270 research outputs found
Use of storage facilities by small–scale farmers in the Lejweleputswa District Free State, South Africa
No full texthttp://www.lifesciencesite.com/lsj/life0903/237_10341life0903_1620_1624.pd
Knowledge and attitude towards collaboration in agricultural innovation systems amongst stakeholders in the North West Province, South Africa
No full textThe current study examined the extent of knowledge concerning agricultural innovation systems amongst researchers, extension agents, farmers, input dealers, and marketers, while determining their attitude towards collaborating with agricultural innovation systems. Through using a simple random sampling technique; researchers, extension agents, farmers, input dealers, and marketers were selected as the study population. Information was gathered by distributing a structured questionnaire amongst the various participants and analysing the data gained concerning their wealth of knowledge and their corresponding willingness to collaborate. The results show that researchers, extension agents, farmers, input dealers, and marketers are aware of, and have adequate knowledge of, these systems available to them, to be able to utilise them effectively. However, they expressed different attitudes towards collaboration with agricultural innovation systems
Linkage activities amongst researchers, extension agents, farmers, input dealers, and marketers towards agricultural innovation systems in the North West Province, South Africa
No full textThis paper examined the research- extension- farmer- input dealer and marketer linkage activities in the North West Province of South Africa. A simple random sampling technique was used to select researchers, extension agents, farmers, agricultural input dealers and marketers. Their responses in linkage activities were elicited through a structured questionnaire. The F value for linkage = 41.817(p< 0.05) shows that there is a significant difference among stakeholders with extension agents having the highest mean of 51.63. In contrast, the marketers have the lowest mean of 37.16. This indicates that extension agents were involved in more linkage activities than other stakeholders in the agricultural innovation systems covered in this study
Attitude of agricultural professionals towards their wards taking agriculture as a career in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria
No full textThe paper examines the attitude of agricultural professionals towards their children or people under their care taking agriculture and agricultural extension as a career in Kwara State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from one hundred and eighty respondents. The findings revealed that the mean age of the agricultural professionals was 39 years. Majority (76.1%) were males, married (86.1%) with about an average of 5 wards each under their custody. Majority of the professionals were observed to have a negative and unfavourable attitude towards their wards taking agriculture as a career. Logistical regression modelling of determinants of agricultural professionals' attitudes towards their wards taking agriculture as a career revealed that characteristics of professionals that were more likely to have a positive attitude towards their wards taking agriculture as a career include high numbers of wards, higher educational qualification and more years of experience in the agricultural profession. The study recommends an urgent need for agricultural professionals to rise up to the task of ensuring increased participation of youths especially beginning with their wards in taking up a career in agriculture and agricultural extension
Awareness and Use of Mobile Phone Apps by Farmers in North West Nigeria
No full textPhD (Agriculture), North-West University, Mafikeng CampusThis research examined the awareness and use of mobile phone applications in North-West Nigeria and specifically investigated the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of farmers, mobile phone apps available, awareness and usage levels of agricultural mobile apps, extent, intensity, purpose, knowledge, and constraints to apps use by farmers. The study adopts ex-post facto design with a sample size of 385 farmers from an extension block of Agricultural Development Project in the Selected States of Katsina, Kano and Kaduna. Using a multi-stage, coupled with purposive and random sampling techniques, three hundred and eighty-five (385) respondents, who provided main statistical data for this study through the application of a set of pre-tested and structured questionnaires, were selected. Data were analysed with frequency counts, percentages, standard deviations, Tobit regression model, OLS regression model and probit regression model. The results showed that the average age of farmers in the zone was 36.5years, while the average farming experience recorded was 16 years. Majority of the respondents were males, had one form of formal education, had mean household of 7 members, had access to land through ancestral heritage, did not belong to any farmer association, engaged in farming as their primary occupation and practiced Islamic religion. Furthermore, the majority (96%) of the respondents owned mobile phone, out of which 60.5% were owners of analogue phones. Most Farmers in the region were mostly aware and used voice call and SMS apps: call app (95%) and SMS (78%), however with a low intensity of usage