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Determinants of farmers' participation in Irish potato production in Mokhotlong district, Lesotho
Get PDFPotato farming is a very important activity in Mokhotlong, Lesotho contributing significantly towards household’s food security and income. However, farmers are constraint from sustainable potato production by several factors. The main aim of this study was to analyze factors that influence participation of farmers in potato production in Mokhotlong, Lesotho. The survey used cross-sectional data that was obtained in 2024 from 99 potato farmers. A two-stage sampling procedure which includes purposive and simple random sampling was employed to construct a sample. Descriptive statistics and Binary Logistic Regression Model were used to analyze these factors. The results revealed that farmers are constraint from participating in potato by factors which include high production costs, lack of transport, pests and diseases encountered, lack of storage facilities and poor access to quality seeds. The Binary Logistic Regression Model results revealed that gender, age, social media access, source of income, level of education, access to seeds and distance to the market influence farmers to participate in potato farming. In light of these, it is recommended that the government should address the constraints and challenges. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition should assist farmers in developing value chains and formulating marketing tactics to enhance their competitiveness. The Ministry should also encourage women ‘s participation in potato farming and establish training initiatives aimed at improving soil fertility and implementing crop rotation to boost women’s participation in potato production.National Manpower Development Secretaria
An assessment of the level of soil contamination with heavily metals around Letseng and Kao diamond mining in Lesotho
Get PDFThe study was aimed at determining the extent of soil contamination with heavy metals due
to wastes from Kao and Letseng Diamond Mining and to determine the potential risks to the
soil and crops in nearby farmlands. A number of physical and chemical soil parameters were
tested namely; texture, pH, Organic matter, and CEC to find out their impact on
bioavailability of heavy metals in the soils and crops around Kao, Letseng and Mokhotlong
Agricultural Research. Furthermore, study was made to assess the effects of heavy metals on
soil microbial activity, and to determine whether heavy metals in plants and soils are mild,
sufficient or toxic. Heavy metals were tested whether available or not available (not detected)
in three sites. The samples were collected from three sites, two of which are from
contaminated (Kao and Lets’eng mining) sites and one from uncontaminated (Mokhotlong
Agricultural Research Station) site in Lesotho. Basic cations and metals were extracted by
DTPA method (Lindsay and Norvell, 1978) and later determined using an AAS 500 model.
The results indicated that there are higher concentrations of heavy metals around Letseng
Diamond Mining in the order of Cr > Pb > Cd > Ni > Fe > Mn > Cu > Co > Zn. Around Kao
Diamond site, three metals were in the toxic range in the order of Cd > Pb > Cr. Kao
Diamond mining site is located within Kao Village, where the effluent from the mining
drains into farmlands, which obviously poses health threat. Chlorosis and stunting of plants
have been observed especially in the rangelands around Letseng Diamond Mining. This is to
high concentrations of heavy metals, which could hinder plant growth and affect the food
chain thus posing serious risk to health of animals, humans and microorganisms. Again the
results showed the plants with high concentrations of heavy metals have stunt growth andsoils with high concentrations of heavy metals showed lower microbial population which has
negative impact on soil fertility.
Results of this study indicate that the heavy metal risk around the mining sites is alarming
and hence appropriate measures need to be taken to rectify the situation by applying biochar.
Whilst Mokhotlong Agricultural Research shows only essential heavy metals and their
concentrations are not alarming with high population of microorganisms.National Manpower Development Secretaria
Mahalefele (1993), Mokete (1997) and Khaketla (19540
Get PDFThe study investigates the role of neighbours portrayed in the selected Sesotho drama books, written by Mahalefele (1993), Mokete (1997) and Khaketla (1954). This qualitative study seeks to investigate the significant societal concerns that are portrayed in the selected literary works within the Functionalism Theory. The situations include emotional abuse, child abuse, and family negligence. The results show that neighbours, motivated by a desire to lend a hand and offer social support, are important players in stepping in during these trying times. Their efforts to increase awareness and provide affected families with hope define their engagement. The study also reveals that the positive effects of these treatments include lowering the victims’ stress levels, helping them to overcome obstacles more successfully and encouraging positive habits in the community. The positive impacts also involve reduced stress, success and positive behaviour. However, the study also notes adverse effects resulting from neighbourly initiatives. The negative impacts of neighbourly interventions comprise forced marriages and teenage pregnancies, which might result from cultural pressures or misunderstandings of support. Further, this study emphasises the difficult relationships that exist between family struggles and the networks of support in the community within the framework of selected Sesotho drama texts.National Manpower Development Secretaria
A cultural hazard to women's right to health an dignity
Get PDFFemale genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that needs to be eliminated in a free and
democratic society. The practice of FGM violates a considerable number of women’s rights,
including the right to health in particular. For women to fully enjoy their human rights for
governments to see to it that their legal policy framework carters for the protection and
promotion of women’s rights. The state’s obligation to domesticate international treaties that
deal with the elimination and eradication of harmful practices needs to be taken seriously and
timeously implemented.
