Unleashing the nexus between climate change and food security in rural South Africa: role of three community radio stations in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Bamigboye, Foluke Bosede
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Food security , South Africa -- Rural conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27325 , vital:66939
- Description: This study investigates the role of Forte FM, Mdantsane FM and Rhodes Music Community Radios in disseminating the different kinds of messages on the nexus between the impacts of climate change and food security in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Therefore, the study aims to investigate how these community radio stations play their informative, educative and entertainment roles regarding climate change and food security awareness programmes to their listeners. The study employed the qualitative research approach and convenience, and non-probability samplings techniques were subsequently used to select samples for this study. In-depth interviews were conducted individually for Forte FM, Mdantsane FM and Rhodes Music community radio programme managers respectively, who serve as the key informants. One focus group discussion each was held with residents of Golf Course, Mdantsane and Grahamstown areas where these radio stations broadcast from, with eight participants in each focus group. The total number of participants for the focus group discussions was 24 participants. The collected data were coded into themes using NVivo 12 software to generate the theme nodes and case nodes as key findings, analysis and then interpreted. The findings of this study confirmed that these three community radio stations do contribute to climate change communication through their programmes that focus on climate change and food security related issues. Another vital finding from the study showed that listeners do benefit immensely from these climate change and food security related programmes of the under-study community radio stations. Hence, listeners physical, social, and cognitive well-being of their climatic environment have been greatly impacted. In the same vein, the findings of this study further revealed that the rural communities who are mostly affected by the impacts of climate change on food security have been well informed and enlightened on the suitable ways to enhance a sustainable food security and climate adaptation system through Forte FM, Mdantsane FM, and Rhodes Music community radio stations. Significantly, this study has been able to come up with two suggested models and the conceptual frameworks, which are the Local Action Adaptive Communication (LAAC) Model and the Indigenous Behavioral Change Conceptual (IBCC) Model. These models are focused on increasing listeners interests, adaptation, and behavioral change on climate change issues. The models are also aimed at ensuring better climate change and food security communication Author. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Bamigboye, Foluke Bosede
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Food security , South Africa -- Rural conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27325 , vital:66939
- Description: This study investigates the role of Forte FM, Mdantsane FM and Rhodes Music Community Radios in disseminating the different kinds of messages on the nexus between the impacts of climate change and food security in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Therefore, the study aims to investigate how these community radio stations play their informative, educative and entertainment roles regarding climate change and food security awareness programmes to their listeners. The study employed the qualitative research approach and convenience, and non-probability samplings techniques were subsequently used to select samples for this study. In-depth interviews were conducted individually for Forte FM, Mdantsane FM and Rhodes Music community radio programme managers respectively, who serve as the key informants. One focus group discussion each was held with residents of Golf Course, Mdantsane and Grahamstown areas where these radio stations broadcast from, with eight participants in each focus group. The total number of participants for the focus group discussions was 24 participants. The collected data were coded into themes using NVivo 12 software to generate the theme nodes and case nodes as key findings, analysis and then interpreted. The findings of this study confirmed that these three community radio stations do contribute to climate change communication through their programmes that focus on climate change and food security related issues. Another vital finding from the study showed that listeners do benefit immensely from these climate change and food security related programmes of the under-study community radio stations. Hence, listeners physical, social, and cognitive well-being of their climatic environment have been greatly impacted. In the same vein, the findings of this study further revealed that the rural communities who are mostly affected by the impacts of climate change on food security have been well informed and enlightened on the suitable ways to enhance a sustainable food security and climate adaptation system through Forte FM, Mdantsane FM, and Rhodes Music community radio stations. Significantly, this study has been able to come up with two suggested models and the conceptual frameworks, which are the Local Action Adaptive Communication (LAAC) Model and the Indigenous Behavioral Change Conceptual (IBCC) Model. These models are focused on increasing listeners interests, adaptation, and behavioral change on climate change issues. The models are also aimed at ensuring better climate change and food security communication Author. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Use of flow reactors for an improved synthesis of Tenofovir derivatives
- Authors: Sonti, Thembela
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Antiviral agents -- South Africa , HIV infections –Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61190 , vital:69792
