The economic potential of small towns in the Eastern Cape Midlands
- Authors: Reynolds, Kian Andrew
- Date: 2009 , 2013-07-15
- Subjects: Small cities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic geography -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1057 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007492
- Description: Small town economic decline has been experienced in many countries across the globe and can be explained through Geographical Economics, particularly the New Economic Geography, which suggests that agglomeration occurs as a natural outcome of high transportation and transactional costs. Yet despite the economic rationale behind their decline it is not an economic inevitability and there is evidence of towns in the United States, New Zealand and Canada that have reversed their economic fortunes. [n South Africa approximately 5 million people live in the 500 small towns and many more live in their rural hinterlands where povelty levels are extremely high within a national context. Within this context the thesis examines the current economic status and potential growth prospects of small towns in the Eastern Cape Midlands in South Africa in order to identify critical growth dri vers within small town economies. Five small towns were selected for the study via means of a purposive sample and were subjected to two regional modelling techniques, namely Shift-Share Analysis and Economic Base Theory to determine their current economic trends and past growth patterns, while a Social Accounting Matrix was utilised to identify important sectoral linkages, potential avenues for growth and evident leakages within small town economies. The sampled towns experienced negative economic growth trends between 1996 and 200 I, the primary loss in employment being accounted for by regional economic changes as opposed to national or industrial trends. The decline was more severely felt in primary/industrial sectors of the economy; evidence was found that manufacturing activities declined in all of the centres, despite the industry growing nationally. The Social Accounting Matrix highlighted strong links between the agricultural and services sectors within the national economy. Thus, considering that agriculture was identified as the primary economic driver within the region and the services sector the largest employer in all of the towns it is evident that the economic potential of the towns is to a certain extent linked to the success of agriculture in their hinterlands. Seven growth drivers, namely size, local economic development, existing markets, existing industries, infrastructure, municipal leadership and local entrepreneurs and were linked via means of a scoring framework to the sampled towns' economic potential. Whilst the results of actually determining a towns economic potential are not definitive the study does provide useful insights about the impact and potential role played by these drivers. Linked to this scoring framework and to Cook's (1971) hierarchy of places in the Eastern Cape Midlands four categories of towns were identified in the commercial falming areas and recommendations were made about appropriate developmental interventions at a municipal level, such as the need to retain local entrepreneurs and to invest in social amenities. Considering the evident need for development in rural areas the study provides critical insights into how to prioritise development strategies within small rural towns in commercial farming areas. In addition it would enable municipalities to critically reflect on their municipal Local Economic Development strategies and the relevance within the context of small towns. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Reynolds, Kian Andrew
- Date: 2009 , 2013-07-15
- Subjects: Small cities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic geography -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1057 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007492
- Description: Small town economic decline has been experienced in many countries across the globe and can be explained through Geographical Economics, particularly the New Economic Geography, which suggests that agglomeration occurs as a natural outcome of high transportation and transactional costs. Yet despite the economic rationale behind their decline it is not an economic inevitability and there is evidence of towns in the United States, New Zealand and Canada that have reversed their economic fortunes. [n South Africa approximately 5 million people live in the 500 small towns and many more live in their rural hinterlands where povelty levels are extremely high within a national context. Within this context the thesis examines the current economic status and potential growth prospects of small towns in the Eastern Cape Midlands in South Africa in order to identify critical growth dri vers within small town economies. Five small towns were selected for the study via means of a purposive sample and were subjected to two regional modelling techniques, namely Shift-Share Analysis and Economic Base Theory to determine their current economic trends and past growth patterns, while a Social Accounting Matrix was utilised to identify important sectoral linkages, potential avenues for growth and evident leakages within small town economies. The sampled towns experienced negative economic growth trends between 1996 and 200 I, the primary loss in employment being accounted for by regional economic changes as opposed to national or industrial trends. The decline was more severely felt in primary/industrial sectors of the economy; evidence was found that manufacturing activities declined in all of the centres, despite the industry growing nationally. The Social Accounting Matrix highlighted strong links between the agricultural and services sectors within the national economy. Thus, considering that agriculture was identified as the primary economic driver within the region and the services sector the largest employer in all of the towns it is evident that the economic potential of the towns is to a certain extent linked to the success of agriculture in their hinterlands. Seven growth drivers, namely size, local economic development, existing markets, existing industries, infrastructure, municipal leadership and local entrepreneurs and were linked via means of a scoring framework to the sampled towns' economic potential. Whilst the results of actually determining a towns economic potential are not definitive the study does provide useful insights about the impact and potential role played by these drivers. Linked to this scoring framework and to Cook's (1971) hierarchy of places in the Eastern Cape Midlands four categories of towns were identified in the commercial falming areas and recommendations were made about appropriate developmental interventions at a municipal level, such as the need to retain local entrepreneurs and to invest in social amenities. Considering the evident need for development in rural areas the study provides critical insights into how to prioritise development strategies within small rural towns in commercial farming areas. In addition it would enable municipalities to critically reflect on their municipal Local Economic Development strategies and the relevance within the context of small towns. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Automating the conversion of natural language fiction to multi-modal 3D animated virtual environments
- Authors: Glass, Kevin Robert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Virtual computer systems , Virtual storage (Computer science) , Virtual reality , Computer animation , Fiction -- Computer programs , Narration (Rhetoric) -- Computer simulation , Animation (Cinematography) , Natural language processing (Computer Science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006518
- Description: Popular fiction books describe rich visual environments that contain characters, objects, and behaviour. This research develops automated processes for converting text sourced from fiction books into animated virtual environments and multi-modal films. This involves the analysis of unrestricted natural language fiction to identify appropriate visual descriptions, and the interpretation of the identified descriptions for constructing animated 3D virtual environments. The goal of the text analysis stage is the creation of annotated fiction text, which identifies visual descriptions in a structured manner. A hierarchical rule-based learning system is created that induces patterns from example annotations provided by a human, and uses these for the creation of additional annotations. Patterns are expressed as tree structures that abstract the input text on different levels according to structural (token, sentence) and syntactic (parts-of-speech, syntactic function) categories. Patterns are generalized using pair-wise merging, where dissimilar sub-trees are replaced with wild-cards. The result is a small set of generalized patterns that are able to create correct annotations. A set of generalized patterns represents a model of an annotator's mental process regarding a particular annotation category. Annotated text is interpreted automatically for constructing detailed scene descriptions. This includes identifying which scenes to visualize, and identifying the contents and behaviour in each scene. Entity behaviour in a 3D virtual environment is formulated using time-based constraints that are automatically derived from annotations. Constraints are expressed as non-linear symbolic functions that restrict the trajectories of a pair of entities over a continuous interval of time. Solutions to these constraints specify precise behaviour. We create an innovative quantified constraint optimizer for locating sound solutions, which uses interval arithmetic for treating time and space as contiguous quantities. This optimization method uses a technique of constraint relaxation and tightening that allows solution approximations to be located where constraint systems are inconsistent (an ability not previously explored in interval-based quantified constraint solving). 3D virtual environments are populated by automatically selecting geometric models or procedural geometry-creation methods from a library. 3D models are animated according to trajectories derived from constraint solutions. The final animated film is sequenced using a range of modalities including animated 3D graphics, textual subtitles, audio narrations, and foleys. Hierarchical rule-based learning is evaluated over a range of annotation categories. Models are induced for different categories of annotation without modifying the core learning algorithms, and these models are shown to be applicable to different types of books. Models are induced automatically with accuracies ranging between 51.4% and 90.4%, depending on the category. We show that models are refined if further examples are provided, and this supports a boot-strapping process for training the learning mechanism. The task of interpreting annotated fiction text and populating 3D virtual environments is successfully automated using our described techniques. Detailed scene descriptions are created accurately, where between 83% and 96% of the automatically generated descriptions require no manual modification (depending on the type of description). The interval-based quantified constraint optimizer fully automates the behaviour specification process. Sample animated multi-modal 3D films are created using extracts from fiction books that are unrestricted in terms of complexity or subject matter (unlike existing text-to-graphics systems). These examples demonstrate that: behaviour is visualized that corresponds to the descriptions in the original text; appropriate geometry is selected (or created) for visualizing entities in each scene; sequences of scenes are created for a film-like presentation of the story; and that multiple modalities are combined to create a coherent multi-modal representation of the fiction text. This research demonstrates that visual descriptions in fiction text can be automatically identified, and that these descriptions can be converted into corresponding animated virtual environments. Unlike existing text-to-graphics systems, we describe techniques that function over unrestricted natural language text and perform the conversion process without the need for manually constructed repositories of world knowledge. This enables the rapid production of animated 3D virtual environments, allowing the human designer to focus on creative aspects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Glass, Kevin Robert
