the abundance of the raw-clay material (Malatji, 2010). The material is currently being mined at Strowan mine, the most active mine in the area, approximately 4km from Grahamstown and is transported to Johannesburg for milling. The transport costs involved in moving the material from the mine to the mill has impeded potential production. In 1988 the production of Kaolin from the Grahamstown area accounted for 55% of total local production in South Africa, but that figure had dropped to 27% by 2008 (Horan, 2008, p.1). The high waste factor and the cost implication involved in the erecting of the required infrastructure and equipment for a mill, become the main impediment to erecting a new Kaolin mill in Grahamstown. The raw material which is milled has a waste factor of approximately 90 percent, meaning that; of the material mined in the open cast mining method, less than 10 percent is transported to be milled (Burchell, 2015). Capital gain from production of kaolin in relation to the cost of the mill is inadequate to financially sustain the costs of erecting a kaolin mill for Grahamstown. A need for a by-product to utilize the high waste content of the mined product in a waste resourceful manner will potentially sustain a new mill economically. With the problem of transport and foreign provincial exploitation of local resources, a kaolin mill for Grahamstown will increase production and potentially become a catalyst for future development around kaolin supporting industries such as ceramics, paper industries, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This treatise is a strategic approach towards the design of a Kaolin mill with a brick making factory as a by-product of the waste of the high quality kaolin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Bowles, Brendon Jerome
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Architecture, Modern -- 21st century -- Designs and plans , Architecture -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Designs and plans , Industrial buildings -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15433 , vital:28245
- Description: The Story of clay in the Grahamstown area can be dated as far back as 1812. In 1823 there was conflict between the Xhosa and the British Settlers over clay pits at Coombs valley, an area outside Grahamstown towards East London (Holleman, 1997, p. 50). Since the initial conflict, the mining of the resource has become a commercial activity. Pottery industries, brick making facilities and a kaolin mill were opened, with brick making being the only economically sustained activity which continues to present day. With the largest known deposits of quality kaolin in South Africa, the economic condition of the context of Grahamstown is not benefitting from the abundance of the raw-clay material (Malatji, 2010). The material is currently being mined at Strowan mine, the most active mine in the area, approximately 4km from Grahamstown and is transported to Johannesburg for milling. The transport costs involved in moving the material from the mine to the mill has impeded potential production. In 1988 the production of Kaolin from the Grahamstown area accounted for 55% of total local production in South Africa, but that figure had dropped to 27% by 2008 (Horan, 2008, p.1). The high waste factor and the cost implication involved in the erecting of the required infrastructure and equipment for a mill, become the main impediment to erecting a new Kaolin mill in Grahamstown. The raw material which is milled has a waste factor of approximately 90 percent, meaning that; of the material mined in the open cast mining method, less than 10 percent is transported to be milled (Burchell, 2015). Capital gain from production of kaolin in relation to the cost of the mill is inadequate to financially sustain the costs of erecting a kaolin mill for Grahamstown. A need for a by-product to utilize the high waste content of the mined product in a waste resourceful manner will potentially sustain a new mill economically. With the problem of transport and foreign provincial exploitation of local resources, a kaolin mill for Grahamstown will increase production and potentially become a catalyst for future development around kaolin supporting industries such as ceramics, paper industries, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This treatise is a strategic approach towards the design of a Kaolin mill with a brick making factory as a by-product of the waste of the high quality kaolin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design of a football academy and community sports centre for Kwazakhele, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Fijac, Jason Andrew
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , City planning -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18684 , vital:28706
- Description: Most youth from disadvantaged groups in South Africa’s townships lack adequate social facilities to spend time. This situation also prevails in the Ibhayi townships on the periphery of Port Elizabeth. This treatise emerged out of the author’s interest in the township of Kwazakhele (one of thirteen townships which constitute Ibhayi) and his concern for the poor sense of urban space prevailing in the area. To this end, the research conducted in this treatise investigated the nature of Kwazakhele from a macro scale to a precinct scale in terms of the township’s location, connectivity, spatial organisation, organisation of activities, lateral urban sprawl, built fabric, and socio-economic condition. From this investigation, it was determined that Kwazakhele functions as an enclaved system within the greater system of Ibhayi. The major issues affecting Kwazakhele were identified as fragmentation, disconnection, dispersal of activities, urban sprawl, and a lack of urban legibility. The issue of dispersed activities in Ibhayi had been identified as one of the major contributors to the poor urban environment. Because addressing this issue has been recognised as an effective way of improving the urban environment, the aim of this treatise is to address this issue and provide an architectural and urban response which attempts to reduce the dispersal of activities in Ibhayi in general and particularly in Kwazakhele. Through the interrogation of the nature of dispersed activities in Ibhayi, it was observed that, while activities are mostly dispersed throughout the townships, there are areas where higher concentrations of certain activities have emerged. Therefore, in response to this, a conceptual strategy has been proposed to consolidate the activities in these areas into concentrated centres of activities which are connected via a series of pedestrian movement paths. Kwazakhele had been identified as having a higher (yet inadequate) intensity of sporting facilities and had therefore been proposed as a concentrated centre of sporting and recreational activities. An appropriate site was then selected to be developed as the heart of this centre, based on a number of criteria. The resultant programme was a Football Academy and Community Sports Centre. This result was based on the needs of the community and the aims of the conceptual urban strategy. The role of the facility was then interrogated and it was determined that it should function as a major structuring element in the township. This lead to an investigation into the nature of positive urban space in a township through the interrogation of three precedents. The principles established from this interrogation were used to help structure the nature of the proposed facility in terms of its response to the public realm and its level of urban integration. The resulting building is responsive to its urban environment and sensitive to the needs of the community it serves. It plays a key role in structuring the urban environment of Kwazakhele and therefore it increases the urban legibility, while addressing the predetermined urban and architectural issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fijac, Jason Andrew
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sports facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , City planning -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18684 , vital:28706
