Institute for Rural Development

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Open Access
Factors leading mental health care users to use modern and traditional medicine in rural areas of Makhado Municipality in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province in South Africa
(207-09-18) Gomba, Thomani; Netshandama, V. O.; Mudau, M. J.
Traditional medicine still plays a bigger role in people dealing with health and disease. Research shows that in some Asian and African countries, traditional medicine forms the primary mode of health care for 80% of the population. This is actively promoted in South Africa and is used by at least 70% of the country’s population. This study investigated the contributory factors leading mental health care users to use a combination of traditional and modern medicine in rural areas. The study was conducted using qualitative research methods. The population of this study were MHCUs, Mental health practitioners and traditional healers. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Data was analyzed through a computer programme called Atlas TI. The results revealed the following as contributory factors leading mental health care users to use modern and traditional medicine in rural areas : cultural factor , belief in witch craft , influence by significant others (family members and friends), poor PHC intervention and treatment method. Recommendations to the health care practitioners and policy makers around the use of traditional and modern medicine was made based on the findings.
Open Access
Socio-economic impact of smallholder irrigation projects on household food security in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2010-07) Obadire, Olusegum Samson; Oni, S. A.; Maliwichi, L. L.
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of smallholder irrigation projects on household food security. It has been found that access to water for livestock and for the irrigation of crops, including food crops, is one of the ways poverty and food insecurity can be reduced in rural areas. This study used both primary and secondary data to analyse the impact of smallholder irrigation projects on household food security. The primary data was collected by using a pre-tested questionnaire administered to selected farmers in the study area. A probability sampling method (i.e. pure or simple random sampling technique) was used to select the respondents. From a total population of 3,236 small-scale irrigators in Vhembe District, 150 irrigation farmers were randomly selected while 50 dryland farmers were selected adjacent to the selected irrigators. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the impact of smallholder irrigation projects on household food security. A comparison of the variables in the model was carried out between irrigators and dryland farmers in order to assess the impact of both on household food security of farmers in the Vhembe District Municipality. The results obtained showed that the proportion of food secured households was higher among farmers who were on the irrigation projects that is, 86.3% as compared with 53.0% for those on dryland farming. From the analysis, irrigation and per capita aggregate production were found to have a positive influence on the probability of households being food secured. This means that the likelihood of food security increases when farmers increase agricultural output and have access to a piece of land on the irrigation project. The food security of households is also dependent on other factors such as household size and farm size. These two variables were found to have negative and significant effects on household food security meaning that the likelihood of a household being food secured decreases with an increase in household size and farm size, even though, increase in farm size was expected to affect food security positively but was not due to larger farm sizes on dryland farms. Irrigation is a major contributor to household food security as water is the most limiting factor to agricultural production in the area. Water has obvious advantages in that it increases farmer's yields, promotes diversified farming and increases household incomes. Farmers who are on irrigation projects are more likely to be food secured than dryland farmers. Therefore, with concerted support from government, and all stakeholders, food security can be enhanced at the household levels. Also, education and extension training are essential for farmers so that they are able to adopt new technologies. The study suggests that households that need to be targeted for food aid are those with large families, and those without access to irrigation projects. Also to be included are those families with few assets, and those without access to agricultural land and implements.
Open Access
Characteristics of pigs under communal production systems in resource-poor farming areas of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province
(2010-09) Mathegu, Khathutshelo Robert; Francis, J; Boateng, A.
Although pig production systems have been characterized, there is inadequate information on the production status of indigenous pigs in the smallholder sector 'especially in South Africa. This study sought to address this problem through characterizing smallholder pig production systems in Limpopo Province. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the socio-economic and biological characteristics of smallholder pig production systems. A total sample of l 00 respondents, representing households which kept pigs at the time of the study, spread over six village areas was drawn. Data were collected from the respondents through the use of structured questionnaire. Weighing of piglets was also conducted and heart girth measurements were recorded as well. The results show that most producers were above the age of 45 years. The elderly farmers have their own way of production practices and cannot easily accept new innovations aimed at improving pig production. The results demonstrate that indigenous pigs farming play an important role in supplying meat for households' consumption (48 %) and providing cash (41 %) when such a need arises. Pigs were raised within the vicinity of the homestead and management was responsibilities of women and children. These findings could be attributed to the fact that keeping pigs in rural areas is not considered as an economic enterprise and there is a need to shift the minds of producers to consider this kind of farming as another way for them to earn an income. There were many constraints reported as limiting factors in ra1smg pigs. Lack of knowledge and unavailability of quality feeds were amongst the constraints mentioned. Most respondents (49 %) had had no formal education whilst the level of education of 30 % of producers was predominantly of primary. The lower level of education amongst resource-poor farmers raising pigs could have a negative impact towards acceptance of any new method that could improve the production systems. Record keeping and growth rate measurements were not practiced in the study areas. ..
