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Optimization of fertilizer application rate for jatropha zeyheri tea quality under greenhouse, microplot and field conditions
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D. Agriculture (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Jatropha zeyheri is an indigenous crop to South Africa, which contains tea brewing and medicinal properties commonly utilized by local communities in rural areas of South Africa. Domestication and commercialization of indigenous herbal teas have gained popularity in recent years however, domestication of J. zeyheri will require optimum nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilizer mixture to improve yield and quality. Tea fertilization is among the key factors influencing tea’s physiological, physical and chemical qualities. However, the influence of NPK fertilizer on J. zeyheri tea has not been documented. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of different NPK fertilizer application rates on (1) growth and yield, (2) phytochemical composition and antioxidants activity, (3) mineral element composition and (4) microbial composition of J. zeyheri tea under greenhouse, microplot and field conditions. In achieving Objective 1, J.zeyheri seeds were collected in the wild at Khureng village, Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. At two-leaf phase, J. zeyheri seedlings were transplanted into 25 cm diameter plastic pots. Each pot was filled with heated-pasteurised sandy soil and Hygromix at 3:1 (v/v) ratio and placed in a spacing of 0.30 m × 0.30 m inter-and intra-row spacing. Each experiment comprised six treatments of NPK fertilizer 2:3:2 (22) rates (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 g per plant) translating to (0, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 kg NPK mixture/ha, unit area) arranged in a RCBD, with 5 replications. NPK fertilizer rates had effects on chlorophyll content, leaf width and dry root mass, vine length, stem diameter and leaf length. However, treatments had no effects on NDVI, number of leaves and dry shoot mass under greenhouse conditions. Under microplot conditions, NPK fertilizer rates significantly affected on leaf width, vine length, stem diameter, leaf
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length and dry root mass. In contrast, NPK fertilizer effects were not significant on chlorophyll content, NDVI, dry shoot mass, number of fruit, leaf area index. Under field conditions, NPK fertilizer rates had effects on stem diameter and leaf length and leaf width. NPK fertilizer rates did not have effect on vine length, chlorophyll content, number of leaves and dry shoot mass. NPK fertilizer requirements for J. zeyheri were optimized at 3.34, 3.30 and 4.21 g fertilizer/plant under greenhouse, microplot and field conditions, which translates to approximately 33, 33 and 42 kg NPK fertilizer mixture/ha for 10 000 plants of J. zeyheri plants. In achieving Objective 2, leaves from greenhouse, microplot and field experiments were harvested and oven-dried for 72 hours at a temperature of 60°C. After laboratory preparations, phytochemicals and antioxidant activity were analysed using the UV-visible spectrophotometer. Under greenhouse, treatments had effect on antioxidant activity (AA), total flavonoids content (TFC), total phenols content (TPC) and total tannins content (TTC). Under microplot conditions, NPK fertilizer rates had effects on TTC and TFC. Antioxidant activity and TPC were not affected by NPK fertilizer rates. Under field conditions, NPK fertilizer rates had effect on TPC, whereas AA, TTC and TFC were not affected by NPK fertilizer rates. Antioxidant activity, TTC, TFC and TPC were not affected under field conditions, Fertilizer requirements for phytochemicals and antioxidant activity were optimized at 3.97 g and 4.64 g fertilizer/plant under greenhouse and microplot conditions, which translates to approximately 40 kg and 46 kg NPK fertilizer/ha for 10 000 plants of J. zeyheri, respectively. However, under field conditions phytoconstituents and antioxidant activity were not optimized due to the insignificance effect of NPK fertilizer rate. In achieving Objective 3, samples were prepared using a microwave digestion system, both essential minerals (Fe, P, K, Mg, Ca,
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Cu, Mn, and Zn) and non-essential mineral elements (Al, Co, Cr, Cd, Na, Pb, Ni and As) were determined using an ICPE-9000 Spectrometer. Under greenhouse conditions, NPK fertilizer rates had effects on essential mineral elements Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Zn and Mn. However, Cu and P were not affected. NPK fertilizer effects were observed on non-essential mineral elements, Al, Na and Cd. However, NPK fertilizer rates did not affect Co, Cr, As, Pb and Ni in J. zeyheri leaf tissues. Under microplot conditions, NPK fertilizer rates had effects on essential mineral element Mn, Ca, Cu, K and Fe. NPK fertilizer rates did not have significant effects on Mg, P and Zn. NPK fertilizer rates had significant effects on non-essential mineral elements Al, Cd, Co, Na and Ni. NPK fertilizer rates did not have significant effects on As and Cr. Under field conditions, NPK fertilizer rates had effects on essential mineral element P, Ca, Fe and Mn. NPK fertilizer rates did not have effects on K, Mg, Cu and Zn. NPK fertilizer rates had effects on non-essential mineral elements Al, Na, Cd, Co, Cr, As and Ni. NPK fertilizer rates did not have significant effects on Zn. Fertilizer requirements for J. zeyheri tea leaf tissues were optimized at 2.77, 2.51 and 4.10 g for essential mineral elements under greenhouse, microplot and field conditions, which translates to 28, 25 and 41 kg NPK fertilizer mixture/ha, respectively. Non-essential mineral elements were optimized at 2.48, 2.10 and 2.71 g, which translates to approximately 25, 21 and 27 kg NPK fertilizer mixture/ha under greenhouse, microplot and field conditions, respectively. In achieving Objective 4, microorganisms on tea leaves were determined using Tempo (BioMerieux, Rodolphe, Durham, United States) instrument. Data were subjected to ANOVA using the statistix 10.0 software. Under greenhouse, increasing NPK fertilizer rates had effects on Bacillus cereus and Enterobacteriaceae. Increasing rates of NPK fertilizer did not influence total coliforms
