A framework for the economic valuation of wetland rehabilitation: case studies from South Africa
- Authors: Browne, Michelle
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Wetland restoration South Africa , Wetland management South Africa , Ecosystem management South Africa , Ecosystem services South Africa , Ecosystem management Economic aspects South Africa , Wetland restoration Cost effectiveness South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263560 , vital:53638 , DOI 10.21504/10962/263561
- Description: Wetlands are recognised as having the potential to contribute long-term benefits to society; wetland rehabilitation is undertaken to recover these benefits in response to widespread wetland degradation. Increasingly, there have been calls to value the benefits of wetland rehabilitation to justify further investment. Such is the case in South Africa. Furthermore, recent global agendas and targets for ecosystem restoration, such as the declaration of the Decade of Restoration 2021-2030, suggest increasing pressure on governments to implement rehabilitation and imply a concomitant increase in decision-making regarding where and how to rehabilitate. In response to these information needs, this thesis explores the economic valuation of wetland rehabilitation through a narrative review of the foundational theory of values and valuation, a quantitative review of applied wetland rehabilitation economic valuation studies, and the evaluation of five wetland rehabilitation projects from South Africa. Projects were selected as case studies to represent various rehabilitation goals and explore different contexts (urban-rural; beneficiary groups), the timing of the evaluation (ex ante, ex post) and value types and valuation methods. The final chapter of the thesis integrates the case study experiences with the findings of the theoretical research components to propose a framework for the valuation of wetland rehabilitation, which can be applied in South Africa, and more generally, to further demonstrate the values of wetland rehabilitation, and as a tool to guide wetland rehabilitation decision-making. While initially grounded in mainstream economics, the research led into a number of fields including philosophy, social-ecological systems and social-ecological relations thinking, several environmental science areas and livelihood and human well-being frameworks. A deeper look into economic theory and history revealed an evolution of thinking on the meaning of ‘value’ and view of ‘nature’ and numerous critiques of standard neoclassical economics. From the insights gained and the case study experiences, this thesis argues that the neoclassical economic perspective, especially combined with a monetary metric, is too restrictive, and arguably too abstract in its assumptions of human behaviour and reliance on mathematical models, as an overarching framework for the valuation of wetland rehabilition. This is not to suggest that standard economic valuation concepts and methods cannot be useful, as the research case studies illustrated, but rather that wetland valuation must be approached from a value pluralism perspective. To this end, the proposed framework offers a way to think beyond, or in addition to, standard economic approaches in articulating the values of wetland rehabilitation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Browne, Michelle
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Wetland restoration South Africa , Wetland management South Africa , Ecosystem management South Africa , Ecosystem services South Africa , Ecosystem management Economic aspects South Africa , Wetland restoration Cost effectiveness South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263560 , vital:53638 , DOI 10.21504/10962/263561
- Description: Wetlands are recognised as having the potential to contribute long-term benefits to society; wetland rehabilitation is undertaken to recover these benefits in response to widespread wetland degradation. Increasingly, there have been calls to value the benefits of wetland rehabilitation to justify further investment. Such is the case in South Africa. Furthermore, recent global agendas and targets for ecosystem restoration, such as the declaration of the Decade of Restoration 2021-2030, suggest increasing pressure on governments to implement rehabilitation and imply a concomitant increase in decision-making regarding where and how to rehabilitate. In response to these information needs, this thesis explores the economic valuation of wetland rehabilitation through a narrative review of the foundational theory of values and valuation, a quantitative review of applied wetland rehabilitation economic valuation studies, and the evaluation of five wetland rehabilitation projects from South Africa. Projects were selected as case studies to represent various rehabilitation goals and explore different contexts (urban-rural; beneficiary groups), the timing of the evaluation (ex ante, ex post) and value types and valuation methods. The final chapter of the thesis integrates the case study experiences with the findings of the theoretical research components to propose a framework for the valuation of wetland rehabilitation, which can be applied in South Africa, and more generally, to further demonstrate the values of wetland rehabilitation, and as a tool to guide wetland rehabilitation decision-making. While initially grounded in mainstream economics, the research led into a number of fields including philosophy, social-ecological systems and social-ecological relations thinking, several environmental science areas and livelihood and human well-being frameworks. A deeper look into economic theory and history revealed an evolution of thinking on the meaning of ‘value’ and view of ‘nature’ and numerous critiques of standard neoclassical economics. From the insights gained and the case study experiences, this thesis argues that the neoclassical economic perspective, especially combined with a monetary metric, is too restrictive, and arguably too abstract in its assumptions of human behaviour and reliance on mathematical models, as an overarching framework for the valuation of wetland rehabilition. This is not to suggest that standard economic valuation concepts and methods cannot be useful, as the research case studies illustrated, but rather that wetland valuation must be approached from a value pluralism perspective. To this end, the proposed framework offers a way to think beyond, or in addition to, standard economic approaches in articulating the values of wetland rehabilitation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Bond market integration in the Common Monetary Area (CMA)
- Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Authors: Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Globalization , Globalization Economic aspects , Bond market , Rand area , Africa, Southern Economic integration , Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284592 , vital:56077
- Description: The study reviews the phenomenon of financial integration. During the late 1980s and 1990s, financial market integration around the world increased due to globalisation of investments and the need for higher returns and international risk diversification. The increase was accompanied by a significant increase in private capital flows into developing countries from developed countries. The main goal of the study is to examine bond market integration in the common monetary area The study therefore investigates the co-movement of government bond returns within the CMA using data from Eswatini, Namibia, and South Africa. The study attempts to find the short-run and long-run relationship of these government bond returns using the ARDL cointegration technique. The study uses daily data of 10-year government bond yields spanning from August 2014 to September 2019. The empirical results reveal that there exists a short-run and long-run relationship between South Africa and Eswatini. Between South Africa and Namibia, there only exist a short-run relationship. Just like the previously mentioned studies, the short-run relationship is a result of policy convergence. The lack of long-run relationship between South and Namibia was due to poor institutional developments and limited investment opportunities. In this case, policy measures (or reforms) and a review of the union are necessary to increase integration of these bond markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Globalization , Globalization Economic aspects , Bond market , Rand area , Africa, Southern Economic integration , Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284592 , vital:56077
- Description: The study reviews the phenomenon of financial integration. During the late 1980s and 1990s, financial market integration around the world increased due to globalisation of investments and the need for higher returns and international risk diversification. The increase was accompanied by a significant increase in private capital flows into developing countries from developed countries. The main goal of the study is to examine bond market integration in the common monetary area The study therefore investigates the co-movement of government bond returns within the CMA using data from Eswatini, Namibia, and South Africa. The study attempts to find the short-run and long-run relationship of these government bond returns using the ARDL cointegration technique. The study uses daily data of 10-year government bond yields spanning from August 2014 to September 2019. The empirical results reveal that there exists a short-run and long-run relationship between South Africa and Eswatini. Between South Africa and Namibia, there only exist a short-run relationship. Just like the previously mentioned studies, the short-run relationship is a result of policy convergence. The lack of long-run relationship between South and Namibia was due to poor institutional developments and limited investment opportunities. In this case, policy measures (or reforms) and a review of the union are necessary to increase integration of these bond markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Exchange rate volatility and the returns on diversified South African investment portfolios
- Authors: Mulamu, Murendeni
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates South Africa , Rate of return , Investments , GARCH model , Regression analysis , Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284581 , vital:56076
- Description: Globalisation has made it much easier to invest in foreign countries. This creates endless options accessible to investors, including exploiting opportunities for investment in international economies. Although foreign investment portfolio diversification provides significant opportunities for financial returns, exchange rate volatility may play a prominent role when investing in foreign markets. Since the introduction of a floating exchange rate system, together with the inflation-targeting monetary policy framework in South Africa, there has been significant volatility in the exchange rate, far more than during the previous dispensations. This, however, creates a strong need to consider how the unpredictable nature of the exchange rate affects these investments. The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of exchange rate volatility on the returns on diversified South African investment portfolios. This research examined whether there is a homogenous relationship between South African (domestic) portfolios and the internationally diversified portfolios. In addition, the study investigated the long-run relationship between the exchange rate volatility and both domestic portfolios and the internationally diversified portfolios for the period 2007-2019. To achieve these goals, a panel ARDL model was employed. This study found that exchange rate volatility does not account for a significant portion of returns on investment portfolios fluctuations. Moreover, the relationship is not homogenous because returns on domestic investment portfolios react positively to the exchange rate volatility, whereas returns international investment portfolios respond negatively/positively to the exchange rate volatility depending on whether the relationship is short or long run. This study will contribute to the existing literature, and it is important for investors intending to diversify their investment portfolios both domestically and internationally using different mutual funds in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Mulamu, Murendeni
