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Item 3D Cranial Morphometry, Sensory Ecology and Climate Change in African Rodents(2019-05-15) Nengovhela, Aluwani; Taylor,, Peter; Braga, JoseThe order Rodentia is the most speciose group of mammals with muroids being the most diverse superfamily. Since they are represented in arboreal, semiaquatic, subterranean and terrestrial niches, rodents may exhibit morphological traits reflecting their adaptations to such diverse environments. This thesis focuses on the morphology of the endocranium, auditory bulla and cochlea in three tribes (Otomyini, Taterillini and Gerbillini) representing 10 species of African rodents, concentrating on their variability, function and adaptability, using micro-CT imaging and 3D shape comparative methods. Additionally, variations in cranial size were also studied in respective of global warming and climatic variables. Morphological changes/variations are a result of environmental change, therefore each chapter in this study details the effect of environmental change (in space and time) on different morphological traits i.e. general cranial size (chapter 2), cochlea and auditory bulla (chapter 3) and endocranial size and shape (chapter 4). With chapter 2 dealing specifically with climate change in its strict sense and the remaining two chapters looking at different environmental gradients. Chapter 2 tests the applicability of the “third universal response to warming” (i.e. declining body size) and the Resource Rule in two murid subfamilies, Murinae and Gerbillinae. The study shows that the third response is not as universal as only one species conformed to this response. Further, food availability (Resource Rule) was shown to be the more important factor correlated with body size variations in rodent species than Bergmann’s Rule. Chapter 3 looks at the auditory bulla and cochlea, the morphological traits that play a role in hearing capabilities of rodents. I found, with some exceptions, that bulla and cochlea modifications between species could be explained by environment, phylogeny and/or allometry. In addition, I concluded that true desert adapted laminate-toothed rats and gerbils use both bulla and associated cochlea hypertrophy. Chapter 4 shows larger brain size in Taterillini and two species of Otomyini, with life histories and environment being the most probably factors responsible for xiv this. Using a novel method of diffeomorphism (deformation models), there was more variation in endocranial morphology between the gerbils and laminate-toothed rats than within them with olfactory bulb, paraflocculi, and posterior ventral cortex showing the most variability. Overall, this thesis shows that variations in the morphological traits studied are strongly influenced by the environment and function.Item AB INITIO and DFT computational study of Myristinin A and A structurally- related molecule(2019-09-20) Tshilande, Neani; Mammino, Liliana; Ghio, CaterinaThe computational study of biologically active molecules is particularly important for drug development because it provides crucial information about the properties of a molecule, which determine its biological activities. The current work considers the results of a computational study of myristinin A and a structurally-related molecule (2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-[2,4,6-trihydroxy-3-(9tetradecenoyl)phenyl]-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzopyran-7-ol, here denoted as DBPO). The two compounds pertain to the class of acylphloroglucinols. They were firstly isolated from Horsfieldia amygdaline, and they exhibit a variety of biological activities, including potent anti-inflammatory activity, potent DNA-damaging activity and DNA-polymerase ß inhibition. Their molecular structures differ only by the acyl chain. Both molecules have a bulky substituent meta to the acyl group consisting of a ring system (2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-chromen-7-ol). The DBPO molecule can exist as cis and trans isomers in relation to the double bond present in the R chain, and both isomers are here investigated individually. The OHs ortho to the acyl group can form an intramolecular hydrogen bond (referred to as the first IHB) with the sp2 O atom of the acyl group. The phenol OHs neighbouring the substituent ring system can form O–Hπ interaction with the aromatic rings of the substituent, if suitable oriented. This study focuses on the identification of the stable conformers of these molecules (considering all the possible geometries obtainable by rotations about relevant single bonds), and of the factors stabilising the conformers. Full-optimisation calculations were performed in vacuo and also in three conveniently selected solvents. The results show that the dominant stabilising factors are the first IHB and the O–Hπ interactions. Other factors which have significant influence on conformational preferences are the orientation of the ring systems of the substituent, the orientation