- Description: Most youth from disadvantaged groups in South Africa’s townships lack adequate social facilities to spend time. This situation also prevails in the Ibhayi townships on the periphery of Port Elizabeth. This treatise emerged out of the author’s interest in the township of Kwazakhele (one of thirteen townships which constitute Ibhayi) and his concern for the poor sense of urban space prevailing in the area. To this end, the research conducted in this treatise investigated the nature of Kwazakhele from a macro scale to a precinct scale in terms of the township’s location, connectivity, spatial organisation, organisation of activities, lateral urban sprawl, built fabric, and socio-economic condition. From this investigation, it was determined that Kwazakhele functions as an enclaved system within the greater system of Ibhayi. The major issues affecting Kwazakhele were identified as fragmentation, disconnection, dispersal of activities, urban sprawl, and a lack of urban legibility. The issue of dispersed activities in Ibhayi had been identified as one of the major contributors to the poor urban environment. Because addressing this issue has been recognised as an effective way of improving the urban environment, the aim of this treatise is to address this issue and provide an architectural and urban response which attempts to reduce the dispersal of activities in Ibhayi in general and particularly in Kwazakhele. Through the interrogation of the nature of dispersed activities in Ibhayi, it was observed that, while activities are mostly dispersed throughout the townships, there are areas where higher concentrations of certain activities have emerged. Therefore, in response to this, a conceptual strategy has been proposed to consolidate the activities in these areas into concentrated centres of activities which are connected via a series of pedestrian movement paths. Kwazakhele had been identified as having a higher (yet inadequate) intensity of sporting facilities and had therefore been proposed as a concentrated centre of sporting and recreational activities. An appropriate site was then selected to be developed as the heart of this centre, based on a number of criteria. The resultant programme was a Football Academy and Community Sports Centre. This result was based on the needs of the community and the aims of the conceptual urban strategy. The role of the facility was then interrogated and it was determined that it should function as a major structuring element in the township. This lead to an investigation into the nature of positive urban space in a township through the interrogation of three precedents. The principles established from this interrogation were used to help structure the nature of the proposed facility in terms of its response to the public realm and its level of urban integration. The resulting building is responsive to its urban environment and sensitive to the needs of the community it serves. It plays a key role in structuring the urban environment of Kwazakhele and therefore it increases the urban legibility, while addressing the predetermined urban and architectural issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design of a fish processing facility in Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius
- Authors: Tegally, Ghazaalah
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: City planning -- Mauritius Community development, Urban -- Mauritius , Sustainable development -- Mauritius Fish trade -- Mauritius
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19102 , vital:28773
- Description: This treatise will be focused on the design of a Mixed-use Facility in Mauritius, which will be implemented within an existing fishing village, Grand Gaube, located along the Northern coast of the Island. This site has been chosen due to its high fishermen population relying on fishing for their livelihoods. The proposed design will be aimed at a sustainable fishery which will involve the development of offshore bank fishing as opposed to the traditional lagoon fishing. With a focus on promoting a better catch quantity and quality, the increase in domestic production will be aimed at supplying the local market whereby a significant demand for seafood exists. In the process, the project will aim to alleviate poverty for the local fishermen communities through increased trade and job creations, while being in line with the Government’s vision for the development of the fisheries sector in Mauritius. The facility will include a Fish Landing Terminal, a Fish Processing Plant, and a Fish Market, for the production of a branded local product while accommodating the fishermen’s daily activities, as well as a highly public platform to create an activated public environment. In doing so, the proposed architectural intervention will act as a catalyst for urban and social change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Tegally, Ghazaalah
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: City planning -- Mauritius Community development, Urban -- Mauritius , Sustainable development -- Mauritius Fish trade -- Mauritius
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19102 , vital:28773
- Description: This treatise will be focused on the design of a Mixed-use Facility in Mauritius, which will be implemented within an existing fishing village, Grand Gaube, located along the Northern coast of the Island. This site has been chosen due to its high fishermen population relying on fishing for their livelihoods. The proposed design will be aimed at a sustainable fishery which will involve the development of offshore bank fishing as opposed to the traditional lagoon fishing. With a focus on promoting a better catch quantity and quality, the increase in domestic production will be aimed at supplying the local market whereby a significant demand for seafood exists. In the process, the project will aim to alleviate poverty for the local fishermen communities through increased trade and job creations, while being in line with the Government’s vision for the development of the fisheries sector in Mauritius. The facility will include a Fish Landing Terminal, a Fish Processing Plant, and a Fish Market, for the production of a branded local product while accommodating the fishermen’s daily activities, as well as a highly public platform to create an activated public environment. In doing so, the proposed architectural intervention will act as a catalyst for urban and social change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design of a botanical centre for Shark River Valley Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Pollock, Megan Jane
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Conservatories -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Botanical gardens -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Visitors' centers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15411 , vital:28241
- Description: This treatise is preoccupied with the unparalleled five bio-mes found in Nelson Mandela Bay, its current endangered state and the scope of which an architectural intervention can serve to re-mediate and facilitate the lack in conservation and awareness. It is through an initial awareness of the vegetation diversity in Nelson Mandela Bay and its current need for formal protection, that the need for an architectural intervention is realized. The typological nature of the architectural intervention is derived from an interrogation into the historical development and the contemporary function of botanical institutions. This investigation, coupled with the existing need for a botanical garden in Port Elizabeth, establishes the Botanical Visitors’ Centre as the typology. Precedents are investigated, identifying typological functions as well as the facilities’ various contextual positions within the Botanical Garden. Functions are categorized spatially and their relationships analyzed. An understanding of the typologies functional, spatial and contextual nature, coupled with an ecologically aligned value statement, identify a set of architectural issues. These issues are interrogated through the critical examination of various precedents. An appropriate architectural language is established in terms of materiality, physicality and contextual integration. The need for a Botanical Garden within Port Elizabeth is established and an appropriate site selected. Shark River Valley is selected in recognition of its existing and historic natural integrity within the city, its current under-utilized state, and the resultant architectural opportunity to facilitate ecological remediation and urban re-integration. A contextual investigation preoccupied with the historical, ecological and urban issues of the valley informs a set of constraints and informants. A contextually informed urban and ecological intervention is proposed serving as a framework for the integration of the building. The building is then realized through a combined understanding of typology, ecological integrity and contextual understanding. The contextual position of the building, as well as its spatial layout, is determined through precedent investigation which is then shaped and adapted in response to the defined site issues. Physical and technological issues are addressed in a practical manner while maintaining the ecological integrity of the building. The resultant Botanical Centre aims to be rooted in its contemporary universal function through the contextual integrity of its architectural response.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Pollock, Megan Jane
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Conservatories -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans Botanical gardens -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Visitors' centers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Designs and plans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15411 , vital:28241