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates South Africa , Rate of return , Investments , GARCH model , Regression analysis , Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284581 , vital:56076
- Description: Globalisation has made it much easier to invest in foreign countries. This creates endless options accessible to investors, including exploiting opportunities for investment in international economies. Although foreign investment portfolio diversification provides significant opportunities for financial returns, exchange rate volatility may play a prominent role when investing in foreign markets. Since the introduction of a floating exchange rate system, together with the inflation-targeting monetary policy framework in South Africa, there has been significant volatility in the exchange rate, far more than during the previous dispensations. This, however, creates a strong need to consider how the unpredictable nature of the exchange rate affects these investments. The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of exchange rate volatility on the returns on diversified South African investment portfolios. This research examined whether there is a homogenous relationship between South African (domestic) portfolios and the internationally diversified portfolios. In addition, the study investigated the long-run relationship between the exchange rate volatility and both domestic portfolios and the internationally diversified portfolios for the period 2007-2019. To achieve these goals, a panel ARDL model was employed. This study found that exchange rate volatility does not account for a significant portion of returns on investment portfolios fluctuations. Moreover, the relationship is not homogenous because returns on domestic investment portfolios react positively to the exchange rate volatility, whereas returns international investment portfolios respond negatively/positively to the exchange rate volatility depending on whether the relationship is short or long run. This study will contribute to the existing literature, and it is important for investors intending to diversify their investment portfolios both domestically and internationally using different mutual funds in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Stock market volatility during times of crisis: a comparative analysis of the conditional volatilities of JSE stock indices during the 2007/08 global financial crisis and COVID-19
- Authors: Wang, Zixiao
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Stock exchanges , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , COVID-19 (Disease) Economic aspects , Economic forecasting , Stock exchanges and current events , GARCH model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284603 , vital:56078
- Description: This research analyses the comparative behaviour of stock market volatility during two crises. The goal of this research is to determine whether assumed cyclical and defensive sectors have either retained or revealed their expected properties during both the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and COVID-19 by analysing sectoral volatility amid these two crises. Understanding how volatility changes amid crises helps to determine whether the volatility assumptions of diversified investment portfolios for both defensive and cyclical sectors still held given the different causes of each crisis. In turn, this knowledge can assist with risk management and portfolio allocation in stock market investments. The study can also contribute towards the enhancement of financial markets’ resistance against systemic risks through portfolio diversification, and aid government decision-making targeted at tackling the weaknesses of different economic sectors especially in times of overall economic weakness. This research makes use of the GARCH model to analyse a group of daily time series that consists of eleven sectoral indices and one benchmark index, all based on the South African stock markets. These observed series are categorised into two full sample periods, one designated to the Global Financial Crisis (January 2006 to May 2009) and the other for COVID-19 (January 2018 to May 2021). These are further divided into two sets of sub-sample periods, each made up of a pre-crisis and during-crisis. Furthermore, the dummy variables representing the occurrence of structural breaks are inserted into the full sample periods’ conditional variance equations. This is aimed at capturing the asymmetrical impact of the crises themselves on all observed series. Based on the movement of volatility persistency from pre-crisis to during-crisis for both crises, the results show that, firstly, Health Care and Consumer Goods are considered defensive Sectors. Secondly, Banks, Basic Materials, Chemicals, Telecommunications, and Financials are considered cyclical Sectors. Thirdly, Automobiles & Parts, Consumer Services, and Technology are considered indeterminable Sectors due to the inconsistent behaviour of these sectors’ volatility persistency throughout the sub-sample periods of both crises. Overall, according to the average volatility persistency, the observed series for COVID-19’s full sample period are generally less volatile than those of the GFC. However, the sub-sample periods suggest that the observed series for both pre-crisis and during-crisis periods of COVID-19 are more volatile than those same sub-samples of the Global Financial Crisis. Being able to analyse the characteristics of stock market sectors is crucial for risk management and optimal portfolio allocation of stock market investments. This can be achieved through portfolio diversification by investing in a variety of stocks, both cyclical and defensive, and adjusted over time based the needs of stock market investors. Diversified portfolios do not only serve the interests of individual investors, but can also enhance the financial markets’ overall resistance against systemic risks. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Wang, Zixiao