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Virtual computer systems , Virtual storage (Computer science) , Virtual reality , Computer animation , Fiction -- Computer programs , Narration (Rhetoric) -- Computer simulation , Animation (Cinematography) , Natural language processing (Computer Science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006518
- Description: Popular fiction books describe rich visual environments that contain characters, objects, and behaviour. This research develops automated processes for converting text sourced from fiction books into animated virtual environments and multi-modal films. This involves the analysis of unrestricted natural language fiction to identify appropriate visual descriptions, and the interpretation of the identified descriptions for constructing animated 3D virtual environments. The goal of the text analysis stage is the creation of annotated fiction text, which identifies visual descriptions in a structured manner. A hierarchical rule-based learning system is created that induces patterns from example annotations provided by a human, and uses these for the creation of additional annotations. Patterns are expressed as tree structures that abstract the input text on different levels according to structural (token, sentence) and syntactic (parts-of-speech, syntactic function) categories. Patterns are generalized using pair-wise merging, where dissimilar sub-trees are replaced with wild-cards. The result is a small set of generalized patterns that are able to create correct annotations. A set of generalized patterns represents a model of an annotator's mental process regarding a particular annotation category. Annotated text is interpreted automatically for constructing detailed scene descriptions. This includes identifying which scenes to visualize, and identifying the contents and behaviour in each scene. Entity behaviour in a 3D virtual environment is formulated using time-based constraints that are automatically derived from annotations. Constraints are expressed as non-linear symbolic functions that restrict the trajectories of a pair of entities over a continuous interval of time. Solutions to these constraints specify precise behaviour. We create an innovative quantified constraint optimizer for locating sound solutions, which uses interval arithmetic for treating time and space as contiguous quantities. This optimization method uses a technique of constraint relaxation and tightening that allows solution approximations to be located where constraint systems are inconsistent (an ability not previously explored in interval-based quantified constraint solving). 3D virtual environments are populated by automatically selecting geometric models or procedural geometry-creation methods from a library. 3D models are animated according to trajectories derived from constraint solutions. The final animated film is sequenced using a range of modalities including animated 3D graphics, textual subtitles, audio narrations, and foleys. Hierarchical rule-based learning is evaluated over a range of annotation categories. Models are induced for different categories of annotation without modifying the core learning algorithms, and these models are shown to be applicable to different types of books. Models are induced automatically with accuracies ranging between 51.4% and 90.4%, depending on the category. We show that models are refined if further examples are provided, and this supports a boot-strapping process for training the learning mechanism. The task of interpreting annotated fiction text and populating 3D virtual environments is successfully automated using our described techniques. Detailed scene descriptions are created accurately, where between 83% and 96% of the automatically generated descriptions require no manual modification (depending on the type of description). The interval-based quantified constraint optimizer fully automates the behaviour specification process. Sample animated multi-modal 3D films are created using extracts from fiction books that are unrestricted in terms of complexity or subject matter (unlike existing text-to-graphics systems). These examples demonstrate that: behaviour is visualized that corresponds to the descriptions in the original text; appropriate geometry is selected (or created) for visualizing entities in each scene; sequences of scenes are created for a film-like presentation of the story; and that multiple modalities are combined to create a coherent multi-modal representation of the fiction text. This research demonstrates that visual descriptions in fiction text can be automatically identified, and that these descriptions can be converted into corresponding animated virtual environments. Unlike existing text-to-graphics systems, we describe techniques that function over unrestricted natural language text and perform the conversion process without the need for manually constructed repositories of world knowledge. This enables the rapid production of animated 3D virtual environments, allowing the human designer to focus on creative aspects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The implementation of project work by selected grade 10 life science teachers in Namibia
- Authors: Angula, Alina Hambelela
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia Project method in teaching -- Namibia School improvement programs -- Namibia Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003449
- Description: Prior to independence in Namibia in 1990 the education system of the day did not encourage the majority of Namibian learners to explore and investigate the wonder of the natural and physical world. The post independence education system has nurtured the study of the sciences and has emphasized participation, problem solving and independent studies. The inclusion of projects and other independent studies has been regarded as a key vehicle to develop scientific understanding and competencies related to this understanding. However, very few studies have hitherto investigated the teachers’ understanding and implementation of projects in the Namibian context. This study investigates how Grade 10 Life Science teachers understand and implement projects in selected schools in Namibia. The study focused on two teachers in two schools, a combined and a senior secondary school in the Oshikoto educational region of Namibia. The research was conducted through an interpretive case study aiming to gain a better understanding about the implementation of projects in schools. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observation and document analysis. The findings indicate that despite the focus on projects in the Life Science syllabus and broad curriculum, policy documents do not give detailed guidelines on how projects should be planned, organized and assessed. The results revealed that knowledge about projects and their implementation is primarily informed by practical activities rather than the critical enquiries or investigations required by the Life Science curriculum policy. The study also revealed that despite the in-service training received by the two teachers participating in this study on syllabus interpretation, it is apparent from the findings that project work in these in-service programmes was neglected. This has further hampered teachers’ understanding and implementation of projects. The findings of this study point to a need for project guidelines as well as in-service programmes in this area if the stated nature and role of projects in the context of Namibian education policy is to be achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Angula, Alina Hambelela
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia Project method in teaching -- Namibia School improvement programs -- Namibia Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1567 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003449
- Description: Prior to independence in Namibia in 1990 the education system of the day did not encourage the majority of Namibian learners to explore and investigate the wonder of the natural and physical world. The post independence education system has nurtured the study of the sciences and has emphasized participation, problem solving and independent studies. The inclusion of projects and other independent studies has been regarded as a key vehicle to develop scientific understanding and competencies related to this understanding. However, very few studies have hitherto investigated the teachers’ understanding and implementation of projects in the Namibian context. This study investigates how Grade 10 Life Science teachers understand and implement projects in selected schools in Namibia. The study focused on two teachers in two schools, a combined and a senior secondary school in the Oshikoto educational region of Namibia. The research was conducted through an interpretive case study aiming to gain a better understanding about the implementation of projects in schools. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observation and document analysis. The findings indicate that despite the focus on projects in the Life Science syllabus and broad curriculum, policy documents do not give detailed guidelines on how projects should be planned, organized and assessed. The results revealed that knowledge about projects and their implementation is primarily informed by practical activities rather than the critical enquiries or investigations required by the Life Science curriculum policy. The study also revealed that despite the in-service training received by the two teachers participating in this study on syllabus interpretation, it is apparent from the findings that project work in these in-service programmes was neglected. This has further hampered teachers’ understanding and implementation of projects. The findings of this study point to a need for project guidelines as well as in-service programmes in this area if the stated nature and role of projects in the context of Namibian education policy is to be achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Dynamics of larval fish and zooplankton in selected south and west coast estuaries of South Africa
- Montoya-Maya, Phanor Hernando
- Authors: Montoya-Maya, Phanor Hernando
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5263 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005107 , Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Description: Larval fish and zooplankton assemblages were studied in nine south and west coast estuaries in the cool-temperate and the cool/warm-temperate boundary region between June 2003 and March 2004. This study served to provide new information on previously unstudied estuaries and expand on existing knowledge of larval fish and zooplankton assemblages associated with various estuary types. The south and west coast estuaries sampled in this study showed lower salinities (12.2 - 13.7), lower water temperatures (14.5 - 16.9 °C) and higher turbidities (k = 0.02 - 0.04) in winter and spring while higher salinities (21.7 - 21.8), higher water temperatures (21.7 - 23.1°C) and lower turbidities (k <0.02) were observed in summer and autumn. Mean winter and summer water temperatures in estuaries were lower than those observed in warm-temperate and subtropical systems by other researchers. A total of 49274 larval fishes were caught, comprising 9 orders, 20 families, 29 genera and 47 taxa. The clupeid Gilchristella aestuaria (78.8 %) dominated the larval fish assemblages and occurred in all estuaries. The majority (70 %) of identified species are endemic to southern Africa and 96.4 % of larval fishes caught were estuary-resident species. The zooplankton study yielded a total of 44 taxa, comprising 7 phyla, >20 orders and >35 families. The copepod Pseudodiaptomus hessei dominated (59 %) the zooplankton and occurred in similar densities to those observed in other South African estuaries. Larval fish and zooplankton varied across seasons, peaking simultaneously in summer although zooplankton showed additional density peaks during the closed phase of some estuaries. Both plankton components were more abundant in the oligohaline and mesohaline zones within the estuaries. Freshwater input, estuary type and the biogeography of the area influenced the composition and structure of larval fish and zooplankton assemblages in these estuaries. The findings suggest that the estuaries are functioning as successful breeding areas for the larvae of endemic estuary-resident fish species and that these estuaries have to be managed to ensure an adequate freshwater supply to maintain the biological integrity of the ecosystem, specially the maintenance of the highly productive River-Estuary Interface (REI) regions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Montoya-Maya, Phanor Hernando