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contained in J. zeyheri tea leaf tissues. The optimum NPK fertilizer application rate under greenhouse conditions was optimized at 1.75 g, which translates to approximately 18 kg NPK fertilizer mixture/ha. Under microplot, increasing NPK fertilizer rates had effects only on Enterobacteriaceae, while Bacillus cereus and total coliforms were not affected. Under field conditions, increasing rates of NPK fertilizer did not influence Bacillus cereus, total coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae in J. zeyheri tea leaf tissues. In conclusion, in terms of growth and yield, NPK fertilizer increased growth and yield at low rates ranging from 3.3 and 42 g which translate to 33 to 42 kg NPK fertilizer mixture/ha. Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity were stimulated when NPK fertilizer was applied from 3.97 and 4.6 g which translate to a range of 40 to 46 kg NPK fertilizer mixture/ha. Accumulation of essential and non-essential mineral elements improved when NPK fertilizer rates were applied at 2.5 and 4.1 g which translate to a range of 25 to 41 and 2.1 and 2.7 g which translate to a range from 21 to 27 kg NPK fertilizer mixture/ha. Microbial composition on J. zeyheri leaves were improved at 1.78 g NPK fertilizer which can be translated to 18 NPK fertilizer rates under greenhouse conditions. In reference to the current study, J. zeyheri appears to qualify as a low-input tea crop as observed by stimulation at lower NPK fertilizer rates (18 to 50 kg NPK fertilizer mixture/ha).National Research Foundation (NRF) and
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA
An analysis of the impact of international financial flow on key macroeconomic perfomance indicators in SADC countries
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D. COM. (Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The Southern African Development Community (SADC) finds itself at a critical juncture, contending with several macroeconomic instabilities that present considerable challenges for the region. Notable among these are elevated unemployment rates, significant disparities in income, high levels of inflation, and a lack of robust economic growth. Within this context, the role of various forms of international financial flows merits close examination for their potential to mitigate poverty within developing economies, facilitate globalization, and ameliorate income inequality. Specifically, remittances, foreign direct investment (FDI), and foreign aid emerge as pivotal elements in fostering economic development. These financial inflows not only play a crucial role in poverty alleviation but also in the advancement of skills, the acceleration of cross-border technological and knowledge transfers, and the development of more sophisticated financial markets. Therefore, an in-depth analysis of these international financial flows reveals their indispensable role in promoting economic development, globalization, and income equalization in the context of the SADC.
This study explores the effects of international financial flows on critical economic performance indicators to identify policy solutions to achieve macroeconomic stability in the region. The study contributes to the relatively scarce body of research examining the relationship between financial flows and macroeconomic indicators within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region by developing four unique models. The theoretical models employed include the Endogenous Growth Model, the Quantity Theory of Money, the Generalized Harris-Todaro Model, and the Cobb-Douglas Production Function. This multifaceted approach represents a novel endeavour, as an extensive analysis had not been undertaken. The study aims to inform policymakers and empirically contribute to the identified knowledge gap. Specifically, it investigates the impact of international financial flows, namely remittances, foreign aid, and FDI, on key macroeconomic performance indicators, including economic growth, income inequality, inflation, and unemployment, in selected SADC countries (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar,
Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia) over the period from 1995 to 2022. The empirical inquiry utilizes four distinct macroeconomic models grounded in well-established economic theories to achieve the aim. The Economic Growth Model is based on the Endogenous Growth Model, the Inflation Model is rooted in the Quantity Theory of Money, and the income inequality and unemployment models are based on the Generalized Harris-Todaro Model and the Cobb-Douglas Production Function, respectively. An intensive literature review was conducted to identify appropriate financial flow variables for the investigation, ensuring a robust empirical analysis.