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Stock exchanges , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Global Financial Crisis, 2008-2009 , COVID-19 (Disease) Economic aspects , Economic forecasting , Stock exchanges and current events , GARCH model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284603 , vital:56078
- Description: This research analyses the comparative behaviour of stock market volatility during two crises. The goal of this research is to determine whether assumed cyclical and defensive sectors have either retained or revealed their expected properties during both the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and COVID-19 by analysing sectoral volatility amid these two crises. Understanding how volatility changes amid crises helps to determine whether the volatility assumptions of diversified investment portfolios for both defensive and cyclical sectors still held given the different causes of each crisis. In turn, this knowledge can assist with risk management and portfolio allocation in stock market investments. The study can also contribute towards the enhancement of financial markets’ resistance against systemic risks through portfolio diversification, and aid government decision-making targeted at tackling the weaknesses of different economic sectors especially in times of overall economic weakness. This research makes use of the GARCH model to analyse a group of daily time series that consists of eleven sectoral indices and one benchmark index, all based on the South African stock markets. These observed series are categorised into two full sample periods, one designated to the Global Financial Crisis (January 2006 to May 2009) and the other for COVID-19 (January 2018 to May 2021). These are further divided into two sets of sub-sample periods, each made up of a pre-crisis and during-crisis. Furthermore, the dummy variables representing the occurrence of structural breaks are inserted into the full sample periods’ conditional variance equations. This is aimed at capturing the asymmetrical impact of the crises themselves on all observed series. Based on the movement of volatility persistency from pre-crisis to during-crisis for both crises, the results show that, firstly, Health Care and Consumer Goods are considered defensive Sectors. Secondly, Banks, Basic Materials, Chemicals, Telecommunications, and Financials are considered cyclical Sectors. Thirdly, Automobiles & Parts, Consumer Services, and Technology are considered indeterminable Sectors due to the inconsistent behaviour of these sectors’ volatility persistency throughout the sub-sample periods of both crises. Overall, according to the average volatility persistency, the observed series for COVID-19’s full sample period are generally less volatile than those of the GFC. However, the sub-sample periods suggest that the observed series for both pre-crisis and during-crisis periods of COVID-19 are more volatile than those same sub-samples of the Global Financial Crisis. Being able to analyse the characteristics of stock market sectors is crucial for risk management and optimal portfolio allocation of stock market investments. This can be achieved through portfolio diversification by investing in a variety of stocks, both cyclical and defensive, and adjusted over time based the needs of stock market investors. Diversified portfolios do not only serve the interests of individual investors, but can also enhance the financial markets’ overall resistance against systemic risks. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The impact of urban gardening on household food security: evidence from Makhanda East, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Bruwer, Guillaume Marcel Xavier
- Authors: Bruwer, Guillaume Marcel Xavier
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Food security South Africa Makhanda , Urban agriculture South Africa Makhanda , Urban gardening South Africa Makhanda , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda , South Africa Economic conditions , Subsistence farming South Africa Makhanda , Economic impact analysis South Africa Makhanda , Propensity Score Matching (PSM)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263575 , vital:53640
- Description: Urban gardening in townships is a common coping strategy employed by poor inhabitants to improve food security, earn income through sales, and generate cost-savings through home consumption of fresh produce. Food security is a cornerstone of human development and welfare, and the achievement thereof remains a global challenge. The majority of academic research and policy documentation traditionally positions food insecurity as a rural phenomenon. However, recent trends point to an increase in food insecurity in urban areas, particularly in low-income areas such as townships. In South Africa, rapid urbanization has led to burgeoning townships and rapidly expanding low-income informal settlements characterised by poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. Research concerned with the role that urban agricultural production plays in contributing to the food security of poor households is scarce and not well understood. This research, therefore, aimed to contribute to the limited research which specifically examines urban food security, and the role urban agriculture play in the achievement of household food security. The study employed collective action theory and utility theory to firstly provides an in-depth examination of the determinants of participation in urban gardening using Probit regression modeling. The second research objective was to perform an impact evaluation of participation in urban gardening on selected household food security indicators including Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS), the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) and the Coping Strategy Index (CSI) using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed to obtain a sample of 60 urban gardeners and a control group of 55 non-gardening households from Extension 6, 7 and 10 townships as well as Joza Location in Makhanda East, Eastern Cape Province. Households were surveyed using a structured household food security questionnaire. A focus group discussion was held with the Linomtha Community Garden members and key informant interviews were undertaken with important stakeholders such