21623 research outputs found
Sort by
Assessing the impact of the 2020 presidential economic stimulus Initiative on smallholder farmers` household food security status: empirical evidence from Ngaka Modiri Molema district, South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Persistent poverty and food insecurity remain critical global challenges despite numerous efforts by various stakeholders to address them. These issues are particularly acute in rural regions, where the majority of the affected population depends on agriculture and related activities for their livelihoods. Enhancing agricultural productivity has been widely recognized as a means of increasing household income and improving household food security among smallholder farmers. In line with this, input subsidy programs, such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus Initiative (PESI), have been implemented to provide smallholders with essential agricultural inputs, including seeds and fertilizers, thereby raising productivity levels.
This study examines smallholder farmers’ perceptions of PESI, identifies the factors influencing these perceptions, and assesses the program’s impact on household food security. A total of 231 smallholder households, comprising both program beneficiaries and nonbeneficiaries, were selected for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to assess overall perceptions, while an ordered probit model was employed to determine the factors influencing perceptions. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) were used to estimate the program’s impact on household food security.
The findings reveal that smallholder farmers generally hold favourable perceptions towards PESI, indicating its potential acceptability within agricultural policy frameworks. Significant determinants of perception included gender, age, education level, communication channels, and household total income. The ATT results indicate that the program has had a positive effect on household food security. The study recommends that the government enhance program effectiveness by improving beneficiary targeting mechanisms to ensure resources are directed towards those who are most in need and are best positioned to deliver the intended outcomes, ensuring agro-dealers charge accordingly, enhancing outreach and support, and improving program evaluation and monitoring
The influence of agricultural cooperatives on the sustainability of rural livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Rural livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are linked to the agricultural sector, where the establishment of agricultural cooperatives has gained significance as a potential catalyst for sustainability. This study explores the profound influence of agricultural cooperatives on the sustainability of rural livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which agricultural cooperatives influence the well-being and economic stability of rural communities in this region. The research problem at hand centres on the pressing need to address poverty, food security, and economic disparities among rural populations. Qualitative methodology was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the subject matter. The population under study comprises rural residents of KwaZulu-Natal who are actively engaged in agricultural cooperatives. A purposive sampling technique was used to select forty-seven participants for this research, with fifteen engaging in semi-structured face-to-face interview and thirty-two involved in the eight-member focus group discussion. Data collection instruments included semi-structured interview and focus group discussion. Thematic data analysis was utilised using Nvivo version 14. Findings revealed that these cooperatives enhance rural income stability by improving agricultural practices and market access, foster social cohesion and knowledge sharing, and support environmental sustainability through eco-friendly farming, natural methods, and collaborative innovation among community members. However, several challenges, including limited access to resources and capacity-building, hinder their full potential. The study concluded that agricultural cooperatives can significantly contribute to the sustainability of rural livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal. However, addressing challenges and strengthening the support systems for these cooperatives is
essential to maximise their positive impact. Therefore, it is recommended that government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders should collaborate to provide support, training, and resources to strengthen agricultural cooperatives in the region. Moreover, a holistic approach that accounts for economic, social, and environmental dimensions is necessary for promoting sustainable rural development