Open Access
An assessment of the sustainability of poverty eradication projects in rural communities of Capricorn District Municipality: Limpopo Province, in South Africa
(2010-09-07) Masipa, Makgoshi Priscilla; Oni, S. A.; Maliwichi, L. L.
Open Access
Evaluation of the success of the centre for positive cares orphan and vulnerable children programme in Vhembe District of South Africa
(2012-05-16) Ramarumo, Ndavheleseni Elias; Francis, J.; Zuwarimwe, J.
Since the Centre for Positive Care (CPC)-run orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) programme was established in 2005, it has never been systematically evaluated. Its impact in the community is still unknown. This study was conducted to determine the success of the OVC programme in terms of its relevance, effectiveness, impact and sustainability. The study was carried out in Makhado, Musina and Thulamela Municipalities of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province of South Africa. Five hundred and one (501) respondents, who included OVC, Child Care Forum coordinators, caregivers, CPC programme staff and representatives of community-based institutions, participated in this study. Multiple data collection tools such as questionnaires that required responses on a Likert-type scale, personal reflection stories, a well-being assessment guide, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0 for Windows. Cross-tabulations and frequencies were computed to compare the level of satisfaction amongst caregivers and CCF coordinators with respect to the CPC-run OVC programme. Inferential statistics were conducted to test whether there were any differences between the perceptions of OVC coordinators and those of caregivers. The Shapiro-Wilk test was conducted to determine if the data were normally distributed. Two sample t-tests were then carried out for each perception. In general, the means for the perceptions of the OVC coordinators were higher than those for caregivers. With respect to programme relevance, the means for the perceptions, "there was a need to implement the OVC programme in their communities" and "ordinary community members have always been involved in the programme from the time it was introduced" were significantly lower for OVC coordinators than for caregivers (P < 0.05). Lower means for the perceptions of OVC coordinators compared to caregivers were observed for "the CPC-run OVC programme was well introduced in their communities" and "relevant stakeholders were involved in decision making from the beginning of the OVC programme" (P < 0.01). The mean for the perception that "all villages with OVC were covered" was much higher (P < 0.001) for the caregivers compared to OVC coordinators. Regarding the effectiveness of the CPC-run OVC programme, the means for the perceptions that "adequate support was provided by CPC staff members" and "debriefing sessions were held at least once a year for emotional support" were significantly lower for OVC coordinators than for caregivers (P < 0.05). It was found that OVC coordinators agreed more than carers with the perception that "training was provided on an on-going basis and also when needed" (P < 0.01). To a larger extent, OVC coordinators agreed much more than caregivers with the view that "data verifications were done frequently" (P < 0.001). Regarding the impact of the CPC-run OVC programme, there were no significant differences in observations (P > 0.05) in all the perceptions of OVC coordinators and caregivers. Both OVC coordinators and caregivers agreed that the programme had made impact. This study provided evidence indicating that the CPC-run OVC programme made a positive impact in the community. The changes in the lives of OVC were in the form of provision of essential services such as psychosocial care, health and educational support, child protection and household economic strengthening. Community-based institutions and all the children who participated in this study reported that they had benefited from the CPC-run OVC programme in various ways. Although there was a notable improvement in the lives of children, households and the community at large, various challenges impeded the smooth operation of the CPC-run OVC programme. Lack of standardised salaries, inadequate structures to use as children resource centres and changes in the political landscape were cited as the challenges to successful implementation. With regard to the sustainability of the OVC programme, most CCFs indicated that they did not have their own funding to supplement that from the donor. However, in spite of the inadequate stipend received, members of CCFs demonstrated great passion for serving the OVC. One volunteer summed this up quite eloquently, viz. "Nne a thina ndavha nauri ri a wana kana a ri wani masheleni a ndivhuwo, ndi to u funa u shuma na vhana" (I do not care if we get a stipend or not, 1 just love to work with children). It was evident from this study that in order to provide quality care services to OVC, there was a need for strengthening coordination among various players at national, provincial, district and local Municipality levels.
Open Access
Importance of utilization of social capital in agro-based poverty reduction strategies in smallholder farming area in North-Eastern Zimbabwe
(2013-02-25) Mupetetsi, Thomas; Francis, J.; Mudau, M. J.