- Description: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a prescription drug used to treat and prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It aids in the reduction of HIV in the body, allowing the immune system to function more effectively. This reduces the risk of HIV complications, such as infections, whilst improving the quality of life. TDF belongs to the nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors category of drugs. These drugs limit the ability of the reverse transcriptase, an enzyme essential for each virus to replicate itself. A reduction in the cost of HIV treatment could improve supply security and make it more accessible to patients in need. Thus, this project aims to use flow technology to achieve a guaranteed supply chain and access. In this thesis, a method for the synthesis of TDF was developed using microreactors starting from the readily available adenine. The method was adapted from the traditional batch synthesis as currently there is no literature on the synthesis of TDF in flow chemistry. The batch methods used for the synthesis of the working standards were successfully translated to flow systems. For the best results to be obtained, optimisation of the reaction temperature, reagent molar equivalents and concentration was critical. From the optimisation studies, an improvement in conversion is evident throughout all stages. The flow synthesis of the first intermediate resulted in a conversion of 100 % in N,N-dimethylformamide in 6 min residence time. This study was conducted at 200 °C, which is higher than the boiling point of the solvent with the aid of a back pressure regulator. A key reagent in the synthesis of tenofovir, namely ((tosyloxy)methyl)phosphonic acid, had to be synthesised and it was successfully produced in 96 % yield. The second intermediate was synthesised through a successful coupling reaction between (R)-9-(2-hydroxypropyl)adenine and ((tosyloxy)methyl)- phosphonic acid, which afforded a 100 % conversion of tenofovir in 20 min total residence time. The multistep synthesis of tenofovir was a success as it afforded a 65 % overall conversion. The prodrug TDF was successfully synthesised at 120 °C with a 30 min residence time, yielding a conversion of 100 %. ii | P a g e This thesis consists of four chapters. Chapter one describes the background on HIV and a literature review on HIV drugs. This chapter also demonstrates flow chemistry and microreactors in detail and different routes for the synthesis of TDF in traditional batch methods. Chapter two provides a detailed methodology for batch synthesis and flow synthesis with analytical data. 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and FTIR spectroscopy was used to evaluate all the compounds synthesised in this chapter. Chapter three thoroughly discusses the results that were obtained graphically, showing that the flow synthesis gives better yields than batch synthesis. In chapter 4, the conclusion of the whole investigation is stated along with the future work for the preparation of TDF. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Sonti, Thembela
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Antiviral agents -- South Africa , HIV infections –Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61190 , vital:69792
- Description: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a prescription drug used to treat and prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. It aids in the reduction of HIV in the body, allowing the immune system to function more effectively. This reduces the risk of HIV complications, such as infections, whilst improving the quality of life. TDF belongs to the nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors category of drugs. These drugs limit the ability of the reverse transcriptase, an enzyme essential for each virus to replicate itself. A reduction in the cost of HIV treatment could improve supply security and make it more accessible to patients in need. Thus, this project aims to use flow technology to achieve a guaranteed supply chain and access. In this thesis, a method for the synthesis of TDF was developed using microreactors starting from the readily available adenine. The method was adapted from the traditional batch synthesis as currently there is no literature on the synthesis of TDF in flow chemistry. The batch methods used for the synthesis of the working standards were successfully translated to flow systems. For the best results to be obtained, optimisation of the reaction temperature, reagent molar equivalents and concentration was critical. From the optimisation studies, an improvement in conversion is evident throughout all stages. The flow synthesis of the first intermediate resulted in a conversion of 100 % in N,N-dimethylformamide in 6 min residence time. This study was conducted at 200 °C, which is higher than the boiling point of the solvent with the aid of a back pressure regulator. A key reagent in the synthesis of tenofovir, namely ((tosyloxy)methyl)phosphonic acid, had to be synthesised and it was successfully produced in 96 % yield. The second intermediate was synthesised through a successful coupling reaction between (R)-9-(2-hydroxypropyl)adenine and ((tosyloxy)methyl)- phosphonic acid, which afforded a 100 % conversion of tenofovir in 20 min total residence time. The multistep synthesis of tenofovir was a success as it afforded a 65 % overall conversion. The prodrug TDF was successfully synthesised at 120 °C with a 30 min residence time, yielding a conversion of 100 %. ii | P a g e This thesis consists of four chapters. Chapter one describes the background on HIV and a literature review on HIV drugs. This chapter also demonstrates flow chemistry and microreactors in detail and different routes for the synthesis of TDF in traditional batch methods. Chapter two provides a detailed methodology for batch synthesis and flow synthesis with analytical data. 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and FTIR spectroscopy was used to evaluate all the compounds synthesised in this chapter. Chapter three thoroughly discusses the results that were obtained graphically, showing that the flow synthesis gives better yields than batch synthesis. In chapter 4, the conclusion of the whole investigation is stated along with the future work for the preparation of TDF. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Validation and adaptation of statistical models based on the SAPS III score to predict in-hospital mortality in a South African ICU
- Authors: Pazi, Sisa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Statistics – South Africa , Mortality – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61360 , vital:70602