Unpaid care work: calculating its value to the South African economy.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.All households partake in unpaid care work (UPCW) of varying degrees. This work falls outside of the production possibilities frontier because there is no payment for the products made or services rendered within the unpaid care work category of time use. Systematically does not get accounted in the UN System of National Accounts framework, and therefore, not included in the computation of the GDP index. Consequently, this sector is invisible thereby making it hard for governments to develop and implement policies to support those who engage in it most. This study investigates how unpaid care work contributes to the South African economy. A quantitative approach using a non-experimental research strategy is used to estimate the imputed value of the unpaid care work as a share of GDP without attempting to determine possible causality or correlation between the variables. First, aggregate annual time use for UPCW activity is calculated. Then, the market equivalent wage is estimated for each of the respective UPCW activities. Then, obtaining a product of these produces the imputed value. The imputed value is measured against the GDP figures to estimate unpaid care work’s potential share to GDP. Three datasets: the 2010 Time Use Survey (TUS), the 2010 Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) and the 2010 Quarterly Gross Domestic Product (QGDP) data are used. The TUS produces the time estimates measuring how much time is spent on paid and unpaid work activities and the QLFS is used to estimate the market-related wages payable for activities of paid work similar to unpaid work. Lastly, the QGDP data is used to compare the contribution of unpaid care work to the South African gross domestic product (GDP). The results of four valuation methods inform that unpaid care work contributed 36.83% using the Economy Wide Mean Wage, 3.87% for Men and 6.89% for Women using the Opportunity Cost method, 25.82% using the Generalist and 26.47% using the Specialist wage methods to the South African real GDP of 2010. The monetary value of the unpaid care work sector for the year 2010, was R 3.97 1.463 trillion using the Economy Wide Mean wage, R153.9 billion for Men and R273 billion for Women when using the Opportunity Cost method, and R1 trillion 26 billion for the Generalist wage method, as well as R1 trillion and 52 billion when using the Specialist Wage method
Disadvantaged Black- African learners’ experiences of social inclusion and exclusion in former model-C schools in Pretoria: a socio-economic perspective.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The reimagining of Inclusive Education in modern society moves beyond the static positioning of understanding inclusion as the integration of learners with learning barriers but as inclusion and integration of disadvantaged, marginalised, and vulnerable learners. Research reveals that the lived experiences of disadvantaged Black-African learners enrolled in former white-only (ex-Model C) schools in South Africa do not mirror the robust legislative and transformative policy frameworks that guide Inclusive Education. The learners' experiences have been met with hesitation, ignorance, and reluctance, resulting in exclusion, marginalisation, and stigmatisation. Using the concept of Inclusive Education and Crenshaw's Theory of Intersectionality as a framework lens, this qualitative study takes a new turn to Inclusive Education and seeks to establish how disadvantaged Black-African learners experience social inclusion and exclusion in ex-Model C schools in Pretoria and further explore how such experiences (social inclusion and exclusion) inform their overall schooling journey. Seeing the world as being shaped by political, cultural, and socio-economic context, this study used a critical paradigm to engage seventeen grades 10 and 11 black-African learners who were selected using the purposive sampling technique from two ex-Model C schools in Pretoria chosen as research sites. Using three data collection methods: Photo elicitation, focus group discussions, and individual semi-structured interviews, the study gained firsthand data that allowed access to participants insights for responses to the two critical research questions. The data was analysed using the six steps of thematic analysis, which yielded three broad themes. Each theme delves into how race and low socio-economic status form an intricate interplay of social inclusionary and exclusionary experiences and how these experiences inform the schooling journey of Black- African learners in ex-Model C schools. This study found that in search of quality education, Black-African learners venture into uncharted waters with multifaceted experiences that are both inviting and uninviting. The study reveals that Black-African learners acknowledge the quality of teaching, wider extra-curricular options, and social services as contributing to their social inclusionary experiences. However, the interconnected complexities of race, language, and cultural differences continue unabated. Class and racial disparities continue to provide a platform for politics of the school uniform and increased incidents of classism and class-related stereotypes resulting in perceived vulnerability and psychosocial challenges. Despite these unwelcoming experiences, the study reveals how the participants demonstrate an agency to navigate the space and resist their marginalised identities. This included developing a network of friends with a shared struggle for affirmation and (Re)constructing identity and voice to increase one's sense of belonging. Based on these findings, the study concludes with implications that pave the way for more inclusive and informed support systems that are culturally responsive - enacting school-based Continuous Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) programs that allow flexibility to respond to individual learners' abilities, needs, and interests while honouring inclusive policies. As part of continuous curriculum transformation and development, researchers can explore more ways of enacting inclusive pedagogy and cultivating professional and authentic relationships that strategically leverage power, learner voices, and efficacy needed to meet the educational needs of all learners.
Iqoqa.