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5263 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005107 , Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Description: Larval fish and zooplankton assemblages were studied in nine south and west coast estuaries in the cool-temperate and the cool/warm-temperate boundary region between June 2003 and March 2004. This study served to provide new information on previously unstudied estuaries and expand on existing knowledge of larval fish and zooplankton assemblages associated with various estuary types. The south and west coast estuaries sampled in this study showed lower salinities (12.2 - 13.7), lower water temperatures (14.5 - 16.9 °C) and higher turbidities (k = 0.02 - 0.04) in winter and spring while higher salinities (21.7 - 21.8), higher water temperatures (21.7 - 23.1°C) and lower turbidities (k <0.02) were observed in summer and autumn. Mean winter and summer water temperatures in estuaries were lower than those observed in warm-temperate and subtropical systems by other researchers. A total of 49274 larval fishes were caught, comprising 9 orders, 20 families, 29 genera and 47 taxa. The clupeid Gilchristella aestuaria (78.8 %) dominated the larval fish assemblages and occurred in all estuaries. The majority (70 %) of identified species are endemic to southern Africa and 96.4 % of larval fishes caught were estuary-resident species. The zooplankton study yielded a total of 44 taxa, comprising 7 phyla, >20 orders and >35 families. The copepod Pseudodiaptomus hessei dominated (59 %) the zooplankton and occurred in similar densities to those observed in other South African estuaries. Larval fish and zooplankton varied across seasons, peaking simultaneously in summer although zooplankton showed additional density peaks during the closed phase of some estuaries. Both plankton components were more abundant in the oligohaline and mesohaline zones within the estuaries. Freshwater input, estuary type and the biogeography of the area influenced the composition and structure of larval fish and zooplankton assemblages in these estuaries. The findings suggest that the estuaries are functioning as successful breeding areas for the larvae of endemic estuary-resident fish species and that these estuaries have to be managed to ensure an adequate freshwater supply to maintain the biological integrity of the ecosystem, specially the maintenance of the highly productive River-Estuary Interface (REI) regions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Hierarchical spatial structure and levels of resolution of intertidal grazing and their consequences on predictability and stability at small scales
- Authors: Diaz Diaz, Eliecer Rodrigo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Marine algae -- Effect of grazing on Shorelines -- South Africa Zostera marina Intertidal ecology Spatial analysis (Statistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005393
- Description: The aim of this research was to assess three hierarchical aspects of alga-grazer interactions in intertidal communities on a small scale: spatial heterogeneity, grazing effects and spatial stability in grazing effects. First, using semivariograms and cross-semivariograms I observed hierarchical spatial patterns in most algal groups and in grazers. However, these patterns varied with the level on the shore and between shores, suggesting that either human exploitation or wave exposure can be a source of variability. Second, grazing effects were studied using manipulative experiments at different levels on the shore. These revealed significant effects of grazing on the low shore and in tidal pools. Additionally, using a transect of grazer exclusions across the shore, I observed unexpected hierarchical patchiness in the strength of grazing, rather than zonation in its effects. This patchiness varied in time due to different biotic and abiotic factors. In a separate experiment, the effect of mesograzers effects were studied in the upper eulittoral zone under four conditions: burnt open rock (BOR), burnt pools (Bpool), non-burnt open rock (NBOR) and non-burnt pools (NBpool). Additionally, I tested spatial stability in the effects of grazing in consecutive years, using the same plots. I observed great spatial variability in the effects of grazing, but this variability was spatially stable in Bpools and NBOR, meaning deterministic and significant grazing effects in consecutive years on the same plots. Both the significance in grazing effects and spatial stability depended on the level of resolution (species, functional, biomass) at which the algal assemblage was evaluated, suggesting hierarchical variability. In order to be able to predict spatial variability in the effects of grazers in the upper eulittoral zone using biotic and abiotic micro- and macrofactors, a conceptual model was proposed, based on data from several multiple-regressions. This linked the interactions among three elements: idiosyncratic heterogeneity, micro and macrofactors. This suggests that spatial variability can be a product of these factors, while spatial stability can be caused by the same or different combinations of factors. In conclusion, grazing and other ecological phenomena must be studied hierarchically, not only through spatiotemporal scales, but also at different levels of resolution, as these also influence our perception of patterns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Diaz Diaz, Eliecer Rodrigo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Marine algae -- Effect of grazing on Shorelines -- South Africa Zostera marina Intertidal ecology Spatial analysis (Statistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005393
- Description: The aim of this research was to assess three hierarchical aspects of alga-grazer interactions in intertidal communities on a small scale: spatial heterogeneity, grazing effects and spatial stability in grazing effects. First, using semivariograms and cross-semivariograms I observed hierarchical spatial patterns in most algal groups and in grazers. However, these patterns varied with the level on the shore and between shores, suggesting that either human exploitation or wave exposure can be a source of variability. Second, grazing effects were studied using manipulative experiments at different levels on the shore. These revealed significant effects of grazing on the low shore and in tidal pools. Additionally, using a transect of grazer exclusions across the shore, I observed unexpected hierarchical patchiness in the strength of grazing, rather than zonation in its effects. This patchiness varied in time due to different biotic and abiotic factors. In a separate experiment, the effect of mesograzers effects were studied in the upper eulittoral zone under four conditions: burnt open rock (BOR), burnt pools (Bpool), non-burnt open rock (NBOR) and non-burnt pools (NBpool). Additionally, I tested spatial stability in the effects of grazing in consecutive years, using the same plots. I observed great spatial variability in the effects of grazing, but this variability was spatially stable in Bpools and NBOR, meaning deterministic and significant grazing effects in consecutive years on the same plots. Both the significance in grazing effects and spatial stability depended on the level of resolution (species, functional, biomass) at which the algal assemblage was evaluated, suggesting hierarchical variability. In order to be able to predict spatial variability in the effects of grazers in the upper eulittoral zone using biotic and abiotic micro- and macrofactors, a conceptual model was proposed, based on data from several multiple-regressions. This linked the interactions among three elements: idiosyncratic heterogeneity, micro and macrofactors. This suggests that spatial variability can be a product of these factors, while spatial stability can be caused by the same or different combinations of factors. In conclusion, grazing and other ecological phenomena must be studied hierarchically, not only through spatiotemporal scales, but also at different levels of resolution, as these also influence our perception of patterns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Rights, duties and remedies under the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods: an investigation into the CISG's compatibility with South African law
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Beverley-Claire
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (1980) , Sales -- South Africa , Commercial law -- South Africa , South Africa -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003206 , United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (1980) , Sales -- South Africa , Commercial law -- South Africa , South Africa -- Law and legislation
- Description: This thesis analyses the compatibility of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) with the South African law of sale. An initial examination of the historical development of the CISG reveals its ambitions of becoming the primary source of law governing international contracts of sale. The goal of this research is to determine whether South Africa should ratify the CISG. The CISG has been ratified by most of the leading trading States in the world. In order to gain a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of ratification, a comparative study has been undertaken. The stance taken toward the CISG by the United Kingdom and Germany has been examined. The United Kingdom has staunchly avoided ratifying the CISG, despite having agreed thereto a number of years ago. Germany however has taken a different approach and has welcomed the CISG. The experiences of these foreign States serve as a useful guide when assessing the specific challenges that exist in South Africa concerning the adoption of the CISG. The most important aspect of this study is the direct comparison between the legal provisions housed in the CISG and their counterparts under South African law. A careful investigation has been conducted into the rights, duties, and remedies under the CISG. This investigation is followed by an examination of the corresponding rights, duties, and remedies under the South African domestic law of sale. It is evident from these explorations that the rights and duties under the CISG strongly resemble those under South African law. The direct comparison revealed however that certain remedies found in the CISG do not have a counterpart under South African law. Despite this discrepancy, there are no legal principles in the CISG that are completely unknown in South African law. While certain remedies housed in the CISG cannot be found in an identical form under South African law, sufficiently similar legal principles can be found, which frequently lead to the same results as those under the CISG. This study is concluded with a recommendation concerning South Africa’s adoption of the CISG.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Beverley-Claire
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (1980) , Sales -- South Africa , Commercial law -- South Africa , South Africa -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3691 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003206 , United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (1980) , Sales -- South Africa , Commercial law -- South Africa , South Africa -- Law and legislation
