Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/6536

The Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Management (AERRM) academic programme is designed to build the capacity of extension services through the provision of training and education that is relevant to the urgent issues facing agricultural and rural development. The programme offers a powerful combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in agricultural extension, rural development, project management, agricultural production and farm economics and management. The programme follows a challenging teaching and learning approach as well as a fresh approach to the theory and practice of agricultural extension. Agrometeo

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Communication and information management in partnership development : the case of KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Development Forum.
(2007) Riungu, Francis Muriithi.; Worth, Steven Hugh.
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the role of communication and information management in inter-institutional collaboration and review aspects that are crucial for partnerships to function effectively in a multi-stakeholder situation. These aspects include: stakeholders, stakeholder analysis, partnership development and its fundamental values and principles, communication analysis, information and knowledge management and management of conflicts. The study seeks to explore the influence of these aspects for partnership development and sustainability respectively.
Factors influencing choices of grazing lands made by livestock keepers in Enhlanokhombe in Ukhahlamba (Drakensberg), KwaZulu-Natal.
(2009) Chonco, Johannes Mphumzeni.; Worth, Steven Hugh.
In South Africa, communal land still plays a significant role in the lives of many rural communities. While these communal lands have ostensibly been included within municipal frameworks, decisions about their utilisation still remains a practical reality for many livestock keepers. This research examined current herding and grazing practices, grazing areas being used in summer and winter, and factors taken into consideration by livestock keepers and herders when choosing grazing areas in the communal sub-ward of Okhombe, in the northern Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal. The aim of this research was to investigate the socio-cultural reasons of livestock keepers behind decision making about grazing areas. The primary research question pursued in the study was: How do livestock keepers select areas for livestock grazing in the sub-ward? Three sub-questions were developed to guide the research: What grazing and herding strategies are currently being used? Which areas are used for grazing, and in which season(s)? What are the considerations for choosing areas for livestock grazing? Data were collected from fifty-one (51) cattle keeping households in the sub-ward. Data were collected in five steps. The first two steps involved household and in-depth interviews using interview guides. The latter three steps involved a transect walks, one case study and focus group discussions to test and verify the data. The findings showed a wide range of livestock kept in Enhlanokhombe sub-ward. The majority (61%) of cattle keeping households had cattle and goats, which are important for ceremonial purposes. The primary reasons for keeping livestock involved agricultural, food and cultural purposes. The herding strategies found in the sub-ward involved family/relative member, hired herders and no herder, with the majority using family/relative members as herders. Three areas were used for livestock grazing were Maqoqa, Skidi and Mdlankomo. The key finding showed an increase in supplementary feeding, a decrease in traditional remedy usage and safety from theft as a new factor taken into consideration when selecting grazing land. Other factors involved presence of cropping fields, availability of grass and water, distance from home and family traditions. From these findings, one can conclude that there are clearly tensions between culture and changes in the society, culture and changes in economy; and livestock keepers' heritage and modern lifestyle. These tensions make livestock keepers' decision making processes harder. The grazing and herding strategies, and the choices of communal grazing areas are influenced by these changes. As a result, livestock keepers are shifting from their heritage and culture to being economic and adapting to modern world. The heritage and the clarity of gender roles are breaking down. Grazing and herding are, therefore, no longer simple and familiar, but complex and unfamiliar to livestock keepers. These findings have serious implications for extension, advisory and development approaches used when addressing livestock management among traditional livestock keepers. They imply that what is needed is a multi-dimensional and inclusive view of the livestock keepers' practices. Rather than relying on the long-held assumptions about livestock keepers, serious attention must be given to the tensions in communal livestock keeping and the complexity of communal grazing strategies. These must be deliberately and consciously used to inform interventions designed to improve communal grazing management.
Trends in relation to the involvement of biological family in the lives of children in long-term residential care.
(2009) Goba, Fairhope Dumile.; Killian, Beverley Janet.
There are many challenges that face children in residential care. Among those challenges is the little or no interaction between the children in residential care and their biological family. This study investigated if biological family involvement in the lives of children in residential care had any effect on the children's development while they were in care. The study was a comparison between children with biological family involvement and children without any biological family involvement. The comparison focused on two main variables, namely, academic performance and behaviour characteristics. This was qualitative, multiple case study research where triangulation was used as a tool for collecting information. Ten children participated in this study i.e. five children with biological family involvement and five children without any biological family involvement. Data used in this study was collected from children, their housemothers and from children's files. Findings from this research indicated that there was a difference between children with biological family involvement and children without such family involvement in terms of academic performance and behaviour characteristics. Children with biological family involvement performed better academically and displayed fewer negative behaviour characteristic than children without biological family involvement. Findings also suggested there was a need for further research on this topic in order to find ways to assist children in residential care to develop optimally.
Investigation of marketing of small-scale peanut agribusinesses in the Vulamehlo District, Southern KwaZulu-Natal.
(2008) Sonjica, Ivy.; Green, Jannette Maryann.