of the OHs on substituent, the mutual orientation of the OHs of the phloroglucinol moiety and also the orientation of the acyl chain. The results in solution are consistent with the findings of other acylphloroglucinols, for instance, the narrowing of the energy gaps and the increase of the dipole moment with the increase of solvent polarity.Item Access and constraints to commuting in Gauteng Province, South Africa(2016-05) Chakwizira, James; Bikam, Peter; Adeboyejo, Aina ThompsonSee the attached abstract belowItem Activity patterns, species composition and dietary analysis of bats on two macadamia farms in Levubu, South Africa(2017-09-18) Mphethe, Vusani; Taylor, P. J.; Steyn, J. N.; Schoeman, M. C.See the attached abstract belowItem Adaptation strategies for climate change-induced household food and nutrition insecurity in smallholder maize farming within Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa(2017-09-18) Mahlawule, Khanyisa Dorris; Francis, J.; Manjoro, D.See the attached abstract belowItem 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.Item Adsorption of oxyanions of As, B, Cr, Mo and Se from coal fly ash leachates using A1/Fe modified bentonite clay(2014-01-10) Masindi, Vhahangwele; Gitari, Wilson Mugera; Tutu, HlangananiItem Agronomic evaluation of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes in contrasting agro-ecological regions of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces(2020-02-24) Shilenge, Siphiwe Kim; Ogola, J. B. O.; Odindo, A.Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important grain legume in the world, ranking second after soybean (Glycine max L.). It accounts for a substantial proportion of human dietary nitrogen intake and plays a crucial role in food security in developing countries. Chickpea can grow in areas with low rainfall and poor soils, and thus may be an important food security crop for smallholder resource-poor farmers in the semi-arid tropics such as the dry environments of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces of South Africa. Preliminary studies showed the huge potential of chickpea production in these environments. However, no suitable genotypes have been identified and recommended for different agro-ecological zones of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, and hence, identify the genotypes that are adapted/suitable to the contrasting agro-ecological conditions of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces for production. Field experiments were conducted in the winter cropping seasons of 2016 and 2017 at Thohoyandou (University of Venda experimental station), Syferkuil (University of Limpopo experimental station) and Nelspruit (University of Mpumalanga experimental station). Ten desi chickpea genotypes were sown in a completely randomized block design replicated three times on 10 May 2016 and 10 April 2017 (Thohoyandou), 13 May 2016 and 11 April 2017 (Syferkuil) and 03 May 2016 and 24 May 2017 (Nelspruit). Plant growth characteristics were assessed by determining plant height, crop phenology, number of primary and secondary branches, and canopy cover. Yield and yield components were assessed at harvest after physiological maturity. Carbon dioxide exchange rates (CER) was determined at different growth stages using the InfraRed Gas Analyzer (IRGA). Chlorophyll content (CC) and intercepted radiation were determined weekly using the chlorophyll content meter (CCM-200 PLUS, Opti-Science, Tyngsboro, Massachusetts), and the AccuPAR, LP-80 ceptometer (Deacon Devices Ltd., Pullman, USA), respectively. Genotypes did not vary in CC at Thohoyandou in all seasons, but CC increased with stages of growth. Genotypes varied in the proportion of intercepted radiation (IR) at all measurement dates in Thohoyandou during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. The proportion of IR increased with growth stage, reached a peak and declined with plant age. Genotype affected photosynthesis and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) but did not have any significant effect on stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (T) and Leaf Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPDL) during the 2016 season in Thohoyandou. In contrast, genotype did not affect photosynthesis, Ci, gs, T and VPDL in the 2017 season in Thohoyandou. There was no variation among genotypes on number of primary and secondary branches in Thohoyandou in both seasons. Genotypes showed no variation in plant height in the 2016 season in Thohoyandou agro-ecological condition. However, genotypes showed significant variation in plant height at 14, 70 and 84 days after emergence (DAE) in the 2017 cropping season. Moreover, genotypes showed significant variations in days to 50% flowering in Thohoyandou during the 2016 season, but showed no variations in days to 50% emergence and 75% physiological maturity. Genotypes showed no variations in days to 50% emergence, 50% flowering, 50% podding and 75% physiological maturity in the 2017 season