Since independence in 1980, both public and private initiated programmes have been introduced in Zimbabwe aiming to reduce poverty in smallholder farming communities. However, limited success has been realized. This highlights the need for finding lasting solutions to this challenge. The current study investigated how poverty could be tackled considering its linkages with social capital and gender within smallholder farming communities in Guruve District of Zimbabwe. The study was carried out in all the 19 wards of the District. A total of 385 heads of households were randomly sampled. Focus group discussions and formal questionnaire surveys were conducted. Informational contents were summarised using the content analysis technique and hypotheses formulated. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative data. Frequency tables and cross-tabulations were generated using SPSS. Using the SPSS generated results, income poverty, human poverty index (HPI) and human development index (HDI) were calculated. The extent to which four primary social capital scales predicted the total mean monthly expenditure per capita (serving as a proxy measure of poverty) was determined using the multiple regression analysis technique. This study revealed that the significant reduction in food poverty in Guruve District measured in terms of the food poverty line (FPL) was outweighed by the total consumption poverty line (TCPL), which worsened between 2003 and 2009. The low HDI (0.417) and high HPI (35.2 %) obtained in this study implied that Guruve District continued to lag far behind its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target. High mortality rates as reflected by the 50 % probability of not reaching 40 years of age (life expectancy) could have significantly contributed to the low HDI and high HPI. Social capital significantly explained the variation in the household monthly expenditure per capita (p < 0.05). Informal structures dimensions which encompass the extent of networks people had with family, friends and neighbours were relatively more important than all the other predictors of social capital. Membership of organisations yielded significantly higher levels of social capital (p < 0.05) on aspects such as participation in local community activities and having friends in institutional networks. Females displayed significantly higher levels of social capital with respect to place attachment (in particular being proud to live in the community) (p < 0.01) and formal norms (taking into account trust in institutions without necessarily drawing support from them) (p < 0.05). Given the fact that up-to-date statistics on poverty were lacking in Zimbabwe, this study provided insights into trends in poverty that are crucial for decision making, in particular targeting of development relief. The characterization of the nature of social capital (bonding social capital) prevalent in Guruve District is ground breaking particularly when the dearth of literature on this subject in Southern Africa is considered. Membership of organizations improved the social capital of individuals. This study isolated the prevalent type of social capital existing among women in Guruve District. However it was not clear what confined the women to the types of social capital observed in this study. Fu'rther empirical studies based on critical gender perspectives are needed to determine if such types of social capital did not perpetuate gender-based stereotypes and entrench social divisions as well as existing power relations in smallholder farming communities.
Open Access
Perceptions of rural communities on indicators and determinants of women empowerment: a case study of Makhado Municipality in Limpopo Province.
(2013-02-25) Moyo, Christabelle S.; Francis, J.; Ndlovu, P.
Women empowerment is a process that is based on the premise that disadvantaged people have better insight into the challenges that militate against their development. As a result, the affected people are in a better position to develop practical solutions that lead to improvement in the quality of their livelihoods. The current study investigated the perceptions of children, youth, men, women and community leaders at village level on the indicators and determinants of women empowerment in some rural areas of Makhado Municipality in Limpopo Province of South Africa. A total of 5 924 participants from 41 villages in Wards 1, 29 and 37 of Makhado Municipality voluntarily participated in the confirmatory study from which data were collected from reflection circles using questionnaires requiring responses on a Likert-type scale. The Categorical Data Modelling (CATMOD) procedure of the Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS, 2005) and the pseudo Duncan multiple range procedure (Miller and Miller, 2004) were used to analyse the data. The perceptions of children, youth, men, women and community leaders on the indicators and determinants of women empowerment were found to be different. There were significant differences in mean response levels for the perceptions: most women can read and write; women have access to life improvement opportunities,· women have access to old age grant,· women are rarely physically, emotionally and sexually abused by men,· women are aware of all government and private sector opportunities for their empowerment; women are financially independent; women have power and ability to develop their communities and women are respected when they become leaders among the interest groups (p < 0.1). Also, the perceptions of the participants were the same among the three Wards. Significant inter-Ward differences (p < 0.1) in mean response levels for the following perceptions were note:- women are multi-skilled and talented; women know their rights and exercise the rights responsibly and freely; few women are unemployed; women have access to business opportunities; Women have a lot of time to do all the things they want; women occupy powerful leadership positions such as Principals and Ward Councillors; women are always given the chance to make firm decisions at home and in communities,· women are not undermined by men and society in general and most women are excellent role models for children and youths were detected. However, opinions overlapped among the interest groups. It was concluded that the participants were not satisfied with the current level of women empowerment in rural areas of Makhado Municipality. The study contributed significantly to rural development by opening up democratic channels for decision-making processes at community level. This holistic approach to community engagement can be used during imbizos and also by policy makers when formulating policies on development. The study recommended that grassroots communities of Makhado Municipality should be actively involved in issues pertaining to their well-being. Also, there was need to undertake a similar study covering a larger geographical area such as Makhado Municipality.