The study employed the Cross-Sectionally Augmented IPS (CIPS) Unit Root Test to address the dependencies. Additionally, the study utilised the Pedroni's Panel cointegration techniques to examine the long-run relationships among variables. The Panel ARDL Model captures short-term and long-term estimates, providing a comprehensive view of the relationships studied. Finally, the Wald Test for Causality enhances understanding of causal relationships among the variables, contributing to the strength of the findings. The results from the panel ARDL model make several significant contributions to understanding the economic dynamics in the SADC region. The study finds that remittances significantly reduce income inequality, contrary to the anticipated negative impact on unemployment, underlining the need for policies that channel remittances into productive investments. Secondly, foreign aid positively affects inflation, emphasizing the necessity for effective aid management to avoid inflationary pressures while promoting human capital and infrastructure development to reduce income inequality. Thirdly, the analysis demonstrates that FDI contributes to reducing unemployment but does not significantly influence income inequality, suggesting a need for policies that enhance absorptive capacity and align FDI with broader development goals. Lastly, the study emphasises the complex relationship between financial development and unemployment. It suggests that financial development can stimulate economic growth but may also increase unemployment if not adequately managed. These findings collectively offer a comprehensive understanding of how various financial flows impact economic growth, inflation, income inequality, and unemployment, providing valuable insights for policymakers in the SADC region to design more effective economic policies. This study emphasised the diverse impacts of international financial flows on key macroeconomic indicators in the SADC region. Remittances boost economic growth but increase unemployment; thus, the study recommends that policies encourage productive investments. Foreign aid shows minimal impact on growth but reduces income inequality; therefore, the study recommends effective utilization of foreign aid. FDI stimulates growth and reduces unemployment. Thus, the analysis recommends a business-friendly environment to attract FDI. Financial development enhances growth but may increase income inequality and unemployment, stressing the need for inclusive financial policies. Domestic investment's positive link with growth and unexpected rise in unemployment calls for improved investment climates and structural reforms
Performance evaluation of machine learning algorithms for intrusion detection
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. (Computer Science)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024In the cyber security domain, the increasing sophistication of attacks requires the development of improved detection techniques. This research looked at the usefulness of machine learning methods, especially Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest, and Naive Bayes, in intrusion detection. The aim of the study was to use these techniques to train data sets using the KDD Cup 99 data set and the Python programming language for validation. Performance evaluations were carried out to examine accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score, giving insight on the strengths and drawbacks of each algorithm. The investigation also examined the impact of Decision Tree, SVM, Random Forest, and Naive Bayes on intrusion detection, taking into consideration data sets and feature counts to assess the effectiveness of each model. The study addressed pertinent aspects, including the comparative performance of different algorithms, their suitability for diverse types of intrusions, and the factors that influence their efficacy. Traditional intrusion detection methods frequently fail to detect modern attacks, resulting in high false-positive and false negative rates. Machine learning algorithms, on the other hand, took a more dynamic approach, and this study aimed to elucidate their performance characteristics. This study contributed to the evolving landscape of intrusion detection by delving into the complexities of Decision Tree, SVM, Random Forest, and Naive Bayes, providing insights that could inform cyber security strategies and fortify defences against emerging cyber threats. According to our findings, the SVM and Random Forest models outperformed the Decision Tree and Naive Bayes models in terms of overall accuracy and ability to classify various types of intrusion. Random Forest, in particular, outperformed all other classes, making it a strong candidate for intrusion detection in this context. On average, it achieved higher precision, recall, and F1-Score and performed well across various types of intrusion
Factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral therapy among young adults at clinics around Mankweng Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M. Med. (Family Medicine)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Background: The study sought to understand factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among young adults accessing HIV care at clinics around Mankweng Hospital located at Capricorn district in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was conducted using individual unstructured interviews to understand factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral therapy among young adults. The study was conducted at three primary care clinics around Mankweng Hospital namely Evelyn Lekganyane, Mankweng gateway and Nobody clinic. Purposive sampling method was used to select participants aged 18 to 35 years, who had been on antiretroviral therapy for more than a year. Data was collected using individual unstructured interviews with an interview guide that included characteristic description of the participants. Open-ended questions were used to explore factors that influence antiretroviral therapy among young adults. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated. The coded transcripts were thematically analyzed. Results: Eights major themes were identified, namely (I) medication related factors; (ii) family support; (iii) disclosure; (iv) acceptance of HIV status; (v) economic factors; (vi) reminders; (vii) healthcare worker attitudes and (viii) health system factors were identified as the factors that influence ART adherence among young adults. Conclusion: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is still a major problem in our communities, and people living with HIV are still finding it challenging to optimally adhere to their ART medication due to the identified factors that influence ART adherence. Family support was one of the significant factors that was identified to positively influence ART as it leads to disclosure and acceptance of HIV positive status, better mental state, and subsequently improved ART adherence. Patients are aware and have recognized the benefits of ART, which motivates them to adhere to treatment despite ART medication related challenges. This study underscores the importance of patient-centred care and family support in the management of HIV and ART adherence. It is important to encourage disclosure and acceptance of HIV status while conducting ART adherence counselling to promote ART adherence
Critical analysis of constructive dismissal in South African employment law : issues and perspectives
Get PDFThesis (LLM. Development and Management Law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024In common parlance employment relationship can be terminated by either the employer or the employee. Termination of employment by the employee is referred to as resignation and termination by the employer’s conduct is defined as constructive dismissal. Dismissal with particular reference to section 186(e) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (‘the LRA’) forms the main subject of this study. The above-mentioned section fully explains dismissal to include a position where an employee resigns due to the conduct of the employer who made continued employment intolerable. This dissertation explores decided case laws and various labour legislations related to constructive dismissal. Furthermore the study considers and describes the forms of behaviour that have been and those that will be considered by the courts to be offensive conduct on the part of the employer, and to what end these can be said to necessitate a case of constructive dismissal. The study also looks at definition of constructive dismissal, definition of intolerable conduct of the employer and test to determine constructive dismissal
Farmers' perception and factors affecting scrotal circumference of beef bulls in South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M. (Agricultural Management (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The size of scrotal circumference is highly associated with fertility of a bull, however bulls with under-developed scrotum contributes to unsatisfying performance and low reproduction potential of a bull. The objectives of the study were to: a) identify the perception of farmers on factors affecting scrotal circumference of beef bulls, b) determine the effect of breed and age on scrotal circumference of South African beef bulls during phase D (on-farm), c) determine the interaction effect between breed and age on scrotal circumference of South African beef bulls during phase D (on-farm), d) determine the minimum acceptable scrotal circumference by breed in South African beef bulls during phase D (on-farm). The current study utilized secondary data to address second, third and fourth objectives whereas a questionnaire was used to achieve first objective. Bulls participated into Phase D were aged between 325 and 425 days of age at the start of adaptation period. The test length lasted 90 days with 21 days of adaptation. During the adaptation period, bulls have fed on the same diet similar to the diet they had fed during the trial. Age (days), live weight (kg) and scrotal circumference (cm) were measured on the date of measuring scrotal circumference. During measurement, animals were moved into a crush pen and restrained. First objective was analyzed using frequencies whereas second, third and fourth objectives ware analyzed using Two-way Analysis of Variance (General Linear model) and descriptive statistics. The results indicated farmers’ perception with a high percentage that farmers agree that breed (83.3%), age (83.3%), body weight (75%) and nutrition (66.7%) affect the scrotal circumference of bulls. Furthermore, results showed the high significant difference (P 0.01) on the interaction effect of breed and age on scrotal circumference. Also, presented breeds that are within acceptable standards of scrotal circumference.