in all locations. Genotypes showed significant variation in grain yield in Syferkuil agro-ecological condition, but showed no significant variations on all the other studied traits, while genotypes varied in 100 seed weight (SW) in Thohoyandou, but did not show any variations on the other studied traits during the 2016 season. Moreover, genotypes did not vary for all studied traits in Nelspruit during the 2016 season. The 2016 genotype and environment (G X E) interaction results showed no significant variations. However, results showed G X E interactions during the 2017 growing season suggesting that genotypes responded to environmental variation in a different way. Syferkuil had the greatest grain yield (2811 kg ha-1 and 3122 kg ha-1) in both the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons respectively, as compared to Thohoyandou and Nelspruit. These preliminary findings show that the studied genotypes responded differently in contrasting agro-ecological regions of Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces and that Syferkuil might be the best environment for chickpea production in this region due to its cooler temperatures. Of the genotypes evaluated the most promising genotypes are ICCV8101, ICCV3203 and ICCV4110 in these regions in terms of grain yield.Item Alternative methods for solving nonlinear two-point boundary value problems(2018-03-18) Ghomanjani, Fateme; Shateyi, StanfordIn this sequel, the numerical solution of nonlinear two-point boundary value problems (NTBVPs) for ordinary di erential equations (ODEs) is found by Bezier curve method (BCM) and orthonormal Bernstein polynomials (OBPs). OBPs will be constructed by Gram-Schmidt technique. Stated methods are more easier and applicable for linear and nonlinear problems. Some numerical examples are solved and they are stated the accurate findings.Item Alternative practices for optimising soil quality and crop protection for macadamia orchards, Limpopo Province, South Africa.(2019-09-30) Steyn, Jakobus Nicolaas; Crafford, J. E.; Gliessman, S. R.; v. d. M. Louw, S.The main aim of the research was to contribute means for converting conventional, high-input production systems to more sustainable ecological systems, thereby improving the sustainability of macadamia production and ultimately contributing to food security. This was achieved by a) investigating the potential use of cover crops and compost to enhance soil quality in macadamia orchards and b) investigating the potential use of use of cover crops and orchard heterogeneity to control stinkbug pests that target macadamia crops. Field experiments were conducted in three phases: phase one tested the potential of six cover crops for crop protection (as trap crops) and simultaneously for soil restoration or fertility enhancement purposes in macadamia orchards. Phase two repeated the trials of phase one (both soil restoration and trap crops) but with modifications to both categories. Soil restoration treatments were conducted with trees which were growing in what appeared to be healthy soils, and then repeated with trees in the same orchard where the topsoil had been degraded (totally removed) by agricultural operations. The third phase repeated the trap crop trials only, but this time on three different study areas (all commercial farms) with the single cover crop which performed the best as a trap crop during phase two. Trials were modified from the first to the last phase to overcome practical implementation problems encountered along the way and to adapt to local conditions experienced in the commercial macadamia farming systems which served as research sites. Diversity of natural orchard vegetation was enhanced in phase three to improve conditions for natural predators as part of the trap crop treatments in the last phase and cover crops were finally first composted and then returned to the root zones of the macadamia trees as part of the soil quality enhancement treatments in the second phase. The results from the trap crop trials shows a significant effect of trap crops combined with increased orchard diversity in reducing unsound kernel percentages caused by stinkbug pests and demonstrate that trap crops combined with an increase in orchard diversity could be utilized in macadamia orchards as a more sustainable alternative to inorganic pesticides against the stinkbug complex. The most notable changes in the soil that took place with soil quality enhancement treatments were the significant increases in soil phosphorous content and pH which resulted not in an improvement in soil quality in terms of these two indicators but revealed an important issue about the use of compost containing animal manure originating from dairies or feedlots. In summary however, it was clear that although not all the soil quality indicators that were employed to assess changes in the soil with compost treatments improved significantly, a holistic consideration of all indicators portrays an overall improvement which was particularly