The main objective of the study was to investigate the marketing strategies needed for the development of a peanut agribusiness for small-scale farmers producing peanuts in the Vulamehlo District, southern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The study was part of the extension programme of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs (KZNDAEA). Another aim of the study was to examine the market requirements for peanuts purchased from Vulamehlo farmers in relation to the processing and sale of peanuts and whether or not market outlets for peanut products in KZN were available. In addition, current links between farmers, peanut processors, agents and retailers were to determine, if the marketing of peanut butter produced by small-scale farmers could be improved. Small-scale farmers were targeted because they play an important role in rural areas for community development and for poverty alleviation and also to generate income. There is little research on small-scale agribusinesses. Small-scale farmers have unreliable supply chains and markets. The study was conducted between May and November 2005. The data for the development of agribusiness for small-scale farmers in the Vulamehlo district were gathered from four wards of Vulamehlo: Mkhunya, Qiko, Mzimlilo and Mazabangwane. Questionnaires, a focus group discussion and observation were used to collect data from farmers and informal processors of peanut butter. Interviews were conducted with informal traders, formal traders and a formal peanut butter processor, to collect information about their marketing of peanut products. Six peanut producing farmers’ associations out of ten were randomly selected from the list of farmers’ associations in the Vulamehlo District. Details were obtained from the Department of Agriculture office. The study found that the marketing requirements needing to be met by small-scale farmers include availability of adaptable certified peanut seeds, appropriate tools and equipments for cultivation, reliable supply of raw material, grading and testing of level of aflatoxin in peanuts, knowledge of processing regulation to food safety and hygiene, proper business and management skills and relevant technology and marketing information. The study revealed that there were no seed companies around Vulamehlo sold peanut seeds and there were no commercial peanut-producing farmers in KZN to assist small-scale farmers. Farmers were using manual tools for the peanut production process. This limited production and expansion and lowered the yield. Constant supply may be a problem for the business processing enterprises. The markets for Vulamehlo peanut producing farmers were informal and insecure. The peanut butter co-operative lacked processing equipment, processing know-how, energy-saving technology and marketing information. It is recommended that developing agribusiness linkages with suppliers, traders, farmers and processors would improve the small-scale farmers’ negotiating skills. The KZNDAEA should improve links with large-scale farmers, traders, suppliers and processors, in order to obtain more information on peanut production. Contamination, especially by aflatoxin, during the processing of peanut products should be eliminated.
Traditional agriculture and its meaning in the lives of a farming community : the case of Embo.
(2008) Maragelo, Ketshogile Pauline.; Green, Jannette Maryann.
For the majority of rural people, agricultural activities continue to be one of their main livelihood strategies. Production of food crops is not dependent on any formally acquired knowledge of farming but is solely based on indigenous agricultural knowledge passed from generation to generation through experience and careful observations. Resource-poor farmers, especially in rural areas, follow traditional farming methods to produce their food crops and these are specifically tailored to suit their environments. Embo is located in rural KwaZulu-Natal and falls under Mkhambathini municipality. The area is characterised by small-holder farmers who are mainly Ezemvelo Farmers Organisation (EFO) members. The purpose of this study was to review the farming practices followed by farmers in respect of food crop production and secondly to understand what influences the continual practice of such farming practices among rural farming communities of Embo in KwaZulu-Natal especially the EFO farmers. The study looked at what farmers see as traditional agriculture. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used for the study. Data collection methods included participatory observations, semi structured face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. The study found that farmers are happy to follow traditional farming methods to produce their food crops. Traditional farming tools such as the hoe and animal traction are the main implements used to prepare land. Household members are the main source of farm labour with men mainly responsible for ploughing activities while the bulk of planting, weeding and harvesting activities is the responsibility of women. Cropping patterns include intercropping and crop rotation with common crops being amadumbe, beans, maize and sweet potatoes. The majority of these crops are produced for both subsistence and commercial reasons. Amadumbe is an important commercial crop produced organically. Crop protection against pests is done through traditional methods where farmers mix some concoctions made from locally available resource in order to minimise losses. Kraal manure is the main soil fertility strategy followed by farmers. Landrace seeds are the main seed type used by the farmers. Local seed sources include own production and asking from other farmers. Crops with good qualities are selected in fields and maintained as seeds, which are then stored separate from those for home consumption. Harvesting is mainly done manually and for important crops such as tubers with short shelf lives, harvested through piecemeal methods. Farmers are able to generate some income from their efforts and this contributes to local economies and household food security. Farmers value their farming methods and see their farming as efficient despite challenges. There is a need to consider developing labour support groups in order to ease the burden of labour especially by women. In view of the importance of traditional farming in the lives of rural people, it is important that agricultural scientists and extension officers take into consideration the knowledge farmers already have so as to develop technologies suitable for farmers’ environments.
Evaluation of nutritional, chemotherapeutic and educational approaches to manage gastrointestinal nematodes and improve small-scale goat farming.
(2007) Vatta, Adriano Francis.; Rijkenberg, Fredericus Hermanus Johannes.; Worth, Steven Hugh.; Harrison, Leslie J. S.
Small-scale goat farmers from south-western KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, identified gastrointestinal helminths, dry-season feed scarcity and poor reproductive performance as major production constraints and highlighted the paucity of information on goat health and management. The research and extension processes adopted to address these problems comprised on-station experimentation, followed by on-farm validation combined with the participatory dissemination of both study findings and relevant information on goat health care. The approach included the use of the FAMACHA© system to assess anaemia, a characteristic symptom of infection with the gastrointestinal nematode, Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi, 1803). On-station experimentation indicated that urea-molasses block supplementation during the dry, winter season was a cost-effective option. Unfortunately, when tested on-farm, the value of such supplementation proved inconclusive, possibly due to low block consumption and further research into alternative and palatable protein supplements for goats is suggested. However, tactical anthelmintic treatment with ivermectin effectively reduced faecal egg counts and is recommended, as is concurrent symptomatic anthelmintic treatment, as determined by the FAMACHA© system, since this practice appeared to improve reproductive capacity. Investigations to better adapt the FAMACHA© system to goats is, however, recommended. A flexible training framework was developed with the collaboration of the farmers, providing them with advice on goat health and management. This ‘hands-on’ approach encompassed regular meetings geared to the farmers’ current expertise and exploited the on-farm experimentation as a training vehicle. The process nurtured local farmer ‘champions’, strengthened the extension skills of researchers and technicians and incorporated the development of a Goatkeepers’ animal health care manual. Indications are that the use of such an approach has considerable potential for the development of goat farming. Moreover this process, which is relatively novel for South Africa, is equally applicable to other similar agro-ecological zones. Access to veterinary and agricultural inputs in areas where communal grazing is practised could be vastly improved and a case is made for universities, researchers, extensionists and farmers to collaborate to encourage the long-term sustainable development of these communities.