In conclusion, the perception of farmers is justified by the results of this study when determining the effect of breed and age on scrotal circumference. Furthermore, on conclusions, the scrotal circumference in bulls is affected by breed and age, which implies that the growth of scrotal circumference depends on breed or age of a bull. Also, there is no interaction between breed and age on scrotal circumference, which implies that breed is independent on scrotal circumference and age is independent on scrotal circumference. Lastly, breeds with higher scrotal size are regarded as highly fertile bulls. Findings suggest that bulls with a higher scrotal circumference can be selected looking at breed and age in this study. Findings suggest a scrotal circumference as a dependent factor on breed and age
Social causes of teenage pregnancy : the case of an informal settlement, Polokwane, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M. A. (Sociology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The purpose of this study was to explore the social causes of teenage pregnancy in an informal settlement in Polokwane, South Africa. The study also examined factors that contribute to, and have an impact on, teenage pregnancy. An exploratory qualitative research method was employed to explore social causes of teenage pregnancy in an informal settlement at Polokwane, South Africa. The research participants of the study were purposively sampled 16 teenage mothers between the ages of 15-19 and residing in Extension 78, Polokwane. Data collection was done using semi-structured interviews. The collected data was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The findings of the study reveal that teenage pregnancy can be attributed to multiple factors that include the failure of existing policies to mitigate or limit the prevalence of teenage pregnancy, transactional relationships between teenagers and elderly men, and a lack of accessible adequate healthcare services. This study recommends a holistic approach by the state departments concerned with teenage pregnancy, local communities, NGOs and scholars, who should collaborate in implementing suggested interventions to mitigate teenage pregnancy and its effects. To ensure effective implementation of legislative frameworks, it is essential to enhance progressive interventions and accountability measures in areas where they may be lacking and areas that have high numbers of teenage pregnancies
Atomistic simulation studies for pentlandite and pentlandite-like systems and density functional theory surface studies of pentlandite doped with platinum group elements (Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt)
Get PDFThesis (Ph. D. ( Physics) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The aim of the study was to investigate the stability of pentlandite (Fe,Ni)9S8 and Mn, Co, Cu, Os, Pt, Ir, Ru, Rh and Pd on pentlandite (Fe,Ni)9S8 bulk using density functional theory (DFT) and explore the (FeNi)9S8 surfaces. Furthermore, derive the atomic potentials for (Fe,Ni)9S8 pentlandite and pentlandite–like structures and study their molecular dynamics (MD). This study employed density functional theory (DFT) using the universal cluster expansion (UNCLE) technique to model various structures of (Fe,Ni)₉S₈ pentlandite, including doping with elements such as Mn, Co, Cu, and precious metals (Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt) at the Ni and Fe tetrahedral (T) sites. The cluster expansion (CE) identified Fe-rich Fe₅Ni₄S₈ with a tetragonal space group (P42/nmc) as the most stable configuration. Doping Fe₅Ni₄S₈ at the Fe(T) sites with Mn, Cu, Rh, Pd, Ir, or Pt altered the structure to cubic, while doping with Co, Ru, or Os retained the tetragonal structure. Conversely, doping Ni(T) sites with Co transitioned the structure to cubic, while doping with Mn, Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, or Pt preserved the tetragonal structure. Among these, Pd doping at the Fe(T) site produced the most thermodynamically stable compound (Fe₃Pd₂Ni₄S₈) with a heat of formation of –130.24 meV. The density of states (DOS) analysis revealed that Pd and Pt were the most favourable substitutions for Fe(T) in pentlandite, while Co preferred Ni(T) sites. Additionally, Mn doping at Fe(T) and Ru doping at Ni(T) induced magnetism in the structure. This research predicted diverse dopant compositions in pentlandite and provided a basis for the discovery of new mineral compounds using the DFT-CE approach. The second part of this study was to investigate the surface stability of Fe5Ni4S8 (P42/nmc) and Fe3Pd2Ni4S8 which was found to be the most stable Fe5Ni4S8 (P42/nmc) doped with Pd on the Fe(T) site. The structural optimization for (400), (220), (111) and (311) Fe5Ni4S8 surfaces and three surfaces for Fe3Pd2Ni4S8 which were (440), (111) and (311) surfaces was performed. All surfaces had distinct terminations and showed the significant changes after optimization. The surface energies for all investigated optimised surfaces were calculated to predict the most favourable Fe5Ni4S8 and Fe3Pd2Ni4S8 surfaces. The calculated surface energies revealed that the (311) surfaces cleaved from both Fe5Ni4S8 and Fe3Pd2Ni4S8 bulk structures was the most stable surface. Additionally, the spin-polarised density of states and charge density for both Fe5Ni4S8 (400), (220), (111) and (311) and Fe3Pd2Ni4S8 (440), (111) and (311) surfaces were calculated. The third part of this study was to study the molecular dynamics (MD) of Fe5Ni4S8 (P42/nmc) pentlandite and pentlandite-like structures both binary Rh9S8, Ir9S8 and also the ternary Ru4Pd5S8 and Ru5Pd4S8. The derived interatomic potentials were used to perform the MD to see the effect of pressure and temperature on the Fe5Ni4S8 (P42/nmc) pentlandite and Rh9S8, Ir9S8, Fe5Ni4S8, Ru5Pd4S8, Ru4Pd5S8, Pn-like bulk structures. The elastic constants, calculated by ab initio density functional theory (DFT) method using Vienna ab–initio simulation package (VASP) code, were used as input data for the development of potentials models. To analyse our molecular dynamics (MD) results, we calculated the MD properties namely, radial distribution functions (RDFs), diffusion coefficient and Mean square displacement (MSD).National Research Foundation (NRF