vis-a-vis 1.410 and 0.932 respectively. Findings further revealed the main purposes farmers use mobile phone apps include: Use of call app for contacting family and friends (96%), purchase of farm inputs (70%) and marketing/general information (65%); while SMS is used mainly to contact family and friends (59%). The farmers generally had positive perception toward the mobile phone usage and its associated technologies. Furthermore, they were highly knowledgeable on the ability to place and receive voice calls (94%; ̅=0.940, SD=0.237), understand when out of airtime (84.9%; ̅=0.849, SD=0.358), store and retrieve numbers at any time (83.9%; ̅=0.839, SD=0.368) and load airtime (81%; ̅=0.810, SD=0.393). The constraints identified by the majority of the respondents affecting the awareness and usage of mobile phone apps include the high cost of phones (78%), poor network (77%) and complexity in operating phone (73%). However, the results of the severity of the constraints showed that the most severe constraints include high cost of phone (̅=1.8; SD=1.03), poor power supply (̅=1.7; SD=1.20) and poor network (̅=1.6; SD=1). Probit regression model showed that the significant determinants of the adoption of mobile phone apps include knowledge, constraints, attitude, nature of the occupation, mobile phone as communication gadget, type of labour, ownership of farmland, religion, years of farm experience, marital status, age and location. The result of Tobit regression analysis of factors influencing use intensity of mobile apps in the study area unveiled that age (p<0.05), nature of education (p<0.01), farming experience (p<0.01), housing material (p<0.05), nature of occupation (p<0.05), attitude (p<0.1), awareness (p<0.01) and knowledge (p<0.01) significantly influence the extent / intensity of usage of mobile phone apps. Moreover, the Ordinary Least Square regression result of determinants of
intensity/extent of usage of apps in the area showed that nature of education (t=3.30), years of farm experience (t=3.21), awareness (t=11.01) and knowledge (t=6.54) were significant at 1 percent level of significance, while age (t=2.20), home material for living home (t=2.32), nature of occupation (t=2.35) and attitude (t=2.04) were significant at 5 percent level of significance, thus indicating that eight variables significantly influence and determine the intensity and extent to which mobile phone apps are utilized in the study area. It was concluded that mobile phone apps are not well utilized by farmers in the study area despite their highly favourable disposition to the technologies and as such, it is recommended that stakeholders in agricultural and rural development come up with policies and programmes that would increase the awareness and adoption level of mobile phone apps in the region through the enhancement of the enlightment levels of the farmers, establishment of training centres focused on the use of mobile phone apps and internet exploration, e-extension model that is premised on mAgric and encouraging active utilization of the apps for farm-related information accessing and dissemination in the farmers-extension-workers-researchers linkage or pathway, while taking into consideration those factors influencing the use of these apps. More so, change agents like extension workers, local and international agencies should encourage the diffusion of contemporary technologies among small scale farmers and identify the highly vulnerable farmers to barriers in the adoption/diffusion pathway for special intervention.Doctora
Knowledge and adoption of water use efficiency techniques among women irrigators in the North West Province
No full textMSc (Agricultural Extension), North-West University, Mafikeng CampusThe aim of the study was to determine knowledge and adoption of water use efficiency
techniques among women irrigators in the North West Province, South Africa. The study was
conducted in two districts: Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati; and Ngaka Modiri Molema. In this
study, ex-post facto designed was used with a sample size of 108 farmers interviewed from the
list obtained from the Department of Rural Environment and Agricultural Development
(Farmer Support and Development - extension officers). The targeted group was women
farmers involved in irrigation schemes. Data collected was sorted, coded and analysed using
the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) with frequency counts, percentages,
means standard deviation and prob it regression model. The findings revealed that majority of
women irrigators (44%) were above 60 years of age, 41. % of women were married, 42.5% of
farmers had a household size of 4-6 members while 43% of women had 1-3 dependents.
80. 6% of farmers had secondary level of education and 87% of women involved in irrigation
farming were allocated land by tribal authorities with the assistance of the Department of
Agriculture. Women irrigators in the study area are involved in the cultivation of the
following crops: maize (X= 4.67, SD=5.65); Lucerne (X= 2.89, SD= 5.41); and Barley
(X=2.22, SD=6.26). They are mostly aware of water use efficiency techniques such as crop
rotation (93.5%), application of manure and fertilizer (92. 6%) and terracing techniques
(78. 7%). However, they are not aware of irrigation scheduling models such as lysimeter
(4.6%), crop density improvement (6. 7%) and conveyance losses and percolation (1.2%).
