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Evaluation of competencies of public extension officers on the use of climate-smart agriculture strategies by smallholder farmers in Capricorn District Municipality-Limpopo Province in South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M. Agriculture (Agricultural Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Globally, the significance of extension officers in promoting the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) among small-scale farmers is increasing. This study assessed the competencies of public extension officers in implementing CSA strategies in smallholder farming within Limpopo province. This evaluation is vital for ensuring an ongoing professional development of public extension officers, enabling them to effectively navigate evolving CSA strategies and deliver comprehensive advisory services to farmers. The study's objectives were: (i) to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the extension agents, (ii)to determine the Knowledge, Attitude, Perception (KAP) and understanding the level held by extension agents towards the use of CSA, (iii) to identify factors that influence access to information and technology for climate smart agricultural users. To evaluate competencies of extension officers in implementing climate-smart agriculture, a quantitative research design was employed. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 80 out of the 85 officers in the area using convenience sampling. The analysis of the data was conducted using descriptive statistics, which provided valuable insights the demographic and professional characteristics of the respondents. The study's findings revealed several key demographic and professional characteristics of the respondents. The most prevalent age group was 46 years and older. In terms of gender distribution, most respondents were female (54.9%), followed by males (45.1%). The predominant marital status among respondents was married (50.7%), and a considerable proportion holds a degree as their highest education level (46.5%). The mean indicator score was notably higher for knowledge (0.6928). This implied that extension officers in the study area exhibit a substantial level of knowledge regarding climate-smart strategies. Despite the positive findings, the study identified challenges faced by extension officers in enhancing their knowledge of climate-smart adaptation strategies. These challenges include three recurring factors, which consistently influenced access to information and technology for users engaged in climate-smart agriculture. The influential predictors affecting access to information and technology in Capricorn district were three Coping and Adaptation Strategies, Acquisition of Knowledge, and lastly Computer and ICT Skills. The study proposed recommendations based on its findings, aimed at fostering collaboration among
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stakeholders for the efficiency and longevity of agricultural extension services in Capricorn district. Recommendations for extension officers include active engagement in continuous learning, participation in community outreach programs, embracing innovation, and acting as mentors to junior colleagues. Researchers are encouraged to collaborate closely with extension officers, support innovation adoption, and contribute to the development of training programs. Educational institutions should update curricula, develop practical training programs, and establish continuous professional development systems. The Department of Agriculture is advised to strategically allocate resources, advocate for policies supporting CSA practices, establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders
The impact of employment equity transformation on the performance of air traffic and navigation services (SOC) limited
Get PDFThesis (MPAM.) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The purpose of this study was to investigate how the implementation of employment equity transformation has affected the overall performance of Air Traffic and Navigation Services. To achieve the purpose of this study, a quantitative research design was used. Data were obtained from ATNS employees including executive managers, senior managers, junior managers, administrators, and specialists. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. The collected data were analysed quantitatively, with the use of SPSS.
The findings of the research revealed that ATNS has put in place initiatives that address EE transformation in the organisation, therefore, black people, women, and people with disabilities are proportionally represented at ATNS. Furthermore, ATNS provides those in the EE-designated group, opportunities for training and development, therefore, ATNS is proactive in the elimination of inequality and discrimination in the workplace. The findings showed that, although, there is a commitment at managerial level for EE transformation, however, there are challenges, such as, insufficient consultation and communication on EE transformation issues, within the organisation.
The conclusions were that employees are treated in an unbiased manner and that the EE transformation process has had an impact on the attraction and retention of diverse workforce; this in turn has positively impacted the profit and revenue of ATNS. The study recommends that ATNS should encourage transparency on EE transformation issues, to enable open and effective information-sharing in the organisation. This would create awareness, among the public, of how the employment of black people, women and people with disabilities has resulted in an increase in ATNS’ profit and revenue, hence, ATNS should increase disability awareness initiatives in the organisation
Physiological response of nondescript goats drinking water contaminated by tailings dust in subtropical regions
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Goat health and reproductive performance in poor, resource-limited communities in mining areas remain increasingly challenged by tailing dust contamination of surface water bodies. The broad objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of tailing dust contamination on surface water bodies on health status of goats. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered to resource-limited households in two villages of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality to assess beliefs and attitudes of resource-limited farmers on the health status of goats drinking water polluted by tailing dusts in contaminated and uncontaminated areas. As a follow-up, the physiological response of 100 goats (n=100) from contaminated and uncontaminated areas were assessed twice during the cool-dry season. Body condition score (BCS), body weight (BWT), FAMACHA score, and corneal opacity (ES) were determined for dry non-lactating does (n=100). The area of the cornea that was extremely opaque was assessed to determine the degree of corneal opacity.