- Description: This treatise is preoccupied with the unparalleled five bio-mes found in Nelson Mandela Bay, its current endangered state and the scope of which an architectural intervention can serve to re-mediate and facilitate the lack in conservation and awareness. It is through an initial awareness of the vegetation diversity in Nelson Mandela Bay and its current need for formal protection, that the need for an architectural intervention is realized. The typological nature of the architectural intervention is derived from an interrogation into the historical development and the contemporary function of botanical institutions. This investigation, coupled with the existing need for a botanical garden in Port Elizabeth, establishes the Botanical Visitors’ Centre as the typology. Precedents are investigated, identifying typological functions as well as the facilities’ various contextual positions within the Botanical Garden. Functions are categorized spatially and their relationships analyzed. An understanding of the typologies functional, spatial and contextual nature, coupled with an ecologically aligned value statement, identify a set of architectural issues. These issues are interrogated through the critical examination of various precedents. An appropriate architectural language is established in terms of materiality, physicality and contextual integration. The need for a Botanical Garden within Port Elizabeth is established and an appropriate site selected. Shark River Valley is selected in recognition of its existing and historic natural integrity within the city, its current under-utilized state, and the resultant architectural opportunity to facilitate ecological remediation and urban re-integration. A contextual investigation preoccupied with the historical, ecological and urban issues of the valley informs a set of constraints and informants. A contextually informed urban and ecological intervention is proposed serving as a framework for the integration of the building. The building is then realized through a combined understanding of typology, ecological integrity and contextual understanding. The contextual position of the building, as well as its spatial layout, is determined through precedent investigation which is then shaped and adapted in response to the defined site issues. Physical and technological issues are addressed in a practical manner while maintaining the ecological integrity of the building. The resultant Botanical Centre aims to be rooted in its contemporary universal function through the contextual integrity of its architectural response.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The design of a bamboo processing plant in the Ibhayi township
- Authors: Maré, Kimon Brain
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Bamboo construction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Sustainable architecture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38896 , vital:35011
- Description: This dissertation investigates the potential of architecture as a regenerative device, originating from an ecological, social and economic concern for the heavily polluted Swartkops estuary situated east of the Ibhayi district, Port Elizabeth, as well as a preoccupation with Bamboo and the benefi ts thereof, not only as an ecological mediator but as a sustainable source of building fi ber. For years surrounding factories and urban runoff has polluted the river, causing severe damage to the ecology of the Estuary. The poisonous pollution poured into the Swartkops River has degraded the estuary to such a degree that the fi sh caught in the river is not fi t for human consumption. Not only killing surrounding fauna but driving humans and animals away. [Enviro-Fish Africa 2011.] In the Apartheid era, black communities were relocated to the Ibhayi precinct, with limited job opportunities and lack of infrastructure, the river is not only a source of water to the community but a source of food. The area has become one of the worst, economically and socially in Port Elizabeth. [Census 2011.] Therefore, I propose to re-purpose the fl ooded salt pans just south of the Marina Salt factory, to a bamboo processing plant along with a plantation. The bamboo species is capable of cleansing the air and soil better than trees are able to, in addition to attracting bird life. [Stéphane Schröder 2016.] Proposing to plant bamboo clusters along the Chatty river, not only creates an opportunity for recreational space, but restoring the estuary’s ecology, with the added benefi t of providing raw materials with numerous uses by the community, for the community. Bamboo is one of the most versatile and eco-friendly sources of material with over a thousand uses, requiring a minimum of a 1ha bamboo plantation to create a viable business model. I wish to create a building that can both improve the physical and economical nature of the Ibhayi precinct.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Maré, Kimon Brain
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Bamboo construction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Sustainable architecture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38896 , vital:35011
- Description: This dissertation investigates the potential of architecture as a regenerative device, originating from an ecological, social and economic concern for the heavily polluted Swartkops estuary situated east of the Ibhayi district, Port Elizabeth, as well as a preoccupation with Bamboo and the benefi ts thereof, not only as an ecological mediator but as a sustainable source of building fi ber. For years surrounding factories and urban runoff has polluted the river, causing severe damage to the ecology of the Estuary. The poisonous pollution poured into the Swartkops River has degraded the estuary to such a degree that the fi sh caught in the river is not fi t for human consumption. Not only killing surrounding fauna but driving humans and animals away. [Enviro-Fish Africa 2011.] In the Apartheid era, black communities were relocated to the Ibhayi precinct, with limited job opportunities and lack of infrastructure, the river is not only a source of water to the community but a source of food. The area has become one of the worst, economically and socially in Port Elizabeth. [Census 2011.] Therefore, I propose to re-purpose the fl ooded salt pans just south of the Marina Salt factory, to a bamboo processing plant along with a plantation. The bamboo species is capable of cleansing the air and soil better than trees are able to, in addition to attracting bird life. [Stéphane Schröder 2016.] Proposing to plant bamboo clusters along the Chatty river, not only creates an opportunity for recreational space, but restoring the estuary’s ecology, with the added benefi t of providing raw materials with numerous uses by the community, for the community. Bamboo is one of the most versatile and eco-friendly sources of material with over a thousand uses, requiring a minimum of a 1ha bamboo plantation to create a viable business model. I wish to create a building that can both improve the physical and economical nature of the Ibhayi precinct.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The current role of farmers’ associations in the Albany Area
- Authors: Moss, Nicola Joy
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4108 , vital:20609
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to analyse the current roles that farmers’ associations in the Albany Area fulfil, by determining their current practices, describing the internal measures of effectiveness, and to explain why there are some farmers’ who do not belong to farmers’ associations. In doing this, the researcher was able to determine whether maintaining the status quo would effectively satisfy the members of farmers’ associations. In turn, recommendations were made to farmers’ associations on the roles which could be improved, in order to obtain a higher level of satisfaction among members. In order to achieve the primary aim of the study, interviews were conducted and questionnaires were administered to members of, non-members of, and chairpersons of farmers’ associations in the Albany Area, thus implying that a pragmatic research paradigm was employed to conduct the study. The key findings of this study revealed that farmers’ associations in the Albany Area do perform the five roles of organised associations. However, the manner in which the roles are performed appears to be of a subpar standard. There are 29 services which are aligned with the five roles which are to be performed by organised associations. With regards to farmers’ associations, 18 of the 29 services are able to obtained by non-members through alternative mediums, at a cost lower than that of the membership fee. This does not entice members to join farmers’ associations because the benefits of membership are not seen. Using the competing values framework, we were able to determine the values incorporated into the daily management of farmers’ associations in the Albany Area. Based on the data analysis farmers’ associations were found to have an internal outlook. This could be the overarching reason as to why non-members of farmers’ associations are able to access 18 of the 29 services offered without actually being a member of the respective associations. It was concluded that while farmers’ associations do perform the five roles of organised associations, it does not imply that they do so effectively. This is due to the services offered falling under both public and private good categories. The results showed that 18 of the services offered were classified as public goods, which could be the overarching reason for low levels of membership in farmers’ associations in the Albany Area. Interestingly, members of farmers’ associations are satisfied with the services offered by farmers’ associations, although the majority of the services which are valued were classified to be public goods. However, the internal outlook portrayed by farmers’ associations could provide an explanation as to why more public than private goods are offered. Not having an external outlook affects the services which are offered, and will not provide associations with an understanding of the services which could attract members to the association. If farmers’ associations were to provide more valued services, and understand what services could be sourced elsewhere, they might increase the probability of satisfying all their members, while potentially attracting new members.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Moss, Nicola Joy