- Description: This thesis analyses the compatibility of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) with the South African law of sale. An initial examination of the historical development of the CISG reveals its ambitions of becoming the primary source of law governing international contracts of sale. The goal of this research is to determine whether South Africa should ratify the CISG. The CISG has been ratified by most of the leading trading States in the world. In order to gain a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of ratification, a comparative study has been undertaken. The stance taken toward the CISG by the United Kingdom and Germany has been examined. The United Kingdom has staunchly avoided ratifying the CISG, despite having agreed thereto a number of years ago. Germany however has taken a different approach and has welcomed the CISG. The experiences of these foreign States serve as a useful guide when assessing the specific challenges that exist in South Africa concerning the adoption of the CISG. The most important aspect of this study is the direct comparison between the legal provisions housed in the CISG and their counterparts under South African law. A careful investigation has been conducted into the rights, duties, and remedies under the CISG. This investigation is followed by an examination of the corresponding rights, duties, and remedies under the South African domestic law of sale. It is evident from these explorations that the rights and duties under the CISG strongly resemble those under South African law. The direct comparison revealed however that certain remedies found in the CISG do not have a counterpart under South African law. Despite this discrepancy, there are no legal principles in the CISG that are completely unknown in South African law. While certain remedies housed in the CISG cannot be found in an identical form under South African law, sufficiently similar legal principles can be found, which frequently lead to the same results as those under the CISG. This study is concluded with a recommendation concerning South Africa’s adoption of the CISG.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Between self and author : an autoethnographic approach towards the crafting of reflexive compositions in post graduate drama studies
- Authors: Moyo, Awelani Lena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Drama -- Study and teachng (Higher) College and school drama
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002375
- Description: This thesis explores the merits of reflexivity in the processes of creating a performance and of performing research in Drama Studies. In it, I make a case for the validity of autobiographical material as an aid to generating such reflexivity. Through an autoethnographic case study of my work entitled Compositions (a series of performance projects) in which I focus on the theme of migration, I provide an indepth account of my experiences, focusing specifically on the interrelated concerns of body, space and journey in my ritualistic performance. My examination explores the dynamic effects of liminality within identity politics, through which I foreground several issues of concern which I have encountered as an emerging scholar and theatremaker working within an academic institution. I propose that the process of studying drama in a University ultimately requires one to continually negotiate a range of subject positions, whilst finding connections between these various identities that one may take up during the course of one’s studies. By developing an awareness of the overlapping of such identities and inhabiting the spaces in-between subject positions, I demonstrate how taking into account one’s personal lived experience can help illuminate one’s understanding of both the work of art and the research report, as well as the broader contexts in which such practice-based work exists. I illustrate how such an understanding has ultimately maximised the knowledge and learning that I have gathered, and has contributed to the crucial project of developing my authorial voice in writing and performance, which is central to the aims of the Master of Arts degree in Drama.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Moyo, Awelani Lena
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Drama -- Study and teachng (Higher) College and school drama
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002375
- Description: This thesis explores the merits of reflexivity in the processes of creating a performance and of performing research in Drama Studies. In it, I make a case for the validity of autobiographical material as an aid to generating such reflexivity. Through an autoethnographic case study of my work entitled Compositions (a series of performance projects) in which I focus on the theme of migration, I provide an indepth account of my experiences, focusing specifically on the interrelated concerns of body, space and journey in my ritualistic performance. My examination explores the dynamic effects of liminality within identity politics, through which I foreground several issues of concern which I have encountered as an emerging scholar and theatremaker working within an academic institution. I propose that the process of studying drama in a University ultimately requires one to continually negotiate a range of subject positions, whilst finding connections between these various identities that one may take up during the course of one’s studies. By developing an awareness of the overlapping of such identities and inhabiting the spaces in-between subject positions, I demonstrate how taking into account one’s personal lived experience can help illuminate one’s understanding of both the work of art and the research report, as well as the broader contexts in which such practice-based work exists. I illustrate how such an understanding has ultimately maximised the knowledge and learning that I have gathered, and has contributed to the crucial project of developing my authorial voice in writing and performance, which is central to the aims of the Master of Arts degree in Drama.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The rule of Brigadier Oupa Gqozo in Ciskei: 4 March 1990 to 22 March 1994
- Authors: White, Colin Stewart
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Gqozo, Oupa , Sebe, L L W (Lennox L W) , Massacres -- Bisho (South Africa) , Ciskei (South Africa) -- History -- 20th century , Ciskei (South Africa) -- Politics and government -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2616 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013360
- Description: Although the history of the Eastern Cape has been recorded from the eighteenth century, virtually nothing has been written about the political entity known as the independent Republic of Ciskei (1981 – 1994). This hiatus in our history, coupled with the fact that many of the official records of that period have been destroyed, make it imperative that the role-players of the period be contacted and their evidence be recorded before it is lost to prosperity. This need has motivated the writing of the thesis. The thesis commences with a brief description of the early history and constitutional development of Ciskei. It then has a substantial chapter on Lennox Sebe, the ruler of Ciskei from 1973 to 1990, who is described as the catalyst of Gqozo’s coup d’état. This is followed by a short personal biography of Oupa Gqozo, and his rise to the position of Brigadier in the Ciskei army. On 4 March 1990 Gqozo led the coup by the Ciskei Defence Force that dethroned Sebe. At the outset he ruled in an exemplary manner, but after being misled by South African agents he turned against the African National Congress and his own people. When he established his own party, the African Democratic Movement, and re-instated the hated headman system, civil war followed in Ciskei. Separate chapters in the thesis relate the various traumatic events that occurred during Gqozo’s reign: the killing of Anton Guzana and Charles Sebe; the dismissal of the senior officers of the CDF; the strife during 1991/2; the Bhisho Massacre; its aftermath; the mutiny by the security forces and Gqozo’s resignation on 22 March 1994. The thesis concludes that although Brigadier Gqozo respected the rule of law, and was free of corruption, he was devoid of the necessary academic qualifications, experience and ability, including the necessary insight and foresight, to rule a country. He became paranoid about his own safety and the possible overthrow of his government, and he was too easily swayed by others. In short, Gqozo was inept, rather than evil.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: White, Colin Stewart
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Gqozo, Oupa , Sebe, L L W (Lennox L W) , Massacres -- Bisho (South Africa) , Ciskei (South Africa) -- History -- 20th century , Ciskei (South Africa) -- Politics and government -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2616 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013360
- Description: Although the history of the Eastern Cape has been recorded from the eighteenth century, virtually nothing has been written about the political entity known as the independent Republic of Ciskei (1981 – 1994). This hiatus in our history, coupled with the fact that many of the official records of that period have been destroyed, make it imperative that the role-players of the period be contacted and their evidence be recorded before it is lost to prosperity. This need has motivated the writing of the thesis. The thesis commences with a brief description of the early history and constitutional development of Ciskei. It then has a substantial chapter on Lennox Sebe, the ruler of Ciskei from 1973 to 1990, who is described as the catalyst of Gqozo’s coup d’état. This is followed by a short personal biography of Oupa Gqozo, and his rise to the position of Brigadier in the Ciskei army. On 4 March 1990 Gqozo led the coup by the Ciskei Defence Force that dethroned Sebe. At the outset he ruled in an exemplary manner, but after being misled by South African agents he turned against the African National Congress and his own people. When he established his own party, the African Democratic Movement, and re-instated the hated headman system, civil war followed in Ciskei. Separate chapters in the thesis relate the various traumatic events that occurred during Gqozo’s reign: the killing of Anton Guzana and Charles Sebe; the dismissal of the senior officers of the CDF; the strife during 1991/2; the Bhisho Massacre; its aftermath; the mutiny by the security forces and Gqozo’s resignation on 22 March 1994. The thesis concludes that although Brigadier Gqozo respected the rule of law, and was free of corruption, he was devoid of the necessary academic qualifications, experience and ability, including the necessary insight and foresight, to rule a country. He became paranoid about his own safety and the possible overthrow of his government, and he was too easily swayed by others. In short, Gqozo was inept, rather than evil.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation of the challenges facing grade 10 science learners in sense-making of mechanics problems : a case study
- Authors: Malunguza, Julius
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Case studies Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Case studies Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003529