as the local extension officers. Descriptive analysis revealed that urban gardening households (UGs) had older household heads who were less educated, and that land and water availability were the dominant constraints to increases in agricultural production. Results from the probit and average marginal effects models showed that the likelihood of participation significantly increased when household unemployment and dependency increased and that households who were engaged in off-farm economic activity were more likely to participate in urban gardening. The impact evaluation was performed using PSM and Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT). Analysis illustrated that participation in urban gardening does significantly reduce both the full CSI and Reduced CSI. Thus, participation in urban gardening improves the food security of participating households by significantly reducing the frequency of participating households (UGs) applying undesirable coping strategies such as sending children elsewhere other than the household, borrowing food from other households and reducing the number of meals eaten in a day due to food shortages. This study posits that urban gardening alone will not eradicate the rampant food insecurity and poverty which pervades in South Africa’s townships. However, urban gardening participation does contribute to the construction of a sustainable, urban livelihood by reducing the number and severity of the undesirable coping strategies that food insecure households employ by providing some nutritious produce as well improved social capital through gardening networks and supporting institutions. It is recommended that policy makers, at a national and municipal level, need to create a clearer directive for the integration of urban food production into the urban food marketplace thus increasing access to income generating channels for small-scale home, and community gardeners. Co-operation between private and public institutions for food security and urban gardeners needs to be fostered and awareness of opportunities to participate in urban gardens needs to be improved. Central to the developmental challenges that rapid increases in urbanization and food insecurity in poor urban areas, is the need for national and local governments to improve access to economic opportunities in township areas - both in urban agriculture and in other, skills intensive sectors. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Bruwer, Guillaume Marcel Xavier
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Food security South Africa Makhanda , Urban agriculture South Africa Makhanda , Urban gardening South Africa Makhanda , Sustainable development South Africa Makhanda , South Africa Economic conditions , Subsistence farming South Africa Makhanda , Economic impact analysis South Africa Makhanda , Propensity Score Matching (PSM)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263575 , vital:53640
- Description: Urban gardening in townships is a common coping strategy employed by poor inhabitants to improve food security, earn income through sales, and generate cost-savings through home consumption of fresh produce. Food security is a cornerstone of human development and welfare, and the achievement thereof remains a global challenge. The majority of academic research and policy documentation traditionally positions food insecurity as a rural phenomenon. However, recent trends point to an increase in food insecurity in urban areas, particularly in low-income areas such as townships. In South Africa, rapid urbanization has led to burgeoning townships and rapidly expanding low-income informal settlements characterised by poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. Research concerned with the role that urban agricultural production plays in contributing to the food security of poor households is scarce and not well understood. This research, therefore, aimed to contribute to the limited research which specifically examines urban food security, and the role urban agriculture play in the achievement of household food security. The study employed collective action theory and utility theory to firstly provides an in-depth examination of the determinants of participation in urban gardening using Probit regression modeling. The second research objective was to perform an impact evaluation of participation in urban gardening on selected household food security indicators including Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS), the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) and the Coping Strategy Index (CSI) using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed to obtain a sample of 60 urban gardeners and a control group of 55 non-gardening households from Extension 6, 7 and 10 townships as well as Joza Location in Makhanda East, Eastern Cape Province. Households were surveyed using a structured household food security questionnaire. A focus group discussion was held with the Linomtha Community Garden members and key informant interviews were undertaken with important stakeholders such as the local extension officers. Descriptive analysis revealed that urban gardening households (UGs) had older household heads who were less educated, and that land and water availability were the dominant constraints to increases in agricultural production. Results from the probit and average marginal effects models showed that the likelihood of participation significantly increased when household unemployment and dependency increased and that households who were engaged in off-farm economic activity were more likely to participate in urban gardening. The impact evaluation was performed using PSM and Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT). Analysis illustrated that participation in urban gardening does significantly reduce both the full CSI and Reduced CSI. Thus, participation in urban gardening improves the food security of participating households by significantly reducing the frequency of participating households (UGs) applying undesirable coping strategies such as sending children elsewhere other than the household, borrowing food from other households and reducing the number of meals eaten in a day due to food shortages. This