Ukucatshangelwa kabusha Kwemfundo Ebandakanyayo (i-IE) emphakathini wanamuhla kudlulela ngale kokuma kokuqonda ukufakwa njengokuhlanganiswa kwabafundi abanezithiyo zokufunda kodwa njengokufakwa nokuhlanganiswa kwabafundi ababencishwe amathuba, ababukelwa phansi, nabasengozini. Izincwadi ezitholakalayo ziveza ukuthi izipiliyoni zabafundi abamnyama base-Afrika abavela ekilasini eliphansi lezenhlalo-mnotho ababhalise ezikoleni ezazinabamhlophe bodwa (ababeyimodeli C) eNingizimu Afrika azifani nemithetho eqinile nezinhlaka zenqubomgomo eziguqulayo eziqondisa i-IE. Okuhlangenwe nakho kwabafundi kuhlangatshezwe nokungabaza, ukungazi, kanye nokungabaza, okuholele ekukhipheni inyumbazane, ukucwaswa, kanye nokucwaswa. Kusetshenziswa umqondo we-Inclusive Education (IE) kanye nethiyori ye-Intersectionality kaCrenshaw njengelensi yohlaka, lolu cwaningo lwekhwalithethivu luthatha ithuba elisha ku-IE futhi lufuna ukuthola ukuthi abafundi abamnyama base-Afrika abangathathi ntweni bakuthola kanjani ukufakwa emphakathini kanye nokungafakwa ezikoleni ezaziyi-Model C ePitoli futhi lihlole ukuthi ulwazi olunjalo (ukufakwa komphakathi nohambo lwabo lokukhishwa esikoleni lulonke lukwazisa kanjani. Ngokubona umhlaba ulolongwa umongo wezepolitiki, amasiko, kanye nenhlalo-mnotho, lolu cwaningo lusebenzise ipharadaymu ebucayi ukuze kubandakanye abafundi abansundu base-Afrika bebanga le-10 nele-11 abaqokwe kusetshenziswa indlela yesampula eyinhloso ezikoleni ezimbili ezaziyimodeli C ePitoli ezikhethwe njengezizinda zocwaningo. Kusetshenziswa izindlela ezintathu zokuqoqa idatha: Ukunxenxa izithombe, izingxoxo zamaqembu okugxilwe kuwo, kanye nezingxoxo ezingahleliwe, ucwaningo luzitholele mathupha idatha evumela ukufinyelela emibonweni yabahlanganyeli ukuze uthole izimpendulo zemibuzo emibili yocwaningo olubucayi. Idatha yahlaziywa kusetshenziswa izinyathelo eziyisithupha zokuhlaziywa kwetimu, okuveze izindikimba ezintathu ezibanzi. Indikimba ngayinye idingida ukuthi ubuhlanga nesimo senhlalomnotho esiphansi kwakha kanjani ukusebenzisana okuyinkimbinkimbi kokuhlangenwe nakho okubandakanya umphakathi kanye nokungabandakanywa nokuthi lezi zipiliyoni zilwazisa kanjani uhambo lwesikole lwabafundi abamnyama base-Afrika ezikoleni ezaziyimodeli C. Kuyathakazelisa ukuthi lolu cwaningo luthole ukuthi ekufuneni imfundo esezingeni eliphezulu, abafundi abamnyama base-Afrika bangena emanzini angaziwa anolwazi oluningi olukhangayo futhi olungamemi. Lolu cwaningo luveza ukuthi abafundi bama-Afrika abamnyama bayalivuma ikhwalithi yokufundisa, izinketho ezibanzi ze-extra-curricular, kanye nezinsizakalo zezenhlalakahle njengokunikela ekuhlangenwe nakho kwabo okubandakanya umphakathi. Nokho, ubunkimbinkimbi bokwehluka kohlanga, ulimi, namasiko buyaqhubeka ngokunganqamuki. Ukwehlukana kwezigaba nezinhlanga kuyaqhubeka nokuhlinzeka ngenkundla yepolitiki yomfaniswano wesikole kanye nezigameko ezandayo zokuhlukana ngokwezigaba kanye nezinkolelo-ze ezihlobene nekilasi okuholela ekubonakaleni sengozini kanye nezinselele ezingokwengqondo nezenhlalo. Ngaphandle kwalokhu kuzizwisa okungamukelekile, ucwaningo luveza ukuthi ababambiqhaza babonisa kanjani i-ejensi ukuze bazulazule esikhaleni futhi bamelane nobunikazi babo obucwaswayo. Lokhu kwakuhlanganisa ukwakha inethiwekhi yabangane ngomzabalazo owabiwe wokuqinisekisa kanye (Re) nokwakha ubuwena nezwi ukuze kwandiswe umuzwa womuntu wokuba ngowabanye. Ngokusekelwe kulokhu okutholakele, ucwaningo luphetha ngemithelela evula indlela yezinhlelo zokusekela ezibandakanya wonke umuntu nezinolwazi ezisabela ngokwesiko – ezisungula izinhlelo ezisekelwe esikoleni ezithi Continuous Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) ezivumela ukuguquguquka kokuphendula emakhonweni, izidingo, kanye nezithakazelo zomfundi ngamunye kuyilapho kuhlonishwa izinqubomgomo ezibandakanya wonke umuntu. Njengengxenye yoguquko oluqhubekayo nokuthuthukiswa kwekharikhulamu, abacwaningi bangahlola izindlela eziningi zokwenza izifundo zokufundisa ezibandakanya bonke abantu kanye nokuhlakulela ubudlelwano bomsebenzi nobuqiniso obuthuthukisa amandla ngamasu, amazwi abafundi, kanye nempumelelo edingekayo ukuze kuhlangatshezwane nezidingo zemfundo zabo bonke abafundi