- Description: The research study was conducted at Ixopo High School, an English medium, former model-C, co-educational school in Kwazulu-Natal. The research is located within an interpretive paradigm and is informed by the constructivism theoretical framework. The learners and educators who participated in this research study did so voluntarily. The principal objective of this case study was to investigate the challenges faced by 30 Grade 10 Science learners in understanding the problems posed in the mechanics section of the Physics syllabus. This investigation was carried out using two learning strategies: problem solving and practical work. Various authors have noted some sections in the Physics syllabus are often misunderstood by the learners, for different reasons. From the literature and from the author’s personal experience it was found that mechanics is a topic that the learners of different races and age groups find difficult to conceptualise. In general, learners have misconceptions and make errors in Physical Sciences. Often educators view children’s errors and misconceptions in terms of low intelligence, low mathematical aptitude, perceptual difficulties or learning disabilities instead of attempting to discover the real causes of the errors. Educators need to find out why the learners make these mistakes, in order to help them. In most cases Mathematics forms a basic common element in scientific study. Hence, science learners need to be able to deal with numbers, operations, symbols and mathematical formulae. The term “science” embraces a very wide area of subject matter. Different learners will have widely differing interests within the many subdivisions of this field. This presents a problem when preparing learners for the scientific language they will need to study different branches of science. This implies that failure to understand the meaning of words or symbols inevitably impairs communication. The data analysed was collected using a variety of data collection tools. The main data generation tools were science tasks, structured interviews and group interviews and questionnaires. The analysis revealed that learners were lacking in mathematical skills and science register (terminology). Both first and second language English speakers encountered problems in science register but the study found that the problem was more pronounced in the latter. The findings of this study also highlighted that learners understand how to think mathematically when they are resourceful, flexible, and efficient in their dealing with new mathematical problems in mechanics. However, mathematical problem solving performance is built on the foundation of basic mathematical knowledge. The study suggested that even when the challenges of a general understanding of English as the medium of instruction and scientific language (register) are overcome, learners are still challenged by mathematical problem solving strategies; reading and writing of science; making meanings of symbols and signs; graphs and scientific mathematical equations in sense making of mechanics problems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Malunguza, Julius
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Case studies Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Case studies Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003529
- Description: The research study was conducted at Ixopo High School, an English medium, former model-C, co-educational school in Kwazulu-Natal. The research is located within an interpretive paradigm and is informed by the constructivism theoretical framework. The learners and educators who participated in this research study did so voluntarily. The principal objective of this case study was to investigate the challenges faced by 30 Grade 10 Science learners in understanding the problems posed in the mechanics section of the Physics syllabus. This investigation was carried out using two learning strategies: problem solving and practical work. Various authors have noted some sections in the Physics syllabus are often misunderstood by the learners, for different reasons. From the literature and from the author’s personal experience it was found that mechanics is a topic that the learners of different races and age groups find difficult to conceptualise. In general, learners have misconceptions and make errors in Physical Sciences. Often educators view children’s errors and misconceptions in terms of low intelligence, low mathematical aptitude, perceptual difficulties or learning disabilities instead of attempting to discover the real causes of the errors. Educators need to find out why the learners make these mistakes, in order to help them. In most cases Mathematics forms a basic common element in scientific study. Hence, science learners need to be able to deal with numbers, operations, symbols and mathematical formulae. The term “science” embraces a very wide area of subject matter. Different learners will have widely differing interests within the many subdivisions of this field. This presents a problem when preparing learners for the scientific language they will need to study different branches of science. This implies that failure to understand the meaning of words or symbols inevitably impairs communication. The data analysed was collected using a variety of data collection tools. The main data generation tools were science tasks, structured interviews and group interviews and questionnaires. The analysis revealed that learners were lacking in mathematical skills and science register (terminology). Both first and second language English speakers encountered problems in science register but the study found that the problem was more pronounced in the latter. The findings of this study also highlighted that learners understand how to think mathematically when they are resourceful, flexible, and efficient in their dealing with new mathematical problems in mechanics. However, mathematical problem solving performance is built on the foundation of basic mathematical knowledge. The study suggested that even when the challenges of a general understanding of English as the medium of instruction and scientific language (register) are overcome, learners are still challenged by mathematical problem solving strategies; reading and writing of science; making meanings of symbols and signs; graphs and scientific mathematical equations in sense making of mechanics problems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation of social computing
- Authors: Schlenkrich, Lara
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Online social networks , Online social networks -- Law and legislation , Interpersonal communication , Internet in education , Education -- Communication system , Education -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1149 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006194 , Online social networks , Online social networks -- Law and legislation , Interpersonal communication , Internet in education , Education -- Communication system , Education -- Data processing
- Description: Social network sites have recently become extremely popular online destinations as they offer users easy ways to build and maintain their relationships with each other. Consequently, students, lecturers, teachers, parents and businesses are using these tools to communicate with each other in a fast and cost-effective manner. However, literature suggests that the full potential of social network sites has not yet been revealed since users are still battling to overcome the various negative characteristics surrounding these sites. A framework for appropriate use of these sites is needed so that users are able to overcome these negative aspects, allowing them to be more effective and use the sites successfully. The goal of this research is to construct a framework for perceived successful use of social computing tools in educational institutions. This framework will include critical success factors that need to be adopted by users in order to develop the positive aspects of social computing, while at the same time overcoming the disadvantages experienced by users. Factors for successful use were derived from the literature and consolidated into a theoretical framework in order to understand the factors that drive successful use of social network sites. Measures used to test successful use of social network sites were also derived from these sources and were included in the same theoretical framework; these measures allow users to evaluate the extent of perceived successful use of social network sites. This framework was tested empirically by means of a pilot study and online survey, and revised according to the results of the survey. The factors were identified using Cronbach alpha coefficients (in the pilot study) and exploratory factor analysis to confirm the reliability of the scales developed. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis, t-tests and Pearson Chi-Square tests were used to measure the relationships amongst the variables in the framework proposed in this research. The factors influencing perceived successful use of social network sites were identified by the empirical study as: • Privacy and Security Settings need to be enabled. These are split into: - Settings: content that users allow others to see - Viewers: people who are allowed onto a user's profile • It is necessary for users to practise Legal and Acceptable Activities when using social network sites • Suspect Information needs to be checked before sharing it with others • Personal and Professional Time needs to be separated to ensure that work is completed before social activities occur • Users need to practise Professional and Ethical Behaviour • Users need to have a Positive Attitude when using social network sites • Usability of sites affects their success. This includes: - technical capacity (broadband) - ease of use - functionality (range of features and functions) • Current and Controversial Issues need to be discussed on social network sites. The extent to which social network sites are being used successfully can be evaluated by the presence of the following measures: • Range of Content must be available to users. This includes: - Content displayed on profiles - Viewers able to visit profiles • Visitors Behaviour is monitored and no unwanted visitors are present users' profiles • Social Contracts found on sites are followed by users • Critical Thinking Skills and Accurate Information are displayed by users • Work is completed before social activities occur on sites • A Variety of Users is present on sites • Collaboration between people as well as variety of opinions exist on sites • Social Capital (well-being) is present after users have been on sites • Learning and Advising Skills are enhanced on sites. The framework developed provides users with a useful instrument to overcome the negative characteristics associated with social network sites. If used successfully, social network sites can offer lecturers and students a unique method to develop their relationship, creating a positive learning experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Schlenkrich, Lara
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Online social networks , Online social networks -- Law and legislation , Interpersonal communication , Internet in education , Education -- Communication system , Education -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1149 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006194 , Online social networks , Online social networks -- Law and legislation , Interpersonal communication , Internet in education , Education -- Communication system , Education -- Data processing