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4108 , vital:20609
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to analyse the current roles that farmers’ associations in the Albany Area fulfil, by determining their current practices, describing the internal measures of effectiveness, and to explain why there are some farmers’ who do not belong to farmers’ associations. In doing this, the researcher was able to determine whether maintaining the status quo would effectively satisfy the members of farmers’ associations. In turn, recommendations were made to farmers’ associations on the roles which could be improved, in order to obtain a higher level of satisfaction among members. In order to achieve the primary aim of the study, interviews were conducted and questionnaires were administered to members of, non-members of, and chairpersons of farmers’ associations in the Albany Area, thus implying that a pragmatic research paradigm was employed to conduct the study. The key findings of this study revealed that farmers’ associations in the Albany Area do perform the five roles of organised associations. However, the manner in which the roles are performed appears to be of a subpar standard. There are 29 services which are aligned with the five roles which are to be performed by organised associations. With regards to farmers’ associations, 18 of the 29 services are able to obtained by non-members through alternative mediums, at a cost lower than that of the membership fee. This does not entice members to join farmers’ associations because the benefits of membership are not seen. Using the competing values framework, we were able to determine the values incorporated into the daily management of farmers’ associations in the Albany Area. Based on the data analysis farmers’ associations were found to have an internal outlook. This could be the overarching reason as to why non-members of farmers’ associations are able to access 18 of the 29 services offered without actually being a member of the respective associations. It was concluded that while farmers’ associations do perform the five roles of organised associations, it does not imply that they do so effectively. This is due to the services offered falling under both public and private good categories. The results showed that 18 of the services offered were classified as public goods, which could be the overarching reason for low levels of membership in farmers’ associations in the Albany Area. Interestingly, members of farmers’ associations are satisfied with the services offered by farmers’ associations, although the majority of the services which are valued were classified to be public goods. However, the internal outlook portrayed by farmers’ associations could provide an explanation as to why more public than private goods are offered. Not having an external outlook affects the services which are offered, and will not provide associations with an understanding of the services which could attract members to the association. If farmers’ associations were to provide more valued services, and understand what services could be sourced elsewhere, they might increase the probability of satisfying all their members, while potentially attracting new members.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The contributions of phonological awareness and naming speed to the reading fluency, accuracy, comprehension and spelling of Grade 3 IsiXhosa readers
- Authors: Diemer, Maxine Nichole
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3245 , vital:20404
- Description: This thesis contributes to reading research in isiXhosa, where the role of various cognitive skills in reading has not yet been examined. One of the current debates in reading research centers on the contribution of cognitive skills, namely phonological awareness and naming speed, to reading. The exact relation between phonological awareness and naming speed, and their relation to literacy in different languages are also disputed. In this study, the contribution of phonological awareness and naming speed to literacy is examined in 52 Grade 3 isiXhosa speaking children. Measures for literacy included oral reading fluency, silent reading, comprehension and spelling. Phonological awareness was the biggest contributor to reading fluency, accuracy, comprehension and spelling, confirming that phonological processing is important for reading in all languages studied to date. The role of naming speed was narrower, contributing to the fluency and accuracy of reading only in the group with poor phonological awareness. The results can inform the teaching of reading isiXhosa where an approach that explicitly emphasises orthography-phonology relations at the phoneme level may be well suited especially since there are many letter groups to learn. This would enable higher accuracy in orthography-phonology correspondences and should also improve automaticity, which was lacking in the group with low levels of phonological awareness. The Psycholinguistic Grain Size Theory of reading can adequately inform the understanding of reading in isiXhosa, and findings from other languages with similar requirements can inform the teaching of reading in isiXhosa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Diemer, Maxine Nichole
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3245 , vital:20404
- Description: This thesis contributes to reading research in isiXhosa, where the role of various cognitive skills in reading has not yet been examined. One of the current debates in reading research centers on the contribution of cognitive skills, namely phonological awareness and naming speed, to reading. The exact relation between phonological awareness and naming speed, and their relation to literacy in different languages are also disputed. In this study, the contribution of phonological awareness and naming speed to literacy is examined in 52 Grade 3 isiXhosa speaking children. Measures for literacy included oral reading fluency, silent reading, comprehension and spelling. Phonological awareness was the biggest contributor to reading fluency, accuracy, comprehension and spelling, confirming that phonological processing is important for reading in all languages studied to date. The role of naming speed was narrower, contributing to the fluency and accuracy of reading only in the group with poor phonological awareness. The results can inform the teaching of reading isiXhosa where an approach that explicitly emphasises orthography-phonology relations at the phoneme level may be well suited especially since there are many letter groups to learn. This would enable higher accuracy in orthography-phonology correspondences and should also improve automaticity, which was lacking in the group with low levels of phonological awareness. The Psycholinguistic Grain Size Theory of reading can adequately inform the understanding of reading in isiXhosa, and findings from other languages with similar requirements can inform the teaching of reading in isiXhosa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The contribution of smallholder agriculture production to food security in rural Zimbabwe : a case study of Masvingo Province
- Authors: Toringepi, Godfrey
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe Agricultural productivity -- Zimbabwe Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5598 , vital:29350