Open Access
Determinants of youth participation in rural development programmes of Bulilima and Mangwe Districts in Matabeleland South Province of Zimbabwe
(2013-02-25) Dube, Mhlupheki; Francis, J.; Chauke, P. K.
Open Access
A university and community-driven social facilitation model for rural development planning in South Africa
(2013-09-17) Kilonzo, Beata M; Francis, J.; Sarfo-Mensah, P.
The approaches used in South Africa and beyond to plan rural development programmes suffer from a genuine community involvement deficit. Moreover, universities are increasingly being challenged to find sustainable solutions to socio-economic issues such as poverty and underdevelopment. This situation provided a fertile opportunity for demonstrating the relevance of a rural-based university in development programming through a series of participatory action research studies. Exploratory studies were conducted, aiming to construct a university and community-driven social facilitation model for planning rural development. The hypothesis tested in this study was, "Children, youth, men, women and community leaders have similar perceptions regarding the priorities for developing village communities". All the 13 villages constituting the Masia Traditional Council Area in Makhado Local Municipality participated in this study. The initial phase of this exploratory study involved organizing orientation workshops for the leaders and members of the participating communities. This was necessary because it helped create awareness of the planned work, apart from securing commitment to participate in the jointly developed plans of action. Multi-stage stratified sampling procedures were used to select the respondents. Since collective views and decisions by various interest groups within villages guided the rural development planning, open invitations were sent to all local residents at least 7 years old to participate. Community-selected Village Development Champions (VDCs) served as paraprofessional researchers in their communities. Before being deployed to lead the village-based engagements the VDCs, university staff members and students received training in participatory action research techniques. Through a series of village-based reflection circles involving children, youth (15-35 years old), men, women and leaders, rural community development issues were determined and prioritized. A uniform semi-structured interview guide, participant registers and questionnaires requiring responses on a Likert-type scale were used to collect data. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney tests were used to analyse the nonparametric data collected using questionnaires. Inadequate social cohesion as evidenced by tensions and conflicts among leaders of local institutions was the most common impediment to people-centred and driven development. Other rural development themes distilled from the community-engaged work were infrastructure; basic services; health and wellbeing; utilization of economic opportunities; human capacity development; and resource mobilization. There were no differences among the interest groups within the Masia village communities (P > 0.05) with respect to most of the perceptions on issues relating to rural development. The perceptions of children, youth, men, women and community leaders regarding the priority issues to address were similar (P > 0.05). For this reason, the hypothesis underpinning this study was accepted. However, the mean ranks for the perceptions of community leaders, children 11-14 years old and school-going youth with respect to the need for tarred roads in Masia were higher (P < 0.05) than those for 7-10 years old children, out of school youth, men and women. It was not clear why there was such a difference in perceptions among the interest groups. The step by step social facilitation model developed in this study and confirmed at various village level platforms rests on three fundamental pillars, namely social preparation (planning to plan); rural development planning; and planning to implement community-defined projects. This model generates community-owned, holistic and integrated development plans. It is a unique community engagement process that provides pointers on the roles that a rural-based university should play in the pursuit of sustainable rural development. It was concluded that the current approaches such as municipal integrated development planning that mainly engage local leaders as representatives of their communities might be appropriate. However, the unique nature of engaging diverse interest groups in rural development planning is crucial because it creates and nurtures a sense of belonging, ownership and commitment to self-driven improvement of the quality of household and community lives. Also noteworthy is the fact that the model has a huge potential of nurturing multiple layers of cross-generational community leaders of development. Although the model was produced through a case study of the Masia community, it has the potential to revolutionize rural development planning in South Africa and beyond.
Open Access
Contribution of indigenous chicken to improvement of livelihoods of the farmers in Vhembe District
(2013-09-18) Munyadziwa, Vele Welhemina; Mwale, M.; Francis, J.