- Description: Social network sites have recently become extremely popular online destinations as they offer users easy ways to build and maintain their relationships with each other. Consequently, students, lecturers, teachers, parents and businesses are using these tools to communicate with each other in a fast and cost-effective manner. However, literature suggests that the full potential of social network sites has not yet been revealed since users are still battling to overcome the various negative characteristics surrounding these sites. A framework for appropriate use of these sites is needed so that users are able to overcome these negative aspects, allowing them to be more effective and use the sites successfully. The goal of this research is to construct a framework for perceived successful use of social computing tools in educational institutions. This framework will include critical success factors that need to be adopted by users in order to develop the positive aspects of social computing, while at the same time overcoming the disadvantages experienced by users. Factors for successful use were derived from the literature and consolidated into a theoretical framework in order to understand the factors that drive successful use of social network sites. Measures used to test successful use of social network sites were also derived from these sources and were included in the same theoretical framework; these measures allow users to evaluate the extent of perceived successful use of social network sites. This framework was tested empirically by means of a pilot study and online survey, and revised according to the results of the survey. The factors were identified using Cronbach alpha coefficients (in the pilot study) and exploratory factor analysis to confirm the reliability of the scales developed. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis, t-tests and Pearson Chi-Square tests were used to measure the relationships amongst the variables in the framework proposed in this research. The factors influencing perceived successful use of social network sites were identified by the empirical study as: • Privacy and Security Settings need to be enabled. These are split into: - Settings: content that users allow others to see - Viewers: people who are allowed onto a user's profile • It is necessary for users to practise Legal and Acceptable Activities when using social network sites • Suspect Information needs to be checked before sharing it with others • Personal and Professional Time needs to be separated to ensure that work is completed before social activities occur • Users need to practise Professional and Ethical Behaviour • Users need to have a Positive Attitude when using social network sites • Usability of sites affects their success. This includes: - technical capacity (broadband) - ease of use - functionality (range of features and functions) • Current and Controversial Issues need to be discussed on social network sites. The extent to which social network sites are being used successfully can be evaluated by the presence of the following measures: • Range of Content must be available to users. This includes: - Content displayed on profiles - Viewers able to visit profiles • Visitors Behaviour is monitored and no unwanted visitors are present users' profiles • Social Contracts found on sites are followed by users • Critical Thinking Skills and Accurate Information are displayed by users • Work is completed before social activities occur on sites • A Variety of Users is present on sites • Collaboration between people as well as variety of opinions exist on sites • Social Capital (well-being) is present after users have been on sites • Learning and Advising Skills are enhanced on sites. The framework developed provides users with a useful instrument to overcome the negative characteristics associated with social network sites. If used successfully, social network sites can offer lecturers and students a unique method to develop their relationship, creating a positive learning experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
How on-line publishing contributes to democracy, press freedom and the public sphere: a case study of Nyasatimes online and The Daily Times newspaper in Malawi
- Authors: Kakhobwe, Penelope
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Daily Times (Malawi) Nyasatimes (Malawi) Democracy -- Malawi Freedom of the press -- Malawi Journalism -- Political aspects -- Malawi Online journalism -- Malawi Electronic newspapers -- Malawi Electronic publishing -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3441 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002895
- Description: Since the demise of the Berlin Wall and communism, many African countries have adopted a Western-model democracy as a system of governance. However, the media has not been liberalised to reflect this new discourse as constraints in many African countries pertaining to press freedom still exist. The internet appears to have the potential to challenge the political power of governments (Tsagarousianou, 1998:167). It has been posited that it has the potential to offer more platforms for information especially in the case of restrictive media environments. This study set out to investigate the impact of on-line publishing in Malawi. It explored how the emergence of this new form of publishing through the internet has affected the public sphere, democracy and press freedom in Malawi. The main focus was the level of press freedom at on-line newspapers as compared to traditional newspapers. It used the public sphere theory and literature on the internet as a technology of freedom as its theoretical framework. Using a case study approach by focusing on two newspapers; Nyasatimes on-line and Daily Times, the study used the coup plot coverage in May 2008 in Malawi by both newspapers as reference for the measurement of the level of press freedom. The study used qualitative content analysis and semi-structured interviews as its research methods. The research revealed that Nyasatimes enjoys more freedom to publish and therefore appears to have more press freedom than its more traditional counterpart. However, Nyasatimes also faces some unique challenges. The findings also revealed that press freedom in Malawi is not only affected by government through legislation but other factors and players as well play a central role in determining the level of press freedom for traditional media. The study therefore concludes that despite the internet’s ability to transcend local regimes of authority and censorship pertaining to press freedom, the challenges facing traditional media still need to be addressed as it is the primary source of information for most people in Malawi with on-line newspapers being simply supplementary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kakhobwe, Penelope
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Daily Times (Malawi) Nyasatimes (Malawi) Democracy -- Malawi Freedom of the press -- Malawi Journalism -- Political aspects -- Malawi Online journalism -- Malawi Electronic newspapers -- Malawi Electronic publishing -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3441 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002895
- Description: Since the demise of the Berlin Wall and communism, many African countries have adopted a Western-model democracy as a system of governance. However, the media has not been liberalised to reflect this new discourse as constraints in many African countries pertaining to press freedom still exist. The internet appears to have the potential to challenge the political power of governments (Tsagarousianou, 1998:167). It has been posited that it has the potential to offer more platforms for information especially in the case of restrictive media environments. This study set out to investigate the impact of on-line publishing in Malawi. It explored how the emergence of this new form of publishing through the internet has affected the public sphere, democracy and press freedom in Malawi. The main focus was the level of press freedom at on-line newspapers as compared to traditional newspapers. It used the public sphere theory and literature on the internet as a technology of freedom as its theoretical framework. Using a case study approach by focusing on two newspapers; Nyasatimes on-line and Daily Times, the study used the coup plot coverage in May 2008 in Malawi by both newspapers as reference for the measurement of the level of press freedom. The study used qualitative content analysis and semi-structured interviews as its research methods. The research revealed that Nyasatimes enjoys more freedom to publish and therefore appears to have more press freedom than its more traditional counterpart. However, Nyasatimes also faces some unique challenges. The findings also revealed that press freedom in Malawi is not only affected by government through legislation but other factors and players as well play a central role in determining the level of press freedom for traditional media. The study therefore concludes that despite the internet’s ability to transcend local regimes of authority and censorship pertaining to press freedom, the challenges facing traditional media still need to be addressed as it is the primary source of information for most people in Malawi with on-line newspapers being simply supplementary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation of newsroom convergence at the MoAfrika media company in Lesotho and its implications for gatekeeping: a qualitative case study
- Authors: Senthebane, Teboho
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: MoAfrika Convergence (Telecommunication) Mass media -- Management -- Lesotho Journalism -- Management -- Lesotho Journalism -- Technological innovations -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3501 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006112
- Description: This research is based on a case study of MoAfrika, a news organisation that has embraced digitisation to produce and distribute content across three platforms. It draws upon observation and in-depth interviews to show how MoAfrika's embrace of a degree of convergence has led to a fragmentation for journalists whose daily work now include additional responsibilities and pressures of time. While there is an increase in the quantity of news disseminated via radio, newspaper and online, questions arise about the quality of such news produced in a multi-skilled, multiple media news production environment. The result is repurposed stories with little original content and augmented employee workloads without training and compensation. The study examines these issues drawing on theories of gatekeeping and convergence. The decision to include a news story at MoAfrika depends partly on which medium it fits into most easily. News values, deadlines, organisational norms and national trends are some of the considerations which factored into gatekeepers' decisions. Primary decision-making was made within a group which also considered expense and expertise, and where the Managing Editor made the final call and set the frameworks for how content played across the enterprise's three platforms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Senthebane, Teboho
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: MoAfrika Convergence (Telecommunication) Mass media -- Management -- Lesotho Journalism -- Management -- Lesotho Journalism -- Technological innovations -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3501 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006112
- Description: This research is based on a case study of MoAfrika, a news organisation that has embraced digitisation to produce and distribute content across three platforms. It draws upon observation and in-depth interviews to show how MoAfrika's embrace of a degree of convergence has led to a fragmentation for journalists whose daily work now include additional responsibilities and pressures of time. While there is an increase in the quantity of news disseminated via radio, newspaper and online, questions arise about the quality of such news produced in a multi-skilled, multiple media news production environment. The result is repurposed stories with little original content and augmented employee workloads without training and compensation. The study examines these issues drawing on theories of gatekeeping and convergence. The decision to include a news story at MoAfrika depends partly on which medium it fits into most easily. News values, deadlines, organisational norms and national trends are some of the considerations which factored into gatekeepers' decisions. Primary decision-making was made within a group which also considered expense and expertise, and where the Managing Editor made the final call and set the frameworks for how content played across the enterprise's three platforms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Predictability of Geomagnetically Induced Currents using neural networks
- Authors: Lotz, Stefan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Advanced Composition Explorer (Artificial satellite) , Geomagnetism , Electromagnetic induction , Neural networks (Computer science) , Artificial intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005269 , Advanced Composition Explorer (Artificial satellite) , Geomagnetism , Electromagnetic induction , Neural networks (Computer science) , Artificial intelligence