The outcomes of evaluating developmental projects using sustainable livelihoods approach : the case studies of Masco tutoring project and Qedidlala community garden project.
(2007) Ramashala, Malose A.; Worth, Steven Hugh.
Evaluation is an important aspect of the project cycle. The evaluation results are used to determine new strategies of the programme as well as the future of the project. However, the problem is that most conventional evaluations are seen as external intervention because they often disregard the role project participants could play in the process of evaluation. Then there is sustainable livelihoods approach which is viewed as a holistic and participatory approach. Because the sustainable livelihoods approach is people-centred; is holistic; dynamic; builds on strengths; considers macro-micro links; and considers issue of sustainability, it could provide a framework with which evaluation could be conducted. The objective of this study was to find out the outcomes of using the sustainable livelihoods approach as a tool for evaluating developmental projects. The theoretical framework for evaluating projects was designed using sustainable livelihoods and evaluation literature. The framework was tested using two projects in the area of agriculture and rural education. The research process guide was also designed and guided the process of data collection. The study has shown that the sustainable livelihoods approach could be used to evaluate developmental projects. The opportunities and the challenges of evaluating developmental projects using the sustainable livelihoods approach in each step of evaluation process were discovered. Using SL framework to define evaluation programme revealed that projects could be viewed holistically though not covering everything. However, the volume of the data collected was large and required more time to analyse. The logical framework was useful in terms of planning the evaluation programme. On the downside, the logical framework was technical and required guidance from the researcher. Establishing success indicators required the participants to negotiate the yardstick for measuring. The participants could not select data gathering methods because 1) the participants had no knowledge of the participatory methods and 2) the methods already used were not appropriate for the data collected. Reliance on participatory methods alone affected the robustness of the evaluation data collected. Thorough planning and capacity building are critical in interpretation of evaluation results follow sustainable livelihoods approach guidelines. Further studies with more representative sample and with a longer time span are needed to refine the implementation of the evaluation of developmental projects using sustainable livelihoods approach.
The socio-economic efficacy of improved wood stoves upon two non-electrified, low income peri-urban areas of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
(2009) Mabaso, McWilliam Chipeta.; Green, Jannette Maryann.
Persistent poverty, social and economic inequalities are some of the challenges in the process of national development efforts targeted in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Yet in South Africa, poverty, hunger, social and economic inequalities are still on the increase especially among poor rural to urban migrants. Because of severe poverty in rural areas, large populations of rural poor migrate to urban areas in search of better life. However, the growing energy needs in the urban areas where these people settle and their use of inefficient energy technologies negatively impact on the balance of environmental resources on which their socio-economic development depends. Efficient, affordable and environmental friendly technologies are therefore vital for improving the livelihood conditions and protecting the much needed environmental resources of the country. On the contrary, current practices presently dominating energy provision issues in South Africa are insufficient to solve the problems of socio-economic inequalities, especially for the increasing urban poor population. In addition, they are also failing to protect the environment and natural resources. Electrification of poor urban and peri-urban areas by both grid and off-grid systems through the top-down development practice is doing very little to change the socio-economic conditions of the poor section of the population in the country. Likewise, the provision of modern energy through public sector agencies such as Eskom is inadequate and inappropriate for the rapidly expanding urban and peri-urban poor areas in the country. One major reason that hinders provision of such services to the overcrowded consumer population in these areas is the massive capital investment required and inability to pay electricity bills by urban poor households. Against the above background, this study examined the use of improved wood stoves in two peri-urban areas (Umsilinga and Isnathing) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa as an alternative modern energy technology on how they would socio-economically benefit the peri-urban poor. It looked at the following: The efficiency of four improved wood stoves (Yamampera, Simunye, Household Rocket and Vesto) in comparison with the three stone open fire, The impact of the efficient burning of the four improved stoves, Factors influencing consumers in choosing a specific energy technology to use, The effectiveness of the improved wood stoves placed in 24 peri-urban households and observed for the specified period, and Additional potentials of such stoves to other prospective users. The key finding of this research is that the use of these improved wood stoves could play a pivital role in household economic growth and improving livelihoods. Participants ranked smokeless burning, low selling price, fuelwood saving and light weight of the stoves as priority preferences for using these stoves. Speed of cooking and less constant attention to the fire were also ranked as important preferences. From women participants view point, the low selling price of the stoves and their considerable fuel saving would reduce strain on the household investment capital, household indoor pollution and tedious work of women’s fuelwood collection. Low investment costs in acquiring the stoves would encourage women’s participation as entrepreneurs in modern energy technologies. However, results from focused group discussions and observations of usage of stoves that were placed in 24 homes showed that the incorporation of consumer preferences in the design of improved wood stoves would be key. This would enable stoves to adequately meet the energy needs of targeted users and be used frequently as an alternative energy solution by both urban and peri-urban poor who are currently lacking electricity and suffering from energy poverty.
Agricultural extension and natural resource management in Mozambique with particular reference to Cabo Delgado Province.
(2005) Zaqueu, Flavio Rafael.; Worth, Steven Hugh.