Contamination of surface drinking water by tailing dust was ranked highest during the cool-dry season. Urine colour, oedema of the eyelids and high kid mortality rates were perceived as the health indicators for goats drinking water contaminated by tailing dust. Contaminated areas were correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with BCS, BWT, and ES in goats. Goats reared in contaminated areas had lower BCS and BWT (P < 0.001) than goats reared in uncontaminated areas. Goats in contaminated areas had higher ES and FAMACHA scores (P < 0.001) than those in uncontaminated areas. Body condition score (BCS) had a positive (P < 0.001) correlated relationship with ES. Physiological responses of does drinking water contaminated by tailing dust include lower BCS and BWT, in addition to higher ES and FAMACHA scores. It was concluded that the integration of BCS and ES are physiological response of does to consuming water contaminated by tailing dusts in subtropical regions. The integration of BCS and ES should be taken into consideration in goat programme strategies for assessing the health status of goats consuming water contaminated by tailing dus
The challenges of English speaking and writing competencies for English for medical studies : a case study of first year medical students at Sefako Makgatho University in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M. A. (English Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges of writing and speaking proficiency for English for Medical Studies (EMS) of students who are doing first year in Sefako Makgatho Health Science University (SMU). Qualitative and quantitative research was conducted to determine the views and perceptions of the participants. Data was collected through interviews and paper survey with a selected sample of respondents, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. Themes were generated to present the data based on the study's objectives, which were aligned with the literature review. The study has highlighted how important knowledge of basic English skills is and how it affects students in the medical field. The findings revealed that even though the English subject is taught throughout high school students still lack writing and speaking proficiency in order for them to engage and thrive in English for Medical Studies courses. The study recommends that during first year relevant content be designed in modules such Academic Literacy (AL) to develop essential skills such as writing and speaking
Can trade openness, tariffs and exchange rates address the inequality problem in Southern African Development Community?
Get PDFThesis (M. Com. (Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a trade agreement among African countries aimed at establishing a single market for goods and services, promoting intra-African trade, and boosting economic growth across the continent. The pressing issue is that Africa is known as the most unequal continent in the world, next to Latin America. Similarly, in the past few years, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) struggled to sustainably reduce its level of income inequality due to the existence of informal sectors, migration, and the international COVID-19 pandemic deepened this crisis. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of trade openness, tariffs, and real exchange rates on income inequality for selected SADC countries for the period 2004 to 2020. The study employed the Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) technique to investigate the relationship among variables, while Granger causality examined the causal connection between variables. The empirical findings revealed that exports, tariffs, and real exchange rates have a positive and significant impact on income inequality, whereas imports are inversely and significantly related to income inequality. The Granger Causality test identified five causalities between the Gini coefficient and exports, tariffs, and real exchange rates and between real exchange rates and exports. Based on the empirical findings, SADC can adopt the economic policy to promote trade openness and regional integration, particularly by leveraging the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA to address income inequality. By reducing trade barriers and facilitating the free movement of goods and services across SADC member states, the region can stimulate economic growth, attract investments, and create employment opportunities. Additionally, by harmonizing tariff regimes and implementing fair trade practices, SADC can ensure that smaller regional economies have equal access to markets and resources. Furthermore, by managing real exchange rates effectively, SADC can enhance export competitiveness, promote industrialization, and attract foreign direct investment, which can contribute to reducing income inequality and fostering inclusive economic development.National Research Foundation (NRF
Resilience strategies in response to the impact of covid-19 pandemic : the case of selected families in Polokwane, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D. (Social work)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic came as another challenge in South Africa’s history, resulting in the disorientation of some families. Several studies show that the pandemic negatively affected the lives of many individuals wherein some lost their jobs whilst others experienced mental health issues which affected their family functioning. It is from this background that this study sought to explore the resilience strategies that were employed in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by the selected families in Polokwane. Eight (8) COVID-19-affected families in Polokwane were used as a case study wherein convenient and snowball sampling techniques were triangulated to select the respondents in the study. Twenty four (24) respondents (12 Males and 12 Females) participated in this study. Data in this study were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically with the help of Nvivo software for thematic formulation. A triangulation of theories was used in this study wherein the Vulnerability theory was used to analyse how individuals and families became vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the Coping theory was used to explore the coping strategies of families, and lastly, the Resilience theory was adopted interpret how families bounced back from the hardships that they faced as a result of the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Polokwane. The findings reveal that families in Polokwane experienced changes in their family relationships such as loss of family bonds as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. Domestic violence, which was also instigated by home confinement and alcohol consumption was revealed as one of the factors which contributed to family disorientation. Besides, job loss was also revealed as one of the factors that caused disorientation in some families in Polokwane. The findings of the study further revealed that some individuals within some families experienced mental health issues which were instigated by emotional and behavioural changes, fear and being in quarantine and isolation. Additionally, the findings revealed smoking, alcohol consumption, prayer, family and peer support and government services such as social grants and food parcels as resilience strategies that the families in Polokwane employed in their response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of the above findings, in this study, a family support framework amid natural disasters in South Africa is suggested. Recommendations based on the findings and conclusions of the study are also provided
Surface study of doped and coated Li-rich Mnbased cathode materials and their interactions with the electrolyte content
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D. (Physics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Since its introduction, lithium manganese-based lithium-ion batteries have advanced in terms of safety, capacity, power, cycle stability, and energy density. These have been attributed to the use of innovative and customised active (cathode) materials with increased capacity, potential, and thermal stability. Furthermore, given the high global manganese output and the present load-shedding situation, South Africa stands to gain considerably. However, modern Li-ion batteries must be replaced over time owing to deterioration caused by cathode interactions with the electrolyte, which causes capacity fading. As a result, modifications such as surface coating and element doping are used to enhance and minimize deterioration processes. The density functional theory technique was used in this work to investigate the effect of surface Nb-doping and α-Al2O3 surface coating on the LiMn2O4 major surfaces.