There is a growing concern in the world over the worsening poverty, hunger and malnutrition. This is particularly so in developing countries, including South Africa. Indigenous chickens could be used to alleviate poverty, especially in rural areas. However, there is dearth of research that clarifies the contribution of indigenous chickens to rural-based households in Vhembe District of South Africa. Thus, this study aimed to determine the contribution of indigenous chickens towards improving rural livelihoods in Tshikota community within Makhado Local Municipality. The Municipality is one out of the four that constitute Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using focus group discussions anda survey questionnaire, respectively. Four extension officers and 20 community members were randomly selected to participate as key informants. Semi-structured interview guides were used to collect the data. A combination of snowball and random sampling techniques were used to select 95 0 0 farmers involved in indigenous chickens. A formal survey questionnaire was administered to U-') - c them. Thematic Content analysis was adopted for qualitative data analysis. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to compute descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations and Chi-square and correlations for the quantitative data. About 58 % of the farmers were involved in indigenous chicken production, followed by broilers (12.1 %) and layers (1.1 %). Most of the people involved in indigenous chicken farming (48.8 %) inherited the business from their family members, while 41.9 % started their business after purchasing the chickens from others. About 8.1 % of the farmers started their projects with chickens they received as birthday presents from relatives and friends. It was also found that indigenous chicken farmers in Tshikota were predominantly female (67 %). Most families involved in indigenous chicken farming relied mostly on chickens for petty cash. From now and then they would sell the chickens to raise children's school fees and also income to meet households' expenditures. Moreover, jobs created through indigenous farming were regarded as indicators of improved livelihoods for the farmers residing in Tshikota. It was also revealed that better living conditions in terms of money indigenous farmers' families made improved their livelihoods. Predation and mortalities due to diseases were the two major challenges facing the farmers. In order to enhance the role of indigenous chickens as a poverty alleviation tool, it is recommended that veterinary services should be made available to the farmers through education and training workshops. These services would equip the farmers with the necessary skills aimed at improving management of diseases, proper feeding, programming and marketing.
Open Access
Contribution of small-scale food vending to rural livelihoods in Thulamela Municipality of Limpopo Province in South Africa
(2013-10-01) Mathaulula, Mushaisano Agnes; Francis, J.; Mwale, M.
Ready to eat foods and beverages prepared and/or sold by vendors and hawkers, especially in streets and other public places are referred to as small-scale foods. Throughout the world small scale food vending is a common means of earning a living. However, in South Africa information on the contribution of small-scale food vending to the livelihoods of those who practice it is inadequate and unreliable. Thus, this study sought to assess the contribution of small-scale food vending to rural livelihoods in Thulamela Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The perceptions of food vendors on the contribution of vending to livelihoods, challenges and related solutions were identified. Qualitative data were collected through administering of a semi-structured interview guide during key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Thereafter, quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire administered to 126 food vendors. All the questions required responses on a Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences ((SPSS) version 19.0, 2011. Mean scores and standard deviations for each perception were computed and used for ranking. Frequencies of the same perceptions were also calculated. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis was conducted in order to determine if there were any relationships between perceptions of interest. The study highlighted various ways in which small-scale food vending in Thohoyandou contributed to rural livelihoods. They were of a socio-economic development, family support, growth and development, and service provision nature. Most vendors reported that their businesses contributed towards job creation, public transport fares, fees for education and training, and also purchasing various basic necessities for the household. Its contribution to the reduction of food poverty in rural communities is crucial in development relief. Despite the considerable contribution of small-scale food vending to rural livelihoods, food vendors complained about the multiple challenges they faced.These were associated with infrastructure and basic services, legal and policy framework as well as production issues. Among others, food vendors complained about poor sanitation; lack of storage facilities; forced removals by municipal officials, absence of food vending licenses and conflict between municipality and hawking by-laws. In order to address the challenges that the food vendors faced, the following solutions were suggested: municipal officials must desist from forcefully removing of food vendors from their selling stalls; provision of proper sanitation (water and toilets) near the selling points; allocating proper selling stalls with lockable storage facilities; and municipality must consider issuing vending licences to the small-scale food vendors. On the basis of the results of this study, it is clear that Thulamela Municipality should explore the possible avenues for supporting small-scale food vending. Also, the municipality should officially recognize small-scale food vending as an economic opportunity for those involved. Furthermore, there is a potential for strengthening the informal sector through implementing pro small-scale food vending strategies. Further research should be conducted focussing on engaging the customers of the street food vendors to establish their level of satisfaction with the services rendered. Lastly, the real contribution of street food vending will never be known unless there is quantification and interrogation of the various dimensions identified in this study are quantified and integrated.
Open Access
An assessment of post settlement support programme for restitution beneficiaries: experiences from Capricorn District, South Africa
(2013-10-01) Kekana, Ephenia Mosadi; Chauke, P. K.; Zuwarimwe, J. B.
Open Access
Determinants of household vulnerabity among rural communities in Maphutseng Area Development Programme of Lesotho
(2013-12-10) Mbuso, Mcube Jama; Francis, J.; Sibanda, L. M.
Open Access
Youth perceptions on business climate for the establishment and expansion of rural-based small-scale enterprises in Makhado Municipality
(2014-01-10) Ndhlovu, Butho; Francis, J.; Zuwarimwe, J.