The Agricultural Extension, within the context of Mozambique, is an important force· towards agricultural and rural development. Practically, the agricultural policy and programme of the government is implemented through these services. Mozambique has accepted agriculture as the foundation for the development of the country given that this activity sustains the livelihoods of almost the entire population. Moreover, Mozambique is a potential natural resource country, in where, its potential ranges from terrestrial to marine resources. For the purpose of this study, natural resource management refers mainly to the adequate management of the land, water, forests and wildlife by local communities. These facts imply that if the policy goals of the government are the agricultural and the rural development, than the Agricultural Extension role must be redefined to include promoting natural resource management. A most effective way of redefining this role is through supporting the relationship between agricultural extension and natural resource management. This relationship would provide stakeholders involved in the agricultural development scenario in Mozambique with a clear picture of the environment surrounding the Agricultural Extension service for future sound decisions. The relationship between Agricultural Extension and natural resource management was investigated through a survey conducted with extension workers and farmers in Cabo Delgado province in north of Mozambique. Key informants at district, provincial and national level assisted the study. The survey results are presented as three articles submitted for publication in the South African Journal of Agricultural Extension. It became evident that the relationship between agricultural extension and natural resource management is a prerequisite for agricultural and rural development in Mozambique. Further, several limiting factors adjoined. to the policy framework in agricultural development, Agricultural Extension approaches and farmers behaviour were identified as hampering that relationship, and therefore, need to be shifted or improved.
Aligning vision and action of a landcare ethos through systematic intervention : the case of the Farmer Support Group.
(2004) Rudd, Meghan O'Neal.; Salomon, Monique Louise.
The present context of community based natural resource management is characterized by multiple stakeholder involvement, a situation that presents challenges in aligning vision for common action. A 'systemic intervention' involved the staff and stakeholders of the Farmer Support Group, a non-profit rural development organization based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The 'creative design of methods' guided inquiry in aligning vision of a Landcare ethos amongst the organization and their stakeholders, and in directing action toward the vision. Critical Systems Thinking is outlined as the framework in which the intervention methodology is encompassed. The importance of applying a broad range of environmental education methods to Landcare is established through drawing from present debates and contexts in environmental education and community based natural resource management. The 'organization as community' approach to organizational learning and development is highlighted as a means of creating synergy of purpose across staff and stakeholder boundaries. The intervention's methodology consisted of three phases: drawing out perspectives, forming a common vision in a mission statement, and developing action plans based on the mission statement. Outcomes included: identification of three schools of thought that drove perspectives on the role of environmental education in natural resource management strategies, formation of the FSG Landcare Ethos Mission Statement, which was inclusive of all stakeholder perspectives, and integration of the mission statement into FSG projects through action plans. The intervention found that aligning staff members and stakeholders in common vision and action towards developing a Landcare ethos could be accomplished through a blend of environmental education approaches that facilitate sustainable decision making by building capacity in individuals and communities in a participatory and locally relevant manner that is attentive to predominant perspectives and adaptive to change.
Marketing management strategies in roadside craft markets in Umkhanyakude municipal area, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2005) Dludla, Nontando Ladylove.; Green, Jannette Maryann.; Gordon, Lisa.
This study explored processes, marketing and management styles employed by stall holders at the roadside markets of Umkhanyakude municipal area. The first aim of the study was to find types of traditional artifacts that are commonly sold at the roadside markets. The second aim was to find out if the members of roadside markets were aware of their target market. The third aim was to uncover the marketing strategies employed and the understanding of their principles by the respondents in relation to the success with their sales. Nine roadside markets were visited out of which only seven were willing to be investigated. From each roadside market 50% of the members present at the time of research formed the sample for this study. Focus group discussions were held with the management committees. These discussions were looking at the management and policy issues followed by roadside markets when employing the marketing principles in their daily operations. The research was conducted by using personal observations of the roadside markets by the researcher, focus group discussions which involved discussions between the researcher and the management structures of the various roadside markets, attending meetings to enable a critical understanding of the level at which the markets operate, and a questionnaire that was administered to the stallholders of the seven markets. The combination of qualitative and quantitative research provided a framework of how the roadside markets operate in promoting and selling their products to customers. A questionnaire translated into Isizulu was used and the results were analyzed using the SSPS model. Findings suggested that the roadside markets have their marketing strategies of which some are basically the marketing mix and some originate from their way of life. The members of the roadside markets have a lesser understanding of the marketing strategy in relation to product development and packaging, costing and pricing, promotion and target market awareness. The management teams of the markets with an understanding of business management knowledge were instrumental in contributing to better performance of the markets. Management committees that had been exposed to capacity building and training showed better skill levels compared to those that had not had the exposure.
Marketing opportunities and constraints of indigenous handcrafters in Izinqoleni, rural KwaZulu-Natal.
(2006) Dube, End-of-Joy Silindele.; Green, Jannette Maryann.