The adopted water use efficiency techniques used in the schemes are: crop rotation (78.8%);
application of manure and fertilizer (78.8%); and cover crops (47.2%). The farmers have
high knowledge on mulching (91. 7%), water harvesting (88.9%) and weed control (86.1%).
The most common constraint faced by women farmers on water use efficiency is lack of
information (92.6%). The probit regression model was used to determine factors influencing
the adoption of water use efficiency techniques. The most adopted techniques were reduced
tillage, cover crops, crop rotation, manure and fertilizer. Significant determinants for
adoption of water use efficiency techniques include membership of farmers ' groups,
frequency of extension visits, existence of water tariffs, payment of tariffs, age, farm size and
number of plot.Master
Determinants of Commercialization on Recapitalised Farms in Gauteng Province
No full textMBA, North-West University, Mafikeng CampusThis study was conducted to assess the determinants of commercialisation of recapitalised farms in Gauteng Province. The specific objectives of the study are: to determine the monetary value of recapitalisation versus the current level of production on farms, when measured on a commercial scale; to determine the constraints that affect recapitalised farms in operating on a commercial scale; and to determine whether the recapitalisation of farms has improved the livelihoods of beneficiaries, the socio-economic status of farm workers, farm infrastructure, machinery, implements and farm cash flow. The purposive sampling instead random sampling was used in the current study, based on the accessibility and availability of the limited number of recapitalised rural development and land reform farms in Gauteng. A questionnaire was used as the data-gathering tool in the current study. A multiple regression model and correlation coefficient will be used to explore the relationship between government capital spending, farm operation, productivity, benefit of farm beneficiaries and farm profits. The results revealed that R28 382 452.00 was used for recapitalisation investment on 20 farms, with the total capacity of 6 606.85ha. Recapitalisation fund spending was largely implemented on crop farming, at 54%, followed by mixed farming (crop and animals) at 28%. The determinants of commercialisation on recapitalised farms in Gauteng were assessed through production improvement, and expenditure versus return variables for sustainable operations.Master
Assessment of compliance to the skills development Act in Ratlou MUnicipality, North West Province
No full textThesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2013This study examines compliance to the skills Development Act in Ratlou municipality.
This is based on the fact that effective service delivery requires strained and skilled
personnel. A simple random sample technique was used to select 45 workers in the
municipality. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire developed based on
the objectives of the study and analysed using SPSS version 21through frequency
counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Relationship between variables of
the study was examined with correlation test and multiple regression analysis. Majority
of the employees are males (60%), below 50 years (64.5%), black (75%) and single
(35.6%). In terms of type of dependents, 51% of the respondents had females while at
least 51 percent had at least 10 years working experience. About 66 percent of the
respondents were Christians while about 84% had tertiary education ranging from a
Diploma to Doctoral qualifications. About 46% of the respondents had been in their job
category for at least 5 years.
With respect to salary ranges, 60% of respondents indicated the salary ranged from
R30000 and above. Majority of employees sampled in this study are in the finance
directorate within the municipality. Prominent items on the compliance to the skills
Development Act as indicated by respondents with compliance is to: develop the skills
of the South African workforce (95.6), improve productivity in the workplace and the
competitiveness of employers (95.6), and promote self- employment (88.9).
The most prominent statement on employees' attitude towards the Skills Development
Act as ranked by the employees was as a management function and responsibility,
managers address compliance on skills development problem reported
urgently(3.73).The most prominent constraints towards implementation of skills
development act as ranked by employees were: 1. Lack of recognition of Skills
Development Act representatives by their line managers (1.75); 2 Lack of information
sharing session and training with staff members on the Skills Development Act (1.84).