significant in the degraded soil plots where the topsoil had been removed by prior agricultural activities.Item Analysis of a boundary value problem for a system on non-homogeneous ordinary differential equations (ODE), with variable coefficients(2015-01-16) Makhabane, Paul Suunyboy; Hlomuka, V. J.; Garira, W.Item An analysis of agricultural commercialisation amongst smallholder farmers in Munyati Resettlement Area, Chikomba District, Zimbabwe(2015-02-06) Muchatozida, Kabiti Hlekani; Raidimi, E. N; Pfumayaramba, T. K.Item Analysis of antibiotics and PFAS as potential emerging pollutants in the water bodies and their accumulation in food samples(2021-04) Mpela, Ntshani Gershom; Tavengwa, N. T.Antibiotics and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are groups of anthropogenic substances that are found in industries and consumer products, i.e., antibiotics are used in healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and agriculture, whereas PFAS are used in industries and households. These compounds find their way into the environment through emission, landfill disposal, agricultural run-offs, irrigations, leaching and wastewater spillage. Their residues are widely detected in almost every environmental compartment. Their detection in drinking water and food is one of the global concerns. Their effect in living organisms have been widely documented ranging from allergic reaction to carcinogenic effect, and in serious situations they can lead to death. In this project, the background review on the behaviour of antibiotics and PFAS in different environments are discussed in chapter two. This has been done by looking into their physico-chemical properties, distribution pathways, accumulation and toxicity in various environmental compartments through available literature. After understanding their behaviour in the environment two review papers, namely Paper I and Paper II, were written. Paper I was a book chapter which focused on the application of miniaturised liquid phase extraction techniques used for extraction of antibiotics in environmental water samples. In this book chapter, the use of liquid-liquid extraction techniques was discussed and the evolution of liquid-liquid extraction technique into miniaturised extraction technique was reviewed. Paper II was a critical review which focuses on the application of dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction of PFAS in different environmental samples. In this paper, the principles of dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction was explained. Later, its application for pre-concentration of PFAS was reviewed and the future trends were discussed. In chapter four, three lab-based papers, namely Paper III, Paper IV and Paper V, were written. In Paper III, for the first time a dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction technique was developed and applied for extraction of multi-class antibiotics in macadamia nuts prior to UHPLC-qToF-MS analysis. In paper IV, a novel deep eutectic solvent was synthesised and characterised using FTIR spectroscopy. For the first time the synthesised deep eutectic solvent was applied for extraction of multiclass antibiotics in green beans prior to UHPLC-qToF-MS analysis. In Paper V, for the first a dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction technique was developed and applied for extraction of PFAS in food contact materials prior to UHPLC-qToF-MS analysis. Owing to their ease of operation, efficiency and sensitivity, these techniques can also be applied for preconcentration of antibiotics and PFAS in different food, environmental and biological samples.Item An Analysis of crop farmer's resilience to climate change in the Thulamela Local Municipality of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2022-11-24) Gwebu, Mashoma Pusheletjo Nairobi; Oluwatayo, I. B.Climate change is a well-known phenomenon, and it affects agriculture negatively. Due to the rising impacts of climate change, this study sought to assess resilience strategies that have been adopted by farmers to mitigate against the effects of climate change in the Thulamela Local Municipality. A mixed research design was used in this study. The simple random sampling techniques was used to select a sample of 180 farmers from a population of 300 registered farmers that used resilient strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change in Thulamela Municipality. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27) was used to analyse the data. The study used descriptive statistics, to analyse the socio-economic characteristics of farmers that have adopted resilience strategies and challenges faced by farmers when adopting the resilience strategies. Furthermore, the principal component analysis model was used to analyse the resilient strategies adopted by farmers and multinomial regression analysis was used to analyse the factors influencing the choice of resilient strategies by farmers. The study found that there are more females than male farmers that use resilient strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and that farmers with more farming experience adopt better these strategies than those with fewer experience. It was also found that most farmers that participate in using resilient strategies have formal education. The resilient strategies used by farmers were crop diversification, soil conservation practice and crop management, cover crops and rainwater harvesting, fertilizer application and the use of resilient crop varieties. Again, the study revealed that the most common factors influencing the adoption of resilience strategies were educational level, extension support, farming under irrigation, having an income. The result on the challenges that farmers faced while adopting to the resilience strategies indicate that farmers are unable to access credit, they do not have enough agricultural information, they have no proper guidance in using some resilient strategies, they do not have enough water on their farms. The study recommends that extension officers should facilitate networking among farmers, wherein farmers with more farming experience could assist farmers with less experience on the best adoption of resilient strategies Also, there should be mechanisms to assist farmers to adopt resilience strategies even if they are expensive to adopt within their practices.Item Analysis of drought incidence, gendered vulnerability and adaptation in Chivi South, Zimbabwe(2016) Chineka, Jestina; Musyoki, A.; Kori, E.; Chikore, M. R. H.Climate change has brought about a number of global environmental challenges and the worst, climatic disasters such as floods and droughts. In Zimbabwe, particularly in the semi-arid Chivi District, droughts have become more frequent. At the household level, there are a multiplicity of vulnerability and coping mechanisms to this scourge, which have gender dimensions. This study analysed the vulnerability of the Chivi South community to drought and its adaptation with specific consideration to the gender dynamics. The specific objectives for this dissertation were to establish the characteristics and extent of drought occurrences in Chivi District in the last 30 years, assess Chivi South‟s vulnerability to drought, evaluate levels of gender vulnerability to drought, and analyse gendered adaptation to drought. Subsequently, a strategy for drought adaptation in the rural areas of Zimbabwe was drawn. The research was based on the mixed methods approach, as it employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data collection methods included a review of official documents, key informant interviews with community leaders, Non-Governmental Organisations and government officials working in the area, household questionnaires and focus group discussions. The Standardized Precipitation Index was used to determine drought severity. Data was analysed using the SPSS 22.0 software. Capabilities such as Chi-square and cross tabulation were used to effectively analyse data. The Household Vulnerability Index was employed to infer vulnerability and adaptation of the community to drought. Research findings were illustrated using charts, graphs, tables and photographs. The study established the occurrence of droughts in Chivi, with a high prevalence of low magnitude droughts. A decrease in crop food production closely related to drought patterns was noted. Drought vulnerability cuts across the whole gender spectrum, with a sizable number of female headed households being severely exposed. However females adapt better to the effects of drought than males. A holistic approach which seeks to integrate both men and women in decision-making and to improve the community‟s adaptation to drought and other disasters was proposedItem Analysis of factors affecting proper functioning of smallholder agricultural cooperatives in the Lepelelle Nkumpi Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2016) Thaba, Katlego; Anim, F. D. K.; Pfumayaramba, T. K.Agricultural cooperatives have been generally promoted as a vehicle for smallholder agricultural development in South Africa. As a result, agricultural co-operative registrations in South Africa are increasing. However, research suggests that South African co-operatives have generally not been effective, successful and functional. The study determined factors affecting proper functioning of smallholder agricultural cooperatives in Lepelle Nkumpi Municipality. Simple random sampling method was used to select a sample of 140 active cooperative members from 13 registered agricultural cooperatives. A list of agricultural cooperatives was obtained from the Department of Agriculture, Limpopo Province to facilitate the process. Primary data was collected using designed questionnaires and secondary data was collected from journal articles, internet and other recorded data. All questionnaires were handed out during face to face interviews held with participants. Discriminant analysis was used to analyse the data. The model