In many cases rural crafters have had only limited exposure to the market economy and have little understanding of how it works. If the crafters are unable to market their products, then their efforts in making craft items are being wasted. It was for this reason that this study was undertaken. The study focused on indigenous handcraft (beadwork, basketry and leatherwork) owing to the fact that these kinds of crafts are widely produced in the area of Izinqoleni. The purpose of this study was to investigate the marketing opportunities of indigenous handcrafts, and highlight problems faced by crafters in Izinqoleni. To accomplish this, the study had to describe the productive functioning of individuals and group producers of indigenous handcraft, find out about the kinds of craft items produced, and understand what was required to produce crafts in sufficient quantities and appropriate quality for markets. It also had to identify such suitable markets and describe the market places in relation to access, requirements, and potential for economic returns of crafters, to identify the gaps in the relationships between present production by crafters and marketing requirements, identify the constraints on crafters and markets, and recommend remedial actions that need to be taken. For this study, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and personal observations were employed to obtain information. The target population of this study comprised of the individuals and group crafters, craft traders (formal and informal traders such as art and craft galleries, craft shops, farm stalls, Tourism Information Centre, beach/road side craft sellers) as well as the buyers of indigenous handcrafts (schools and Shembe religious groups). Ten individual crafters, two craft groups, seven informal craft traders, four formal craft traders, two schools and two Shembe groups participated in this study. The findings of this study indicated that, despite the constraints facing the crafters in Izinqoleni; both the individual and group crafters had great potential for producing marketable products, although groups had better opportunities in term of exposure to markets and other requirements than individuals. There was not a big difference between the craft items that were produced by the crafters of Izinqoleni and those that were available at the local craft outlets. The traders, however, did not obtain their goods from local crafters; they depended on the distant crafters for supply of indigenous handcrafts. Therefore, they were very positive in creating strong relationships with the local crafters, provided they conformed to the requirements of these markets. It was therefore recommended that the crafters form cooperatives so that they could become recognized and then be supported in every possible way. The Government policies should consider indigenous handcraft as a major contributor to the economy, and promote indigenous handcraft production and marketing by providing sufficient support and services.
Entrepreneurship through the Junior Achievement Botswana Programme : realities and perceptions.
(2006) Kenosi, Precious Queen.; Green, Jannette Maryann.; Garden, Lisa-Claire.
Though Botswana is regarded as one of the richer countries in Africa, it is faced with challenges experienced by other developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa such as poverty, unemployment and HIV/AIDS. Recession in the mining and agriculture sectors, which have been the pillars of the country's wealth, has caused the economy to decline. The National Development Plan 9 (NDP 9 2003/4-2008/9) is a five year national development plan for Botswana that states that 36.7% of the populace have incomes below the poverty datum line. Entrenched in the nation's Vision 2016 statement are two development goals aimed at poverty reduction; to create sustainable jobs and to develop human resources. The Botswana government has thus earmarked the promotion of small, medium and micro-enterprises as one of the measures to reduce poverty. This shift to self-employment would help create much needed jobs, contribute to the economy and improve the quality of life of the Batswana. The government's efforts alone will not suffice in this predicament. It needs the assistance of all stakeholders including the private sector and the general public. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether the Junior Achievement Botswana Programme is an effective programme for equipping the youth in Botswana with business skills with the hope that they would in turn establish businesses in their communities. The study focused on exploring the perceptions of the trainees/learners in the programme to establish if they felt that the training gave them the necessary knowledge and skills to boost their confidence and motivation to plan, start up and sustain business ventures. The perceptions of teachers and trainers involved in the delivery of the programme were also sought to establish the programme's strengths and challenges and to suggest how the programme could be improved. The study also employed an entrepreneurial test to determine whether the programme attracted teachers and students who have the desired characteristics for business. At the heart of this study was an attempt to articulate the role of education and training in preparing the youth for self-employment. Data was collected using both quantitative and qualitative data collection strategies. The data was analysed descriptively as well deriving themes and meanings. The study found out that the JAB is a good and informative programme that inspires the youth and instils confidence in them to believe that they have gained knowledge and skills required to be engaged in viable business ventures. They felt particularly confident about market research, production and marketing components of running businesses. However, the study also found out that the programme has deficiencies such as insufficient preparation of its trainees to access and manage finances, inability to develop networks for support especially once the students have left schools and are no longer under the comforting guidance of the programme facilitators. In addition, the study realised that the programme seems to overlook the role of monitoring, follow up, evaluation, networking and mentoring in training for entrepreneurship. Issues pertaining to partnerships and public relations also surfaced in the study. On the whole, the respondents in the study found the programme enjoyable and worthwhile and wished it could be extended to many others. The study also found that the desired characteristics for business as identified by the entrepreneurship test administered were possessed by fewer than 20 percent of the students and teachers. This may also have contributed to the low numbers of people who went on to start their own businesses.
Factors influencing smallholders participation in agricultural markets in Southern Niassa, Mozambique.
(2005) Lukangu, Gastao.; Green, Jannette Maryann.; Worth, Steven Hugh.; Greenfield, Peter L.
