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Item 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.Item Embargo Food waste reduction strategies for sustainable food security in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa(2025-09-05) Mundadi, Muka Joseph-Mattiue; Obadire, O. S.; Oelofse, S. H. H.; Manjoro, M. M.Food waste (FW) concern has recently received global considerable attention. Within the broad spectrum of waste types, food loss and waste are produced worldwide in large quantities. Religiosity is an important driver of moral intuitions and as such marketers would do well to consider the diverse effects of moral foundations on specialty food consumption. Due to the current environmental crisis, sustainable consumption behaviour and its drivers has gained significant attention among researchers. It is well documented that consumer behaviour is guided by consumer's beliefs and values and Minton et al. (2019) recommend that marketers consider the diverse effects of religiosity and moral foundations in their marketing strategies to promote food consumption. It is, therefore, plausible that religious leaders may be key role-players in the quest to reduce food wastage in line with SDG goal 12.3, namely, to halve food waste by 2030. The overall objective of this research is, therefore, to determine what role religious leaders (RLs) can play to facilitate food waste reduction for sustainable food security in the Vhembe District. Also, COVID-19 significantly affected people’s food purchasing and consumption habits. Fears of disruptions in the food supply chain have caused an increase in the quantity and type of food bought by households. Yet, increases in food purchases give rise to FW with negative ramifications for the environment in terms of greenhouse emissions and groundwater pollution. Thus, this study explored both the role of religion in food conservation and the part religious leaders can play in reducing FW, while taking a fresh look at food wastage from a religious and moral perspective. In doing the above, this leads to the generation of new knowledge in support of food security, and the fight against climate change. It is worth noting that the study area is faced with the triple challenges leading to many socio-economic problems worsened by the COVID-19. This study applied a theoretically-informed framework of the hope theory; using a mixed method approach with a sequential exploratory and descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used. Appreciative inquiry using key informant interviews and questionnaire survey, as well as preference snowball and random sampling procedures were applied in the study. Government publications, journals and related books were used to acquire data to answer the objectives of the study. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyse the quantitative data. Thematic content analysis, frequency distribution analysis were applied using Atlas TI version 8 to measures central tendency in order to answer the objectives of the study. The results of this research provides compelling scientific evidence and guidance for the necessary strategies to adopt for FWR interventions. Further, it revealed that even poor and developing countries need to tackle FW to fight hunger and FS. Also, the findings add value to the academic literature in rural development and policy interventions.Item Embargo A private sector-inclusive governance framework for local economic development in rural areas of Limpopo Province in South Africa(2025-09-05) Jeleni, Albert; Francis, J.; Kilonzo. B.; Chakwizira, J.Local Economic Development (LED) remains globally recognized as a critical instrument for building inclusive and globally competitive local economies by stimulating job creation, diversifying local economies, and broadening municipal revenue bases. The concept of LED was born out of the realisation that while economic development intent and principles (that of constructing and realising a sustainable future) are universal, the outcomes are bounded by national policies and priorities and are determined by specific local societal, environmental, and business characteristics and interactions, which, if not balanced properly, can distort/contradict economic development intent and principles, leading to inefficient economic development. LED therefore seeks to address these distortions by aligning universal principles with localised realities, while maintaining adherence to free-market economic principles and ensuring that local development interventions do not unduly disrupt market dynamics. Its effectiveness hinges on capturing grassroots knowledge—honouring local expertise and traditions—and innovating on these insights to realign local economic outcomes and maximise wellbeing in line with national imperatives and global agendas. However, in South Africa, particularly in the rural context of the Limpopo Province, LED implementation continues to face significant challenges. These are primarily rooted in systemic governance shortcomings, the exclusion of private sector participation, and the enduring legacy of state-centric approaches that have perpetuated poverty, high unemployment, and spatial inequalities stemming from apartheid-era development patterns. Rural Limpopo reflects these conditions acutely, with unemployment exceeding 45%, inequality exceeding Gini coefficient of 0.59, poverty levels surpassing 67%, less than 8% of municipalities received clean audits, and municipalities being heavily reliant on subsidies & bailouts, further exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and weak institutional capacity. To counter these challenges, South Africa has consistently looked to Local Economic Development (LED) as a solution and has recently developed an innovation-driven National Framework for LED 2018–2028. The 2018–2028 LED Framework is robust in principle, anchored on forward-looking pillars designed to spur innovation, inclusivity, and institutional resilience at the municipal level. Yet, in practice, few municipalities have successfully implemented it, particularly the enabling pillars. This disconnect stems from weak institutional capacity, poor integration into municipal planning, and the low prioritisation of LED by local governments. Crucially, there has also been significant under-inclusion of the private sector, despite its vital role in driving innovation, investment, and job creation. Without active collaboration with private businesses—especially SMMEs—municipalities struggle to leverage innovation-driven strategies effectively, leaving the framework’s transformative potential largely untapped. Moreover, failure to implement the LED framework hinders the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), weakening multi-stakeholder partnerships—including government, civil society, and the private sector—that are essential for achieving the SDGs. To investigate these challenges, this study employed a mixed-methods research approach, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative focus group discussions conducted across all five districts of Limpopo Province to develop a private sector-inclusive governance framework. The research identified three critical governance failures that inhibit LED outcomes: (i) persistent ambiguity regarding the roles and responsibilities of key ecosystem actors—government, private sector, and civil society; (ii) misalignment between national strategic frameworks and local operational realities; and (iii) epistemic disparities that result in the underutilisation of private sector expertise, capital, and entrepreneurial capacity. These governance failures are further compounded by a fundamental conceptual ambiguity surrounding LED itself. Within the South African context, LED is frequently conflated with adjacent paradigms such as socio-economic development, socio-political development, social entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship development. This lack of definitional clarity contributes to fragmented interventions, duplication of efforts, and missed opportunities for integrated and inclusive local development. As a result, LED implementation remains inconsistent, often disconnected from territorial needs, and inadequately aligned with the potential contributions of the private sector. To redress these deficiencies, the study developed a Private Sector-Inclusive Governance Framework for LED, structured around three interrelated platforms. The first platform—the Multi-Stakeholder Platform ("WHO")—formalizes the roles of stakeholders, institutionalizes collaboration within economic principles, and establishes shared decision-making structures. The second platform—allows setting of objectives and the respective Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptive Capacity Platform ("WHY")—anchors LED processes in objective-based continuous learning, performance tracking, and adaptive management, aligning with the six pillars of the South Africa’s National LED Framework (2018–2028) and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The third platform—the Standardization and Implementation Platform ("HOW")— allows for the selection of appropriate LED elements, it applies a project management-oriented approach to guide LED operationalization, including value chain optimization across all sectors and industries. Crucially, the framework asserts that the actors (government, private sector and civil society) must operate within the principles of a free-market economy, wherein the state plays an enabling rather than interventionist role. Accordingly, local governments are encouraged to institutionalise mechanisms that promote inclusive Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), leverage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and invest in Public Goods Services (PGS) to stimulate sustainable economic growth. The framework reconceptualises LED governance not as a substitute for market processes but as a catalyst. Free-market principles—fair competition, limited distortion, and entrepreneurial innovation—are foundational to the proposed model. The framework mandates the use of market diagnostics and cost-benefit analysis to determine the most efficient delivery mechanism—prioritising private sector-driven hybrid approach where viable, and public provision only where market failure exists. Wherefore, municipalities are repositioned as enablers of competitive innovative ecosystems, investing in public goods and unlocking market participation through regulatory clarity, digital access, and transparent procurement. This approach discourages the state from running parallel or competing programmes that undermine private sector participation, and instead calls for a governance model that incentivises market-based solutions and fosters long-term enterprise development. The proposed framework allows stakeholders to systematically select development objectives (the WHY) from multiple typologies (including innovation-driven, infrastructure-led, social cohesion, and sustainability objectives), choose the leadership style (the WHO) from among state-led, private sector-led, private sector-driven hybrid, state-driven hybrid, and civil society-driven hybrid models, and implement LED through specific elements (the HOW) such as anchors, intermediaries, infrastructure, governance networks, and citizen engagement Empirical findings demonstrate that only 35% of rural municipalities currently engage private sector actors meaningfully in LED governance, despite the private sector’s essential role in mobilizing financial resources, driving innovation, and facilitating scalable development. This study proposes an innovation-driven, private sector-driven hybrid approach, and knowledge-based governance framework for Local Economic Development (LED) in rural Limpopo, South Africa. Engaging 366 respondents—including 47.5% from the private sector and over 70% with post-school qualifications—it revealed that despite 92.4% awareness of municipal institutions, only 37.9% participated in LED processes, underscoring the limited leadership role of local businesses. A review of 27 global LED frameworks showed universal emphasis on sustainability and equity, but fewer than 50% integrate innovation and adaptive governance elements. The study further illuminates recurring local impediments included corruption (14.8%), funding shortages (11%), and skills gaps (12.3%). Sectors like mining and agriculture exhibited strong value-chain comprehension, whereas digital integration and advanced manufacturing capabilities remain weak. Despite 60.8% of respondents recognizing corporate support for SMMEs, only 24.1% reported tangible engagement, indicating missed opportunities for public–private synergy. These findings carry significant implications for Limpopo and broader South African LED strategies. An innovation-driven LED model would leverage private sector dynamism and foster knowledge-based value chains, aligning with Limpopo’s development objectives to become more industrialised, labour-absorbing, and globally integrated. To unlock this potential, LED policy must embed mechanisms for strengthened collaborative governance, streamlined funding, targeted capacity-building, and proactive private sector participation. Such a transformation could drive inclusive growth, reduce rural inequalities, and align with national priorities articulated in South Africa’s LED Framework and Limpopo Development Plan. The proposed framework conceptualises LED as a multi-objective optimisation problem, where local maxima are identified, filtered through Pareto dominance, and integrated into a global Pareto front—thus transforming local successes into globally relevant solutions. Accordingly, it incorporates a mathematical modelling component designed to operationalise this optimisation process and guide decision-making. Essentially, the framework proposes that LED strategy design should be systematic and iterative—a process optimization exercise that begins by selecting desired outcomes (e.g., innovation, jobs, sustainability) in the “WHY” Platform. From there, leadership style (state-led, private-led, community-led, or hybrid) is chosen in the “WHO” platform, and lastly the enabling elements (anchors, intermediaries, infrastructure, networks) are chosen in the “HOW” platform, considering local capacity and realities. Importantly, the approach remains adaptive, acknowledging that desired elements may not always be present, necessitating either phased development or immediate pragmatic choices. The framework offers a cohesive blueprint for South African municipalities to effectively implement the national innovation-driven LED Framework 2018-2028. South Africa having chosen innovation to drive LED, this proposed governance framework allows a logical selection of the innovation-driven, private sector-driven hybrid, and knowledge-based approach, positing that a sustainable Local Economic Development (LED) governance process must recognise the interdependent triad of innovation, private sector leadership, and knowledge intensity to be succesful. Innovation, as a driver of LED, requires an enabling environment that fosters private sector leadership, which, in turn, presupposes a knowledge-based economic governance architecture. This ensures LED is not aspirational but practically executable, grounded in clear mechanisms, data-informed strategies, and cross-sector collaboration. Moreover, the proposed governance framework offers a replicable pathway for translating policy into practice, unlocking LED’s full transformative potential, which is locally grounded, but globally relevant. Wherefore, from the policy perspective this study provides a comprehensive blueprint to transform South Africa’s rural LED by addressing critical shortcomings in the National Framework for Local Economic Development (LED) 2018–2028. First, it identifies the need to reposition the private sector as lead co‑creators—rather than peripheral participants—by formally embedding business chambers and forums into Integrated Development Plan (IDP) processes and making private sector consultation and leadership mandatory. Second, it introduces a practical governance framework aligned with the DST’s Innovation‑for‑LED (ILED) initiative and which must be piloted through the District Development Model (DDM). This model incorporates multi‑stakeholder platforms, standardized project tools, and performance monitoring systems, offering municipalities a scalable structure to boost coherence and accountability. Implementation hinges on building institutional capacity in rural municipalities. The study recommends targeted training programs for LED officials covering stakeholder engagement, value‑chain facilitation, project management, and digital monitoring tools. It further proposes institutionalizing public‑private dialogue (PPD) platforms co‑chaired by private sector actors and universities, guided by clear protocols on frequency, scope, and follow‑up. These platforms would serve as engines for knowledge management and innovation. On the fiscal front, the study advocates for performance‑linked grants and competitive LED innovation funds to incentivize municipalities to achieve measurable private sector participation, such as procurement localization rates, co‑infrastructure investments, and job creation via PPPs and CSIs. It also underscores the role of development partners and civil society in supporting framework adoption, recommending targeted piloting in Limpopo districts with international donor and institutional technical assistance. Institutional realignment is another key finding: responsibility for LED must shift from CoGTA and CoGHSTA to an economic development ministry—either via reinstating the Department of Economic Development or a reassignment to DTIC. At provincial level, LED oversight should align with Economic Development, Tourism, and Environment departments, with formal coordination mechanisms to link provincial, municipal, and national policy. Further, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and