was used to identify different factors which might have positive or negative effects on the functioning of agricultural cooperatives. The discriminant analysis results revealed that functional smallholder agricultural cooperatives were characterized by high level of training of members; interaction with other stakeholder and satisfaction with the training and assistance received. On the other hand Dysfunctional smallholder agricultural cooperative were characterized by high age group, low level of meeting attendance, large cooperative size, dissatisfaction of assistance and training received and high number of females. The weighting coefficients of the standardized canonical discriminant coefficients of the independent variables showed that variables that discriminated between functional and dysfunctional cooperatives were: cooperative size (-0.852), interaction vi with stakeholders to improve the level of skill (0.579), satisfaction with assistance provided (0.516), number of females in cooperative (-0.455), years in existence of cooperative (0.452), members participation in decision making (0.407) and age group (0.446). The finding obtained in this study could be quite useful to policy makers. This study recommended that government should intensify effort on cooperative training, extension service and assistance to support functioning of agricultural cooperatives in the study area. Cooperative members should also participate in decision making and attend cooperative meetings to acquire more agricultural informationItem Analysis of Heavy Metals and Persistent Organic Pollutants in Sewage Sludge from Thohoyandou Wastewater Treatment Plant and transfer to Vegetables.(2018-05-18) Akinsaya, Nurudeen Akinwale; Odiyo, J. O.; Popoola, E. O.; Msagati, T. A.. M.Sewage sludge (biosolids) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has been widely used as a soil improver in Europe, United States of America and some developing countries including South Africa. It has its benefits for farmers as a good source of organic matter and minerals, however, sludge after treatment still contains pathogenic organisms, heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The POP and heavy metal contaminants that accumulate in sludge may transfer through the food chain and cause adverse effects on human beings. In this study, a field experiment was carried out on farmland fertilized with sewage sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that vasically receives domestic wastewater and storm water. Vegetable spinach (Spinacia oleracea) was used for this study and was planted on a farmland under controlled conditions. Ten ridges each of dimensions 20 m × 0.3 m was made and dry sludge weights of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 kg were applied as manure on each of the ridges, respectively. Representative samples of sludge and soil were taken for analysis of heavy metals and POPs. At maturity, in twelve weeks, the root and leave samples of the vegetable were taken from all the ridges including the control. The soil, sludge, and vegetable samples were analyzed for total heavy metal content (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, Zn, Al, Fe, Mn), speciated heavy metal content and POP (PAH, PCB). Soil and sludge samples were also analyzed for total organic content, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), conductivity and alkalinity. The analysis for total heavy metals and speciated heavy metal content was carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES), and CEC analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). A two-dimensional gas chromatograph with time of flight mass spectrometry detector (GC X GC TOFMS) was used for POP measurements. pH measurement was made using a pH meter and conductivity measurement using a conductivity meter. Alkalinity and total organic content analysis was performed using titrimetric apparatus. The highest total heavy metal concentration of 378.9 mg / kg was recorded in Fe metal in soil and Leaf sample while the lowest total metal concentration of 0.0003 mg / kg was in Cu metal in root sample. The highest heavy metal concentration of 1002 mg / kg in speciated forms was in Mn metal in F1 fraction and the lowest of 0.0004 mg / kg was in Cd metal in F5 fraction. PAHs were only found in soil samples and their concentrations ranged from 2.53 mg / kg to 146.5 mg / kg. There were no PCB detected in all the samples analysed. The results indicated that the trace metals concentrations found in the exchangeable fraction were higher than those observed in any of the preceding extractions except in the case of Cd, Cr, Fe and Pb where Fe-Mn oxide and organic matter fractions predominated and were closely followed by exchangeable fraction.Item Analysis of land use and land cover change and its impact on soil erosion in Nzhelele Valley, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2022-07-15) Mavhuru, Blessing; Nethengwe, N. S.; Odhiambo, B. D.O.; Chikoore, H.Globally, the rate