First, the bulk characteristics of both LiMn2O4 and α-Al2O3 were studied, as well as the stability and precision of our materials in comparison to reference data. The estimated lattice characteristics, average atomic charges, and bond distances matched the provided values. With Mn eg and O 2p hybridization along the Fermi level, the electronic density of states of LiMn2O4 bulk displayed a half-metallic behaviour. Similarly, the α-Al2O3 exhibited insulating behaviour with a large band gap of 5.90 eV, which was consistent with the literature results.
Second, the ethylene carbonate electrolyte (EC) interactions with the α-Al2O3 (0001) surface were investigated, even with increasing EC coverage. When put parallel (flat) to the surface and interacting with the carbonyl oxygen, the EC molecule favoured attaching to the surface.
A minor charge transfer was found during single EC adsorption, suggesting physical
interactions with the surface. When compared to single EC adsorption, increasing the EC
coverage destabilizes the surface and increases average adsorption. Bader charge accumulation was seen on the interacting EC oxygen atoms, with substantial steric hindrance at high coverages, resulting in the EC molecule detaching from the surface. Steric hindrance was also shown by the symmetric and asymmetric blue shift of v(CH2) vibrational modes. Furthermore, we created -Al2O3//LiMn2O4 heterostructures to simulate the -Al2O3 coated LiMn2O4 surfaces. We discovered that the -Al2O3 (112 ̅0) and (0001) surfaces match the LiMn2O4 (001) and (111) facets with {1132} and {3121} configurations, respectively, with 2.40% and 2.75% misfits.
The highest adhesion energies were determined for the -Al2O3 monolayer on the (001)
and (111) surfaces, which dropped as the thickness increased. A minor average charge transfer on the LiMn2O4 substrate surfaces was computed, and charge depletion on the interacting Mn atoms creating MnO6 units at the heterojunction was observed. Following partial delithiation, the vacancy formation energies rise, prompting minor charge depletion on neighbouring Mn atoms in the form of charge redistribution. When compared to pure surfaces, the computed work function rises, indicating that the coated interfaces become less reactive.
Finally, surface Nb doping was studied on the LiMn2O4 (001), (011), and (111) surfaces. It was discovered that substituting Nb at Mn ion locations in the second surface layers (Nbsecond) increased (111) surface stability, forming a larger (111) facet on the morphology. However, Nbdoping on the top (Nbfirst) and both top and bottom (Nbboth) surface layers results in the same stability as clean surfaces. Furthermore, we examined EC and HF adsorption on pristine/Nb doped surfaces, and both adsorbates favoured interactions with the facets via Nb atoms over Mn atoms. A higher binding energy was calculated for EC on Nbsecond (011) surface and HF on Nbboth (111) surface. EC Adsorption results in physical interactions with surfaces, whereas HF decomposes into H and F atoms that adhere to surface O and Mn atoms, respectively and both improve the Nbsecond (111) surface stability. A minimal charge transfer was observed upon HF
and EC interacted with pure or Nb-doped surfaces. These findings are noteworthy because improving the (111) surface on the morphologies could promotes the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI), which reduces dissolution of Mn while enhancing EC and HF adsorption.National Research Foundation (NRF)
South Africa. Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
UK national supercomputing service (ARCHER2)
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC
Gender gap in Youth participation empirical evidence from Nigeria
Get PDFJournal article published in Africa Insight Journal Vol 53(4) – March 2024Electoral participation continues to be an issue of critical importance in Africa. Huntington’s
third wave of democracy is mostly made up of African countries that had achieved their
independence and were ready to foster a new beginning. Worrying, however, is the backsliding of democracy on the continent. Many nations have experienced coups and the overthrow of governments, such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea. In addition, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, and Sao Tome and Principe have all witnessed failed coup attempts. However, countries like Nigeria, Zambia, and South Africa have been able to conduct elections that have largely been free and fair. Recent developments with democracy and participation on the continent necessitate scholarly contributions that can shed light on the performance of democracy in Africa, emerging trends, and possible democratic reforms, in order to further consolidate democracy on the continent. Based on these contextual factors, this article addresses an extremely important issue of political participation for both Nigeria and other African democracies, i.e. political participation. Despite its significance to the stability and sustainable development of Nigeria, with over 75 per cent of the population being youth, studies on the gender gap in political participation by the Nigerian youth are rare in the literature. This study was conducted among Nigerian university students a few days before the 2023 presidential election, to assess the level of political participation and the gender gap in terms of participation. The study adopted a quantitative research design using the survey method. Four hundred and fifty-seven students (45.3 per cent females) participated in the survey. The study results showed that a gender gap exists in terms of traditional political participation by students, social media political engagement, and willingness to vote. However, there is no gender gap in terms of interpersonal political talk and online information-seeking.