- Description: It is a well documented fact that Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GIC’s) poses a significant threat to ground-based electric conductor networks like oil pipelines, railways and powerline networks. A study is undertaken to determine the feasibility of using artificial neural network models to predict GIC occurrence in the Southern African power grid. The magnitude of an induced current at a specific location on the Earth’s surface is directly related to the temporal derivative of the geomagnetic field (specifically its horizontal components) at that point. Hence, the focus of the problem is on the prediction of the temporal variations in the horizontal geomagnetic field (@Bx/@t and @By/@t). Artificial neural networks are used to predict @Bx/@t and @By/@t measured at Hermanus, South Africa (34.27◦ S, 19.12◦ E) with a 30 minute prediction lead time. As input parameters to the neural networks, insitu solar wind measurements made by the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) satellite are used. The results presented here compare well with similar models developed at high-latitude locations (e.g. Sweden, Finland, Canada) where extensive GIC research has been undertaken. It is concluded that it would indeed be feasible to use a neural network model to predict GIC occurrence in the Southern African power grid, provided that GIC measurements, powerline configuration and network parameters are made available.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Lotz, Stefan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Advanced Composition Explorer (Artificial satellite) , Geomagnetism , Electromagnetic induction , Neural networks (Computer science) , Artificial intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005269 , Advanced Composition Explorer (Artificial satellite) , Geomagnetism , Electromagnetic induction , Neural networks (Computer science) , Artificial intelligence
- Description: It is a well documented fact that Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GIC’s) poses a significant threat to ground-based electric conductor networks like oil pipelines, railways and powerline networks. A study is undertaken to determine the feasibility of using artificial neural network models to predict GIC occurrence in the Southern African power grid. The magnitude of an induced current at a specific location on the Earth’s surface is directly related to the temporal derivative of the geomagnetic field (specifically its horizontal components) at that point. Hence, the focus of the problem is on the prediction of the temporal variations in the horizontal geomagnetic field (@Bx/@t and @By/@t). Artificial neural networks are used to predict @Bx/@t and @By/@t measured at Hermanus, South Africa (34.27◦ S, 19.12◦ E) with a 30 minute prediction lead time. As input parameters to the neural networks, insitu solar wind measurements made by the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) satellite are used. The results presented here compare well with similar models developed at high-latitude locations (e.g. Sweden, Finland, Canada) where extensive GIC research has been undertaken. It is concluded that it would indeed be feasible to use a neural network model to predict GIC occurrence in the Southern African power grid, provided that GIC measurements, powerline configuration and network parameters are made available.
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- Date Issued: 2009
“The Two Cultures reunited: entomology for everyone”
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Audio , text
- Identifier: vital:587 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018947
- Description: Fifty years ago C.P. Snow delivered his essay, "The Two Cultures", sparking the schism between the Humanities and the Sciences. This lecture explores cultural entomology as a means of reconciling two other cultures: academia and society, and suggests one way of addressing this alienating dilemma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Audio , text
- Identifier: vital:587 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018947
- Description: Fifty years ago C.P. Snow delivered his essay, "The Two Cultures", sparking the schism between the Humanities and the Sciences. This lecture explores cultural entomology as a means of reconciling two other cultures: academia and society, and suggests one way of addressing this alienating dilemma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Plants for health, life and spirit in Africa : implications for biodiversity and cultural diversity conservation
- Cocks, Michelle L, Dold, Anthony P
- Authors: Cocks, Michelle L , Dold, Anthony P
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6617 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016225
- Description: [From Introduction] Natural resources are often only perceived as contributing to rural livelihoods through food production and household welfare. There is a growing wealth of information capturing the direct-use values of the environment and consequent recognition of natural resources as being “the poor man's overcoat”. These approaches, however, have failed to fully account for the various ways in which different groups of people make use of, and find value in biodiversity. New developments within the field of anthropology have begun to explore the relationship between biodiversity and human diversity. This view has largely come about because many of the areas of highest biological diversity are inhabited by indigenous and traditional people, providing what the Declaration of Belem (1988) calls an 'inextricable link' between biological and cultural diversity (Posey 1999). The term bio-cultural diversity was introduced by Posey in 1999 to describe the concept denoting this link. , Funding was received from the South Africa-Netherlands Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD) and the International Foundation of Science (IFS)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Cocks, Michelle L , Dold, Anthony P
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6617 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016225
- Description: [From Introduction] Natural resources are often only perceived as contributing to rural livelihoods through food production and household welfare. There is a growing wealth of information capturing the direct-use values of the environment and consequent recognition of natural resources as being “the poor man's overcoat”. These approaches, however, have failed to fully account for the various ways in which different groups of people make use of, and find value in biodiversity. New developments within the field of anthropology have begun to explore the relationship between biodiversity and human diversity. This view has largely come about because many of the areas of highest biological diversity are inhabited by indigenous and traditional people, providing what the Declaration of Belem (1988) calls an 'inextricable link' between biological and cultural diversity (Posey 1999). The term bio-cultural diversity was introduced by Posey in 1999 to describe the concept denoting this link. , Funding was received from the South Africa-Netherlands Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD) and the International Foundation of Science (IFS)
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- Date Issued: 2009
Making the Invisible Visible: Ameliorating Poverty through Natural Resource Commercialisation
- Authors: Shackleton, Sheona E
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:6618 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016226
- Description: [From Introduction] The majority of households in South Africa, especially those in the rural communal areas, live in abject poverty. Some 70% of rural households can be classified as poor, while 18-24% fall into the chronically poor category. Unlike many other developing nations, South Africa's rural communal areas are characterised by relatively poor availability of agricultural land, with only about 40% of rural households involved in field cropping. This results in high levels of integration and dependence on the cash economy. Unemployment levels are amongst the highest in the world at about 30%. Unemployment amongst women tends to be greater than amongst men resulting in a poverty rate amongst rural female-headed households of over 60%; double that of male-headed households. The scourge of HIV/AIDS is devastating already poor households' ability to cope. More than half of HIV/AIDS affected households have insufficient food (UNDP 2003). Impacts of the pandemic include not only the loss of income, but also increased expenditure particularly on medical care and funerals. The need to care for ill household members or orphaned children also limits the choices of occupation that other household members can pursue, and may restrict labour availability for food production. Household assets are often sold for cash eroding the few safety nets people have. HIV/AIDS is expected to contribute to a chronic impoverishment of 26-33% more households than would be the case in its absence (Aliber 2003). , Endnote: This policy brief is based on the original brief made available for a workshop in August 2006. It is derived, amongst other sources, from the findings of nine case studies of local natural resource commercialisation undertaken as part of a project funded by the South Africa-Netherlands Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD), BP South Africa and the National Research Foundation (NRF). Case studies on woodcraft, furniture production, weaving, broom production and the sale of wild foods and traditional marula beer were completed by Zwoitwa Makhado (UWC), Sibongile Mavimbela (Rhodes), Taryn Pereira (Rhodes), Sheona Shackleton (Rhodes) and Jabulile Sithole (WSU). CIFOR with support from SIDA, provided the funding to share these findings with key stakeholders. The opinions expressed in these policy briefs are those of the author and research team and should not necessarily be attributed to funders and partner institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Shackleton, Sheona E
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:6618 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016226
- Description: [From Introduction] The majority of households in South Africa, especially those in the rural communal areas, live in abject poverty. Some 70% of rural households can be classified as poor, while 18-24% fall into the chronically poor category. Unlike many other developing nations, South Africa's rural communal areas are characterised by relatively poor availability of agricultural land, with only about 40% of rural households involved in field cropping. This results in high levels of integration and dependence on the cash economy. Unemployment levels are amongst the highest in the world at about 30%. Unemployment amongst women tends to be greater than amongst men resulting in a poverty rate amongst rural female-headed households of over 60%; double that of male-headed households. The scourge of HIV/AIDS is devastating already poor households' ability to cope. More than half of HIV/AIDS affected households have insufficient food (UNDP 2003). Impacts of the pandemic include not only the loss of income, but also increased expenditure particularly on medical care and funerals. The need to care for ill household members or orphaned children also limits the choices of occupation that other household members can pursue, and may restrict labour availability for food production. Household assets are often sold for cash eroding the few safety nets people have. HIV/AIDS is expected to contribute to a chronic impoverishment of 26-33% more households than would be the case in its absence (Aliber 2003). , Endnote: This policy brief is based on the original brief made available for a workshop in August 2006. It is derived, amongst other sources, from the findings of nine case studies of local natural resource commercialisation undertaken as part of a project funded by the South Africa-Netherlands Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD), BP South Africa and the National Research Foundation (NRF). Case studies on woodcraft, furniture production, weaving, broom production and the sale of wild foods and traditional marula beer were completed by Zwoitwa Makhado (UWC), Sibongile Mavimbela (Rhodes), Taryn Pereira (Rhodes), Sheona Shackleton (Rhodes) and Jabulile Sithole (WSU). CIFOR with support from SIDA, provided the funding to share these findings with key stakeholders. The opinions expressed in these policy briefs are those of the author and research team and should not necessarily be attributed to funders and partner institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Ameliorating poverty in South Africa through natural resource commercialisation : how can NGO's make a difference?