- Description: Agricultural development is back on the development agenda. Even though the smallholder farmers are in the majority and at the forefront in terms of food production and agriculture being the backbone of the economy of Zimbabwe, there is no clearly defined policy on smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe. The food insecurity has remained a continuous challenge for the rural poor in Zimbabwe. This study investigated the contribution of smallholder agriculture to food security with particular reference to the Masvingo province. The study employed qualitative method of research entailing extensive review of literature as a method of data collection. The study utilized the modernisation theory and sustainable livelihoods framework to illustrate smallholder agriculture and food security nexus. The study revealed that smallholder agriculture is the best option for addressing food security since agriculture is considered the main livelihood strategy for small scale farmers in Zimbabwe. There is general scholarly consensus that the main cause of food insecurity in Zimbabwe is a decrease in smallholder agriculture productivity. The study revealed that poor infrastructure , limited access to credit, limited access to inputs, poor investment in human development, limited access to markets and harsh climatic conditions weaken the capacity of small scale farmers to improve food security. Key recommendations are that supportive institutions need to be put in place to strengthen the smallholder farmer’s capacity to improve food security in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Toringepi, Godfrey
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe Agricultural productivity -- Zimbabwe Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5598 , vital:29350
- Description: Agricultural development is back on the development agenda. Even though the smallholder farmers are in the majority and at the forefront in terms of food production and agriculture being the backbone of the economy of Zimbabwe, there is no clearly defined policy on smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe. The food insecurity has remained a continuous challenge for the rural poor in Zimbabwe. This study investigated the contribution of smallholder agriculture to food security with particular reference to the Masvingo province. The study employed qualitative method of research entailing extensive review of literature as a method of data collection. The study utilized the modernisation theory and sustainable livelihoods framework to illustrate smallholder agriculture and food security nexus. The study revealed that smallholder agriculture is the best option for addressing food security since agriculture is considered the main livelihood strategy for small scale farmers in Zimbabwe. There is general scholarly consensus that the main cause of food insecurity in Zimbabwe is a decrease in smallholder agriculture productivity. The study revealed that poor infrastructure , limited access to credit, limited access to inputs, poor investment in human development, limited access to markets and harsh climatic conditions weaken the capacity of small scale farmers to improve food security. Key recommendations are that supportive institutions need to be put in place to strengthen the smallholder farmer’s capacity to improve food security in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The consumption and use of wild foods by children across a deforestation gradient in Zomba District, Malawi
- Authors: Maseko, Heather Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3212 , vital:20392
- Description: Despite consensus on their significant nutritional value, wild foods are continually excluded from both food security statistics and economic values of natural resources. Though largely unexplored, there is evidence on the use of wild foods by children to supplement their diets and as a source of income. Children have knowledge on the gathering and hunting of selected wild food species and sources thereof. Wetlands, agro-ecosystems, natural forests, human landscapes and river systems remain important sources of wild food resources. The provision of and access to these resources are significantly affected by the interference and disruption to natural ecosystems. In Malawi, interference has been largely due to deforestation and land use change caused by an interplay of pressures from population growth for development and agricultural expansion. Against this background, the implications of deforestation and vegetation cover on the availability of wild foods and their access and use by children is largely unexplored. Through a comprehensive analysis of data collected from 150 children and 50 elderly men and women, the integration of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercises and Geographic Information System (GIS), in the four sites of Mpheta, Mtuluma, Kasonga and Makombe in Zomba district, wild foods availability was established and their contribution to the nutritional status of children and households’ food security assessed. Study sites were identified along the deforestation gradient of Lake Chilwa, Zomba Mountain and Shire River basin with an additional focus on varying landscapes. One hundred and twenty species of wild foods were identified with greatest availability in areas of high vegetation cover and the lowest in areas of low vegetation cover, but with meaningful differences per wild food category. There was considerable reduction in the availability of wild foods with increasing deforestation; mainly wild game and fruits species and, in turn, decreased access of these by children. Nevertheless, small game, insects, other wild fruits and wild vegetables thrive well in agro-ecosystems and therefore were minimally affected by deforestation but largely by management practices of those systems and can be possibly improved through the promotion of agro-ecological farming systems. The research reveals that wild foods form an important component of the starch based diets of households from agricultural communities in the various landscapes. Besides securing the household’s food base, all children largely supplemented their diets with wild foods but with increased dependence by children from poorer households who are highly vulnerable to food insecurity. Access and use of wild foods was largely dependent on children’s knowledge, perceptions of the wild food and ease of access, with considerable variations due to gender and socio-cultural norms. Besides contributing to the nutritional status and food security, commercialisation of wild foods was common among children, hence providing them with an alternative livelihood strategy and in some cases only viable source of income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Maseko, Heather Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3212 , vital:20392
- Description: Despite consensus on their significant nutritional value, wild foods are continually excluded from both food security statistics and economic values of natural resources. Though largely unexplored, there is evidence on the use of wild foods by children to supplement their diets and as a source of income. Children have knowledge on the gathering and hunting of selected wild food species and sources thereof. Wetlands, agro-ecosystems, natural forests, human landscapes and river systems remain important sources of wild food resources. The provision of and access to these resources are significantly affected by the interference and disruption to natural ecosystems. In Malawi, interference has been largely due to deforestation and land use change caused by an interplay of pressures from population growth for development and agricultural expansion. Against this background, the implications of deforestation and vegetation cover on the availability of wild foods and their access and use by children is largely unexplored. Through a comprehensive analysis of data collected from 150 children and 50 elderly men and women, the integration of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercises and Geographic Information System (GIS), in the four sites of Mpheta, Mtuluma, Kasonga and Makombe in Zomba district, wild foods availability was established and their contribution to the nutritional status of children and households’ food security assessed. Study sites were identified along the deforestation gradient of Lake Chilwa, Zomba Mountain and Shire River basin with an additional focus on varying landscapes. One hundred and twenty species of wild foods were identified with greatest availability in areas of high vegetation cover and the lowest in areas of low vegetation cover, but with meaningful differences per wild food category. There was considerable reduction in the availability of wild foods with increasing deforestation; mainly wild game and fruits species and, in turn, decreased access of these by children. Nevertheless, small game, insects, other wild fruits and wild vegetables thrive well in agro-ecosystems and therefore were minimally affected by deforestation but largely by management practices of those systems and can be possibly improved through the promotion of agro-ecological farming systems. The research reveals that wild foods form an important component of the starch based diets of households from agricultural communities in the various landscapes. Besides securing the household’s food base, all children largely supplemented their diets with wild foods but with increased dependence by children from poorer households who are highly vulnerable to food insecurity. Access and use of wild foods was largely dependent on children’s knowledge, perceptions of the wild food and ease of access, with considerable variations due to gender and socio-cultural norms. Besides contributing to the nutritional status and food security, commercialisation of wild foods was common among children, hence providing them with an alternative livelihood strategy and in some cases only viable source of income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The community response to the demarcation of the Merafong Municipality into the North West Province