- Description: In-hospital mortality prediction remains an important task in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). In particular, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential to describe case-mix, for research and clinical auditing purposes. Furthermore, in settings with limited hospital resources (e.g beds) such as the South African public health care system, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential for resource allocation and to inform local patient triage guidelines. Commonly used models for prediction of in-hospital mortality in ICU patients includes, but not limited to, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III). The SAPS III model was developed in 2005. Notably, the SAPS III model was developed without data collected from African based hospitals. Given the general application of the SAPS III model, including benchmarking and quality control, the development of such a model based on local data is of paramount importance. To this end, this study developed a model for prediction of in-hospital mortality based on data collected in a hospital in South Africa. Logistic regression modelling was used to develop the proposed mortality risk assessment model. The results indicated that the proposed model exhibited superior discrimination and classification abilities compared to the SAPS III model. Future research includes the external validation of the proposed model in different hospitals in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Pazi, Sisa
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Police -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Statistics – South Africa , Mortality – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61360 , vital:70602
- Description: In-hospital mortality prediction remains an important task in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). In particular, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential to describe case-mix, for research and clinical auditing purposes. Furthermore, in settings with limited hospital resources (e.g beds) such as the South African public health care system, the estimated in-hospital mortality risk is essential for resource allocation and to inform local patient triage guidelines. Commonly used models for prediction of in-hospital mortality in ICU patients includes, but not limited to, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III). The SAPS III model was developed in 2005. Notably, the SAPS III model was developed without data collected from African based hospitals. Given the general application of the SAPS III model, including benchmarking and quality control, the development of such a model based on local data is of paramount importance. To this end, this study developed a model for prediction of in-hospital mortality based on data collected in a hospital in South Africa. Logistic regression modelling was used to develop the proposed mortality risk assessment model. The results indicated that the proposed model exhibited superior discrimination and classification abilities compared to the SAPS III model. Future research includes the external validation of the proposed model in different hospitals in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Viability of government funded broiler production : lessons from Northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
- Mdletshe, Sifiso Themba Clement https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2668-0193
- Authors: Mdletshe, Sifiso Themba Clement https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2668-0193
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens) -- Economic aspects , Broilers (Poultry) , Broilers (Chickens) -- Breeding
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27843 , vital:69947
- Description: Generally, rural areas continue to experience high poverty levels and low incomes, which seem to be occasioned by high unemployment rates, limited educational attainments, and devastating floods and droughts. This situation is further exacerbated by increase in crime rates, making livelihoods even more difficult. To mitigate such adverse situations, rural households employ diverse strategies, including maintaining community gardens, one-home-one-garden schemes, as well as livestock and poultry production. The most prevalent livelihood strategy in South Africa or KwaZulu-Natal is broiler production, since it needs less space and a short production cycle compared to other livestock or crop enterprises. At the same time, income is generated over a short period. Besides, the government of KwaZulu Natal has actively intervened in the sector as part of its broader poverty reduction strategy and farmer support programmes. In KwaZulu-Natal Province, the provincial government has been supporting broiler producers for many years. While substantial research work has been done in the province on livelihood strategies, including livestock production on a province-wide basis, there is no information about how successful the broiler production funded by the government has being. Broader concerns about production problems have not been assuaged based on systematic studies and evidence. It is this wise that this study was initiated. The objective is to assess the economic viability of government-funded small-scale broiler projects in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa and determine the implications for poverty reduction and food security. Data were collected from the government-funded small-scale broiler producers that are residing in Northern KwaZulu-Natal districts uThungulu, Zululand and uMkhanyakude. A total of 75 small-scale broiler projects 25 broiler projects in each district were selected by probability sampling procedure for the interviews. Questionnaires that combined both close-ended and open-ended questions were used to collect primary data, which include production and marketing, as well as the factors that influence the profitability of the small-scale broiler projects. After collection, data were captured and encoded on spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software version 26 and STATA for analyses. Descriptive statistics applied include frequencies and means. In addition, a gross margin (GM) and gross profit margin (GPM) analysis were employed to assess the profitability of government-funded small-scale broiler projects. Both profitability and gross margin analyses were used as proxies for farmers’ motivation and incentives to participate in broiler production. Further analyses were conducted to determine the model that best