Dissertations / Theses: 'Agricultural innovations in Africa'

1

Isabirye, Naomi Nabirye, and Solms R. Von. "A framework for enhancing trust for improved participation in electronic marketplaces accessed from mobile platforms." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20019.

Full text

Abstract:

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been widely researched as a mechanism for improving the socio-economic status of disadvantaged, rural communities. In order to do this numerous technology-based initiatives have been introduced into disadvantaged, rural communities to assist them in various aspects of their lives. Unfortunately, even when the proposed benefit of a particular technology is clearly evident to its initiators, the adoption by the target users is often uncertain. This has also been the case with e-commerce in agriculture. Despite the numerous benefits of e-commerce for agricultural producers, the uptake has been low. Trust is a critical pre-condition for the adoption of e-marketplaces. E-marketplaces expose consumers to the risk of non-delivery or misrepresentation of goods ordered and the misuse of personal information by external parties. Additionally, the time investment needed to make a shift to e-marketplaces and the opinions of important reference groups affects the user’s willingness to trust and depend on an e-marketplace. This study was undertaken to assess the extent to which rural users with limited ICT experience would trust and, consequently, adopt an e-marketplace to support agricultural trade. A pragmatic philosophy was adopted in this study, indicating that the researcher’s view of reality is founded on the practical implications and outcomes that are observed. This study used a Canonical Action Research strategy to design, develop and deploy a voice based e-marketplace to assist the trading activities of a Western Cape based aloe community. The community was allowed to utilise thee-marketplace over a period of eight weeks. Thereafter, interviews were held with the participants to investigate their perceptions of the technology. As a result, a model proposing the factors that must be in place for trust to be achieved in a voice based e-marketplace was proposed. The study found that the trustworthiness of a technology results from the technology’s technical capability to satisfy the needs of its users reliably. Usability and security were found to be important determinants of the trustworthiness of a technology. Furthermore, the requirements elicitation process was found to be central to achieving trust as it defines the necessary criteria for developing secure, usable, functional, and reliable technologies that meet the needs of their users.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Kintoki, Alain Nzuzi. "The e-agriculture research landscape in South Africa : a systematic literature review." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2586.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.
The objective of this study was to determine the current status of e-agriculture research in the South African context. A systematic literature review was used to gather and analyse data in alignment with the objective of the study. The researcher used keywords and combined search keywords on web search engines and digital databases to obtain pertinent research papers. The scope of the study was limited to the period 2000-2016. The books, theses, conference papers and journal articles identified as pertinent to conduct the study, amounted to 114 in number. The analysis of the study described the focus of research papers, research methods, research approaches, theoretical lenses, units of analysis and observation, levels of analysis, historical development, and major concepts and disciplines used by authors in their studies. The study also sought to discover the year of publication and assessment of searchability of the papers. The results indicate that 13 papers (11.4%) were published in the first five years (2000- 2004) and 51 papers (44.7%) in the last five years (2012-2016) of the delimited period for the study. The results of the study further indicate that the application of geographic information systems (GISs) towards improving agriculture was the most prominent eagriculture research area in South Africa (27 papers, 23.6%), followed by the use of satellite enhancing agriculture (26 papers, 22.8%). E-government direct services, mobile in agriculture, and agricultural information systems were the least prominent e-agriculture research areas in South Africa with a contribution of two papers (1.8%) each. The results of this study show that information mapping was the most used research method by researchers in their studies (57 papers, 50%), followed by the case study method with 31 papers (27.1%). The results further denote that the least used research method was industry reports with no mention of it in any of the pertinent papers, followed by grounded theory with two papers (1.7%). Interpretivism was the most used research approach by researchers (six papers, 5.2%) during the period 2000-2016. The findings of this study clearly show that researchers still need to address certain issues or problems regarding e-agriculture in South Africa in order to improve the agricultural sector. The contribution of the study is to understand the importance of enhancing research capability and socio-economic transformation of farmworkers and farmers through enhanced communication of agriculture research knowledge in the area of agricultural informatics. A foundation for further studies was created for continuous e-agriculture research in South Africa.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Ndah, Hycenth Tim Verfasser], Klaus [Akademischer Betreuer] [Müller, Andrea [Akademischer Betreuer] Knierim, and Harald [Akademischer Betreuer] Kächele. "Adoption and adaptation of innovations : assessing the diffusion of selected agricultural innovations in Africa / Hycenth Tim Ndah. Gutachter: Klaus Müller ; Andrea Knierim ; Harald Kächele." Berlin : Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Landwirtschaftlich-Gärtnerische Fakultät, 2014. http://d-nb.info/1058165356/34.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Ndah, Hycenth Tim [Verfasser], Klaus [Akademischer Betreuer] Müller, Andrea [Akademischer Betreuer] Knierim, and Harald [Akademischer Betreuer] Kächele. "Adoption and adaptation of innovations : assessing the diffusion of selected agricultural innovations in Africa / Hycenth Tim Ndah. Gutachter: Klaus Müller ; Andrea Knierim ; Harald Kächele." Berlin : Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Landwirtschaftlich-Gärtnerische Fakultät, 2014. http://d-nb.info/1058165356/34.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

van, Staden Wilma. "A review of Climate-Smart system innovations in two Agricultural Colleges in the North West Province of South Africa." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63426.