Examining the Role of Digital Transformation Within Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s Manufacturing Facilities.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study examines the impact of digital transformation on operational efficiency, employee productivity, and job satisfaction within Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s (CCBSA) manufacturing facilities. The research examines the economic, social, legal, and environmental implications of adopting digital technologies in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing sector. Using a quantitative research approach, structured surveys were administered at four key manufacturing sites: Phoenix, Premier, Elgin, and Lakeside. Stratified random sampling ensured representation from frontline workers, managers, and control and automation specialists. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha for internal reliability, and correlation analysis to determine key relationships between digitisation and performance indicators. The findings reveal that digital transformation at CCBSA has led to significant operational improvements, including enhanced workflow, reduced production downtime, and increased employee satisfaction. Respondents noted that digital tools streamlined operations, enhanced communication, and improved consistency across manufacturing processes. A moderate positive correlation was found between the costs of implementing digital systems and longterm cost savings, supporting the economic viability of digitisation investments. However, the study also identifies critical challenges, particularly concerns over job displacement due to automation and the need for ongoing upskilling to manage more complex digital systems. These insights underscore the importance of human-centred change management strategies, including comprehensive training, transparent communication, and incentives to support workforce adaptability. The study contributes to both academic literature and industry practice by offering evidencebased recommendations to guide successful digital transformation in manufacturing. It emphasises that addressing employee concerns and fostering a supportive organisational culture are essential for achieving sustainable digital integration. Future research is recommended to explore the longitudinal effects of digitisation and the role of leadership in navigating these transformations
Examining the effectiveness of sin taxes on unwanted social behaviours.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Sin taxes have long been used as a policy tool to influence social behaviour by discouraging the consumption of products associated with negative externalities, such as tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). These taxes aim to reduce consumption, improve public health outcomes and generate government revenue. However, debates persist regarding their effectiveness, economic fairness and unintended consequences, particularly in relation to low-income populations and illicit trade markets. This study reviews the effectiveness of sin taxes in modifying social behaviour, with a particular focus on their impact on consumption patterns, health outcomes and behavioural adaptations. Utilising a systematic literature review approach, this study synthesises findings from peer-reviewed journal articles, policy reports and empirical studies to evaluate whether sin taxes successfully achieve their intended objectives. A thematic analysis was conducted to categorize findings into key themes, including the impact of sin taxes on consumption, behavioural responses, unintended consequences and overall policy effectiveness. The literature review reveals that sin taxes generally lead to consumption reductions, with studies reporting a 3-8% decline in smoking rates, a 4-6% drop in alcohol consumption and up to a 50% reduction in SSB purchases in some jurisdictions. However, the extent of their effectiveness varies based on price elasticity, enforcement mechanisms and complementary health policies. The study also highlights several unintended consequences such as the expansion of black markets, cross-border shopping and economic strain on low-income consumers. In some cases, consumers shift to cheaper or untaxed alternatives, reducing the intended health benefits of taxation. Moreover, industry resistance through lobbying, price manipulation and legal challenges often undermines the implementation of sin tax policies. Despite these challenges, the findings suggest that sin taxes can be most effective when integrated into a broader public health strategy, incorporating public education campaigns, regulatory enforcement and reinvestment of tax revenue into health programmes. This study concludes that while sin taxes play a significant role in shaping social behaviour and promoting better health outcomes, their effectiveness is maximized when complemented with strong regulatory frameworks and alternative policy measures. Future research should explore long-term behavioural effects, taxation in low-income countries and the intersection between consumer psychology and tax compliance to further refine sin tax policies for sustainable public health benefits