- Chaphatso, Motswantweng Ephraim
- Authors: Chaphatso, Motswantweng Ephraim
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- West Rand , Violence -- South Africa -- West Rand
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3489 , vital:20435
- Description: This study was undertaken to describe how the community responded to the incorporation of the Merafong Municipality into the North West Province. The study examined the protracted conflict in Khutsong as well as why the strategies to end the conflict failed. The study was concerned about latent conflict; how differences are raised; dissatisfaction amongst members of the communities and that power asymmetry is the main driver of emotions leading to aggressive behaviour. Service delivery protests are characterised by violence in South Africa and more often communities turn violent in their engagement with their leaders or council officials. This is because it is believed that violence is the only language that authorities understand and they have nothing to lose as government property gets destroyed. Late invitations of third parties who have regulatory skills (negotiations, mediation, conciliation or judicial processes) when conflicts begin, lead to their escalation. A qualitative research method was chosen for this study. A qualitative case study better explained the phenomenon of interest. It allowed me to collect data from the respondents who were active members of the community through interviews. Twelve members of the community (from politicians, ordinary members, educators and the clergy) were part of the respondents. The report was of the respondents own personal experiences as active members of the community. Collected data from the transcripts was coded. Codes with similar meaning were put together in the same categories and the themes were formed from the categories. The qualitative content analysis method was used to analyse the data. From the analysis, it emerged that there was lack of communication and consultation from the side of the government before the implementation of the 16th Amendment Bill which was aimed at removing the cross border municipalities. The announcement was finally made of the incorporation of the Merafong Municipality into North West Province in 2005. The announcement was met with anger and frustration by the Khutsong Demarcation Forum and the community whose expectations were that the incorporation will not go ahead given the reasons they put forth when they met the government officials in the meetings after the demarcation board had proposed it. Violence was the only option for the community to show that their talks with government officials failed and that they are seriously opposed to the incorporation. That led to a protracted violence in Khutsong until 2009 when the Cross-Boundary Municipalities Laws Repeal and Related Matters Amendment Act of 2009 act was passed to reincorporate the Merafong Municipality back into Gauteng.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Chaphatso, Motswantweng Ephraim
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- West Rand , Violence -- South Africa -- West Rand
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3489 , vital:20435
- Description: This study was undertaken to describe how the community responded to the incorporation of the Merafong Municipality into the North West Province. The study examined the protracted conflict in Khutsong as well as why the strategies to end the conflict failed. The study was concerned about latent conflict; how differences are raised; dissatisfaction amongst members of the communities and that power asymmetry is the main driver of emotions leading to aggressive behaviour. Service delivery protests are characterised by violence in South Africa and more often communities turn violent in their engagement with their leaders or council officials. This is because it is believed that violence is the only language that authorities understand and they have nothing to lose as government property gets destroyed. Late invitations of third parties who have regulatory skills (negotiations, mediation, conciliation or judicial processes) when conflicts begin, lead to their escalation. A qualitative research method was chosen for this study. A qualitative case study better explained the phenomenon of interest. It allowed me to collect data from the respondents who were active members of the community through interviews. Twelve members of the community (from politicians, ordinary members, educators and the clergy) were part of the respondents. The report was of the respondents own personal experiences as active members of the community. Collected data from the transcripts was coded. Codes with similar meaning were put together in the same categories and the themes were formed from the categories. The qualitative content analysis method was used to analyse the data. From the analysis, it emerged that there was lack of communication and consultation from the side of the government before the implementation of the 16th Amendment Bill which was aimed at removing the cross border municipalities. The announcement was finally made of the incorporation of the Merafong Municipality into North West Province in 2005. The announcement was met with anger and frustration by the Khutsong Demarcation Forum and the community whose expectations were that the incorporation will not go ahead given the reasons they put forth when they met the government officials in the meetings after the demarcation board had proposed it. Violence was the only option for the community to show that their talks with government officials failed and that they are seriously opposed to the incorporation. That led to a protracted violence in Khutsong until 2009 when the Cross-Boundary Municipalities Laws Repeal and Related Matters Amendment Act of 2009 act was passed to reincorporate the Merafong Municipality back into Gauteng.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The classsification of fuzzy subgroups of some finite Abelian p-groups of rank 3
- Authors: Appiah, Isaac Kwadwo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets Abelian groups Finite groups
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2468 , vital:27845
- Description: An important trend in fuzzy group theory in recent years has been the notion of classification of fuzzy subgroups using a suitable equivalence relation. In this dissertation, we have successfully used the natural equivalence relation defined by Murali and Makamba in [81] and a natural fuzzy isomorphism to classify fuzzy subgroups of some finite abelian p-groups of rank three of the form Zpn + Zp + Zp for any fixed prime integer p and any positive integer n. This was achieved through the usage of a suitable technique of enumerating distinct fuzzy subgroups and non-isomorphic fuzzy subgroups of G. We commence by giving a brief discussion on the theory of fuzzy sets and fuzzy subgroups from the perspective of group theory through to the theory of sets, leading us to establish a linkage among these theories. We have also shown in this dissertation that the converse of theorem 3.1 proposed by Das in [24] is incorrect by giving a counter example and restate the theorem. We have then reviewed and enriched the study conducted by Ngcibi in [94] by characterising the non-isomorphic fuzzy subgroups in that study. We have also developed a formula to compute the crisp subgroups of the under-studied group and provide its proof. Furthermore, we have compared the equivalence relation under which the classification problem is based with various versions of equivalence studied in the literature. We managed to use this counting technique to obtain explicit formulae for the number of maximal chains, distinct fuzzy subgroups, non-isomorphic maximal chains and non-isomorphic fuzzy subgroups of these groups and their proofs are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Appiah, Isaac Kwadwo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets Abelian groups Finite groups
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2468 , vital:27845