explains the underlying relationships. Initially, the Multiple Linear Regression Model was applied to determine the factors influencing the profitability of government-funded small-scale broiler projects. The indication was that while positive profits were revealed, the system seemed to fall short of its potential. In light of that, it was decided to fit another model to estimate the technical efficiency of the system and gain an understanding of the causes of any inefficiency that might exist in the production system. In that regard, the one-step Stochastic Frontier Model was employed to show that the technical efficiency of broiler production systems in the project area was positively and significantly influenced by flock size, the quantity of feeds and labour costs, while medication played no role possibly because of weak extension coverage. An inefficiency model fitted as part of the one-step model suggested that age, gender and educational level were significant influencers of technical inefficiency, with the possibility that the older the farmers, the more technically inefficient the system possibly because of the strenuousness of commercial poultry production. In addition, it was found that the more educated the farmer, the less inefficient the farm, which conversely means that the system becomes more efficient as the farmer receives more education. The negative coefficient of the gender variable also implies that for farms managed by female farmers, the system was less inefficient, which is more technically efficient, and this can be explained by women’s propensity to be more gentle, caring and sensitive in managing the chickens than their male counterparts. Heteroskedasticity tests and corrections were conducted in the one-step estimation technique to show that variations in the inefficiency term (μ) and the stochastic error term were explained by age and educational level for the most part. Clearly, improvements in the broiler industry in KwaZulu-Natal will depend to a large extent on the knowledge and experience of the farmers and substantial enlargement of the flock size of adequately fed birds. Attention to these elements is expected to have important practical implications for sustainable broiler poultry development and food security in the project area, as well as locations possessing identical features and characteristics. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Mdletshe, Sifiso Themba Clement https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2668-0193
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens) -- Economic aspects , Broilers (Poultry) , Broilers (Chickens) -- Breeding
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27843 , vital:69947
- Description: Generally, rural areas continue to experience high poverty levels and low incomes, which seem to be occasioned by high unemployment rates, limited educational attainments, and devastating floods and droughts. This situation is further exacerbated by increase in crime rates, making livelihoods even more difficult. To mitigate such adverse situations, rural households employ diverse strategies, including maintaining community gardens, one-home-one-garden schemes, as well as livestock and poultry production. The most prevalent livelihood strategy in South Africa or KwaZulu-Natal is broiler production, since it needs less space and a short production cycle compared to other livestock or crop enterprises. At the same time, income is generated over a short period. Besides, the government of KwaZulu Natal has actively intervened in the sector as part of its broader poverty reduction strategy and farmer support programmes. In KwaZulu-Natal Province, the provincial government has been supporting broiler producers for many years. While substantial research work has been done in the province on livelihood strategies, including livestock production on a province-wide basis, there is no information about how successful the broiler production funded by the government has being. Broader concerns about production problems have not been assuaged based on systematic studies and evidence. It is this wise that this study was initiated. The objective is to assess the economic viability of government-funded small-scale broiler projects in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa and determine the implications for poverty reduction and food security. Data were collected from the government-funded small-scale broiler producers that are residing in Northern KwaZulu-Natal districts uThungulu, Zululand and uMkhanyakude. A total of 75 small-scale broiler projects 25 broiler projects in each district were selected by probability sampling procedure for the interviews. Questionnaires that combined both close-ended and open-ended questions were used to collect primary data, which include production and marketing, as well as the factors that influence the profitability of the small-scale broiler projects. After collection, data were captured and encoded on spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software version 26 and STATA for analyses. Descriptive statistics applied include frequencies and means. In addition, a gross margin (GM) and gross profit margin (GPM) analysis were employed to assess the profitability of government-funded small-scale broiler projects. Both profitability and gross margin analyses were used as proxies for farmers’ motivation and incentives to participate in broiler production. Further analyses were conducted to determine the model that best explains the underlying relationships. Initially, the Multiple Linear Regression Model was applied to determine the factors influencing the profitability of government-funded small-scale broiler projects. The indication was that while positive profits were revealed, the system seemed to fall short of its potential. In light of that, it was decided to fit another model to estimate the technical efficiency of the system and gain an understanding of the causes of any inefficiency that might exist in the production system. In that regard, the one-step Stochastic Frontier Model was employed to show that the technical efficiency of broiler production systems in the project area was positively and significantly influenced by flock size, the quantity of feeds and labour costs, while medication played no role possibly because of weak extension coverage. An inefficiency model fitted as part of the one-step model suggested that age, gender and educational level were