Lecanicillium uredinophilum, a potential biological control mycoparasite of phakopsora pachyrhizi, the soybean rust pathogen.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is the largest and most significant contributor to global oilseed production, which is driven by its high oil and protein composition. Although the crop is native to China, Brazil, the USA and Argentina are the three largest producers in the world. South Africa is the top soybean producer in Africa. Soybean production globally is affected by plant pathogens and insect pests. Plant pathogens pose the greatest and most significant threat to soybean production and yield, and the Asian soybean rust (ASR) disease caused by the biotrophic fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi Syd. & P. Syd., is the most significant among the foliar pathogens of soybeans. ASR disease became a pandemic over two decades ago, and to date, soybean producing areas have experienced epidemics despite the widespread application of fungicides. The costs associated with fungicides for managing the ASR pathogen are substantial, with Brazil alone spending approximately US$3 billion annually. Efforts on breeding for durable ASR genetic resistance, despite significant efforts, have not been successful as the ASR pathogen quickly overcomes single gene resistance. The reliance on chemical fungicides has led to the development of pathogen resistance to these fungicides. Therefore, this study sought to isolate indigenous fungal hyperparasites of rusts, such as Lecanicillium spp., which could serve as biological control agents, as alternatives to chemical control. The dearth of current and scientifically updated information on the mechanism of action of soybean rust hyperparasites is a gap addressed in this thesis. Understanding the mechanisms of action of hyperparasites may assist in the development of effective formulations of biocontrol agents. Hyperparasitic fungi were isolated from ASR pustules on soybean. This was followed by identification of the fungi using morphological characterisation, followed by genomic DNA extraction and Sanger sequencing of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS). These identification steps classified the isolated hyperparasites as two isolates of Akanthomyces muscarium, a Lecanicillium spp. (Aphanocladium araneurum) and a Simplicillium lanosoniveum isolate. Further phylogenetic analyses could not conclusively resolve the taxonomy of the suggested
species, leading to additional marker genes being added to enhance the species level identification of the isolates. Two isolates, PP2018-001 and PP2018-003, were selected on the basis of their superior pathogenicity on ASR. The Isolate PP2018-001, and another isolate of Lecanicillium (PP2018-005) obtained from a local biological control company (Andermatt- PHP) were further characterized for their identity. The multi-locus phylogenetic analysis with the additional DNA-polymerase II second subunit (RPB2), the transcription elongation factor- 1α (TEF) identified the two isolates as being Lecanicillium uredinophilum. The PP2018-001 isolate, originally isolated from wild strawberry rust pustules, showed potential as a biocontrol agent of ASR. Ten locally marketed commercial adjuvants (Break-Thru®, Bond®, Aquawet®, Designer®, Ballista®, Tronic®, Summit Super®, Wetcit®, Nufilm P® and Sprayfilm 10®) as well as seven vegetable oils (canola, macadamia, olive, peanut, organic sesame, and sunflower) were sourced from the local market, and were subjected to bioefficacy evaluations for their compatibility with the target fungi. This was measured using mycelial radial growth and colony forming units (CFU) counts of Lecanicillium isolates PP2018-001 and PP-2018-003. The compatibility of the fungi varied significantly with different adjuvants and vegetable oils, compared with the control treatments, for both fungal isolates. The vegetable oils showed consistency in enhancing both