its agency Small Enterprise and development Agnecy (SEDFA) currently perform welfare-style interventions—providing equipment and starter goods to micro/informal enterprises—which aligns more with social protection than market-based enterprise development. These micro-targeted supports overlook medium and large firms, which are vital for CSI, PPPs, and value chain integration critical to local economic development. Consequently, DSBD and SEDFA’s current mandate is misaligned with the NFLED’s private-sector growth objectives. Their national coordination role would be better housed under a re‑established Economic Development department or within DTIC, which has stronger linkages to industrial strategy and larger enterprises essential for transformative LED. Finally, the study links LED reform to the SDGs—particularly Goals 8, 9, and 17—by embedding SDG‑aligned indicators into municipal LED metrics and enhancing transparency, innovation, and data‑driven decision‑making. This positioned framework supports inclusive, private‑sector-driven hybrid growth, transforming LED from a bureaucratic process into a dynamic engine of rural transformation.Item Embargo Effectiveness of the internship programme as a strategy to improve graduate employability: case of Thulamela Local Municipality in South Africa(2025-09-05) Netshiongolwe, Tshamano Victor; Kilonzo, B. M.; Manjoro, M.Internships have become a unique and innovative approach to help new graduates gain valuable experience for work-based practice. It enables interns to make connections in the fields aligned with chosen career paths and gives employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate the talent of prospective employees. The primacy of internship programmes is made apparent by lack of work experience and skills mismatch which has often been cited as one of the main causes of graduate unemployment globally. The South African government, like other countries, responded to this challenge by introducing an internship programme. However, its effectiveness in South Africa requires investigation. Therefore, this study assesses the effectiveness of the South African government internship programme as a strategy to improve graduate employability. This will be addressed through the following five specific aspects. These are the alignment of the graduate interns’ basic qualification with assigned responsibilities, the mentorship management system put in place by host institutions, views and experiences of interns and mentors, challenges faced by graduate interns in relation to their career path and finally measures that may be enhanced to improve graduate interns’ employability. The target population for the study constituted graduate interns who were currently serving in the internship programme at Thulamela Local municipality, Tshilidzini Hospital (Clinical and Occupational Therapy sections) and Vhembe TVET College (Fashion Design, Technical Support and Business studies sections). Non-probability purposive sampling was employed to select research participants for collecting qualitative data in this group. Participants were randomly selected based on availability and willingness to participate in the study. The findings were thematically analysed using Atlas ti.8 computer package. The findings revealed that there was a flaw in the management of the internship programme in public institutions in South Africa. It was discovered that although in some research sites interns were properly placed, other institutions assigned interns responsibilities that overwhelmed them. This caused interns not to acquire the requisite skills that should have promoted their employability. It was also revealed that some institutions did not use the internship policy as a guide while mentoring graduate interns. This resulted in some mentors not assessing and giving interns feedback to know how they were performing. The findings also unveiled that most participants indicated that the government departments did not visit institutions to knowhow the internship programme was managed. As a result, the management system of mentoring graduate interns varied from institution to institution. In view of the above attributes, a further researches on the causes of the challenges experienced by graduate interns, Implementation of the internship policy in the public institutions and the role of monitoring in the internship programme within the public institutions are recommended.Item Embargo Examining the drivers of adoption of climate-smart practices in smallholder farming systems of Zvimba District in Zimbabwe(2025-09-05) Hamadziripi, Alfred; Francis, A.; Zuwarimwe, P.; Mpandeli, S.Population growth, increasing urbanisation, competition for and changes in land use, changing diets, and disparities in food supply and demand compounded by the effects of climate change exert pressure on food and agriculture systems. In sub-Saharan Africa, climate change has far-reaching adverse impacts on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, elevating the urgency to increase agricultural productivity and incomes, and resilience of food and agricultural systems. Discourse is dominated by how climate change risks drive smallholder farmer risk perception and adaptation decision-making. Household risks are less documented for their influence on risk perception. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices have demonstrated positive social, economic and environmental impact, despite sustainability remaining low, raising questions on the adequacy of knowledge on the breadth of the risk context of farmers. This exploratory mixed method study involving smallholder farmers who adopted CSA practices in Zvimba District of Zimbabwe focused on understanding how household risks influenced adaptation decision-making. The data collected using five FGDs and one survey with 55 households was analysed using latent content analysis, Venn diagrams and matrices of consensus combined with frequency analysis, descriptive tabulations, and Fisher’s exact test. The study reveals household risks experienced by farmers that include food insecurity, high cost of living, poor housing condition, water, sanitation and hygiene services, illness, lack of access to quality agriculture inputs, crop and livestock pests and diseases, livestock deaths, lack of skills and unemployment and lack of access to land. These co-existed with climate change risks and both influenced perception and decisions to adopt CSA practices and participation in programmes. While some perceived household risks to have been triggered by climate change risks, most viewed them as risks that pre-existed and were independent of climate change risks. The risk consequences of household risks that most farmers were anxious to avoid include failed parenting, loss of self-esteem, social labelling and deviation from values and norms. Though external factors are relevant, being intentional and pragmatic about the multidimensional nature of the risk context of households can guide policies and programmes to include elements that address barriers to scale up and sustainability of adaptation behaviours. The engagement of smallholder farmers and incorporating risks important to them must be fundamental in designing CSA programmes.Item Embargo Culture as a determinant to youth involvement in entrepreneurship, Maleni Village, Vhembe District, South Africa(2025-09-05) Tshabuse, AzwitamisiDespite the significant contributions of entrepreneurship to economic development, specifically income equality, poverty reduction, and job creation globally, South African youth involvement in entrepreneurial activities is relatively low; this is worrisome. These shortfalls justify reasons why youth unemployment in the country continues to surge, leaving concerns and the need to interrogate the determining factors deterring the active participation of this category of South Africans in such lucrative practices that promises sustainable economic development. Focusing on youth groups (14-35 years), this study assesses the influence of culture on youth’s involvement in entrepreneurship, using a mixed research method. Through a snowball sampling technique 70 participants were determined for the study. Data was collected through one-on-one interviews, using semi-structured and structured questionnaires. It was revealed that males dominate in enterprises such as service delivery, agriculture and artisans while females dominate enterprises such as street vending. This is because retail services are shaped by cultural norms and economic factors. The study specifically aims to determine the specific cultural orientations affecting youth’s entrepreneurship involvement, measure the impact of identified cultural orientations on youth entrepreneurship involvement, assess the youth’s perception of cultural influence on entrepreneurship involvement and suggest strategic interventions in relation to youth cultural orientations. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for quantitative data and Atlas ti for qualitative data. The key recommendations highlighted in this study are to promote access to resources for women and promote cultural awareness that help in shifting perceptions with relation to entrepreneurship involvement among communities that participated in the study.Item Embargo Strategies for Coping with Water Scarcity in Smallholder Cattle Farming Systems in Makhado Local Municipality(2025-09-05) Siwadawada, Vhuhwavho Wendy; Manjoro, M.; Mathaulula, M. A.; Mkwanazi, M. V.Water scarcity poses a significant challenge to smallholder farmers, cattle, and overall agricultural sustainability. The challenge of water scarcity in cattle farming systems underscores the critical need for adaptive practices to safeguard cattle well-being and maintain livestock productivity. The study determines the coping strategies to address water scarcity effects on smallholder cattle farming in Tshikuwi and Tshirolwe, Makhado local municipality, Limpopo, South Africa. A mixed method was adopted in this study. The body scoring condition was collected using a BSC scale, and the interviewer used a semi-structured interview guide. The population of this study included cattle and members of the community, only cattle farmers who were 18 and older participated in the study. Qualitative data was analysed thematically using Atlas-ti 8 software, version 24.1.0 and quantitative data was computed through descriptive statistics using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. The participants expressed different perceptions of water scarcity, most respondents perceived water scarcity as a lack of water and a shortage of water to cover cattle farming. Smallholder cattle farmers employed different types of coping strategies to tackle water scarcity; the most common strategy used was natural water wells and boreholes. The study revealed a correlation between the distance to the water source and the body condition and health of the cattle (Bucks, r=0.7002, Does, r = 0.9865 and Weaners, r=0.9582). The study used a scatter plot to determine if there was a correlation between the distance (km), the body condition, and the health status of the cattle. The findings showed that bucks exhibit low correlation (r2 = 0.4903), indicating greater variability in their BCS as distance increases and a linear trend of distance and FAMACHA, which does show a sharper decline (slope = -1.0606). The findings emphasised the significance of streams/rivers and boreholes as the main resource for coping with water scarcity. According to the farmers, behavioural changes are the biggest impact they have seen in their cattle. The study recommends educational initiatives to assist smallholder farmers in enhancing their management of water resources as well as government and agricultural producers to allocate resources towards developing infrastructure and technology that guarantees cattle access to water. Keywords: Cattle, coping strategies, farming systems, rural, smallholder.Item Embargo Effectiveness of flood response mechanisms for enhancing resilient livelihoods in Tsholotsho District of Zimbabwe(2025-09-05) Sibanda, Simbarashe; Francis, J.; Zuwarimwe, J.Flooding is a recurrent natural disaster that disrupts livelihoods, damages infrastructure and affects economic stability, particularly in vulnerable communities. Due to geographical and environmental factors, Tsholotsho District in Zimbabwe is highly susceptible to flooding. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of flood response mechanisms for enhancing resilient livelihoods in Tsholotsho and provide actionable insights for policymakers and rural development practitioners. The research used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, combining qualitative (semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis) with quantitative methods (closed-ended questionnaires) This approach gave a understanding of flood response challenges by triangulating findings from various sources. The study focused on flood victims who received aid from organizations, as well as key stakeholders in disaster response, including government departments, NGOs and community leaders. The study specifically targeted wards 6, 7 and 8, in the district which all have a history of severe flooding. Tsholotsho’s vulnerability is heightened by its location on the low-lying Gwayi River, the prevalence of Kalahari and clay soils and the lack of water storage infrastructure. These environmental factors, coupled with climate variability, have resulted in recurrent floods, severely impacting livelihoods. Key findings included significant barriers to effective flood response, such as inadequate financial and technical resources. Government departments struggled to implement proactive measures and an overreliance on donor aid and centralized national funding mechanisms weakened preparedness and delayed recovery efforts. Institutional gaps, including poor coordination among stakeholders and the absence of context-specific disaster management policies, also undermined flood resilience. The study highlighted the need for localized, participatory approaches that integrate both indigenous knowledge and scientific expertise. Key recommendations included the establishment of resilient infrastructure, such as water storage facilities and the enhancement of early warning systems. Strengthening institutional capacity through improved coordination and capacity-building efforts was identified as critical for sustainable flood response. The study emphasized the importance of improving the capacity of local institutions, as government departments often lack the resources and expertise to implement disaster risk reduction strategies effectively. Additionally, better coordination between government, NGOs and communities is essential to ensure that flood response mechanisms are effective and equitable. The research underscored the role of community participation in disaster management. The lack of community involvement in decision-making has led to interventions that do not fully address local needs. Therefore, empowering communities to actively engage in disaster planning, response and recovery is crucial for long-term resilience. Through integrating local knowledge into flood risk management strategies, communities can contribute valuable insights that enhance disaster response effectiveness. This study challenges top-down disaster management approaches, advocating for inclusive, bottom-up frameworks that empower local communities. The proposed framework stresses the importance of integrated strategies that combine community participation and institutional strengthening. The findings provide valuable insights for flood-prone rural areas globally, offering a roadmap for transforming flood response mechanisms into sustainable development tools. The research contributes to rural development theory by highlighting the intersection of environmental vulnerability, institutional capacity and community participation in disaster resilience, offering a foundation for future research and policy innovation in disaster management.Item Embargo Analysis of Level of Technical Efficiency of Water Use by Small-scale Irrigation Farmers in the Nwanedi Area of Limpopo Province: A case study of tomato farmers(2025-05-16) Mariba, Masindi Lodric; Zuwarimwe, J.; Manjoro, M.Agricultural water-management practices are being promoted as a way to adapt to climate change, as well as to combat poverty and unemployment. Low-cost and water-efficient irrigation technologies, such as, drip irrigation are believed to have the potential to save water. This it is anticipated would lead to increased productivity and subsequently improved food and nutrition security for rural livelihoods, thus, lift small-scale farmers out of poverty. Inefficient and ineffective irrigation systems contribute to excessive wastage of available water resources. The purpose of this study was to analyse the level of technical efficiency in water use by small-scale irrigation farmers in Nwanedi. Specifically, the study aimed to (a) characterise tomato production under small-scale irrigation in Nwanedi, (b) analyse use of water against the yield of tomatoes produced in Nwanedi, as well as (c) evaluate the level of technical efficiency of water-use by small-scale tomato growers in Nwanedi. Data were gathered from 144 small-scale farmers from the Nwanedi irrigation system using a questionnaire with both open and closed-ended questions. Frequency distribution tables and graphs were utilised to describe and characterise small-scale tomato farmers. The Stochastic Frontiers model’s Cobb-Douglas production function and a simple linear regression model were applied to address the second objective, which was to assess water use relative to tomato yield in Nwanedi. For the third objective, which aimed to evaluate the technical efficiency of water use by small-scale tomato growers in Nwanedi, the Cobb-Douglas production function, was employed. The findings of this study revealed that the efficiency levels of small-scale tomato farmers