- Description: An important trend in fuzzy group theory in recent years has been the notion of classification of fuzzy subgroups using a suitable equivalence relation. In this dissertation, we have successfully used the natural equivalence relation defined by Murali and Makamba in [81] and a natural fuzzy isomorphism to classify fuzzy subgroups of some finite abelian p-groups of rank three of the form Zpn + Zp + Zp for any fixed prime integer p and any positive integer n. This was achieved through the usage of a suitable technique of enumerating distinct fuzzy subgroups and non-isomorphic fuzzy subgroups of G. We commence by giving a brief discussion on the theory of fuzzy sets and fuzzy subgroups from the perspective of group theory through to the theory of sets, leading us to establish a linkage among these theories. We have also shown in this dissertation that the converse of theorem 3.1 proposed by Das in [24] is incorrect by giving a counter example and restate the theorem. We have then reviewed and enriched the study conducted by Ngcibi in [94] by characterising the non-isomorphic fuzzy subgroups in that study. We have also developed a formula to compute the crisp subgroups of the under-studied group and provide its proof. Furthermore, we have compared the equivalence relation under which the classification problem is based with various versions of equivalence studied in the literature. We managed to use this counting technique to obtain explicit formulae for the number of maximal chains, distinct fuzzy subgroups, non-isomorphic maximal chains and non-isomorphic fuzzy subgroups of these groups and their proofs are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The characterization of and formulation development using a novel tyre devulcanizate
- von Berg, Stuart, Hlangothi, Percy
- Authors: von Berg, Stuart , Hlangothi, Percy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rubber, Reclaimed Rubber chemicals Tires -- Recycling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13149 , vital:27156
- Description: The amount of waste tyres being dumped is fast becoming a problem. These stockpiles take up valuable land and are an environmental and health problem. While incineration is the simplest way to recycle the used tyres it isn’t an efficient way to dispose of tyres. This research looks at developing a method for characterizing the New Reclamation Group (NRG) reclaim with the main focus on Hi-Res™ thermogravimetric analysis. Good quantification was possible using this technique. A trade off was established between resolution, sensitivity and time. While increasing the resolution allowed greater separation to be achieved the time for each experiment increased rapidly. Although kinetic models do exist for quantifying rubber components in vulcanized sample, they were not suitable for this study. When devulcanization causes significant molecular changes, such as with NRG reclaim, the decomposition profiles no longer match those of virgin materials. Formulations developed focused on mixing, rheometry, crosslink density and tensile properties. The NRG reclaim acted as a processing aid which lowered the maximum torque. This provides mixing safety as the temperature is decreased as a result of the lower torque. This effect was not seen with conventional reclaim. Rheometry tests indicated that the addition of the devulcanizates decreased the extent of cure. It was demonstrated that this could be linked to crosslink density. Testing of the 100%, 200%, 300% moduli correlated the crosslink density to the maximum torque. Although the addition of NRG reclaim reduced the tensile strength of the formulation, a link between crosslink density and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) couldn’t be made. The decrease in the UTS and increase in extension at break is possibly caused by an increase in low molecular weight material present in the formulations and decrease in crosslink density. This could possibly increase the mobility of polymer chains which could increases flexibility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: von Berg, Stuart , Hlangothi, Percy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rubber, Reclaimed Rubber chemicals Tires -- Recycling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13149 , vital:27156
- Description: The amount of waste tyres being dumped is fast becoming a problem. These stockpiles take up valuable land and are an environmental and health problem. While incineration is the simplest way to recycle the used tyres it isn’t an efficient way to dispose of tyres. This research looks at developing a method for characterizing the New Reclamation Group (NRG) reclaim with the main focus on Hi-Res™ thermogravimetric analysis. Good quantification was possible using this technique. A trade off was established between resolution, sensitivity and time. While increasing the resolution allowed greater separation to be achieved the time for each experiment increased rapidly. Although kinetic models do exist for quantifying rubber components in vulcanized sample, they were not suitable for this study. When devulcanization causes significant molecular changes, such as with NRG reclaim, the decomposition profiles no longer match those of virgin materials. Formulations developed focused on mixing, rheometry, crosslink density and tensile properties. The NRG reclaim acted as a processing aid which lowered the maximum torque. This provides mixing safety as the temperature is decreased as a result of the lower torque. This effect was not seen with conventional reclaim. Rheometry tests indicated that the addition of the devulcanizates decreased the extent of cure. It was demonstrated that this could be linked to crosslink density. Testing of the 100%, 200%, 300% moduli correlated the crosslink density to the maximum torque. Although the addition of NRG reclaim reduced the tensile strength of the formulation, a link between crosslink density and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) couldn’t be made. The decrease in the UTS and increase in extension at break is possibly caused by an increase in low molecular weight material present in the formulations and decrease in crosslink density. This could possibly increase the mobility of polymer chains which could increases flexibility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The challenges of German-English literary translation: an exploration of Franz Kafka's Das Urteil (The Judgment) and Die Verwandlung (The Metamorphosis)
- Authors: Thabane, Mathaabe
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3659 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021181
- Description: This thesis conducts a study of literary translation using selected texts by Franz Kafka as translated from German into English in the mid-twentieth century and in the early twenty-first century. This study entails a three-fold orientation, namely: to show the extent of the impact of socio-historical, political and cultural factors on both the translation process and translation product; secondly, it demonstrates the fact that a merging of theoretical principles and practical methods is necessary and possible for the study of literary translations; thirdly, it answers the questions of why the same literary works continue to be retranslated and why every generation of Kafka scholars and readers will need their own translations of his works. This research, furthermore, proposes that the position of literary translation should be elevated since this kind of translation can reveal more about the cultural and linguistic intricacies of the translation process. Seeking to contribute to the broader framework of the translation studies discipline, this thesis also makes a case for translators to reveal their translation process, in the form of notes or prefaces, in order to allow for informed studies of translations. Finally, the research at hand proposes some considerations for further study into literary translations and shows new trends in the sub-field of literary translation which will undoubtedly shift its current nature and call for theoretical and practical applications for more classes of languages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Thabane, Mathaabe
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3659 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021181
- Description: This thesis conducts a study of literary translation using selected texts by Franz Kafka as translated from German into English in the mid-twentieth century and in the early twenty-first century. This study entails a three-fold orientation, namely: to show the extent of the impact of socio-historical, political and cultural factors on both the translation process and translation product; secondly, it demonstrates the fact that a merging of theoretical principles and practical methods is necessary and possible for the study of literary translations; thirdly, it answers the questions of why the same literary works continue to be retranslated and why every generation of Kafka scholars and readers will need their own translations of his works. This research, furthermore, proposes that the position of literary translation should be elevated since this kind of translation can reveal more about the cultural and linguistic intricacies of the translation process. Seeking to contribute to the broader framework of the translation studies discipline, this thesis also makes a case for translators to reveal their translation process, in the form of notes or prefaces, in order to allow for informed studies of translations. Finally, the research at hand proposes some considerations for further study into literary translations and shows new trends in the sub-field of literary translation which will undoubtedly shift its current nature and call for theoretical and practical applications for more classes of languages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The caramel Venus and other stories