radial growth and CFU counts with an increase in concentration compared to the control treatment. All the vegetable oils can be evaluated in future glasshouse and field trials. However, amongst the commercial adjuvants there were significant differences in their effects on the radial mycelial growth and CFU counts, with a consistent decrease in fungal growth with an increase in concentration for all adjuvants, compared to the control treatment. The best commercial adjuvant was Break-Thru® at 0.01% and 0.05%. Ballista® and Bond® showed promising compatibility at 0.01%, and further studies on reduced concentrations might reveal better compatibility. Wetcit® drastically reduced radial growth and CFU counts, and inhibited growth at the 1% concentration or higher. The results of the study would be crucial in the selection of adjuvants for bio-formulations and practical applications in either controlled or field environments for these two biocontrol agents. They may also be applicable to other fungal propagules.
The mechanism of action of the L. uredinophilum Isolate (PP2018-001) was investigated. Ultrastructural examinations of fungus-to-fungus interactions (P. pachyrhizi to L. uredinophilum) were done through high throughput, high-end microscopy. Investigations used confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) employing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) transformant of PP2018-001. Tracking the hyperparasite’s infection process was successful through the CLSM, which revealed the ability of L. uredinophilum to penetrate and to colonise P. pachyrhizi urediniospores. In Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies, L. uredinophilum first attached and germinated on P. pachyrhizi urediniospores, forming an intense mycelial network and coiling around the urediniospores. Furthermore, L. uredinophilum both directly penetrated urediniospores, and entered through germ pores, after which there was a loss of cellular integrity, as evidenced by the breakdown and multiple perforations of the infected urediniospores. In Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) studies at the cellular level, the mode of entry of L. uredinophilum into the urediniospores was confirmed and showed the growth of L. uredinophilum hyphae inside the urediniospores and the loss of cellular integrity inside infected urediniospores, compared with uninfected urediniospores. This study confirmed that L. uredinophilum employed direct mycoparasitism as its mode of action against P. pachyrhizi urediniospores. The L. uredinophilum Isolate PP2018-001 was evaluated for colonization of the P. pachyrhizi urediniospores using three conidial concentrations of L. uredinophilum in greenhouse studies. Three concentrations (1.5 x 102, 1.5 x 104 and 1.5 x 106 conidia.ml-1) of L. uredinophilum were employed for this study, which investigated the level of colonization of the urediniospores by L. uredinophilum, as well as its effect on the ASR disease severity. Colonization of urediniospores by L. uredinophilum mycoparasite was visible 3-10 days post inoculation (dpi). All treatments achieved some level of colonization of the P. pachyrhizi urediniospores, with the highest concentration achieving almost 100% colonization at 10 dpi, whilst the other two concentrations achieved approximately 45% and 34%, in order of their concentration levels. All the treatments significantly impacted ASR severity as assessed at 0 dpi and 10 dpi. The result of this study provided evidence that L. uredinophilum conidial suspension at the highest concentration could be used to stop any further development of P. pachyrhizi and could be used as a curative strategy to control ASR. A framework for evaluating biocontrol deployment in soybean fields was conducted through the physical installation of automatic weather stations (AWS), which facilitated the measurement of various climatic parameters such as relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, dew temperature, and wet bulb temperature in two soybean fields. This study evaluated six machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict leaf wetness (LW) and leaf wetness duration (LWD). The algorithms also estimated the degree of importance of each environmental parameter on the prediction of LW and LWD. While LW and LWD prediction models are mainly developed for disease early warning systems, they could also be used to assess the suitability of field conditions for the deployment of biological control agents. The results presented in this thesis reinforce the importance of studies on biological control in the development of an alternative control strategy for the Asian soybean rust pathogen, P. pachyrhizi. Lecanicillium uredinophilum provides a curative approach for control of ASR
