Browsing by Author "Gwacela, Mbalenhle."

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Exploring food insecurity and socio-economic factors affecting academic performance : a case study of first year students on probation and at-risk of academic exclusion.
(2013) Gwacela, Mbalenhle.; Kolanisi, Unathi.; Chitja, Joyce Magoshi.
Since the democratic transition, South Africa has come a long way in paving a path that enables citizens to take advantage of education. Within universities, certain overlooked socio-economic and food security factors affect academic performance. The prevalence of food insecurity and factors affecting academic performance was investigated in the context of underperforming first year students. A mixed methodology was used where questionnaire, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect in depth information. The individual dietary diversity score (IDDS) and household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) were used to assess the severity of food insecurity. Fifty-three per cent of students came from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds characterised by unemployed parents and a high dependency on government grants. Twenty per cent of students regularly send remittances home, diverted from their scholarships/ bursaries and study loans thus leaving little for students to survive on. HFIAS results showed majority of students were food insecure as 80% experienced anxiety about food availability and accessibility and 54% had periods of complete inaccessibility to food. The majority of students proved to lack skills in grocery listing and financial management skills. Affordability and storage facility challenges led to students consuming nutritionally poor foods which compromised their health status. The IDDS showed 92% of students consumed bread, rice and maize; 70% ate foods with high levels of sugar, 71% ate foods made with oil, fat or butter; 66% ate meat; 58% ate vegetables, 50% ate fruits. This showed students’ diet is lacking in diversity as they resort to rich, energy-dense and cheap foods found at cheap prices. This robbed students of essential nutrients. Students who lived in university-owned residences were at higher risk of food insecurity. A significant proportion of study participants had substandard secondary school education. The shift in the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) created challenges evident in lack of classroom engagement and lack of efficiency in communicating answers in tests and exams. Student accommodation and its proximity to learning facilities also affected performance negatively. The study therefore recommends, among other things, that university-owned residences reintroduce and/or subsidize dining halls to increase food accessibility, availability, quality, quantity and dietary diversity challenges. Food coupons could be introduced to low socio-economic students to purchase food from supporting grocery stores. Mandatory attendance of first year students to specialized programs organized by faculties and Student Counseling Centre to improve preparedness of students is needed. The UKZN LoLT policy needs to be implemented effectively so that the performance of second and third language speakers is improved. Translated material and academics who can speak the main local language is encouraged. The use code-switching techniques for the benefit of second and third language speakers are also encouraged when academics can use the main language.
Investigating the impact of home gardens on household welfare and multidimensional poverty: The case of Limpopo Province, South Africa.
(2025) Gwacela, Mbalenhle.; Ngidi, Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas.
South Africa, despite achieving food security at the national level, faces significant householdlevel food insecurity and poverty challenges, particularly in rural areas. This stark contrast is notably visible in provinces like Limpopo, where food insecurity persists despite the country's overall food surplus. Home gardens present a potential solution to alleviate poverty and address food and nutrition insecurity in these regions. This study investigated the role of home gardens in enhancing household welfare and reducing multidimensional poverty in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The specific objectives were: (i) to identify factors influencing rural household participation in home gardening, (ii) to assess home gardens' contribution to food security, (iii) to evaluate home gardens' role in improving household nutrition security, and (iv) to examine home gardens' impact on multidimensional poverty in rural households. The study employed a stratified random sampling technique to select 2,043 participants from Limpopo Province. Data analysis utilized various econometric models and indices, including the probit model, endogenous switching Poisson regression model, multidimensional poverty index, and endogenous switching probit model. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) measured food security, while the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) served as a proxy for nutrition security. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) assessed poverty levels in rural households. Results revealed that 46% of households were food secure, while 24% experienced severe food insecurity, 17% moderate food insecurity, and 13% mild food insecurity. Several factors positively influenced food security, including household size, land access, agricultural assistance, participants' market proximity, and non-participants' employment status. Conversely, negative impacts were associated with household head age, social relief dependency, and certain socio-economic conditions for both participants and non-participants. Home garden participation significantly reduced multidimensional poverty, with older household heads and larger households experiencing lower poverty levels. Major deprivations included education, with 78% of households lacking members who completed at least six years of schooling, high undernourishment rates (89%), and child mortality (77%). Home gardens proved crucial in addressing these challenges by providing fresh produce and enhancing nutrition awareness. The study concludes that home gardens significantly contribute to food and nutrition security and poverty reduction, though socio-economic barriers persist. To maximize home gardening benefits, recommendations include strengthening agricultural education, improving land accessibility, and enhancing support programs. Policymakers should prioritize initiatives that promote home gardening, transform land into income-generating assets, and encourage youth participation in education and agricultural activities. These interventions could effectively address poverty and improve household welfare, targeting critical food and nutrition security challenges in rural South Africa.