in Nwanedi ranged from 0.09 to 0.91, with an average of 0.59. This highlights the significant variability in tomato farming practices among Nwanedi farmers. Further, Stochastic Frontiers Analysis (SFA) results revealed that electricity as a proxy variable for water use was a significant predictor of farm income. In addition, the research findings revealed the significance of log(electricity)’s coefficient which suggests a meaningful impact on water use for tomato production’s efficiency. This study’s findings have both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, the findings contribute to the body of knowledge on water usage by small-scale farmers in irrigation farming environments. Practically, this study provides opportunities for improved monitoring and evaluation of small-scale farmers to address the inconsistencies identified in the findings. Overall, the results of the study would inform strategies for implementing effective and efficient water management practices, aimed at conserving water and increasing productivity, therefore, the findings it is anticipated, would be are valuable to farmers, extension workers, and policymakersItem Embargo Information Asymmetry and Profitability of Tomato and Butternut Value Chains: A case of Nwanedi Agri-hub(2025-05-16) Livhebe, Nkhumeleni Patrick; Manjoro, M.; Zuwarimwe, J.The agricultural economic subsector plays a crucial role, in food and nutrition security, trade balance, employment creation, and the supply of raw materials to agro-industries, however, the participation of smallholder farmers in the agricultural production chain and their contributions to value addition, remain poorly understood. Additionally, there are concerns regarding information asymmetry along the value chain, which may disadvantage smallholder farmers. This study aimed to address these gaps by mapping and characterizing the value chains for tomato and butternut crops and comparing the value creation and information sharing processes for these crops. In this study, a quantitative research design was employed and primary data was collected from various stakeholders along the value chains using closed-ended questionnaires. A sample of 150 smallholder farmers from 10 clusters was randomly selected. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, value chain mapping, and inferential statistics such as profitability ratios and Return on Investment (ROI), using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 and Excel. The analysis of the tomato and butternut value chains in Nwanedi showed a varied group of participants, such as agro-dealers, farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers, backed by the Nwanedi Agri-hub. In spite of the assistance provided, small-scale farmers encounter challenges, such as significant information gaps. Farmers are often unable to access up-to date market prices and demand trends, which weakens their bargaining position in centralized markets and enables intermediaries to make excessive profits, ultimately reducing farmers' profits. The statistical data showed notable differences in profitability for tomato and butternut growers, which are affected by sales methods and how the crops are managed. Butternut farmers who sell their produce directly to merchants experience increased profitability and earn an average ROI of 15%, in contrast to those who depend on intermediaries. Profits for tomato growers are significantly affected by input expenses and the ability to utilize effective market routes, with only advanced crop-management resulting in profitable returns. It is important to mention that ROI can differ among tomato farmers, with some reaching a 20% ROI from direct sales, while others face low returns because of expensive inputs and limited market opportunities. The study concludes that addressing information asymmetry through improved market linkages and providing smallholder farmers with timely market information is critical for enhancing their resilience and profitability. Strategic measures, such as farmer cooperatives, infrastructure investments, and price stabilization mechanisms are recommended to help increase farmers' share of the retail price and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. Tailored support and interventions, hence, are essential for improving the productivity and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Nwanedi region.Item Embargo A learning domain-based training approach for smallholder irrigated maize farming in Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe(2025-05-16) Binala, Livinia; Francis, J.; Mupetesi, T.The study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of training approaches for smallholder irrigated maize farmers in Zimbabwe, particularly their crucial role in national food security and rural livelihoods. Despite irrigation's potential to boost productivity of maize, many farmers encountered challenges in adopting improved practices partly due to inadequate training methods. Thus, the study sought to evaluate current training frameworks and propose a comprehensive model integrating Bloom's taxonomy of learning domains to enhance knowledge acquisition and practical skills among farmers. The objectives of the study were 1) to identify the key learning domains for effective use of irrigation technologies in smallholder maize farming in Mashonaland Central Province 2) to propose a training approach that is tailored to the identified learning domains and the specific needs and constraints of smallholder farmers in Mashonaland Central; 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed training approach on the productivity and income of smallholder maize farmers in Mashonaland Central Province; and 4) to assess the effectiveness of the developed training approach in improving the knowledge and skills of smallholder farmers in the use of irrigation technologies for maize farming. Three irrigation schemes that focused on maize production and located in two natural regions, that is, II and IV within Mashonaland Central Province were purposively selected. Proximity to the Harare, the capital city or extent of the scheme’s rurality was considered. The census method of data collection was applied. All the 472 farmers involved in irrigation in the three schemes were earmarked for the questionnaire-based survey. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combined quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with farmers and agricultural extension officers across the three irrigation schemes. Key findings indicated that Farmer Field Schools (FFS) significantly outperformed traditional Master Farmer Training (MFT) in promoting effective learning and adoption of sustainable practices (P < 0.05). The study underscored the importance of participatory training methods, which resonate more effectively with farmers' needs and educational backgrounds. Using the results of the study, a framework that includes the following as the key components was proposed: a) Incorporation of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning domains b) Prioritization of hands-on training with visual aids c) Promotion of sustainable farming practices d) Strengthening of farmer-extension linkages e) Investment in teaching materials and monitoring mechanisms This study advocated for a paradigm shift in agricultural training methodologies. Adopting the recommended framework would enable policymakers and practitioners to significantly enhance the productivity and livelihoods of smallholder maize farmers, thereby contributing to improved food security. Furthermore, the study highlighted the need for deploying participatory and practical training, addressing key skills gaps, in addition to developing robust farmer-extension relationships to achieve these goals. Integration of Bloom's learning domains into farmer training curricula is a strategic roadmap for designing more effective and impactful training of smallholder irrigated maize farmers.Item Embargo Impact of an artificial insemination programme on reproductive efficacy and the cross-breeding if indigenous South African goats with Boer goats in Vhembe District(2025-05-16) Nethengwe, Luvhengo Dakalo; Bhebhe, E.; Manjoro, M.; Fushai, F.To date, no attempt has been made to establish animal-assisted reproduction centres designed to facilitate controlled goat breeding, from which efficient oestrous synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) protocols can be administered in the communal farming areas of Vhembe district. The first study aimed to determine the socioeconomic dynamics associated with establishing assisted reproduction centres designed and equipped to facilitate effective artificial insemination (AI) service to improve South African indigenous goat production in the Vhembe district. A total of 140 communal goat farmers participated in the study. In-depth one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to collect qualitative data. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data. Most (89.3 %) farmers accepted AI, and the use of the Boer goat to upgrade the indigenous goat, and to combat inbreeding through AI. Seventy per cent of the respondents showed interest in pen feeding and in separating does from bucks during oestrous synchronization and AI, while the remaining 30% could not afford to pen feed and separate their animals, though they were receptive to being part of the AI program. The farmer disposition to the proposed interventions, and the level of participation justified continuation of the research into animal assisted reproductive technology centres, to address the technical constraints to implementing AI, and advance the socio-economic development. The second study focused on affordable and effective spermatozoa extenders and preservation methods. Experiment 1 aimed to evaluate the motility, velocity, morphology properties and viability of Boer goat sperm stored at 5°C for 168 hours. A total of 48 ejaculates were collected from four Boer goat bucks twice a week for 6 weeks. Only uncontaminated ejaculates containing spermatozoa with >80% progressive motility rate and concentration >1.0 x 109 spermatozoa/ml were used. Tris extender-based bovine amniotic fluid of 10, 13 and 18 cm head-tail length fetus (60, 70 and 80 days pregnancy, respectively), denoted (BAF10, BAF13 and BAF18, respectively) were tested. Ejaculated spermatozoa samples were pooled and homogenized before dilution at a ratio of 1:4 with TEY, TBAF10, TBAF13 and TBAF18 extenders. Diluted spermatozoa samples were then stored at 5°C for 168 h and evaluated in a 4 (extenders) X 8 (storage time) factorial experiment replicated 12 times. Total motility was highest in sperm diluted with TBAF18 at 0 h, while progressive motility showed the lowest value in TEY at 96 h. In experiment 2, Boer goat semen was cryopreserved at -196 °C for 7 days in Tris extender-based bovine amniotic fluid and replicated 12 times. The semen samples were loaded into 0.25 ml France straws, sealed, and cooled at 5 °C for 4 h to equilibrate. After equilibration, the straws were frozen in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapour. The straw was immersed into LN2 and kept at -196 °C for 7 days. After thawing at 37 °C for 60 seconds, the spermatozoa were evaluated for spermatozoa motility, viability, and morphology defects in a randomised design. The results revealed that the highest spermatozoa motility was observed with TBAF18 after the cryopreservation effect. No significant difference was observed between TEY and TBAF13 during refrigeration. Meanwhile, this was again observed for the spermatozoa motility parameters evaluated after freezing. In a third study, four animal-assisted reproduction centres were established to facilitate controlled animal breeding, efficient oestrous synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) with fresh/frozen semen extended and cryopreserved following the protocols which were developed in experiments 1 & 2 in the 2nd study. The inseminated does were released into their routine grazing in the communal land until 42 days, after which pregnancy diagnoses were conducted. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of oxytocin, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) treatments at the time of AI using fresh/frozen semen. Oxytocin, PGF2α and hCG showed a significant effect on improving pregnancy rate. A significant effect (P>0.001) was observed in fresh semen diluted in BAF18, with the highest pregnancy rate. Oestrous ovulation-inducing drugs with frozen semen diluted in BAF13, BAF18 and TEY offered approximately equal pregnancy rates (68.8 %, 62.5% & 62.5 %), but the highest percentage was in BAF13. Therefore, there were acceptable beneficial effects of oxytocin, hCG and PGF2α at the time of AI. In conclusion, animal-assisted reproduction centres established to facilitate controlled animal breeding, efficient oestrous synchronization and AI increased the pregnancy rate in South African indigenous goats in the Vhembe District. This will enable goat production to contribute towards generating household cash income and improve the livelihood of rural farmers. Keywords: Artificial insemination; Bovine amniotic fluid, Inbreeding, LivelihoodItem Open Access Mapping activities of stakeholders along selected value chains in Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa(2024-09-06) Mulaudzi, Rotondwa; Zuwarimwe, J.; Mathaulula, M. A.Farmer’s, transporters and retailers are major key players along the vegetable value chains in South Africa and globally. Their roles and activities along the vegetable value chain are affected by lack of capital, resources, transportation, storage, packaging materials, education and high transactional costs. This is evidenced by high levels of dissatisfactions along the vegetable value chain and is contributing to high loss of jobs in the vegetable industry, shortage and high cost of vegetables and increasing number of vacant farms. Thus, this study was carried out to Map activities of stakeholders along selected vegetable value chain in Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa. The quantitative research approach was adopted. Stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select 185 respondents. Self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions was used to collect primary (raw data). A 5-point Likert-type scale ranging from 5 (strongly agree) to 1 (strongly disagree) was also used in the process. The study used descriptive analysis, (mean, median, and mode), range variance, standard deviation and some inferential statistics for the analysis. The data was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Science version 28.0.1.1. Atlas t.i version 8 was also used to create diagrams for analysis. Cronbach’s alpha was used to ensure reliability and high internal consistency of Likert-type scale. The study shows that players need various sources of assistants as to ensure sustainable vegetable value chain. The study further reflects that though they are faced with various challenges players are striving to ensure food security, sustainable vegetable value chains, good nutrition and to achieve goal 2 (ending hunger, achieving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture) of the SDG’S.Item Open Access The Small-Scale Broiler Value Chain Configuration and Market Access Constraints in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa(2024-09-06) Nemakonde, Rabelani Richard; Manjoro, M.; Zuwarimwe, J.The number of broiler farmers in developing countries is increasing, however they face several challenges that impede their growth. Access to sustainable market is a critical challenge for broiler farmers which is hampered by underdeveloped value chains. Hence, identifying value chain constraints and areas to strengthen in small-scale broiler production is crucial to enhance competitiveness. Sixty (n = 60) farmers were sampled to assess the value chain configuration and market for small-scale broiler farmers in Vhembe district of Limpopo province in South Africa. Both Quantitative and Qualitative data was gathered using a structured questionnaire with open and close-ended questions. Quantitative data was analysed using statistical package for social science version 27. Moreover, descriptive analysis (SPSS version 27), Thematic analysis (Atlas Ti version 8), Thematic content analysis (Atlas Ti version 8) was used to analyse the data. The results suggest that value chain configuration is directly correlated to marketing configurations. This study also reveals that lack of capital is the main challenge that give birth to many other challenges like lack of abattoirs and access to main production inputs for growth. It also reveals that the combination of these challenges made it difficult for the small-scale broiler producers to penetrate the vertical organized market and growth. Also, the results show that small-scale producers can deepen their value chain participation through amongst others, procuring production inputs, establishing abattoir and leverage government support collectively to increase their production capacity. The study recommends that small-scale producers form input and market cooperatives to collectively source production inputs and market their produce. In terms of support, small-scale broiler farmers require intensified support programmes to strengthen their production capabilities and entrench access the sustainable market for sustained growth.Item Open Access Strategies for Enhancing Delivery of Beneficiary-preferred Low-cost Housing: A Case Study of Selected Rural Areas in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality(2024-09-06) Mokolo, Rudolf Kaleka; Francis, J.; Kamuzhanje, J.This cross-sectional survey focused on the intricate process of delivering low-cost housing in Moganyaka and Tsimanyane villages within Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality in South Africa. It aimed to uncover the multifaceted challenges that hinder timely and satisfactory housing provision. Sixty-six participants drawn from Moganyaka (31) and Tsimanyane (35) were sampled. A questionnaire that contained closed-ended questions was administered electronically via Google Forms. Timely delivery of low-cost housing in Moganyaka and Tsimanyane villages was explored, focusing on community preferences, satisfaction levels and viable strategies. Ethical procedures were followed, following steps that included obtaining clearance from the University of Venda Social Research Ethics Committee and securing entry for the study through engaging Traditional Councils in both villages. Data collection was carried out using an exploratory sequentially mixed method research design and involved pre-testing the questionnaire with entirely closed-ended questions. The questionnaire was administered via Google Forms from a total sample of 66 individuals drawn from both villages. Data analysis included crosstabulation and frequency computations, revealing insights into community preferences, satisfaction levels and challenges related to low-cost housing delivery. Demographic factors such as age and gender were observed to be playing a significant role. A higher participation rate from Tsimanyane Village compared to Moganyaka Village was observed, with a higher representation of females in both villages. This imbalance can be attributed to large numbers of males who migrate to other provinces for work opportunities, resulting in a high presence of female-headed households in rural areas. The age group distribution showed that the majority of participants in both villages were youth, highlighting the importance of addressing their needs and concerns. Timeliness of delivery and quality of low-cost housing projects were also explored, with notable concerns regarding project timelines, resource management, structural integrity and alignment with beneficiaries' preferences. Available literature emphasizes the importance of addressing the housing needs of low-income populations, especially in rural areas, and incorporating eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient technologies to enhance the sustainability and resilience of housing projects. Regarding the timeliness of delivery, the participants identified crucial criteria such as iii adherence to predetermined milestones, efficient resource management and streamlined administrative processes. Efficient resource management, regulatory compliance, community engagement, and sustainability were identified as critical factors in ensuring timely delivery and high-quality housing that meets beneficiaries' needs and preferences. Although there was agreement on good value and affordability, concerns about structural integrity, compliance with building regulations, and the visual appeal and functional design of housing units were revealed. In addition, there is a need for more attention to energy-efficient, durable housing. Streamlined processes, community engagement, technological integration and innovation, and risk management and capacity building for timely delivery of low-cost housing were found to be important. In conclusion, the importance of addressing the housing crisis for low-income populations through comprehensive approaches that consider efficient project management, regulatory compliance, community engagement and sustainability was highlighted. Thus, stakeholders can enhance beneficiary well-being and contribute to a more equitable and just society. The current study contributes to the field of rural development by proposing strategies for enhancing the delivery of beneficiary-preferred low-cost housing, which emphasizes the need for streamlined processes, effective resource allocation, technological integration, and community engagement. Addressing these areas helps stakeholders improve the overall effectiveness of low-cost housing initiatives and contribute to a more equitable and just society.Item Open Access Adaptive Strategies to Mitigate Water Scarcity Among Smallholder Cattle Farmers in Vulnerable Areas of the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality(2024-09-06) Mahlo, Dollen; Manjoro, M.; Oloo, G. B.; Mkhwanazi, M. V.The rapid increase in demand for livestock and livestock products, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and rising incomes, is projected to escalate significantly by 2050. The estimates indicate the utilization of over 60 billion livestock for meat, egg, and dairy production. This surge in demand poses substantial challenges, particularly in the context of climate change impacts on water resources. Smallholder livestock farmers, who are integral to meeting this demand, are disproportionately affected by climate change-induced water scarcity. Despite their significant contribution to the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP), these farmers face daily depletion of water reserves, indicating severe water scarcity. Climate variability further exacerbates this situation, with animal water consumption expected to triple. This study aimed to examine the adaptive strategies employed by smallholder livestock farmers in vulnerable areas of the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality to mitigate water scarcity. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was utilized, wherein both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed concurrently. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, primarily through face-to-face interviews. Secondary data was obtained from literature, journal manuscripts, policy documents, and municipal reports. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27, while thematic content analysis was performed using Atlas.ti version 8. The findings revealed several adaptive strategies employed by farmers to address water scarcity, including changes in water sources and collaborations with government agencies such as the Department of Water and Sanitation. Challenges such as cattle mortality due to water scarcity were also identified, highlighting the need for additional adaptive measures to ensure sustainable cattle farming. The study underscores the necessity of enhancing adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of water scarcity on smallholder livestock farming in the context of increasing climate variability.Item Open Access Attributes of Ideal Grassroots Community Leaders for Sustainable Rural Development: The Case of Ward Committees in Vhembe District Municipality of South Africa(2024-09-06) Nemathithi, Awelani Jeannette; Francis, J.; Kone, L. R.; Lavhelani, N. P.Most municipalities in South Africa have been struggling to put in place functioning Ward Committees across the country. It is crucial to have an effective Ward Committee that can facilitate processes that lead to the improved well-being of the residents of the local community. The study explored the attributes of ideal grassroots community leaders for sustainable development, focusing on the case of ward committees in Ha-Mashau area. The specific objectives were to determine the community-preferred qualities of persons eligible to serve in ward committees and to determine whether age and gender of community members influence their perceptions. An exploratory sequential mixed method design was adopted for this study. Purposive sampling and stratified random sampling were applied to draw a sample of 57 and 120 participants from the residents of Ha-Mashau community for Phase 1 and Phase 2 respectively. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and a Likert-type scale questionnaire were used to collect data. Thematic content analysis, Descriptive statistics, Man Whitney & Kruskal Wallis tests from (SPSS) were run for analysis. The findings revealed several crucial attributes of ideal grassroots community leaders, including strong communication skills, a genuine commitment to community development, a strong personality, fair educational background, and accessibility to the community. Age influenced community members' perceptions of the need (1) to consider women for ward committee membership, (2) for aspiring leaders to be empathic, and (3) for leaders to show love and respect for the people. Furthermore, adult community members prefer ward committee members who are “dedicated to community development work” than their youthful counterparts. These findings contribute to the existing literature on grassroots leadership and offer practical insights for policymakers, development practitioners and community members aiming to foster sustainable development in similar contexts. It is recommended that policymakers and practitioners consider the importance of the identified attributes and their contribution to sustainable development when implementing programs aiming to enhance leadership capacity. KeywordsItem Open Access Analysis of community-based organisations effectiveness in promoting grassroots educational services in Greater Tzaneen Municipality, South Africa(2024-09-06) Malatji, Carlifonia; Mathaulula, M. A.; Oloo, E.; Ndlovu, W.Community-based organisations (CBOs) play an integral role in promoting educational services, particularly to disadvantaged communities in rural areas. However, debatably, their effectiveness in delivering educational services is rarely known. Thus, the current study was undertaken to analyse the effectiveness of community-based organisations in providing educational services to the grassroots communities of Mosiphane village in Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, South Africa. An exploratory sequential mixed method design was adopted in the study where qualitative data were collected first, and confirmatory quantitative data were collected last. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews using open-ended questionnaires, while quantitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews using closed-ended questionnaires. Thematic content analysis with the aid of Atlas ti version 8 was used to analyse qualitative data, whereas the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 was used to analyse quantitative data. The findings identified several approaches used by the CBO to facilitate grassroots educational services. Parental involvement, outreach programmes, and community involvement were the most common approaches used by Mosiphane community-based organisations. Lack of monitoring and evaluation systems, ineffective resource management and inadequate funding affected the community-based organisations in providing educational services in the study area. To address these community-based organisation establishing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems, improving resource management, advocating for increased funding, and fostering collaborations, capacity building, and community engagement to enhance their effectiveness in promoting grassroots educational services. The findings of this study are crucial in providing actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and community stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of grassroots educational initiatives.Item Open Access Investigation of methods adopted by smallholder broiler farmers adapting to climate change(2024-09-06) Khuguvhila, Shumani; Manjoro, M.; Netshipale, A. J.Broiler farming is one of the fastest businesses with a short production cycle and low initial capital. This practice helps alleviate poverty, ensures food security, and improves people's nutritional status by providing immeasurable employment opportunities for communities. Even though broiler farming is of great benefit, smallholder farmers face challenges, climate change being one of them. The aim of the study was to investigate methods that smallholder broiler farmers have adopted to adapt to climate change. The study was conducted in the Thulamela and Musina municipalities of the Vhembe district. For this study, 124 small-scale broiler farmers were purposively selected (those farming with less than 2000 broilers per cycle) to represent 57 for Thulamela and 67 for Musina municipalities. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using open and closed ended questions. IBM SPSS statistics version 29 was used to determine frequencies using descriptive statistics and mean scores. The results from the study reflected that the age of most farmers who are involved in broiler farming is 36-45 (40.3%). About 79.9% of female farmers are involved in broiler farming compared to 21% of male farmers. The results show that most broiler farmers (96%) sell their live chickens locally. The results reflected that 54% of the farmers strongly disagree with changing from closed housing systems to an open-sided one during summer. Furthermore, 66.1% of the farmers strongly agree that during the summer season, they are challenged with high mortality rates due to heat stressed. On perceptions of farmers, the mean score reflected that the farmers ranked decrease in sales volume in summer (x̄=2.39) as more important, followed by an increase in water intake in winter (x̄=2.54) and changing the housing system (x̄=2.63). It emerged that farmers (49,2%) have developed their strategies for adapting, which include use of Aloe vera, Munzere (Bridelia micrantha), salt and sugar and dipping chickens in water as a measure of cooling the broilers; with the cooling system being expensive. About 98.4% prefer to use open-sided housing as ventilation compared to the cooling system. In conclusion, because of change in climate and expensive conventional adaptation methods, the farmers have developed their own indigenous and cheaper ways of adapting to climate change. I recommend that further studies need to be conducted on the effectiveness of indigenous methods adopted by smallholder broiler farmers.Item Open Access Enhancing public participation on Integrated Development Planning in a South African rural based municipalty(2024-09-06) Ravhura, Thiathu Ishmael; Francis, J.; Kilonzo, B. M.This study aimed to develop a strategic framework to enhance the public’s participation in the integrated development planning (IDP) process within South Africa’s local government. It was assumed that perceptions and extent of public participation in integrated development planning differed due to distance from the service centre. The exploratory sequentially mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with key stakeholders in Wards 4, 10 and 18 of Thulamela Local Municipality, was adopted. Selection of the study areas took into account distance from the main municipal service centre in Thohoyandou. Ward 18 was most proximal followed by Ward 10 and then Ward 4. Significant patterns and statistical insights regarding community engagement were revealed. Overall, public participation in IDP processes was low, with notable variations across the three wards. For instance, residents of Ward 10 demonstrated higher engagement in situational analysis and project formulation, while those in Ward 4 exhibited greater involvement in monitoring and evaluation (P < 0.05). Further analysis identified enablers of participation, particularly in Ward 18, where residents reported the highest levels of inner resolve and perceived citizen skills necessary for engagement. However, they also expressed concerns about lower accountability from municipal leaders, despite feeling well-informed (P < 0.05). In contrast, Ward 10 residents felt more empowered in decision-making processes, suggesting that their input was effectively implemented. The study also highlighted significant barriers to public participation, particularly in Ward 10, where residents faced challenges such as a lack of skills and timely information dissemination (P < 0.05). Logistical issues, including transportation difficulties, were more pronounced in this ward, negatively impacting participation rates. To address these challenges, residents across various wards suggested strategies such as utilizing media and community leaders to boost engagement. Ward 10 emphasized the potential of public media, while Ward 18 focused on developing community leadership, recognizing the importance of workshops and collaborations with educational institutions to enhance citizen involvement. The statistical significance of these results (P < 0.05) underscores the need for targeted interventions that address the specific barriers and enablers of public participation identified in the study. This highlights the importance of tailoring strategies to the unique contexts of different wards, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of IDP processes and achieving greater community engagement. The implications of these findings extend to rural development and citizen science. Effective public participation is essential for empowering local communities, as evidenced by the higher engagement levels in specific wards. When residents feel their input is valued, they are more likely to take ownership of development initiatives, which is crucial for fostering sustainable rural development that aligns with community needs and aspirations. In addition, the study contributes to citizen science by illustrating how community involvement in local governance can lead to more informed decision-making processes. By actively engaging citizens in the IDP process, municipalities can harness local knowledge and insights, which are invaluable for addressing complex social and environmental issues. The proposed framework for enhancing public participation serves as a practical guide for integrating citizen science principles into local governance, emphasizing collaboration between stakeholders and structured engagement processes. Through aligning its findings with Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation, the research enriches theoretical discussions on citizen engagement, providing empirical evidence that can inform future studies in citizen science. Overall, the study's results are pivotal for advancing both rural development and citizen science. They highlight the importance of empowering communities through active participation, identifying barriers to engagement and proposing tailored strategies that enhance local governance and service delivery.