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Item 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.Item Open Access Further screening of Venda medicinal plants for activity against HIV type 1 reverse transcriptase and integrase(2006-03-15) Bessong, Pascal O.; Rojas, Luis B; Obi, Larry C.; Tshisikhawe, Peter M.; Igunbor, Eunice O.The use of medicinal plants for AIDS-related conditions is common in South Africa. In order to establish an antiviral rationale for the use of these plants we screened fractions of the methanol extracts of medicinal plants for activity against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN). The n-butanol fraction obtained from the crude methanol extracts of the roots of Bridelia micrantha (Hochst) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) was observed to be as the most active inhibiting the RNA-dependent-DNA polymerization (RDDP) activity of HIV-1 RT with an IC50 of 7.3 g/ml. However, it had no activity on the 3’-end processing activity of HIV integrase. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the n-butanol fraction yielded friedelin and -sistosterol, which did not inhibit the RDDP of RT or 3’-end processing functions of IN even at a concentration of 500 M. An uncharacterized fraction obtained in the bioassay-guided fractionating process inhibited the RDDP with an IC50 of 9.6 g/ml, but had no inhibition on IN. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids and tannins in the uncharacterized fraction.Item Open Access Rural Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises And Role of Local Economic Development Agencies in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province(2006-09-16) Matloga, Selokela Reginald; Musyoki, A.Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) are vital factors in the economy of less developed countries. It has been a major source of employment, motive force for local economic development and poverty alleviation in developing countries including South Africa. It is agreed world wide that strong SMMEs give a country strong economic growth. In South Africa, SMMEs are not strong especially in rural areas, which comprise mainly of emerging SMMEs owned by Africans. There are hosts of institutions in South Africa which are active in the development of rural SMMEs. Local Economic Development Agencies (LEDAs) in the study areas are engaged in helping rural SMMEs to flourish. However, rural SMMEs are still facing many problems and are unable to flourish. This research is aimed at evaluating Local Economic Development (LED) support on local rural SMMEs in the study area in order to advance feasible strategies for support to enhance rural SMME's growth from the survival stage. Social survey methods involving interview schedules were used, providing descriptive and analytic data. The qualitative and quantitative data was analysed using an SPSS programme. The research findings indicate that LED support in the study area is failing to enhance rural SMME growth. The support does not cover the entire business requirement necessary for rural SMME growth. The study therefore advances strategies for LED support, which would be effective enough to enhance rural SMME growth and sustainability.Item Open Access Microbiological and physico-chemical quality of surface and groundwater sources and its socio-economic impact in the Mpheni - Elim Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2009-02) Maluleke, H. L.; Potgieter, N.; Odiyo, J. O.See the attached abstract belowItem Open Access Drug Resistance Mutations in Naive HIV-1 South African Patients, and Construction of Molecular Clones to Phenotype Putative Resistance Mutations(2009-03) Mavhandu, Lufuno Grace; Bessong, P. O.; Rekosh, David; Hammarskjold, Marie-LouiseIn countries such as South Africa where access to therapy is progressing data is required on patterns of resistance and evolution of resistance. Thirty protease (PR) and 31 reverse transcriptase (RT) amino acid sequences of HIV primary isolates from drug naNe patients from rural settings in South Africa were examined for resistance mutations. Samples were collected between May and August 2007. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the sequences were HIV-1 subtype C in both the protease and reverse transcriptase genes. The mean genetic distances among the sequences were 0.0170-0.0786 for the protease, and 0.0045-0.0890 for the reverse transcriptase. However, it was noted that 3 pairs of samples 07VGNF5ZA and 07VGNF6ZA, 07VGNF7ZA and 07VGNF8ZA, 07VGNF10ZA and 07VGNF13ZA did not show any genetic variability among their protease sequences. No major resistance mutation was observed among the protease sequences. However, the following minor resistance mutations were noted: L101N (3/30), A71T (1/30), and T74S (2/30). Examination of the reverse transcriptase gene for resistance mutations reveal the presence of V118I (1/30), V179D (1/30), K103N (2/30). Most of the RT sequences were wild-type, although V118I (3.3%) and k103N (6.7%) associated with resistance to lamivudine and nevirapine, respectively, were observed. In summary, this study has shown that most of the viruses in Limpopo Province, representing the northeastern part of South Africa are HIV-1 subtype C, and that the prevalence of resistant mutations among the drug na"fve patients is still low. Although combination antiretroviral therapy has resulted in a considerable improvement in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, the emergence of resistant virus is a significant obstacle to the effective management of HIV infection and AIDS. Systems to be used in the testing of phenotypic drug resistance and susceptibility are being developed. These may intimately be used in guiding therapy to improve long term suppression of HIV replication. Two proviral chimeric clones making use of pMJ4 and pNL4-3, and two vector plasmids which deletions of sequences encoding HIV-1 protease or reverse transcriptase were constructed for cloning of HIV-1 PCR products. Growth of constructs was monitored by p24 antigen production. Susceptibility to protease and reverse transcriptase inhibitors was measured by using resistance test vectors that contain a Luciferase indicator gene. Cells were co-transfected with packaging plasmids, pluc, and pEnv, resulting in the production