It is common knowledge that there are cultural practices such as FGM that are
conventionally deemed to be harmful, discriminatory, inhumane as well as degrading and as a
result, such practices must be abandoned. For every person to enjoy human rights, there is a
need for enactment and enforcement of laws guaranteeing such rights for all individuals,
without discrimination.
This study aims to investigating how the practice of FGM violates women’s and girls’
right to health, and physical and psychological integrity in Lesotho. It also seeks to urge the
government of Lesotho to domesticate international instruments that deal with the eradication
of the practice of FGM.National Manpower Development Secretaria
The Impact of Phonological Awareness Instruction to Improve Reading among Grade 3 EFL Dyslexic Learners: An Intervention Mixed-Method Research in One Mainstream Primary School in Maseru
Get PDFDyslexia is a distinctive learning difficulty that affects reading and language processing,
posing significant challenges for learners, particularly in English as a Foreign Language
(EFL) contexts. This study investigated the efficacy of phonological awareness instruction as
an intervention technique to improve reading abilities in dyslexic learners within an EFL
setting. The theoretical foundation of the research draws on Cognitive Load Theory, Dual Code
Theory, and Multisensory Language Education Theory. A mixed-method explanatory
sequential design was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to
comprehensively assess the impact of the intervention.
The study involved 41 participants: 20 dyslexic learners in an experimental group who received
targeted phonological awareness instruction, and 20 dyslexic learners in a control group who
followed traditional reading methods. Additionally, one special education teacher assisted the
researcher with classroom observations and administering two tests: The Bangor Dyslexia
Test and the Rapid Automatized Naming Test. Quantitative data were analysed using
inferential statistics via SPSS, while qualitative data were thematically analysed using Atlas.ti
software.
The findings revealed a strong correlation between phonological awareness instruction and
the improvement of reading skills among Grade 3 EFL dyslexic learners. The study concluded
that the success of the intervention is influenced by explicit instruction, a supportive learning
environment, and recognition of individual learning styles. Future research may explore the
role of morphological awareness in enhancing word-level understanding for EFL dyslexic
learnersNational Manpower Development Secretaria
A case study of Zimbabwe
Get PDFThe general understanding of a government is that of an artificial entity, created to escape a state
of nature characterised by chaos and lawlessness, and which has been given a variety of mandates
towards the people it governs. This implies that at the inception of such a government, there are a
set of obligations and duties that it owes to the governed, who in turn have obligations towards the
government itself. The thesis argues further that because the human person intrinsically and
naturally craves for freedom, its lack thereof must be compensated through the benefits of being
part of a civil state. If not, then it is more desirable to go back into the state of nature. This thesis,
then, is an investigation into the intricate nature of the obligations and duties that the government
and the governed have towards each other in the successful functioning of a polity. The thesis
argues that the formation of a government is founded on a contractarian basis, from a social
contract from which the obligations of both the government and the governed are derived. Arguing
from this position, for this contract to work, both parties must abide by their obligations and duties
which is the thesis’ conception of justice. An observation is made that power dynamics in the
social contract between the government and its citizens are tilted in favour of the government,
which has the potential to flout the terms of the contract since it controls coercive force. In the
event that the government fails to fulfil its obligations and duties, thereby creating a travesty on
this principle of justice, the thesis argues that the governed are under the moral imperative to abjure
their obligations towards the state in an act of civil disobedience. In this light, the thesis argues
that civil disobedience should be enshrined in the social contract as one of the measures to even-
out the imbalance of power between the government and the citizens. Together with other
measures to keep the government in check, the study argues that civil disobedience is one of thebest recourses to ensure that the shortcomings of the government are identified and promptly
ameliorated. Through a comprehensive textual analysis and synthesis of literature on civil
disobedience and the social contract, the thesis uses the Southern African country of Zimbabwe as
a case study to demonstrate the veracity of its central arguments.National Manpower Development Secretaria
The case of Princess Senate Gabasheane Masupha
Get PDFLesotho’s royal system, a distinct cultural and historical phenomenon, faces several difficulties
today, especially regarding succession by women. Using the example of Princess Senate
Gabasheane Masupha, a well-known royal family member, this study investigates the
organisation’s function, importance, and succession dilemma. By employing a qualitative research
methodology that integrates interviews, archival research, and literature analysis, this study unveils
the intricate relationship between culture, tradition, gender, and power in determining the
institution’s course. The results emphasise the need for creative strategies to deal with succession
concerns as well as the necessity for a comprehensive knowledge of the genesis of the matriarchy
kingship institution and its current relevance. This study adds to the current conversations in
Lesotho and elsewhere on gender, culture, and leadership by providing information for academics,
legislators and cultural guardiansNational Manpower Development Secretaria
Assessment of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, total antioxidant activity, ferric reducing power and phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract of Malva parviflora
Get PDFIn this study, preliminary phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activity of crude methanolic extract
of whole plant of Malva parviflora were evaluated. Phytochemical screening was achieved using standard assay
methods and for antioxidant activity, three assays viz. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay,
phosphomolybdate assay (total antioxidant capacity, TAC) and ferric reducing power assay were used to screen
the extract at various concentrations. The extract demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics,
tannins and terpenoids. The DPPH radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity of methanolic M.