Longitudinal impact of PrEP use and BV treatment on vaginal microbiota in adolescent girls and young women at high risk of acquiring HIV in KwaZulu-Natal.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Background: The HIV epidemic in South Africa, particularly in high-burden regions such as KwaZulu-Natal, remains a significant public health challenge, with persistently high prevalence and incidence rates, especially among young women. The vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in modulating HIV susceptibility and influencing the efficacy of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, little is known about the longitudinal impact of oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine (TDF-FTC) PrEP on the vaginal microbiome,nor the mechanisms by which specific bacterial taxa may modulate the pharmacokinetics and effectiveness of topical tenofovir gel. Additionally, the effects of vaginal insertion products (VIPs) and recent sexual activity on microbial composition, genital inflammation, and HIV susceptibility remain poorly understood.
Methods: Chapter 2 examined the longitudinal effects of daily oral PrEP on the vaginal microbiota in 100 women enrolled in the CAPRISA 082 and 084 trials, with swabs collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months for 16S rRNA sequencing. Chapter 3 evaluated the relationship between cervicovaginal tenofovir (TFV) concentrations and microbial community state types (CSTs) in 69 women from the CAPRISA 008 trial, where TFV levels were measured by LC-MS/MS and microbiota composition was analyzed using 16S sequencing. In Chapter 4, the vaginal microbiomes of 219 adolescent girls and 107 adult women from the MIST cohort study were examined, with cytokine levels and immune activation assessed via multiplex bead array and T-cell analysis. All data were analyzed using R and SAS, linking microbiome composition, immune responses, and HIV prevention strategies.
Results: In Chapter 2, we observe that only 8% (3/36) of women in the non-PrEP group and 13% (8/64) in the PrEP group had L. crispatus-dominated microbial communities. We investigate the dynamics of microbial community transitions over time, finding no significant difference in the rate or pattern of these transitions between the PrEP and non-PrEP groups. While Lactobacillus iners-dominated communities were less likely to transition, those that did tended to shift towards communities associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and increased HIV risk, independent of PrEP or antibiotic use. These findings suggest that microbial community stability and shifts towards BV-associated states are significant in the context of HIV risk, irrespective of PrEP use. In Chapter 3, we extend this exploration by examining the influence of vaginal microbiota on tenofovir (TFV) concentrations. We found that bacterial taxa distributions and community state types (CSTs) were similarly represented in both high and low TFV concentration groups. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the median log TFV concentrations between women with CST IV or Lactobacillus-dominated CSTs (p>0.005). This suggests that while vaginal microbiota composition influences several aspects of vaginal health, it does not significantly impact TFV absorption or concentration in this cohort. Chapter 4 shifts focus to the vaginal microbiome of South African adolescent girls and adult women who use vaginal insertion products (VIPs). The study reveals regional differences in hygiene practices, with women from the Western Cape predominantly using soap and water, while a substantial proportion of women in KwaZulu-Natal utilised VIPs for both hygiene and sexual enhancement. The vaginal microbiome of adolescent girls was predominantly dominated by L. iners and BV-associated communities, a profile also observed in adult women. Non-users of VIPs displayed higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (MIP-1β, MIP-1α, IFN-α, IL-6, G-CSF), while VIP users demonstrated elevated levels of IFN- α and G-CSF, which could indicate an immune response to alterations in the vaginal microbiome.