- Authors: Shackleton, Sheona E
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6615 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016222
- Description: [From Introduction] Some of the poorest rural people in South Africa are turning to the natural resource base for income generation. Using traditional skills they are converting a variety of wild resources into commodities that are sold in the market place. Wood and woven craft, medicines, fresh and processed wild foods, alcoholic beverages, building materials, fuelwood, dried mopane worms, cultural artefacts and brooms are just some examples of the array of natural resource products increasingly seen for sale in local and external markets. Many of the participants in this trade have minimal education, few assets to draw on, and little access to alternative sources of income or jobs. A significant proportion are women, with more than half heading their own households. Many come from households devastated by HIV/AIDS. The cash earned from selling natural resource products, however modest, is of critical importance to the households involved, preventing them from slipping deeper into poverty. “Since I have been making brooms my children no longer go to bed crying of hunger” observed one broom producer. NGOs, particularly those involved in rural development, can play an important role in assisting producers overcome some of the obstacles they face and in enhancing the opportunities to grow this informal sector. , This policy brief is based on the original brief made available for a workshop in August 2006. It draws on, amongst other sources, the results of several case studies of natural resource commercialisation undertaken across South Africa. The project was funded by the South Africa-Netherlands Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD), BP South Africa and the National Research Foundation (NRF). The Center for International Forestry Research, with support from SIDA, provided the funding to share these findings with key stakeholders including government policy and decision makers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Shackleton, Sheona E
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6615 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016222
- Description: [From Introduction] Some of the poorest rural people in South Africa are turning to the natural resource base for income generation. Using traditional skills they are converting a variety of wild resources into commodities that are sold in the market place. Wood and woven craft, medicines, fresh and processed wild foods, alcoholic beverages, building materials, fuelwood, dried mopane worms, cultural artefacts and brooms are just some examples of the array of natural resource products increasingly seen for sale in local and external markets. Many of the participants in this trade have minimal education, few assets to draw on, and little access to alternative sources of income or jobs. A significant proportion are women, with more than half heading their own households. Many come from households devastated by HIV/AIDS. The cash earned from selling natural resource products, however modest, is of critical importance to the households involved, preventing them from slipping deeper into poverty. “Since I have been making brooms my children no longer go to bed crying of hunger” observed one broom producer. NGOs, particularly those involved in rural development, can play an important role in assisting producers overcome some of the obstacles they face and in enhancing the opportunities to grow this informal sector. , This policy brief is based on the original brief made available for a workshop in August 2006. It draws on, amongst other sources, the results of several case studies of natural resource commercialisation undertaken across South Africa. The project was funded by the South Africa-Netherlands Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD), BP South Africa and the National Research Foundation (NRF). The Center for International Forestry Research, with support from SIDA, provided the funding to share these findings with key stakeholders including government policy and decision makers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Promoting indigenous vegetables in urban agriculture & livelihoods : policy lessons from Sub-Saharan Africa
- Shackleton, Charlie M, Pasquini, Margaret W, Ambrose-Oji, Bianca, Drescher, Axel W
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Pasquini, Margaret W , Ambrose-Oji, Bianca , Drescher, Axel W
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016227
- Description: [From Introduction] Globally, the growth of urbanised areas continues at an exponential rate, and most spectacularly in the developing world. The global urban population will increase from 2.9 billion in 2000 to 5.0 billion by 2030. The mean rate of urban growth in non-OECD countries between 2000 and 2005 was just under 3% per annum, compared to 0.5 % for rural regions of the same countries (UN-Habitat 2006). Although the proportion of Africans currently living in urban areas is the lowest in the world (+ 40%), because of this low base it is not unsurprising that the rates of urbanisation are among the highest at approximately 4.3% per annum. Projections vary, but sometime in the mid- 2020s over 50% of Africa's population will be living in urban areas, as compared to just 15% in 1950 and 34% in 1994. As urbanisation takes place another important trend is revealed, namely the locus of poverty in Africa is slowly shifting from rural to urban areas. For example, it is estimated that more than 56% of the world's absolute or chronic poor will be concentrated in urban areas (WRI 1996). Since as much as 60-80% of the income of the urban poor is spent on the purchase of food (Maxwell et al. 2000), the issue of food supply, both its quantity and quality, is increasingly a central issue in poverty reduction debates and strategies. In rural areas, a common strategy to alleviate poverty is to call for measures to boost small-holder food production. Surprisingly, this is less common in urban poverty alleviation programmes, despite the widespread promise of urban and household agriculture in contributing to improved food security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Pasquini, Margaret W , Ambrose-Oji, Bianca , Drescher, Axel W
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016227
- Description: [From Introduction] Globally, the growth of urbanised areas continues at an exponential rate, and most spectacularly in the developing world. The global urban population will increase from 2.9 billion in 2000 to 5.0 billion by 2030. The mean rate of urban growth in non-OECD countries between 2000 and 2005 was just under 3% per annum, compared to 0.5 % for rural regions of the same countries (UN-Habitat 2006). Although the proportion of Africans currently living in urban areas is the lowest in the world (+ 40%), because of this low base it is not unsurprising that the rates of urbanisation are among the highest at approximately 4.3% per annum. Projections vary, but sometime in the mid- 2020s over 50% of Africa's population will be living in urban areas, as compared to just 15% in 1950 and 34% in 1994. As urbanisation takes place another important trend is revealed, namely the locus of poverty in Africa is slowly shifting from rural to urban areas. For example, it is estimated that more than 56% of the world's absolute or chronic poor will be concentrated in urban areas (WRI 1996). Since as much as 60-80% of the income of the urban poor is spent on the purchase of food (Maxwell et al. 2000), the issue of food supply, both its quantity and quality, is increasingly a central issue in poverty reduction debates and strategies. In rural areas, a common strategy to alleviate poverty is to call for measures to boost small-holder food production. Surprisingly, this is less common in urban poverty alleviation programmes, despite the widespread promise of urban and household agriculture in contributing to improved food security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009