Government, donors and NGOs in southern Niassa have been, after the 1992 peace agreement, extensively involved in agricultural development programmes to improve smallholders' food security. A study of the area and literature review revealed that many factors limited the benefits of agricultural market development programmes. Yet, opportunities in southern Niassa suggested that appropriately designed programmes could improve the standard of living of smallholders if these programmes were designed on a solid understanding of factors and strategies influencing agricultural market participation by smallholders. The main research hypothesis of this study was that: smallholders would participate in agricultural markets when their wealth status was high, when they had enough available household labour and when cash crops were profitable." Four main hypotheses were investigated: (i) factors and strategies identified through smallholder perceptions would provide local and time specific information on the constraints and solutions to smallholder market participation; (ii) wealth status and wealth-ranking factors were positively related to market participation where agriculture was the main economic activity as in southern Niassa; (iii) labour aspects such as crop labour requirements (CLR) could be negatively related, while available household labour (AHL) and the ratio AHL/CLR could be positively related to smallholders cultivation of cash crops and subsequent participation in agricultural markets; and (iv) aspects of profitability and indicators could be used to predict smallholder cash crop preferences. Data for this study were collected in Cuamba district of Mozambique from nine focus group discussions (FGDs) with community leaders, 287 household-head questionnaires and staff interviews during September 2002. Nine villages were randomly selected. The leaders' FGDs provided the criteria utilised to rank households according to wealth status and much of the qualitative information of this study. The wealth-ranking tool was used to identify and analyse the socio-economic factors that influenced smallholder market participation. A follow-up interview of managers of promoting institutions also provided greater insight on some aspects raised by smallholders. The study employed (i) descriptive statistics such as means and frequencies; (ii) correlation analysis and standard scores (iii) qualitative analysis was also used for some wealth-ranking, perceived labour demand and aspects of profitability influencing cash crop cultivation, preference and market participation based on information from FGD, farmers and staff; and (iv) simple mathematical expressions for analysis and interpretation of the research findings. This study relied on perceptions, knowledge and experience of smallholders, leaders and leaders of promoting institutions. Smallholder-suggested factors and strategies were in line with the limitations of socio-economic characteristics such as low effective household labour, particularly for females. These strategies included an improvement in outputs and inputs markets, agricultural services and credit at a subsidised prices or low interest rates. Other strategies for improving smallholders' participation in agricultural markets included promotion of profitable cash crops, household food security, provision of extension support services and information about cultivation and agricultural markets. However, smallholders did not identify some factors that have been acknowledged to influence agricultural market participation: ecological and natural resources, policies, institutional infrastructures and physical infrastructures. Smallholders also did not mention socio-economic factors (except household labour) as influencing their decisions to participate in agricultural markets in spite of the fact that researchers assume these factors in almost every study on smallholder market participation. The findings of this research confirmed that a wealth-ranking tool could be used to identify the socio-economic factors affecting smallholders' participation in agricultural markets. The identified wealth-ranking factors such as labour, livestock number, implements and bicycles significantly correlated with wealth status and subsequently to smallholder agricultural market participation. Conversely, household socio-economic characteristics not indicated as wealth-ranking factors such as age and gender related poorly to market participation. The wealth-ranking tool could also be used to identify strategies for improving smallholder participation in agricultural markets, and to evaluate an agricultural market development programme. The study found that, other factors being held constant, CLRs were negatively related to market participation. Weeding was the most labour intensive operation followed by harvesting, soil preparation, transportation, land clearing and seedling preparation. It also found that AHL and the ratio AHL/CLR were positive and significantly related to market participation. The ratio AHL/CLR together with household consumption requirements and yield were used to estimate the total area a household could cultivate, both for food crops for consumption and for cash crops; the proportion of farmers likely to participate in the market; and those unable to cultivate enough for consumption. The research also confirmed that profitability-related aspects correlated to cash crop preferences. Yield was the most important factor that influenced smallholders' preference for cash crops. It was also found that indicators incorporating more aspects of profitability correlated strongly with cash crop preferences. The correlation increased as more aspects were incorporated. A crop, such as tobacco, with a profit of more than twice the profit for food cash crops was preferred more than food cash crops. The indicators and underlying aspects of profitability were used to interpret the current and projected cash crop preference.
Coping strategies of low-income households in relation to HIV/AIDS and food security.
(2005) Lushaba, Vusumuzi.; Green, Jannette Maryann.
The purpose of this study was to investigate coping strategies employed by low-income households of Sweetwaters KwaZulu-Natal, who have members who are infected with HIV in ensuring food security when dealing with HIV/AIDS. This study was based on households who have members living openly with HIV/AIDS and who were members of a support group of HIV positive people. This study was conducted between July 2003 and June 2004. Focus group meetings were conducted with a support group of 26 members (Philani Support Group). Questionnaires, group discussions and observations were used to collect data from households. In order for the study to investigate coping strategies, the following sub-problems were investigated to measure changes before and after illness or death in household: changes in finances, changes in food habits, social aspect of studied household which included infrastructure (housing, roads, water, sanitation and energy); external and internal support. There were no major differences in coping strategies, but the structure, resources and size of households informed their coping strategies. Food was the centre of all activities of households. As the ability of the household to produce food or earn income decreased, the need for food increased. Government social grants have been shown to be the main resource for coping (they enabled households to cope or survive). It is recommended that low-income households affected by HIV/AIDS and totally dependent on grants should be helped not to develop a dependency syndrome by implementing strategies that will encourage active participation and deal with passiveness that exists within low-income households of Sweetwaters affected by HIV/AIDS. As this study indicates that there are no resources on which concerned households depend, it suggests a greater need for capital to boost the household and strategies for households to be able to sustain themselves.
Performance of income generating-projects supported by Botswana National Literacy Programme.
(2006) Motiki, Antoinette Tsheboeng.; Green, Jannette Maryann.; Land, Sandra Jane.