Conclusion: This dissertation demonstrates that the initiation of PrEP does not significantly alter vaginal microbiota or influence tenofovir concentrations, underscoring the critical role of adherence and timely application in achieving effective HIV prevention. The study concluded that vaginal microbiota diversity and sexual activity timing significantly influenced immune responses. These findings highlight the complex interplay between microbiota composition, sexual behaviour, and immune modulation in HIV susceptibility. Further investigation is warranted to identify the underlying biological mechanisms mediating these effects, such as hormonal fluctuations, mucosal repair processes following intercourse, and functional changes in the vaginal microbiome
An exploratory study on crime proliferation among homeless people in KwaZulu- Natal Province: insight from Durban and Pietermaritzburg City Centres, South Africa.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Crime is a global issue, with research suggesting that anyone, regardless of their social background, can potentially become an offender. However, adverse social factors such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of education can drive individuals to commit crimes for survival. Homeless individuals are often reported as both perpetrators and victims of crime. This exploratory study aimed to explore the proliferation of crime among homeless individuals in the city centers of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, focusing on the underlying factors contributing to homelessness and the crimes committed by and against this population. The study employed qualitative methods, engaging participants which included community members, and homeless individuals, to provide insights into their experiences and perceptions regarding homelessness and crime. The study applied Routine Activities Theory, Labelling Theory, Social Learning Theory and General Strain Theory to explore how social dynamics and environmental factors contribute to crime and victimisation in urban contexts. The findings indicated that the rise in homelessness in the Durban and Pietermaritzburg CBD areas was linked to economic instability, high rent, family breakdowns, substance abuse, mental health issues, and systemic barriers. Homelessness individuals faced violence, theft, and harassment by law enforcement, while crimes committed by them often stemmed from 8survival needs. Municipalities had introduced various programs, including shelters, job training, mental health support, and legal reforms, aimed at reducing homelessness and related crimes. These initiatives emphasized holistic, supportive interventions to address the root causes of homelessness and crime. The study contributes to the broader discourse on homelessness and crime, highlighting the need for integrated solutions to enhance community safety and support vulnerable populations
Gender implication: women and livelihoods in post-Covid-19 in Nigeria.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected women’s livelihoods in different parts of Nigeria and has hit pre-existing gender inequalities and weaknesses. This research sought to assess the economic barriers that Nigerian women have faced after the pandemic, pre-existing socio- economic factors that rendered them severely affected, and how the women are coping from the disaster and examples of resilience. The study also makes recommendations to help policymakers and other stakeholders enhance women’s livelihood after COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopted a qualitative method, interviewing 60 economically active women in the South-West of Nigeria using semi-structured interview guides’ 30 on the formal and 30 from the informal sector. Data analysis was done using thematic analysis as guided by an integrated feminist theoretical framework that leveraged feminist political ecology, feminist intersectionality, and social role theory. The study has shown a significant disparity in the effect of the pandemic on women’s means of livelihood between the formal and informal sectors. Whereas the formal sector units such as industries led to layoffs and pay deductions, women were cushioned by various labour laws and unemployment benefits to some extent. In contrast, the informal sector, which encompasses activities like trading and small businesses, took a big hit from the governments’ closures and national boundaries' influence on supply chains. Besides, the report has also brought up the weaknesses in government facilitation such as accessibility, transparency, and reach of the programs like COVID-19 Cash Transfer Project and Survival Fund programs, which have been mainly inaccessible by the most underprivileged women. Nevertheless, Nigerian women were resilient in the face of these adversities, as evidenced by their use of social capital and community support networks, such as informal credit schemes and savings groups. Their efforts were still inadequate, however, because empowerment is constrained by a number of structural factors. Few women have legal rights to their husband’s property or access to a bank credit, and those who do are burdened with increased responsibility for house management. Based on its findings, the study concludes that women’s livelihoods in both the formal and informal economies must be prioritized, and recast. Actions to be taken are enhanced labour protections and social safety nets, increased informal sector, women’s taxpayers’ assistance and access to aid and resources, arbitraging and formalizing community-based strategies of empowerment, amending legal regimes and evolving capacity-building efforts to resolve structural barriers, as well as acknowledging and addressing the significantly increased care burdens