Small-scale enterprises are invaluable in most countries' economies. A positive and supportive business environment enables them to succeed. However, rural area-based small-scale enterprises are beset with many challenges. For instance, in South Africa there is inadequate knowledge on the nature of the business climate under which they operate. This is particularly significant given that there are persistent calls for youth to create jobs through running small-scale businesses. Yet, rarely are the youth voices considered when developing programmes that might enhance youth participation, in particular, in rural areas. Thus, this case study was conducted to characterise the business climate as perceived by in-school and out-of-school youth in Wards 1, 29 and 37 of Makhado Municipality. A mixed research methods approach was used. Triangulation was adopted and involved data collection through reflection circles and questionnaires that required responses on a Likert type scale of 1 (Disagree) to 4 (Strongly agree). Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc: Chicago, II, USA). Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests were carried out to determine whether there were significant differences in the perceptions on business climate as viewed by female and male youth, in and out of school youth and across the three Wards. The youth perceptions on the business climate were organised into four themes, namely external dynamics; entrepreneurship (knowledge and skills); access to resources and infrastructure. It was observed that youth perceived the business climate under which rural area-based small-scale enterprises operated negatively. In general, the perceptions of male and female youth were the same (P > 0.05) except for "limited knowledge on how to register various types of businesses" (P < 0.05). Female youth agreed more with this issue compared to their male counterparts. The mean rank for the perception, "high crime rate threatens local investment" as perceived by youth in Ward 37 was far much lower than that for Ward 1 youth (P < 0.001). Furthermore, youth in Ward 37 agreed most with the perception "business people believe too much in ritual murders" (P < 0.05), followed by youth in Wards 1 and 29, respectively. Also, the mean rank for Ward 37 with respect to the perception, "lack of reliable and usable information for business owners to make decisions" (P < 0.01) was lower than that for Ward 29. The perceptions of in-school and out-of-school youth regarding all the dimensions of business climate considered in this study were the same. The mean rank for the perceptions of youth in Ward 37 with respect to "stock theft is high" was lower than that for Ward 1 (P < 0.05). Also, there were significant differences across the Wards on "unplanned and uncontrolled veld or forest fires" (P < 0.05). It was observed that the lowest mean rank in perceptions of youth was that for those in Ward 37 followed by Wards 29 and 1, in that respective order. However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the perceptions of male and female youth, and in-school and out-of-school youth regarding their perceptions on the business climate that rural area-based agricultural small scale enterprises faced. The results presented above reveal that youth were of the view that in general, the prevailing business climate was not conducive enough to promote the establishment and expansion of rural area-based small-scale enterprises. Overall, the results of this study justified the general acceptance of the null hypotheses that gender did not determine the youth perceptions on business climate across the Wards and between in-school and out-of-school youth. The challenges that rural area-based small-scale enterprises faced demanded that multiple stakeholders collaborated as they attempted to address the prevailing business climate. The need for improving the business climate within both the agricultural and non agricultural sectors was evident. An in-depth, all-encompassing rural area-based small-scale enterprise business climate improvement strategy that is specifically aimed at the youth should be developed. There is scope for research that clarifies the business climate prevailing in other rural area-based Wards of Makhado Municipality and beyond. This would make it possible to make more informed decisions on the appropriate action that might improve the climate for the establishment and expansion of small-scale enterprises.
Open Access
Roles of traditional leadership in community development amidst democratic institutions in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province
(2014-12-11) Tshitangoni, M; Francis, J.; Mudau, M. J.
Open Access
Adoption of survival strategies by agro-small and medium enterprises in the challenging rural environment in Zimbabwe
(2014-12-11) Shoko, Dumisani; Oloo, D.; Francis, J.