The Botswana National Literacy Programme (BNLP) was officially launched in 1981 as a major adult literacy initiative. Literacy was in this case defined as reading, writing and calculating. However, experience over the years of implementation showed that provision of the 3Rs is not enough but literacy needs to be made functional in order to be useful to the learners in their daily lives. Income generating projects were therefore introduced to the National literacy programme as a way of making literacy functional. It has been realized however that the BNLP supported income generating projects are failing or not doing well. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the performance of income generating projects supported by BNLP in relation to projects meeting member' objectives, group dynamics, economic growth, members' health status, commitment to the projects, use of literacy skills in running the projects, conducting feasibility studies before embarking on income-generating projects, business management, availability of start up finance and follow up. Hypotheses of this study stated that the BNLP-supported income generating projects are failing because of projects not satisfying members' needs, group disputes among group members, lack of growth, ill health lack of members' commitment to the projects, inappropriate literacy curriculum, inadequate feasibility studies before starting the projects, business management, lack of finance and lack of follow up after training. The methodologies used for this study were participatory and survey research. Qualitative strategies were employed using focus group discussions, force field analysis, observations and questionnaires. Stratified random sampling, was employed to select the sampled population often operating and ten non-operating income-generating projects in the South East, Southern and Northern regions of Botswana. Purposive sampling was employed to select all twelve trainers of the income generating projects within the same regions. The results of this study were analysed using SPSS 11.5, and manual inspection. The results of this study supported this hypothesis to a great extent in that causes of failure of the projects were because the personal objectives of project members were not met, there was a problem of group disputes among members, ill health of some members was affecting their production, literacy skills learnt in literacy and income generating skills provided by BNLP were not adequate to be used in the running of the project and business skills are taught separately from the basic literacy skills of reading and writing and numeracy. Feasibility studies were not conducted before embarking on income generating projects and there was mismanagement of the projects. Inadequate follow up was also seen to be one of the contributory factors to the failure of projects. Hypothesis of this study was also partially rejected in a sense that, the results showed that almost all the projects received some grants to start their projects and therefore start up finances were not a problem but rather a problem of shortage of funds for expansion, Lack of ensuring sustainability of projects was due to mismanagement of the funds by the office bearers and mostly LGLs. Recommendations of this study directed to income generating-project members included settling group disputes, conducting feasibility studies, embarking on relevant projects individually or as groups. Policy recommendations included support of individual and group projects, running a pilot project where appropriate literacy needs of the piloted projects will be provided, involvement of the participants in decision-making concerning their projects and curriculum. The policy recommendation included ensuring that funds are only given to viable projects and literacy curriculum is relevant to the running of income generating projects to ensure sustainability. Recommendations for further studies included BNLP conducting an in-depth study to establish the prospects and problems of group approach in income generating activities, investigate the level of skills that the BNLP supported income-generating projects and their trainers possess and their specific needs for skills development and lastly evaluate the training materials used in both literacy classes and income-generation training to get more insight on what is lacking, and how this could be improved.
Contribution of assets, group management, benefits and community support to the success of Maphephethe rural women's groups.
(2006) Mungai, Esther Wanjiku.; Green, Jannette Maryann.
Women play a major role in development especially with the increasing numbers of female headed households in Africa. Today more than ever, the poor, the majority of whom are women, face the challenge of creating new survival mechanisms within their communities. One of these mechanisms that the rural women of Maphephethe, (like their counter parts in other parts of Africa) have created is the formation of welfare groups which undertake various activities for income generation. This is to enable the women to meet their basic needs. However success of these groups depends on various factors such as access to assets. Women by virtue of their gender lack access to assets and they operate within structures of inequality which discriminate and deny them equal opportunities to participate in development. Maphephethe is located in the rural KwaZulu-Natal midlands, in the Ndwedwe district. The area like many parts of rural KwaZulu-Natal is characterised by poor social and physical infrastructure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of assets, group management, constraints, benefits and community support to the success of Maphephethe women's groups. The study therefore looked at how the groups functioned, the constraints faced, the benefits derived from group participation and the way the community perceived these groups. All these factors were looked at in relation to success. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were used for this study. These were observation, focus groups, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques, de Wet Schutte P-Index, semi-structured interviews and in-depth interviews with key informants who were leaders of the groups. The study found that successful groups were of mixed gender, accessed more assets, undertook more activities and functioned better. These groups also had higher education levels than those which were less successful and were also perceived more favourably by the outsiders. Education and asset access were crucial factors to the success of women's groups. The members of successful groups were more committed, had a higher sense of belonging and realised more income from their groups. This study summed up crucial factors for success of women's groups as access to assets, diversified activities, high education levels, good management, committed members, community support, networking, and realisation of incomes by group members. The ability of the rural women's groups to participate effectively in their development activities is constrained by illiteracy (which results to poor management) and other factors such as lack of capital and information. In view of the constraints, it is recommended that development agencies create links with these groups to understand the effects of their collective action in the area. There is a dire need for capital to improve the women's activities, training of all the group members on issues ranging from group dynamics, basic education and skills. Literacy training could be combined with income generating activities. Development efforts need to begin by taking full stock of women's perceived claims, goals, motivations, constraints and resources they identify in their context
Local governance and traditional leadership : a case study of Umgungundlovu, Umzinyathi, Uthukela, and Amajuba Districts in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2008) Ndlela, Rejoice Nomusa.; Green, Jannette Maryann.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
The purpose of this study was to examine aspects of rural local governance within the democratic local government system in the Umgungundlovu, Umzinyathi, Uthukela and Amajuba districts of KwaZulu-Natal. This study could feed into the management and policy making systems of the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs of the Province. It would also inform a practical traditional administration centre model. It also intends to provoke a debate on issues of rural local governance in particular within the democratic local government system in South Africa. The study looked at the evolution of the institution of traditional leadership over the years. Policy issues with regard to the functioning and structuring of traditional leadership institutions in local governance were used as a basis for this discussion. Different items of legislation relating to local government and traditional leadership in South Africa generally and in KwaZulu-Natal in particular were analysed to give insight into the issues of rural local governance. It was found that traditional leaders have always worked hand in hand with government and that the government has and still is making deliberate efforts to keep traditional leadership under its control by paying their salaries and controlling all processes and systems in the functioning of traditional authorities. National and Provincial policies were found to be giving government (both National and Provincial) too much discretionary powers regarding the roles and functions of traditional leaders. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs (DLGTA) had transformed tribal courts into Traditional Administration Centres (TACs) in line with the government's call to bring government services closer to the people. There are sixty four TACs in the Umgungundlovu, Umzinyathi, Uthukela and Amajuba districts of KwaZulu-Natal. This study reviews the level of functionality of these TACs over a period of 6 months. The activities of all TACs were monitored and recorded daily for the duration of the study. The study revealed that the TACs were generally not being used to their full potential. A combination of well equipped centres coupled with motivated and committed support staff is crucial for the effective functioning of TACs. The study also looked at different community centre models and compared them with the traditional administration centre model to help develop a practical traditional administration centre model. The study further recommends that TACs be linked to the Multipurpose Community Centres (MPCCs) either as extensions or satellites thereof. In terms of ownership, it is recommended that TACs be handed over to the local municipalities in order to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability thereof. As part of rural local governance, the study also investigated synergistic partnerships between the institution of traditional leadership and municipalities. This was done through focus group discussions with government officials, traditional councils, municipal councillors and community members. The focus group discussions also revealed the level of understanding on the roles of traditional councils and municipal councillors by different groupings i.e. government officials, traditional councils, municipal councillors and community members. The study concludes that conflict between traditional leaders and municipal councillors is inevitable and that it is difficult but not impossible to form functional linkages between the two. South Africa has seen remarkable improvements in the transformation of the institution of traditional leadership in terms of composition, functions and legal manifestations. There is a reasonable understanding on the roles of municipal councillors but traditional councils seemed not to be clear about their roles and policy issues in general. Many subjects believed that direct intervention by National and Provincial governments was desirable if sound local governance was to be attained. The study also recommends that agency agreements be entered into between traditional councils and municipalities and between traditional councils and provincial governments to allow traditional councils to perform certain functions on behalf of government departments and municipalities.