significant influencers of technical inefficiency, with the possibility that the older the farmers, the more technically inefficient the system possibly because of the strenuousness of commercial poultry production. In addition, it was found that the more educated the farmer, the less inefficient the farm, which conversely means that the system becomes more efficient as the farmer receives more education. The negative coefficient of the gender variable also implies that for farms managed by female farmers, the system was less inefficient, which is more technically efficient, and this can be explained by women’s propensity to be more gentle, caring and sensitive in managing the chickens than their male counterparts. Heteroskedasticity tests and corrections were conducted in the one-step estimation technique to show that variations in the inefficiency term (μ) and the stochastic error term were explained by age and educational level for the most part. Clearly, improvements in the broiler industry in KwaZulu-Natal will depend to a large extent on the knowledge and experience of the farmers and substantial enlargement of the flock size of adequately fed birds. Attention to these elements is expected to have important practical implications for sustainable broiler poultry development and food security in the project area, as well as locations possessing identical features and characteristics. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Visitors' perceptions of the Outeniqua farmers' market in George
- Authors: Oberholzer, Cornelis
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Farmers' Market -- George , Sustainable Development , Garden Route (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60729 , vital:66486
- Description: Sustainability has been the focal point of sustainable tourism development in South Africa for a number of years. The ability of attractions to depict the culture of an area and provide visitors with locally produced goods that remain economically viable for vendors, remains crucial for tourism development. Hence, farmers’ markets have recently been identified as potential visitor attractions that can provide sustainable development for communities. However, farmers’ markets and their clientele who attend have not received the necessary scholarly attention particularly within the Western Cape region of South Africa. To further understand what role farmers markets can play in the tourism economy; this study sought to examine the perceptions of visitors at the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market in George. The research objectives were: • To determine the demographic profile of visitors to the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To ascertain the preferences of visitors with regard to the type of products offered at the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To determine whether the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market serves as an attraction to visitors. • To analyse which factors motivate visitors to attend the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To examine the visitors understanding of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. To accomplish the objectives of this study, previous research undertaken was consulted in order to better understand how farmers’ markets were performing around the world. In addition, to what methodological approaches would be most appropriate to utilise for such a study. The literature consulted revealed disparate differences in perceptions between farmers’ market visitors in Northern as opposed to Southern hemisphere countries. The effects of COVID 19 and the influence of visitor perceptions on travel behaviour were expounded on. Also, previous research revealed that a quantitative survey would be useful for the study as respondents would be accessible at the farmers’ market to solicit information since it was a confined area. v The findings revealed that visitors were mostly locals to the area, comprising primarily white middle-aged females who often attend with family groups. Furthermore, visitors thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience the market presented. It is further complemented by the availability of ready-to-eat foods as well as the provision of social interactions within a secure environment, while scrutinising the environmental friendliness and uniqueness of the products. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Oberholzer, Cornelis
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Farmers' Market -- George , Sustainable Development , Garden Route (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60729 , vital:66486
- Description: Sustainability has been the focal point of sustainable tourism development in South Africa for a number of years. The ability of attractions to depict the culture of an area and provide visitors with locally produced goods that remain economically viable for vendors, remains crucial for tourism development. Hence, farmers’ markets have recently been identified as potential visitor attractions that can provide sustainable development for communities. However, farmers’ markets and their clientele who attend have not received the necessary scholarly attention particularly within the Western Cape region of South Africa. To further understand what role farmers markets can play in the tourism economy; this study sought to examine the perceptions of visitors at the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market in George. The research objectives were: • To determine the demographic profile of visitors to the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To ascertain the preferences of visitors with regard to the type of products offered at the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To determine whether the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market serves as an attraction to visitors. • To analyse which factors motivate visitors to attend the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. • To examine the visitors understanding of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Outeniqua Farmers’ Market. To accomplish the objectives of this study, previous research undertaken was consulted in order to better understand how farmers’ markets were performing around the world. In addition, to what methodological approaches would be most appropriate to utilise for such a study. The literature consulted revealed disparate differences in perceptions between farmers’ market visitors in Northern as opposed to Southern hemisphere countries. The effects of COVID 19 and the influence of visitor perceptions on travel behaviour were expounded on. Also, previous research revealed that a quantitative survey would be useful for the study as respondents would be accessible at the farmers’ market to solicit information since it was a confined area. v The findings revealed that visitors were mostly locals to the area, comprising primarily white middle-aged females who often attend with family groups. Furthermore, visitors thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience the market presented. It is further complemented by the availability of ready-to-eat foods as well as the provision of social interactions within a secure environment, while scrutinising the environmental friendliness and uniqueness of the products. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Wage differentials by sector and gender in Botswana
- Authors: Motswapong, Masedi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Wage differentials -- Botswana , Wage Decomposition
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62128 , vital:71998
- Description: The study examines wage differentials in the public and private sectors and gender wage gaps within these sectors in Botswana. Raw data from three nationally representative surveys collected is used. These surveys include the 2005/06 Labour force, the 2015/16 Multi-Topic Household and the 2019 Quarterly Multi-Topic. To address the set objectives, the study utilises the quantile regression model and decomposition methods proposed by Firpo, Fortin and Lemieux (2009) and further used the reweighted RIF-OLS OaxacaBlinder decomposition method proposed by Rios-Avila (2020). Results from three surveys demonstrate evidence of wage inequalities in Botswana. Findings revealed that the wage differential in the public and private sectors has weakened over the years, though it is still a significant concern. The public-private sector wage gap decreased from 72% in 2005/06 to 56% in 2019. However, a different trend is observed in the gender wage differentials, where the gap gradually increased over time. Gender wage gaps in the public sector were 4% in 2005/06; in 2015/16, the gap increased to 27% and 49% in 2019. On the other hand, in the private sector, the average wages were 7.34 and 6.98 for males and females in 2005/06, respectively, implying a wage gap of 35%. This trend holds for the other two samples. The gender wage gap in 2015/16 fell to 23% and increased to 28% in 2019. Results from the quantile regression estimates show that returns to education differ in both the sectoral and gender sections. Further, for males and females, returns for education tend to rise as the education level increases. Returns for education for the private sector are higher than for the public sector. For gender wage differences, education returns for females are higher than for males at all levels, supporting findings that females are more educated on average than males. For decomposition results, findings show that observed characteristics, such as education levels, negatively affect wages at the lower levels and positively at other parts of the distribution in the sectoral wage section. For the gender wage gap section, results show that workers’ characteristics had mixed contributions to the wage gap; it narrows the gap at the lower levels and widens it at higher levels of the wage distribution. Further, results suggest the presence of labour market discrimination and evidence of the “sticky-floor” viii effect in both sectors. Additionally, findings from the reweighting RIF-Oaxaca estimates show that the public-private sector wage gap takes an inverted U-shaped distribution in different levels of the wage distribution. Similarly, composition effects positively affect the gap at lower levels, whereas wage structure effects affect the wage gap at the highest distribution level. Overall, the study’s findings have some significant policy recommendations. The study has indicated that the country has no policy to reduce or eliminate wage differentials in the labour market. Hence, Botswana policymakers need to formulate policies to eliminate wage inequalities. Furthermore, it is recommended that the government should continue investing in human capital development. Education is vital in bridging the wage gap within the labour market. Additionally, there is a need to promote tolerance within society and promote ways of appreciating women’s work. It is also recommended that males be encouraged to work in jobs where women are overrepresented. The study's findings contribute to the ongoing wage inequality debate, and it is hoped that the study will benefit policymakers in Botswana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Motswapong, Masedi
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Wage differentials -- Botswana , Wage Decomposition
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62128 , vital:71998
- Description: The study examines wage differentials in the public and private sectors and gender wage gaps within these sectors in Botswana. Raw data from three nationally representative surveys collected is used. These surveys include the 2005/06 Labour force, the 2015/16 Multi-Topic Household and the 2019 Quarterly Multi-Topic. To address the set objectives, the study utilises the quantile regression model and decomposition methods proposed by Firpo, Fortin and Lemieux (2009) and further used the reweighted RIF-OLS OaxacaBlinder decomposition method proposed by Rios-Avila (2020). Results from three surveys demonstrate evidence of wage inequalities in Botswana. Findings revealed that the wage differential in the public and private sectors has weakened over the years, though it is still a significant concern. The public-private sector wage gap decreased from 72% in 2005/06 to 56% in 2019. However, a different trend is observed in the gender wage differentials, where the gap gradually increased over time. Gender wage gaps in the public sector were 4% in 2005/06; in 2015/16, the gap increased to 27% and 49% in 2019. On the other hand, in the private sector, the average wages were 7.34 and 6.98 for males and females in 2005/06, respectively, implying a wage gap of 35%. This trend holds for the other two samples. The gender wage gap in 2015/16 fell to 23% and increased to 28% in 2019. Results from the quantile regression estimates