parviflora extract (MMP) were found to be in the range 41.88±1.69 to 95.44±2.91% and 52.45±1.45 to
89.65±2.84% respectively. MMP was found to be potent with IC50 values for DPPH and TAC being 91.61 and
29.15 µg/mL, respectively. MMP was found to be dose-dependent as its reducing power increased with extract
concentration. Generally, MMP exhibited promising phytochemical and antioxidative properties as a potential
source for novel drugs. As such, further studies are required on this plant in order to commercial new productsNational University of Lesoth
The effect of wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) flower morphology on the diversity, abundance, plant-pollinator interactions, and foraging behaviour of floral visitors in Lesotho.
Get PDFWild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum), a prevalent weed in Lesotho, is known for its varied flower
morphology and reliance on insect pollination. This study explores the diversity, abundance, and
foraging behavior of insect pollinators in two agroecological zones of Lesotho: Nyakosoba
research station and the National University of Lesotho (NUL) farm. The study further investigated
the influence of flower morphology on pollinator-mediated selection, pollen removal, pollen
production and comparison of seven floral traits between white and yellow color morphs. The
Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index was used to measure species diversity, while cross-tabulation
and chi-square tests compared pollinator abundance and visitation patterns. Descriptive statistics
and ANOVA analyzed visitation rate, visitation frequency, and stay time, associating these
behaviors with pollen deposition using ANCOVA. Descriptive statistics and linear regression
model assessed pollen production. ANOVA was used to compare pollen removal from short and
long stamens. Mean differences and standard errors of yellow and white flower morphs were
compared using independent sample t-test. A total of eighteen insect species visited wild radish at
NUL farm, and twenty-four species were documented at Nyakosoba, with Hymenoptera and
Diptera being the most represented orders. Apis mellifera (honeybee) and Eristalis tenax (a syrphid
fly) were the most abundant and effective pollinators. Visitation frequencies and stay times varied,
with Stizus sp. and Apis mellifera showing the highest visitation rates. Floral visitors' preferences
for pollen or nectar were also recorded, with Apis mellifera being the highest pollen forager.
Yellow flowers with dark veins were predominantly visited by Eristalis tenax and Apis mellifera.
Long stamens produced more pollen grains (mean = 6110.56 ± 384.87) than short stamens (mean
= 4768.00 ± 389.99). More pollen was removed from dimorphic stamens (mean = 1.39 ± 0.08)han from long stamens (1.25 ± 0.05) and short stamens (mean = 0.91 ± 0.02). Morphological
comparisons revealed significant differences in pedicel length (p = 0.01), anther length (p = 0.03),
and pistil length (p = 0.05) between white and yellow flowers, though other traits showed no
significant differences. These findings highlight that wild radish exhibits significant variation in
flower morphology, which influences pollinator behavior and efficiency. Apis mellifera and
Eristalis tenax were the most effective pollinators. Yellow flowers and long stamens were
particularly favored, because of higher pollen production resulting in higher pollen removal.
Future research should focus on investigating the genetic basis of floral trait variations in wild
radish, explore further the impact of environmental factors on plant-pollinator interactions and
v
development of strategies to enhance pollinator services in agricultural systems by promoting
floral diversityNational Manpower Development Secretaria
Lie Symmetry analysis of partial differetial equations associated with the Westervelt Model in non-linear acoustics
Get PDFSound-wave propagation in compressible media has significant non-linearities. It is for this
reason, that modelling such phenomena necessitates a partial differential equation that considers
these non-linear effects. That is where the Westervelt model comes into action, it is a non-linear
partial differential equation used to model the propagation of high finite amplitude sound waves
in non-linear acoustics, i.e., sonar systems, medical ultrasound imaging and non-destructive
testing. The propagation of such waves takes place in non-linear media that exhibit thermal and
viscous characteristics, e.g. human tissue.
Two equations that represent the Westervelt model are considered in this work, the first one
is the usual equation that has the dissipative term as the third-order temporal derivative. The
second equation is where the linear wave relation has been inserted for the dissipative term.
Symmetry analysis is performed on each of the models individually. This involves generating
an over-determined system of linear homogeneous partial differential equations, which is solved
to get the Lie point symmetries. Then, with the aid of the adjoint and commutator tables, an
optimal system of sub-algebras is found and used in the similarity reductions to get the invari-
ant sub-models. One-parameter Lie point groups are constructed, followed by exact invariant
solutions for the sub-models, with the modified simple equation method applied to find some
solitary wave solutions. Lastly, simulations in terms of 2D and 3D graphs representing the in-
variant solutions are presented.National Manpower Development Secretaria