- Authors: Terblanche, Tania
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:6006 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1021214
- Description: My collection of stories illustrates the absurdity, the beauty and the pain of being human by depicting experience through fabulation. The intensity of existence comes to light in strange worlds that operate by rules of our inner mechanics, distorted so that only the colours and the shape of our hearts swim underneath. My fiction embodies these realities using the flatness of the fairy tale form while incorporating the humorous, the bizarre and the surreal. Some of the stories build dystopian worlds using the manifestation of the unfamiliar as a mirror of our psyche in an overpopulated and consumer-driven society. Others create contained worlds where the fantastical is fostered only by the narrator being drawn into an inner life. All the stories take us through inner landscapes with the humans, animals and objects around us that can pulse with so much meaning and then none at all.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Terblanche, Tania
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:6006 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1021214
- Description: My collection of stories illustrates the absurdity, the beauty and the pain of being human by depicting experience through fabulation. The intensity of existence comes to light in strange worlds that operate by rules of our inner mechanics, distorted so that only the colours and the shape of our hearts swim underneath. My fiction embodies these realities using the flatness of the fairy tale form while incorporating the humorous, the bizarre and the surreal. Some of the stories build dystopian worlds using the manifestation of the unfamiliar as a mirror of our psyche in an overpopulated and consumer-driven society. Others create contained worlds where the fantastical is fostered only by the narrator being drawn into an inner life. All the stories take us through inner landscapes with the humans, animals and objects around us that can pulse with so much meaning and then none at all.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The biomass production, nutrient content and silage quality of Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne (L)) Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata (L)) and Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea (Schreb)) varieties grown under irrigation in Alice, South Africa
- Authors: Tikwayo, Sizwe Edward
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Ryegrasses -- Varieties -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Ryegrasses -- Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1796 , vital:27560
- Description: The study aims to evaluate the biomass production and nutrient content and silage quality of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne (L)), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata (L)) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea (Schreb)). Six varieties were used, two for each species. A completely randomized block designed replicated three times was conducted at University of Fort Hare Research Farm during 2014-2015 growing season. The plots were harvested at four-week interval (post emergency) for one year. Biomass yields were measured for fresh forage and dry matter yield. Duplicated samples were then dried, milled and analyzed for chemical and mineral composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash, Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe) for only winter season. In addition the grasses were ensiled and the silage was analyzed for its fermentation parameters and nutrient content (lactic acid, pH, DM, CP, NDF, ADF, and ash, Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe). Biomass results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between season and varieties. On average Tall fescue varieties Jessup (13741.67 FM kg/ha), Alix (12007.78 FM kg/ ha) and Ryegrass varieties Samson (11597.22 FM kg/ha) and Nui (10591.67 FM kg/ha) had the highest fresh biomass yield. Similarly, Tall fescue varieties Jessup (2833.06 DM kg/ha) and Alix (2708.3 DM kg/ ha) and Ryegrass varieties Samson (2169.44 DM kg/ha) and Nui (2169.67 kg/ha) had the highest dry biomass yield. Throughout the year the average biomass yield was significantly different among species (P< 0.05). During summer and autumn Tall fescue varieties Jessup and Alix gave the highest dry matter yields of 3855.5 to 1977.8 DM kg/ha, and 3877.8 to 1900 DM kg/ha, respectively, and followed by Cocksfoot 2400 DM kg/ha. Ryegrass had the highest dry matter biomass yield in winter (2975 DM kg/ha) and the least in summer (977.75 DM kg/ha). There were no significant (P>0.05) differences on the chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash) and mineral composition (Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe) of the six varieties. The grass silage results showed significant differences (P< 0.05) among the six varieties for moisture content. Perennial ryegrass variety Nui (66.76 percent) had low moisture content than the other grass silages. The different varieties had no significant effects (P>0.05) on chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash) and mineral composition (Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe). It is concluded that the biomass production of the six varieties of three grass species was different throughout the year under irrigation hence Ryegrass and Tall fescue are recommended for dairy farmers in the region for all seasons. It can be concluded that there is no difference with respect to fermentation characteristics and nutrient content among the varieties of the grass species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Tikwayo, Sizwe Edward
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Ryegrasses -- Varieties -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Ryegrasses -- Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1796 , vital:27560
- Description: The study aims to evaluate the biomass production and nutrient content and silage quality of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne (L)), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata (L)) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea (Schreb)). Six varieties were used, two for each species. A completely randomized block designed replicated three times was conducted at University of Fort Hare Research Farm during 2014-2015 growing season. The plots were harvested at four-week interval (post emergency) for one year. Biomass yields were measured for fresh forage and dry matter yield. Duplicated samples were then dried, milled and analyzed for chemical and mineral composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash, Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe) for only winter season. In addition the grasses were ensiled and the silage was analyzed for its fermentation parameters and nutrient content (lactic acid, pH, DM, CP, NDF, ADF, and ash, Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe). Biomass results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between season and varieties. On average Tall fescue varieties Jessup (13741.67 FM kg/ha), Alix (12007.78 FM kg/ ha) and Ryegrass varieties Samson (11597.22 FM kg/ha) and Nui (10591.67 FM kg/ha) had the highest fresh biomass yield. Similarly, Tall fescue varieties Jessup (2833.06 DM kg/ha) and Alix (2708.3 DM kg/ ha) and Ryegrass varieties Samson (2169.44 DM kg/ha) and Nui (2169.67 kg/ha) had the highest dry biomass yield. Throughout the year the average biomass yield was significantly different among species (P< 0.05). During summer and autumn Tall fescue varieties Jessup and Alix gave the highest dry matter yields of 3855.5 to 1977.8 DM kg/ha, and 3877.8 to 1900 DM kg/ha, respectively, and followed by Cocksfoot 2400 DM kg/ha. Ryegrass had the highest dry matter biomass yield in winter (2975 DM kg/ha) and the least in summer (977.75 DM kg/ha). There were no significant (P>0.05) differences on the chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash) and mineral composition (Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe) of the six varieties. The grass silage results showed significant differences (P< 0.05) among the six varieties for moisture content. Perennial ryegrass variety Nui (66.76 percent) had low moisture content than the other grass silages. The different varieties had no significant effects (P>0.05) on chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash) and mineral composition (Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe). It is concluded that the biomass production of the six varieties of three grass species was different throughout the year under irrigation hence Ryegrass and Tall fescue are recommended for dairy farmers in the region for all seasons. It can be concluded that there is no difference with respect to fermentation characteristics and nutrient content among the varieties of the grass species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016