show that returns to education differ in both the sectoral and gender sections. Further, for males and females, returns for education tend to rise as the education level increases. Returns for education for the private sector are higher than for the public sector. For gender wage differences, education returns for females are higher than for males at all levels, supporting findings that females are more educated on average than males. For decomposition results, findings show that observed characteristics, such as education levels, negatively affect wages at the lower levels and positively at other parts of the distribution in the sectoral wage section. For the gender wage gap section, results show that workers’ characteristics had mixed contributions to the wage gap; it narrows the gap at the lower levels and widens it at higher levels of the wage distribution. Further, results suggest the presence of labour market discrimination and evidence of the “sticky-floor” viii effect in both sectors. Additionally, findings from the reweighting RIF-Oaxaca estimates show that the public-private sector wage gap takes an inverted U-shaped distribution in different levels of the wage distribution. Similarly, composition effects positively affect the gap at lower levels, whereas wage structure effects affect the wage gap at the highest distribution level. Overall, the study’s findings have some significant policy recommendations. The study has indicated that the country has no policy to reduce or eliminate wage differentials in the labour market. Hence, Botswana policymakers need to formulate policies to eliminate wage inequalities. Furthermore, it is recommended that the government should continue investing in human capital development. Education is vital in bridging the wage gap within the labour market. Additionally, there is a need to promote tolerance within society and promote ways of appreciating women’s work. It is also recommended that males be encouraged to work in jobs where women are overrepresented. The study's findings contribute to the ongoing wage inequality debate, and it is hoped that the study will benefit policymakers in Botswana. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-04
Women at work: A Muslim perspective
- Authors: Arghedien, Nuraan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Personnel management , Muslim women
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60510 , vital:65640
- Description: Globally, women, including Muslim women face challenges advancing within their careers. This is supported by research focusing on the advancement of women. However, a paucity of research exists, focusing on the factors contributing to specifically the success and advancement of Muslim women. This study therefore explored the factors impacting on the experienced career success of women, particularly Muslim women and sought to identify additional barriers faced by Muslim women in the work context. In addition, the study identified interventions that can be used to enhance their success. For the purpose of this study, experienced career success referred to the subjective view of success individuals hold of themselves in relation to their careers. The target population of this study included women and men, irrespective of religious orientation or ethnic profile who reside and work in South Africa (n=243). A self-administered online survey was developed and distributed via an electronic link to individuals within a professional network as well as on various social media platforms. In addition, the study was subjected to various statistical analyses, including an Exploratory Factor Analysis, Reliability, Multiple Correlations, and Group Comparisons using ANOVAs, Tukey HSD, Independent Sample t-tests and Cohen’s d. Moreover, the qualitative analysis included ATLAS.ti, a manual search and the use of word clouds to extract themes that were highlighted or emphasised in the empirical study. The main findings of this study suggest that there are various factors impacting on the experienced career success of Muslim women. Positive significant relationships were found between Internal Factors and Success Indicators, indicating that the higher the level of motivation, the more successful are Muslim women. In addition, Organisational Factors and Success Indicators showed a positive relationship, implying that the importance placed on career-related interventions and commitment from top management influence the success of Muslim women. A significant relationship was found between Organisational Success Strategies and Success Indicators which means that the more aware and exposed Muslim women are to the identified career-related interventions, the greater their success. x No relationships were evident between gender and success, nor were differences found in the responses of men and women, contrary to the perception that the extent to which the factors apply to men and women are different. Furthermore, a model was developed based on the theoretical underpinnings and empirical evidence to assist in understanding the factors impacting on the experienced success of Muslim women. Additionally, strategies in the form of recommendations were advised with the aim of enhancing the experienced success of Muslim women. This study contributes to the body of knowledge relating to the advancement of Muslim women in the South African context. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Arghedien, Nuraan
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Personnel management , Muslim women
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60510 , vital:65640