of land use and land cover changes has affeceted the magnitude of soil eroion. Strategies to combat soil erosion can give assistance as solutions to provide food security in many agricultural areas. Although some changes are caused by natural factors, anthropogenic factors and an increase in population are major drivers of soil erosion. This study analyses land use and land cover change and its impact on soil erosion in Nzhelele Valley. To attain this goal, the objectives of this study are to classify land use and land cover change using GIS from 2005 to 2019 in Nzhelele Valley; assess the human influence of soil management strategies on soil erosion; determine the impact of soil fertility of different land use on soil erosion, and model soil erosion on different land-use areas of Nzhelele Valley. To select farmers, study used a stratified random sampling technique by dividing groups based on their villages. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 392 farmers. To collect 78 soil samples from Nzhelele Valley, the study used the Sampling Design Tool of ArcGIS 10.The study used supervised classification in Geographic Information System (GIS) to classify land use and land cover types. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to solicit data on human influence on soil management strategies on soil erosion. The study draws a systematic sample using Slovin’s formula to determine the size of the sample from the Nzhelele Valley, and with a target population size of 657 farmers from the village, 398 farmers were selected for the study. The study also measured soil organic matter, soil pH, phosphorus, and nitrogen from collected soil samples to determine the impact of soil fertility on soil erosion. To collect soil samples from Nzhelele Valley, the study used the Sampling Design Tool of ArcGIS 10. The tool assisted in selecting the soil sample points within the study area and a total of 78 soil samples were collected for the study. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (ARCSWAT) with an interface of ArcView Geographic Information System software modelled soil erosion within Nzhelele Valley. In terms of LULCC, results show that from 2005 up to 2019, forest increased significantly by 5%, agricultural land cover significant decrease by 11% from 36% to 25% land use/cover, bare land built-up land increase by 3% from 14% to 17%, as well as grassland increase by 3% from 19% to 22%. The results also show a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between land use management strategies and economic support systems. The physical characteristics (slope and terrace) significantly correlate (p< 0.05) with soil management strategies that limit soil erosion. The results illustrate significant variation (p ≤ 0.0002) in nitrogen among different land-use classes. Significant variation was observed (p ≤ 0.0001) in soil pH, phosphorus, and organic matter among the different land-use areas. Changes in LULC are more likely to have an effect on soil erosion in the grassland and bare land/built-up areas where infiltration is very limited. The recorded decrease in agricultural land use and an increase in forest cover are likely to reduce the impact of soil erosion. Using SWAT to model soil erosion, 26-sub basin and 301 hydrological response units were delineated. The statistical elevation of the watershed obtained a minimum elevation of 384 m, maximum elevation of 1680 m with a minimum elevation of 808.81 m. Sub basins 13, 23, and 25 demonstrated high erosion-prone classes with average sediment yield of 15.3%, 11.26%, and 11.5% respectively. The lowest sediment yield (2.1 t/ha-1yr-1) in the study area was observed in sub-basin 3. Overall synthesis of the findings illustrates that research into land-use changes and type of land use activities factors were key aspects in addressing soil erosion challenges. These findings vibrate strongly on the need to develop a systematic land management system that can solve unplanned land cover and land-use change. Based on the results, fostering better management investments through collaborative land management in Nzhelele Valley might improve the dissemination of information. Farmer to farmer training can improve the skills of the individual, which might allow smooth dissemination of information vital for land management. The problem of soil nutrient deficiency can be a central issue put forward to the local government, which needs to be addressed with specific sectors of the government to create a better environment for agriculture and food security especially in the marginalized community of South Africa. Sediment output based on the land use classes is potentially influenced by cropland with the study. This allows for further solutions on the type of land use activities to be narrowed to understand the levels of soil erosion based on the activities. The study findings from this area can be used for comparison to other areas with the same characteristics to gain insight into possible solutions to the