The study concludes that a gender gap exists in terms of some types of political participation by Nigerian youth, although not in terms of all forms of participatio
Determinants of social media marketing adoption by Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises in Capricorn and Waterberg District Municipalities of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M.Com. (Business Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of the adoption of Social Media Marketing by small, micro and medium enterprises. The study integrated the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) Framework to develop a theoretical framework. This study had four objectives: (1) to evaluate the effects of TAM constructs (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) on the intention to adopt SMM by SMMEs; (2) to examine the effects of TOE constructs (relative advantage, customer pressure, competitive pressure and top management support) on the intention to adopt SMM by SMMEs; (3) to identify the moderating influences of demographic variables (age and gender) on the relationship between TAM and TOE constructs and intentions to adopt SMM by SMMEs; and (4) to find out whether the intention to adopt affects the actual adoption of SMM by SMMEs. The study made use of a quantitative research design. The study population is SMMEs in Capricorn and Waterberg District Municipalities of Limpopo Province. The sample size of the study was determined by using the ten-times rule and the non-probability sampling (convenience and snowballing) methods were used. The cross-sectional survey method was used to collect data. A sample of 360 was selected. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data from respondents. Data analysis was completed using the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability were employed to measure reliability. The results of the research study revealed that perceived usefulness; relative advantage; top management support and customer pressure produced direct positive relationships towards intention to adopt social media marketing. Whereas perceived ease of use and competitive pressure produced insignificant direct negative relationships towards intention to adopt social media marketing. The results of the moderating effects of age and gender on TAM and TOE constructs and the intention to adopt were also presented. It is recommended that SMMEs should adopt SMM so that they can fully enjoy the benefits of engaging with stakeholders and advertise products and services through social media platforms
The influence of practical activities on the acquisition of agricultural sciences farming skills among grade 12 learners at Mankweng Circuit in Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M.A. (Science Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The acquisition of farming skills by Agricultural Sciences learners seem to be lacking because of several factors. The study sought to analyse the influence of practical activities on the acquisition of Agricultural Sciences farming skills by Grade 12 learners in the Mankweng Circuit in the province of Limpopo. This was achieved by answering the main research question: „How do practical activities influence the acquisition of farming skills by Grade 12 Agricultural Sciences learners at selected secondary schools in the Mankweng Circuit?‟ This question was further divided into three sub-research questions. The first sub-question was: „How do Grade 12 Agricultural Sciences learners acquire farming skills from practical activities?‟ Following on from this was the second sub-question: „What are the implications of practical activities on the acquisition of farming skills by Grade 12 Agricultural Sciences learners?‟ While the last sub-question was: „What are the learners‟ perceptions of the practical activities of Agricultural Sciences?‟ A qualitative multiple case study research design was used to answer these questions. Kolb‟s experiential learning theory was used as a framework to guide the study.
Three secondary schools were selected in the Mankweng Circuit using purposive and convenience sampling. Data collection was done using lesson observations and individual semi-structured interviews. Analysis of data was done using codes thematic data analysis. Three themes were used for analyses and discussion of data namely; the acquisition of Agricultural Sciences farming skills, the implications of the practical activities, and the learners‟ perceptions of the practical activities. Findings from this study show that learners acquire different agricultural farming skills when engaged in practical activities. In addition, learners perceived agricultural as an interesting and motivating subject when practical activities are included in their learning. Therefore, the study recommends that teachers, curriculum advisors and the Limpopo Department of Education must ensure that Grade 12 Agricultural Sciences practical activities are delivered as outlined in the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) document. Moreover, learners must engage more often in practical activities since each type of practical activity determines the types of Agricultural Sciences farming skills to be acquired by learners