- Description: Globally, women, including Muslim women face challenges advancing within their careers. This is supported by research focusing on the advancement of women. However, a paucity of research exists, focusing on the factors contributing to specifically the success and advancement of Muslim women. This study therefore explored the factors impacting on the experienced career success of women, particularly Muslim women and sought to identify additional barriers faced by Muslim women in the work context. In addition, the study identified interventions that can be used to enhance their success. For the purpose of this study, experienced career success referred to the subjective view of success individuals hold of themselves in relation to their careers. The target population of this study included women and men, irrespective of religious orientation or ethnic profile who reside and work in South Africa (n=243). A self-administered online survey was developed and distributed via an electronic link to individuals within a professional network as well as on various social media platforms. In addition, the study was subjected to various statistical analyses, including an Exploratory Factor Analysis, Reliability, Multiple Correlations, and Group Comparisons using ANOVAs, Tukey HSD, Independent Sample t-tests and Cohen’s d. Moreover, the qualitative analysis included ATLAS.ti, a manual search and the use of word clouds to extract themes that were highlighted or emphasised in the empirical study. The main findings of this study suggest that there are various factors impacting on the experienced career success of Muslim women. Positive significant relationships were found between Internal Factors and Success Indicators, indicating that the higher the level of motivation, the more successful are Muslim women. In addition, Organisational Factors and Success Indicators showed a positive relationship, implying that the importance placed on career-related interventions and commitment from top management influence the success of Muslim women. A significant relationship was found between Organisational Success Strategies and Success Indicators which means that the more aware and exposed Muslim women are to the identified career-related interventions, the greater their success. x No relationships were evident between gender and success, nor were differences found in the responses of men and women, contrary to the perception that the extent to which the factors apply to men and women are different. Furthermore, a model was developed based on the theoretical underpinnings and empirical evidence to assist in understanding the factors impacting on the experienced success of Muslim women. Additionally, strategies in the form of recommendations were advised with the aim of enhancing the experienced success of Muslim women. This study contributes to the body of knowledge relating to the advancement of Muslim women in the South African context. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Workplace Discrimination Based on Pregnancy
- Authors: Pathiswa, Mbongwana
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Employment discrimination , Pregnancy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60797 , vital:67819
- Description: In the past, South Africa was marked by widespread discriminatory practices, many of which still exist to date. This study investigates the persistent discrimination against pregnant women. The study revealed that in South Africa, pregnant women continue to face discrimination in employment and are often denied the right to go on maternity leave, nursing or breastfeeding and childcare facilities. Presently, pregnancy is listed as a prohibited ground for discrimination in the South African Constitution as well as many ILO Conventions. Similarly, the South African labour law framework which gives effect to the Constitution provides for the protection of women and pregnant workers. This protection comes in the form of measures that proscribe dismissal and discrimination based on. Despite these legislation, this study finds that the less favorable treatment of women and pregnant workers in South African workplaces has become increasingly common, and this has turned into a contentious subject. This study focused on labour legislation that has been developed to safeguard pregnant women in the workplace in light of applicable constitutional protections. Notwithstanding these legislative protections for pregnant women in the workplace, the analysis shows that many pregnant women continue to be treated unfairly due to their pregnancies or for reasons linked to their pregnancies. Consequently, there has been a regression in the actual execution of laws and regulations protecting pregnant workers. The study highlights the need to establish mechanisms to ensure that legislation protecting pregnant workers in the workplace achieves its intended purpose and is implemented properly. Consequently, this study presents pertinent suggestions about the implementation of labour legislation so that the employment rights of women and pregnant workers are adequately safeguarded. , Thesis (LLB) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Pathiswa, Mbongwana
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Employment discrimination , Pregnancy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60797 , vital:67819
- Description: In the past, South Africa was marked by widespread discriminatory practices, many of which still exist to date. This study investigates the persistent discrimination against pregnant women. The study revealed that in South Africa, pregnant women continue to face discrimination in employment and are often denied the right to go on maternity leave, nursing or breastfeeding and childcare facilities. Presently, pregnancy is listed as a prohibited ground for discrimination in the South African Constitution as well as many ILO Conventions. Similarly, the South African labour law framework which gives effect to the Constitution provides for the protection of women and pregnant workers. This protection comes in the form of measures that proscribe dismissal and discrimination based on. Despite these legislation, this study finds that the less favorable treatment of women and pregnant workers in South African workplaces has become increasingly common, and this has turned into a contentious subject. This study focused on labour legislation that has been developed to safeguard pregnant women in the workplace in light of applicable constitutional protections. Notwithstanding these legislative protections for pregnant women in the workplace, the analysis shows that many pregnant women continue to be treated unfairly due to their pregnancies or for reasons linked to their pregnancies. Consequently, there has been a regression in the actual execution of laws and regulations protecting pregnant workers. The study highlights the need to establish mechanisms to ensure that legislation protecting pregnant workers in the workplace achieves its intended purpose and is implemented properly. Consequently, this study presents pertinent suggestions about the implementation of labour legislation so that the employment rights of women and pregnant workers are adequately safeguarded. , Thesis (LLB) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04