The most prominent items on knowledge of the Skills Development Act as ranked by
employees were: establishing learnerships and approving workplace skills plans (1.75); 3. Allocating grants in the prescribed manner to employees, education and training
providers and workers (1.77). The significant determinants of compliance to Skills
Development Act are marital status (t=2.69) and job tenure (t = -2.22). Knowledge,
religion and job tenure are independent variables which influence employees' attitude
towards the Skills Development Act. The results show that there is a significant
relationship between compliance to the Skill Development Act by employees and
knowledge by employees (r = 0.36, p < 0.05); constraints towards Skill Development Act
(r = 0.297, p < 0.05) and knowledge of the Skill Development Act (r = 0.284, p < 0.05).Master
Attitudes towards disciplinary measures among managers and workers in Bophelong hospital Mahikeng
No full textThesis (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2011This study examines the attitudes towards disciplinary measures among managers and workers at the
Bophelong psychiatric hospital, Mafikeng. This is based on the fact that undisciplined workforce may lead
to disorder in the workplace and eventually to an organisation's failure to reach its objectives. From a
population of four hundred workers and one hundred managers. a simple random sampling technique was
used to select sixty workers and forty managers. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire made
up of six different sections. The data collected was sorted, coded and analysed using SPSS. Frequency
counts and mean deviations were used to describe the data.
The results of the study show that 47 percent of the workers and 35 percent of managers are between 30 to
40 years old. About 69 percent of workers are female while 70 percent of the managers are male. The
common educational level among workers is matric while managers had Diploma and BSc degree. In terms
of attitude to disciplinary measures, seventy three percent of workers agree that disciplinary measures are
legal at BPH as opposed to eight percent who disagree. Seventy five percent of managers agree that
disciplinary measures are legal whilst twelve percent agreed. Sixty percent of workers disagreed that
disciplinary measures are non sequential at BPH whilst thirteen percent agree. In terms of knowledge of
disciplinary measures, sixty six percent of workers at BPH are aware of written warning and Employee
Assistance Programmes as disciplinary techniques. Sixty five percent of workers at BPH are aware of the
final written warning, verbal warning and counselling as disciplinary techniques. Sixty one percent of
workers at BPH are least commonly aware of the Performance Management and Development System as a
disciplinary technique. Results on implementation of disciplinary measures show that seventy percent of
worker mostly had verbal warnings: sixty eight percent final written warning and sixty six percent salary
deductions and written warnings as disciplinary measures used against them. Fifty six percent of workers
least had withholding all privileges; fifty percent demotion and forty five percent withholding certain
privileges as disciplinary measures used against them. Seventy percent of managers mostly had verbal
warnings: sixty eight percent final written warnings and sixty six percent salary deduct ions and written
warnings as disciplinary measures used against them. Fifty six percent of managers least had withholding all
privileges; fifty percent demotions and forty five percent withholding certain privileges as disciplinary
measures used against them. With respect to constraints to the implementation of disciplinary measures,
forty percent of BPH workers cited head office taking too long, unions being too defensive whilst workers
were resistant. Twenty six percent cited unqualified managers as one of the most common constraints
towards the implementation of disciplinary measures. The study concludes by advocating the need to review
and enforce discipline at the work place if service delivery has to improve.Master
Factors affecting the retention of academic staff in North-West University, Mafikeng Campus
No full textMBA, North-West University, Mafikeng CampusJob turnover remains a problem amongst the academic staff in the institutions of higher learning in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors of retention that may be applied in the institutions of higher learning to retain the academic staff for a considerably long period of time. Herzberg motivation and hygiene theory, Maslow’s hierarchy of need theory, expectancy theory and equity theory forms the theoretical foundation of this study just to examine the diverse motivational factors that may be applied in the work environment.
The study adopted the post-positivist paradigm and a quantitative method which was supported by a descriptive quantitative design. This design helped in using structured questionnaires to collect data from the respondents thereby enabling the researcher to obtain a comprehensive knowledge of the study. The population of this study was all the academic staff in the North West University, Mafikeng Campus, N=439 while the sample size which was drawn using a stratified random sampling method, n=219. The study derived its findings by the quantitative analysis using SPSS. The major findings of this study disclosed that the major motivational factors of academic staff retention are professional development (94%), job commitment (89.5%, and adequate benefits (89%), the major retention
factors are job security (90%), professional development (86.3%) and academic advancement (84%) while the major constraints to job retention are salary scales and bonuses (76.3%) and measuring inputs with rewards (73.1%). The study recommends that the institution should make employee-friendly policies to ensure that academic staff are retained. Furthermore, much needs to be done in the field of retention, therefore, other studies are needed to be conducted in other provinces to examine further issues surrounding retention of academic staff.Master
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