challenges of soil erosion.Item An analysis of patterns and trends of road traffic injuries and fatalities in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2016) Osidele, Olujimi Agbolahan; Nethengwe, N. S.; Dondofema, F.Road transport safety is challenging globally, especially in developing countries, where it affects both road users and governments. The aim of road traffic safety is to ensure a reduction or total eradication of road fatalities and other injuries that are related to road accidents resulting from public road usage. In South Africa, one of the major problems faced by the Department of Roads and Transport is the issue of road traffic accidents. Between 2004 and 2010 the annual road traffic accidents increased to over 500,000 and 28,000 or more are fatal, which has led to serious injuries, as reported by the Department. This study analysed patterns and trends of road traffic injuries and fatalities in Vhembe District Municipality from January 2011 to August 2015. It also mapped road accident hotpots using Getis hotspot analysis and linear referencing in ArcGIS 10.2 spatial statistics extension. The research further established correlation between accidents spots and road design geometry. Factors that are responsible for road traffic accidents leading to fatalities, injuries, and loss of property were also examined. Pedestrian behavioural attitude towards adhering to road safety measures was studied using systematic random sampling, field observation and questionnaires. Finally, the study investigated if there has been any significant reduction in the road traffic injuries and fatalities occurrence rate within the last five years in Vhembe District since the commencement of World Health Organisation; Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. It was found out that most of the accidents occurred as a result of changes in human social behaviour, negligence and indulgence. The passenger road users category is the worst affected followed by drivers and pedestrians. It was found out that road crashes have decreased by 35% since the commencement of decade of action for road safety. The composition of road traffic injuries and fatalities since 2011 shows a reduction in the numbers of victims recorded. An average of 86 fatalities, 326 serious injuries and 701 minor injuries occurred per annum within the study period. There was high significant value (p 0.05) among all the categories of road users understudied. The differences observed were real and did not occurred by chance for the 5year period (2011 – 2015).Item Analysis of Peri-Urban Household Solid Waste Management System: A Case of Lwamondo Village(2022-07-15) Nelwamondo, Fhumulani; Mudau, N. V.; Mokgoebo, M. J.Peri-urban solid waste management has become a challenge caused by population growth, urbanization which increases the volume of waste generated into bulk quantities and change in the waste composition of solid waste generated, and neglect from a local municipality. It condones illegal disposal of household solid waste and improper use of waste management hierarchy which negatively affects the environment. The overall study examined the current peri-urban solid waste management system at Lwamondo village, with the specific objectives of the study include analysing the waste composition of solid waste generated; examine current solid waste management practices and analyse factors influencing current solid waste management, to achieve the objective of the study. Various quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed. Simple Random Sampling (SRS) technique was used as a sampling method, and 10% of the households in each sub-village were sampled for questionnaire distribution. The study also incorporated convenience sampling as a method for sampling households within 500m proximity to the illegal open dumping spots to conduct interviews. Using the designed checklist, field observation was undertaken for both households and illegal open dumping spots to identify waste composition. The study adopted a mixed-method integrating both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Using the field observation and checklist designed, findings confirmed that most of the waste generated are plastics and tin waste, rubble from demolition and construction activities, dead domestic pets, and metals waste. Due to lack of proper waste management plan, the community practice dockyard disposal, dumping, and burning waste which later have an empirical negative effect on the environment and their health. The study found that villages around the area lack waste management by-laws enforcement, lack of access roads, rapid population growth and urbanisation are the main identified factors influencing solid waste management. Based on the findings, the study recommends a nearby transfer facility and communal skin bins to cover residents, solid waste education and awareness to the community, recycling and reuse initiatives, establishment of formal buy-back centre, and waste composting.