study posits that urban gardening alone will not eradicate the rampant food insecurity and poverty which pervades in South Africa’s townships. However, urban gardening participation does contribute to the construction of a sustainable, urban livelihood by reducing the number and severity of the undesirable coping strategies that food insecure households employ by providing some nutritious produce as well improved social capital through gardening networks and supporting institutions. It is recommended that policy makers, at a national and municipal level, need to create a clearer directive for the integration of urban food production into the urban food marketplace thus increasing access to income generating channels for small-scale home, and community gardeners. Co-operation between private and public institutions for food security and urban gardeners needs to be fostered and awareness of opportunities to participate in urban gardens needs to be improved. Central to the developmental challenges that rapid increases in urbanization and food insecurity in poor urban areas, is the need for national and local governments to improve access to economic opportunities in township areas - both in urban agriculture and in other, skills intensive sectors. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The role of a national system of innovation in facilitating development in South Africa from a comparative BRICS perspective
- Authors: Sibhukwana, Andiswa
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: BRIC countries , Technological innovations Economic aspects South Africa , Economic development South Africa , Economics Mathematical models , Neoclassical school of economics , South Africa Economic conditions , South Africa Economic policy , National systems of innovation
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284616 , vital:56079
- Description: The aim of the dissertation was to investigate whether the adoption of a national system of innovation has helped facilitate development in South Africa from a comparative BRICS perspective. South Africa has an expanding focus on science and technology, as per the Science and Technology White Paper (1996). There appeared to be innovation that had left out much of the citizenry. There continued to be poverty, inequality, and joblessness. The study aimed to understand how the NSI approach could be used to foster inclusive and transformative development. The study used a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative aspect of the research focused on an innovation and public policy study which assessed the various policies and initiatives implemented in each of the BRICS countries to drive innovation and foster development. The qualitative aspect of the study found that the innovation paradigm required governments to adopt a more holistic approach to public policy design and analysis. The quantitative aspect of the research focused on a trend, correlation, and regression analysis. The trend analysis revealed that China and Brazil increased their allocation of resources towards R&D compared to the other countries. Brazil is regarded as a social investment state, while China is a developmental state: this means the state plays an extraordinarily strong coordinative and financing role in the NSI. On the other hand, the correlation matrix for South Africa revealed a statistically significant positive linear association between various NSI indicators and human development. This suggested that the innovation benefits are trickling down to the general citizenry. In essence the study articulated key elements of the understanding of current and potential impacts of technological change in productivity and growth, employment and inequality that can be used for policy making. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Sibhukwana, Andiswa
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: BRIC countries , Technological innovations Economic aspects South Africa , Economic development South Africa , Economics Mathematical models , Neoclassical school of economics , South Africa Economic conditions , South Africa Economic policy , National systems of innovation
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284616 , vital:56079
- Description: The aim of the dissertation was to investigate whether the adoption of a national system of innovation has helped facilitate development in South Africa from a comparative BRICS perspective. South Africa has an expanding focus on science and technology, as per the Science and Technology White Paper (1996). There appeared to be innovation that had left out much of the citizenry. There continued to be poverty, inequality, and joblessness. The study aimed to understand how the NSI approach could be used to foster inclusive and transformative development. The study used a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative aspect of the research focused on an innovation and public policy study which assessed the various policies and initiatives implemented in each of the BRICS countries to drive innovation and foster development. The qualitative aspect of the study found that the innovation paradigm required governments to adopt a more holistic approach to public policy design and analysis. The quantitative aspect of the research focused on a trend, correlation, and regression analysis. The trend analysis revealed that China and Brazil increased their allocation of resources towards R&D compared to the other countries. Brazil is regarded as a social investment state, while China is a developmental state: this means the state plays an extraordinarily strong coordinative and financing role in the NSI. On the other hand, the correlation matrix for South Africa revealed a statistically significant positive linear association between various NSI indicators and human development. This suggested that the innovation benefits are trickling down to the general citizenry. In essence the study articulated key elements of the understanding of current and potential impacts of technological change in productivity and growth, employment and inequality that can be used for policy making. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
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