of virus particles that were used to infect target cells. Luciferase activity was measured following a single round of replication. The chimeric constructs MJ4 carrying the NL4-3 Apal-Hpal cassette (MJ4/NL4-3) and NL4-3 carrying the MJ4 Apal-Hpal cassette (NL4-3/MJ4) were successfully developed as shown by restriction digestion analysis. Considering growth of the constructed chimeras NL4-3/MJ4 was better than MJ4/NL4-3 although not robustly. Good p24 production was obtained from all four gap-pol plasmids. MJ4/NL4-3 worked better in delivering luciferase to the target cells while NL4-3/ML4 appeared totally devoid of any infectivity. The vectors pCMVGagPol(MJ4)-RREr and pCMVGagPol(NL4.3)-RREr were created and both expressed the viral gag-pol protein. Viral inhibition test showed that the vectors can be inhibited by NRTI, NNRTI and Pl. Inhibition was seen in all drugs in different concentrations indicating that the system works. The results showed that vector systems constructed can be used to evaluate putative drug resistant mutations, coding for resistance to protease and reverse transcriptase inhibitors, detecte� in patient viruses. In addition, the system can also be used to evaluate candidate drugs and assist in the development of new drugs that are active against resistant HIV-1 virus.Item Metadata only In-vitro bioactivity of fractions from a local medicinal plant on HIV-1 replication, and selected fungal and bacterial pathogens(2009-03) Mutshembele, Awelani Mirinda; Bessong, Pascal O.; Eloff, Jacobus N.; Obi, LarryItem Open Access Economic impact of HIV/AIDS on smallholder agriculture in Mopani District of Limpopo Province(2009-09) Maponya, Matlhabjane Maria; Oni, S. A.See the attached abstract belowItem Open Access q- Enumeration of permutations avoiding adjacent patterns(2009-09) Takalani, Ntendeni Annah; Tshifhumulo, T. A.Item Open Access An operating strategy of run-of-river abstractions for typical rural water supply schemes using Siloam Village as a case study(2009-10) Makungo, Rachel; Odiyo, J. O.; Mwaka, B.; Ndiritu, J. G.Item Open Access Hydrological Characterisation of the Shingwedzi and Mphongolo River Basins in Kruger National Park, South Africa(2010-01) Ramusiya, Fhedzisani; Odiyo, J. O.Item Open Access Detection of Cryptosporidium species in stools of HIV/AIDS patients in Bela-Bela, South Africa(2010-06) Makuwa, Stenly Modupi; Bessong, P. O.; Samie, A.; Potgieter, N.Item Open Access Investigation of the Origin, Distribution and Potential Impacts of Heavy Metals within and around Polokwane City and Ebenezer Dam, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2010-06) Mundalamo, Humbulani Rejune; Ogola, J. S.; Brandl, G.Item 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.Item Open Access Socio-economic assessment of starter packs in poverty alleviation at Makhado Local Municipality(2010-08) Maluleke, Magezi Daniel; Oni, S. A.; Chauke, P. K.The study was initiated to assess how the starter packs distributed under the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture have been able to sustain home food production and improve the liveliho9ds of the rural recipients. The assessment involved a focus on the recipients' households, in terms of demographics, household income and expenditure, the challenges faced by households, household agricultural production and the perceptions by the extension officers regarding the CASP which was designed to alleviate poverty among the rural poor. The methods used for data collection for the study were purposive and systematic sampling methods. The purposive sampling was used to select the extension officers who were involved in the distribution of CASP inputs in their respective areas of operation while systematic sampling was used to select 100 household recipients of the starter packs. The survey results showed that the majority of the beneficiaries were female while the average recipients were middle aged although youth and elderly people were also involved. About 71% of the gardeners were found to be operational; while 29% were not operational. The challenges facing the beneficiaries include fencing, water shortage, lack of technical skills and market constraints. The sources of income among recipients were mainly from external sources (73%) as compared with internal sources (27%). The study further revealed that about 72% of the sampled households were found to be living below poverty level while 28% of the beneficiaries were found to be living above poverty level. This implies that start packs were able to alleviate the poverty of about 28% of the beneficiaries.Item Open Access Impact of vegetation clearance on the hydrology of Luvuvhu River Basin in Soutpansberg area using Working for Water as a case study(2010-08) Maumela, Azwihangwisi Doris; Odiyo, J. O.This dissertation focuses on the impact of vegetation clearance on hydrology of Luvuvhu River using Working for Water as a case study. Working for Water Programme (WFW) is a multi-departmental initiative led by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and its main aim is enhancement of water security by clearing alien vegetation. Alien vegetations are plants that do not occur naturally in an area and many are classified as weeds. Invasive alien species, particularly tree species, often have increased water usage compared with native vegetation, especially where the latter is short. The study examines how increased water use by alien tree species impact on the hydrology of a river basin. The study attempts to determine the impacts of alien vegetation on hydrology by analyzing temporal hydrological trends up to 1995 and after 1995 when Working for Water Programme was initiated. Rainfall data, stream flow data and evaporation data have been used in the analysis of temporal trends before and after the working for water programme started their alien vegetation clearance activities. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was used to analyse the rainfall data. This involved computing the SPI values for the rainfall time series data. Flow duration curves were used to determine the percentage of time flows stays in the river and changes in flow magnitudes. The results of the study though determined from the limited hydrological data sets available indicated that the changes in stream flow were due to alien vegetation clearance and global warming. The study recommends improvement in monitoring the hydrological components in order to have accurate, reliable and continuous information that can be used to determine the hydrological impacts associated with alien vegetation.Item Open Access Mapping ecological zones in the Kruger National Park using remote sensing(2010-08) Ratshibvumo, Thihanedzwi; Munyati, C.; Ogola, J. S.Fuel wood energy is the energy that is extracted from wood materials this includes - branches, stems, twigs and stems. The energy harnessed in this source is used for different purposes in Maraxwe area this include: cooking, heating, warming, lighting, brick burning or hardening, pot making or pottery and other activities. Due to many activities attached to one and the same source, severity of effects on fuel wood resources increases. The study therefore is undertaken to investigate into rural fuel wood energy crisis in Maraxwe village, and to come up with different alternative sources of energy. It will also alert people on their utilization, extraction, rate and depletion on fuel wood. Through this they will be aware and participate in ways to mitigate the problems. The outcomes of the research will therefore clearly identify or describe the problem, assess factors that affect fuel wood energy and resources thus coming up with strategies to solve the problem sustainable. The crisis has caused many socio-economic as well as ecological problems in the local community and their environment. According to the study the problem has-been identified and there is a need for solutions to mitigate the crisis. After interviewing local community members and representative leader a potential solution was derived at- namely the use of biogas was suggested as better alternative source of energy (capable of mitigating the crisis).Item 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. ..Item Open Access Community management of wetland ecology and socio-economic costs of wetland degradation in mudaswali Wetland, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2010-09) Sinyati, Mollel; Omara-Ojungu, P. H.Wetlands are one of the most degraded ecosystems on the earth's surface. In South Africa, loss and degradation of wetland ecosystems have occurred particularly through a variety of human activities. This loss of value of wetlands have impacts on functions such as water purification, flood control, ground water recharge/discharge, sediment/pollutant and nutrient retention which have serious consequences on socio-economic benefits of wetlands. However, there is still little knowledge amongst the local communities of what wetland degradation costs them. This study therefore, explores ways in which local communities value and engages in the management of wetlands by quantifying and costing (in financial terms) wetland degradation vis-a-vis socio economic costs. Judgemental assessment method was used to select the site for observations and availability of respondents. A structured questionnaire with open and closed ended questions was administered to 65 respondents who reside in the vicinity of the Mudaswali wetland. Focus group discussion helped to provide a technical perspective on the quantum of each wetland value and the estimate of wetland degradation in the region. Willingness to accept (WTA) technique was used to facilitate the estimate of socio-economic costs of wetland degradation by the local community. In addition, the use of willingness to pay (WTP) method helped in determining the value of wetland in the local community. As part of the major findings of this study, the majority of the respondents were females in the study. The most frequently stated value of the wetland resource was water for household consumption, land for cultivation; and fibre for handcraft and construction materials for example; clay and reeds used for thatching/roofing houses. A total of 51% of the respondents stated the degradation of wetlands in the area is between 51-80% (that is; significant). The results of respondents' willingness to accept (WTA) compensation for degradation and loss of wetland was a sum of R390 per month. Given the relatively low level of income (R500-R800) within the community, a loss of R390 constitutes a drawback to the community. On average, the respondents' willingness to pay (WTP) for wetland conservation was a sum of R30 per month. It should be noted that earlier the cost of wetland degradation to the community as a whole was estimated at R390 per month. The suggested value (R30) for conservation is therefore a strong expression for the value of wetlands to the individuals in the community. This research recommends the empowerment of local community using various incentives to encourage them to participate in conserving and managing the wetlands. There is also a need to carrying out further research on the proper utilization of wetlands and monitoring of wetland uses at local community scale.Item 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.Item Open Access The population ecology of Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen. in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa(Fyton, 2012) Tshisikhawe, M. P.; Baloyi, O.; Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M. H.; Bhat, R. B.Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen., commonly known as the violet tree, belongs to the family Polygalaceae. It is widely distributed in tropical Africa, Mozambique, as well as in the North- West and Limpopo provinces of South Africa. The Vhavenda people use the roots of this species as an aphrodisiac. The species is co-dominant in the savanna vegetation of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. This research looked at the ecology of the study species within the Nylsvley Nature Reserve because of its importance there. Understanding the population structure and environmental factors that impact on the species might help in assessing the population in urban areas. The population of the study species in the reserve displayed an adequate growth curve, when looking at its stem circumference and height-size classes. High intensity fires showed a negative effect on individuals of S. longepedunculata. Evidence of animals feeding on the roots at the study species was also recorded in the study.