An analysis of the interaction between the prices of crude oil and selected grains and oil seeds in South Africa (2018-2022)
Get PDFThesis (M. Sc. Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The intricate interlinkage of crude oil prices, grains and oilseed prices is an ongoing
topic of debate. This study delves into the interaction between crude oil and selected
grains and oilseeds prices in South Africa from 2018 to 2022, focusing on maize,
soybeans, and wheat. Understanding this relationship is crucial to the agricultural
stakeholders given the potential influence of crude oil price fluctuations on the cost of
production, transportation, and processing of agricultural products. Employing monthly data, the study adopted a two-pronged approach. First, it evaluated the long and short-term linkages of crude oil, oilseeds and grains prices using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ADRL) model. Second, it investigated the relationship’s causal direction through Granger causality tests. The results indicated that, based on the ARDL bounds cointegration test, there exists a mixed long run cointegration between crude oil prices and selected grains and oilseed prices. Specifically, there was evidence of long run cointegration between crude oil prices and soybean and maize prices, while no such relationship was found between crude oil and wheat prices. The findings showed that the price of maize increased by 8.199 when crude oil price increased by one unit. Furthermore, although a mixed long run relationship exists, there were no short-run dynamics observed. This implies that crude oil prices do not immediately impact prices of selected grains and oilseeds. Instead, in the short-term, other factors are likely influencing the prices of these commodities in South Africa. These factors could be domestic (production costs, government policies) or global (international prices, trade flows, weather patterns).
Given the finding of no direct linkage of crude oil and grain/oilseed prices,
policymakers can refocus their efforts on alternative areas to ensure food security and
price stability. This could be informed by further studies to generate policy
recommendations that include measures to improve domestic production efficiency
through subsidies and research, diversification of import sources, and strengthening
social safety nets. By challenging the assumed connection between energy and food
prices, this study provides policymakers with new insights to ensure new avenues are
investigated to properly address food security concerns in South Africa towards the
achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 of reducing hunger
Western-trained mental health practitioners' perceptions of patients' access to mental health services in Mashishing, Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M. A. (Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024This study explored Western-trained mental health practitioners’ perceptions of patients’ access to mental health services. The study objectives were to establish what Western-trained mental health practitioners perceive as factors that facilitate patients’ access to mental health services, and to determine factors that practitioners perceive as barriers to patients’ access to mental health services. Fifteen healthcare professionals (n = 15) were conveniently and purposefully sampled for participation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data. The data was then analysed thematically. The presentation and discussion of the findings are grounded in the Theoretical Domains Framework. The study found that there are multi-layered factors that enable and hinder patients’ access to mental health care services in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality. Enabling factors included the following: a) improvement of nurses’ knowledge of mental health; b) de-stigmatisation of mental illness; c) introduction of community rehabilitation centres and educational programmes; d) service access that is prompted by the need to manage various mental health problems; e) implementation of community mental health talks; f) mental awareness campaigns and mental health education; and the g) provision of quality mental health care services by professionals. Hindrances to mental health care delivery included the following: a) lack of follow-up systems of care for service user;community’s lack of mental health knowledge and awareness; b) lack of adequately trained personnel; c) ill-treatment of service users by practitioners; d) lack of infrastructure and resources; e)physical and structural barriers to shortage of medication; f) stigma of mental illness; g) lack of social support; h)belief systems and cultural influences; i) patient denial and poor insight into mental illness, and; j) a lack of professional supervision for outpatient treatment. The findings suggest that improving access to mental health services by removing hindrances can be beneficial to mental health care users and society. Based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), the findings were examined, and conclusions were drawn. It is recommended that the government immediately address identified hindrances to mental health service delivery. The limitations associated with this study are also highlighted