There is worldwide consensus among policy makers, economists and business experts that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute substantially to aggregate economic growth. Agro-SMEs in particular, are regarded as the engines of economic growth and catalysts of socio-economic transformation in many countries. However, the resilience of agro-SMEs is increasingly becoming questionable due to a number of challenges which include, economic recession and climate change. Economic recession and climate change pose formidable challenges to the survival and growth of agro-SMEs. These complex challenges and barriers compel! agro-SMEs to adopt survival strategies in order to remain operational. Strategies that can appropriately enhance the resilience of agro-SMEs to shocks and how best to implement them, are still unknown. Thus, this case study investigated the survival strategies that were adopted by agro-SMEs in Kwekwe District of Zimbabwe in response to economic recession and climate change induced-stress between the year 2000 and 2010. All the agro-SMEs established before 2005, that survived the 2000-2010 challenging operating environment and were still operational during the time of the research, constituted the study population. Purposive sampling in the form of total population sampling was used. The main data collection tools that were used to gather data to answer the objectives of the study are appreciative inquiry, using key informant interviews and questionnaire survey; preference ranking using matrix scores; data mining of records kept by agro-SMEs government publications, journals and related books; and comparative scaling. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. Thematic content analysis, frequency distribution analysis, measures of central tendency and the Binary Logistic Regression Model were used to analyse specific objectives of the study. Results show that a variety of strategies are available for adoption by agro-SMEs operating in a challenging environment. Adoption rates and preferences varied from one strategy to the other. Contribution of these strategies towards agro-SME survival also varied from no contribution at all to marginal to significant or very significant contribution.The study's results provide compelling scientific information that will act as a guideline on the strategies that can be adopted in challenging operating environments. This will also assist in the creation of a better platform for the implementation of improved agro-SME development strategies.
Open Access
An examination of constraints on fruit production by smallholder farmers in Vhembe District
(2014-12-12) Rathogwa, Alidzulwi Thameson; Oloo, G. B.; Mudau, M. J.
The production of fruit commodity is crucial for livelihood, job creation and income generation. Smallholder fruit farming has become one of the key strategies to tackle the problems relating to health, lack of employment and poverty amongst rural people. The purpose of this study was to investigate fruit production levels by smallholder farmers in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, with special focus on mango, avocado, and macadamia nuts. The author investigated factors affecting smallholder fruit farmer's productivity and suggested policy recommendations that could lead to enhanced production. The author used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection by interviewing smallholder fruit farmers, and officials dealing with fruit production using structured and unstructured administered questionnaires in making observations of their farming practices. Out of a total population of 439 fruit producers, 224 were selected by employing the stratified random sampling procedures in Thulamela, Makhado and Mutale local municipalities in Vhembe District. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 2012, 20) was used to capture and analyse data. This was done to draw frequencies and cross tabulations. Content analysis, frequency distribution, and descriptive statistics were used to answer the objectives of the study. The study revealed shortage of water, low input use, lack of storage facilities, inadequate access to land, insecure tenure, insufficient pests, insects and diseases control, lack of access roads, labour, communication infrastructure and lack of practical management skills as major constrains contributing to low fruit production. It was envisaged that the results of the research would provide compelling scientific information that would help create a better platform for implementing improved farming strategies by government.
Open Access
Interventions for improved performance of poultry-based poverty alleviation projects in rural communities of Ehlanzeni District Municiplaity
(2015) Dube, Matlala Helen
Poultry-based PAPs are important to improve the livelihoods of rural communities. The environments in which they operate determine their ability to succeed in terms of self-reliance and income generation capabilities. A positive adequate and supportive extension service enables the PAPs to contribute to food security and job creation. However, in South Africa despite the government, and NGOs huge investment in the PAPs, high mortalities of the poultry, and ineffectiveness in reducing food and nutrition insecurity, remain major concerns because most of them collapse soon after cessation of donor or government funding. Information on why most of the PAPs fail is still inadequate. Thus, the main objective of current study was to characterize poultry-based PAPs in order to suggest intervention strategies to strengthen their performance. The specific objectives were to: (a) identify the constraints to the successful implementation of poultry-based PAPs; (b) determine the coping strategies applied in poultry-based PAPs; and (c) suggest interventions for improved performance of the poultry-based PAPs. This case study was undertaken in Bushbuckridge Municipality of Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga Province. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods and techniques were applied in the two-phased study. Purposive sampling was used to select ordinary members and chairpersons of PAPs as well as some government officials who served as respondents. In phase 1 of the study face-to-face interviews were conducted using open-ended questions with 10 Chairpersons, 20 ordinary members and 5 government officials involved with poultry-based PAPs. Qualitative data were analyzed using Atlas ti7.0.81. Thereafter, the qualitative results of phase 1 were consolidated to produce a questionnaire administered to (n=16) focus group participants of the same categories of respondents. The Statistical Pacl
Open Access
Public acceptance of alternative building technologies for rural housing development in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
(2015-02-02) Tshivhasa, Tshiphiri; Francis, J.; Mwale, M.
Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Target 11 states, "By 2020, to have achieved a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers." Indicator 32 (7.2) of the MDGs clarifies the expected outcome as "the proportion of households with access to secure tenure." The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 mandates the state to take reasonable legislative and other measures in ensuring that everyone enjoysa right to adequate housing, social security and appropriate assistance. Since 1994, South African governments have created about two million housing opportunities, mainly benefitting the urban-based poor. In the process, rural housing was not sufficiently addressed due to lack of appropriate technology for construction. This implies that it was necessary to introduce alternative building technologies in order to speed up housing delivery in rural South Africa. Alternative building technology was introduced in the Eastern Cape Province asa pilot human settlement project aiming to speed up housing delivery. However, the Ndevana community where it was piloted rejected the technology at the procurement stage. There Was no clear reason for rejection of the technology. This justified conducting a study to explore public acceptance of alternative building technologies for housing development. The specific objectives of the study were to: (a) determine what community members perceived to be the ideal characteristics of alternative building technologies; (b) to establish whether the perceptions on alternative building technologies vary across the community; and ( c) assess the reasons for the rejection of alternative building technology by community members. Officers working in the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements (ECDHS), the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), alternative building technologies (ABT) companies, community leaders and members of the case study area were the respondents. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to address the objectives. Purposive and systematic sampling methods were adopted. Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and formal survey questionnaires were used to collect data. Content analysis, Chi-square and simple matrix analyses were carried out. The key findings of this study provided empirical evidence on the reasons for the Ndevana community to reject ABT for housing development. It also served as guide to develop the best approach for the facilitation of community buy-in of alternative building technologies for housing development in the Eastern Cape Province. The results revealed various areas of social perceptions of ABT by the Ndevana community. These areas included community Understanding and knowledge of ABT and their general perceptions regarding ABT. The community perceptions on why ABT was rejected as well as their views towards the acceptance of the ABT were also presented in the results. Some of the key results areas include the rejection of ABT related to cost for change, the community was not involved in the choice of their housing development using ABT, and they thought that ABT houses were non-habitable and could pose risks to the lives of the inhabitants. They also feared that the ABT houses might not enter the housing market and they might no longer benefit from the housing subsidy scheme if the ABT houses suffered extreme structural defects that might make them non-habitable. The community members believed that for ABT housing development to succeed there were certain issues that needed to be improved. Some of these issues include that ABT houses could be extended Without structural defects, constant inspection should be done during the construction phase and proper consultation should be done to prepare the community for the implementation of ABT for housing developments. Whilst the ABT development administrators thought that the Policy should be formulated to manage the implementation of ABT, the contractors who use ABT products suggested that the payment model should also be strengthened.
Open Access
The effectiveness of the water supply system at Chavani Village, South Africa
(2015-02-03) Mpai, Nomasonto Ethel; Mudau, M. J.; Mwale, M.
Most countries of the world are experiencing water crises because water as a natural resource is no longer as freely available as it used to be. The main contributing factor is technological advancement and associated economic expansion that have put a lot of pressure on water resources. The demand for water has greatly increased and this has created serious challenges to the sources of water. The study was carried out in Chavani village under the Nkhensani Tribal Authority. The aim of the study was to find out about the state of water supply system at Chavani Village South Africa. The study followed an exploratory research approach. The data collected include both qualitative and quantitative data. The total population of the study was 103. The sampling procedure included probability and non - probability sampling. Structured questionnaires were distributed to 60 households which were Selected using cluster sampling, 24 learners from Shinguwa high school was selected for focus group discussions using stratified sampling. There were 12 females and 12 male's .Lastly 16 community members were selected for focus group discussion in a meeting called by the chief on a voluntary basis. A one-on-one semi structured interview were conducted with the ward councilor, the traditional leader and the village water community leader Key informants observations, focus groups, interviews, and questionnaires were used to source out information about the water situation in Chavani village. Among the key findings is that: a third of the respondents buy their water from those neighbours who have boreholes.Fetch water from springs and rivers. Communal taps are opened 1-2 days per week. Women and children of school going age were the main collectors of water. A majority of the respondents have been involved in a meeting, usually called for by the community leaders, to discuss the state of water in their community. Villagers complained that buying water was costly. They also lamented the inadequacy of communal taps, the long distance travelled to collect water, and having to collect water from an unclean source such as a well. These factors restricted them from fully engaging in agriculture. The youth were concerned by the fact that they still had to collect water after school thereby adding an extra burden on them instead of them focusing on their books. The villagers complained that there were many broken pipes resulting in water leakages and bewailed for the lack of technical knowhow to maintain their water infrastructure. Many believe that 'very little' progress has been made to solve the water problem in the community. The study recommends that the current old water infrastructure must be repaired and more boreholes sunk so that every street must have a communal tap. Civic campaigns to educate communities on water harvesting and its conservation should be made. There will be need to train people on the technical aspects of maintenance of water infrastructure involving community members, Government, NGOs, entrepreneurs and other relevant stakeholders. Concerted effort must be made by all relevant stakeholders to ensure that community members have access to water in an equitable manner to enhance community cohesion.