African fungus-growing termites and other insects for human and poultry nutrition.
(2004) Moore, Alexander Jackson.; Rijkenberg, Fredericus Hermanus Johannes.; Miller, Raymond Martin.
Food insecurity can contribute to the advancement of diseases such as growth stunting and HIV/AIDS. A holistic approach to addressing food insecurity includes reviewing local resources; including indigenous food stuffs. Six studies investigate the potential of insect nutrition to meet dietary needs in rural South Africa. A novel trapping method for Trinervitermes sp. is examined by parameters of time, sustainability and bait used. Local grass (Themeda triandra Forssk.) seemed to be the most effective bait, being significantly more attractive than loose mound soil (p=0.01), wet maize stalks (p=0.01) or cardboard (p=0.05). The trapping device was demonstrated as an effective tool in assessing the feeding preferences of Trinervitermes sp., which compete directly with cattle for grazing food resources. The chemical composition of Macrotermes natalensis alates (winged, wingless and fried), soldiers, and Odontotermes sp. alates (wingless) was determined. Alates were rich in fat, ranging between 49.2-60.6% (dry matter basis). The protein content ofM natalensis and Odontotermes sp. alates compared favourably to pork and chicken. Alates were high in glutamic, aspartic and alanine amino acids and low in methionine, serine and threonine. Amino acid digestion for broiler chickens was high, ranging between 87.6-96.1%. In an era where rural and urban cultures are rapidly merging, entomophagy may be discarded as an embarrassment or nonsensical practice. The high nutritional content of M natalensis and Odontotermes sp. should be publicised both to increase the awareness of their high quality as a food source for both poultry and human consumption and to avoid the abandonment of cultural practices that make sense.
The impact of Botswana international trade fair on informal small scale clothing producers.
(2007) Selwe, Milane Kgalanyana.; Green, Jannette Maryann.
Micro and small businesses have become a contributor to both reduction of unemployment and to national development. The informal small scale clothing producers in Botswana have been supported by government through policies directed towards poverty alleviation and employment creation. Despite the government's efforts of availing financial assistance, technical expertise, promotional and marketing support, the informal small scale clothing producers do not seem to be utilising these for full benefit. Participation of the informal small scale clothing producers at Botswana International Trade Fair was expected to provide them with avenues for long term benefits through marketing their products and learning. The purpose of this study was to establish the impact of Botswana International Trade Fair on the informal small scale clothing producers. The informal small scale clothing producers have had assistance and access to promoting their products for a considerable time, with not much change in the market share and quantities of production. The challenges facing these informal small scale clothing producers has been to utilise BITF for competing with local and regional producers in providing quality products; to increase production for meeting the demands of the market; to increase profits, and expand businesses to reduce unemployment. Purposive sampling was used to select participating informal small scale clothing producers and council Home Economists while the· independent small scale exhibitors were conveniently sampled during the 2006 trade fair. Seventeen informal small scale clothing producers from the eastern part of Botswana were interviewed to establish impacts from participating at the trade fair. One producer who h-ad won most prizes at the trade fair was interviewed for a different perspective in production strategies employed. Fifteen council Home Economists, acting as liaison and change agents for the informal small scale clothing pmducers, also participated in the survey and focus group discussions. Two case studies were developed fmm in-depth interviews with independent small scale exhibitors to ascertain impact brought about by BITF on these producers. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in collecting data. The results were analysed in terms of frequencies and chi-square relationships. Great similarities were found to exist between the three samples. The results revealed that there was adequate knowledge about BITF on the informal small scale clothing producers, as weil as with council Home Economists and the independent small scale exhibitors. The three groups understood the objectives of BITF to be mostly educational and followed by promotion. All the groups reported noticeable impact to be growth in the number of customers, increase in production, increase in assets, improvement in quality of products and addition of newly developed products. Perceptions of the three groups on the benefits from BITF matched what they experienced as result of participation at the trade fair. The producers on the other hand experienced a decline in the number of employees while the independent small scale exhibitors had an increase. For utmost benefit of BITF, the producers have to. strengthen their marketing strategies, during and outside the trade fair. There is need for the producers to take initiatives to secure their own stalls for participation during the trade fair as individuals or jointly with other producers. Producers could benefit more from using funding from government for promotion of products. Home Economists should support self representation by the producers so that they directly learn from participation and eventually wean off continued support from government. For monitoring and planning purposes, a national data base for micro and informal small scale clothing producers should be kept by the Department of Social Services. Benchmarking on involving micro and small scale businesses in training is essential, and establishment of local markets for continued contact with customers could expand producers' knowledge in production.

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