Full text

Abstract:

This study was centred on the Agricultural Innovation System in the North West Province, South Africa as a response to climate change. The study developed during a time when Climate-Smart Agriculture emerged in policy and was developed as a strategic agricultural innovation process in response to changes in climate that increased food insecurity. The Agricultural Colleges embedded in the agricultural system realised that they were teaching students without a clear provision for climate change and therefore needed to initiate climate responsive innovations to comply with the Climate-Smart strategy that had been proposed by the provincial authorities. This provided the context for the study to track and support the innovation process of transitioning towards Climate-Smart responsive curriculum and learning practices within the system. A theoretical framework for the study was developed using a Cultural Historical Activity Theory perspective. This allowed the researcher to approach the research process as two case studies of innovation within the Agricultural Innovation System of the North West Province. The study developed as an iterative process of innovation support and tracking. At the early stages of the research process, data were generated through document analysis and a survey completed by the research participants at the preliminary consultative workshop. The contextual data allowed the researcher to begin to develop a clear contextual profile for both case studies. The consultative workshops were held to orientate the research around the central problems and challenges related to curriculum alignment with provincial Climate-Smart Agricultural policies. The methodology thereafter was developed as an iterative process of successive intervention-innovation workshops where the participating staff in each college reviewed their curriculum with the support of a Climate-Smart Innovation Tool. This tool was developed as a mediating resource for participants to undertake intervention work towards curriculum innovation in their context. The historical analysis from the two consultative workshops and the data derived from the initial use of the Climate-Smart Innovation Tool was used to model the activity systems in the respective colleges and the provincial system. This analysis enabled the researcher to scope how the system was currently functioning and how it had changed over time. During the workshops, curriculum innovations were reviewed and a fuller picture of the challenges of system innovation emerged, especially from a curriculum innovation vantage point. This system analysis was used to analyse emergent tensions and contradictions within the system and to build a picture of the complexities of participating staff initiating innovations towards Climate-Smart responsiveness in the colleges and within the Agricultural Innovation System. During the review and tracking of the supported innovation process the Climate-Smart Innovation Tool was developed into online sub-tools where either Departments or individual lecturers could review and track their own Climate-Smart responsiveness. The tool was shown to be a useful tool for surfacing contradictions, and identifying absences, and thus for charting out the start of reflexive learning and change processes needed for introducing climate responsive knowledge into the system. The study reveals that catalysing of curriculum and learning system innovation aligned with wider innovations in the agricultural innovation system requires specific tools, time and the understanding of the importance of micro-level innovation. The innovations within the system revealed the significance of allowing for time and processes that facilitate ‘ascending’ from the abstract concept of Climate-Smart Agriculture into more concrete curriculum processes. The curriculum review tool developed for this study served as an important double stimulation tool, along with activity system mapping, and ongoing refinement and clarification of the object of Climate-Smart Agriculture and associated contradictions and action plans for climate smart responsiveness in the college context. The tools and processes that were developed during this study, assisting in the emergence of micro-level innovation of the curriculum and learning system. The barriers and processes hampering curriculum and learning innovation within the system were identified. The study concludes with the recommendations on how a Climate-Smart innovation process might best be supported with reflexive tools within a curriculum and learning system during a time of institutional flux.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Mukasi, Tafadzwa Jaquline. "Information communication technology (ICT) community centres and agricultural development in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa: a case of Dwesa community." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1686.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

Agbobli, Edem Korku. "The influence of entrepreneurial and market orientations on small scale agricultural enterprises in the Vryburg region." Thesis, Bloemfontein: Central University of Technology, Free State, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11462/223.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (D. Tech. (Business Administration )) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2013.
A major concern for developing countries including South Africa is the high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequity. Developing countries have accordingly been pre-occupied with finding solutions to these problems. Drawing on the success of small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) from the developed countries such as the US and the UK, developing nations have embraced the idea of promoting development through SMMEs. But the overall performance of the small business sector in most developing countries has rather been dismal and as such have not been able to contribute optimally to the development agenda. Adopting a strategic management perspective, this study hypothesised that an integration of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and market orientations (MO) glued together by innovativeness (INNO) would yield superior outcomes than the stand-alone effects of these strategic postures. To test the hypothesis, a sample of 198 small scale agricultural enterprises (SSAEs) in the Vryburg region was surveyed. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed on the data generated. The empirical findings showed that EO + MO + INNO interactively exhibited positive and significant correlation with the performance (sales growth and profitability) of SSAEs in the Vryburg region. However, the inter-correlations of EO + MO + INNO with business performance were practically moderate. The moderate correlations create opportunities for strengthening the entrepreneurial and market orientations and innovativeness of SSAES and in fact small businesses in general. An intensive and co-ordinated intervention of government and NGOs in transforming the small business sector into the real engine of growth of the economy is imperative. The study also attempted to predict firm performance holding EO + EO + INNO as predictor variables. Multi linear regression and multinomial logistic regression analysis however did not yield significant predictions of performance of SSAEs. This outcome provides a launch pad for further research into the proposed model in different settings because this study was mainly exploratory and executed in a rural and agricultural environments. Notwithstanding, the study made important contributions to the literature. It showed that it was possible to integrate EO + MO + INNO (previously viewed by many authors as exclusive constructs) into a single business model for the synergic enhancement of small business performance. It is hoped this would stimulate economic growth and development especially in developing countries.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Modiba, Mothupi. "Agricultural commercialisation through innovation platforms: a case for goat production." Master's thesis, Faculty of Commerce, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32818.

Full text

Abstract:

Empirical evidence has shown that goats are of significance in marginalised, poor, and rural economies and this information has been well documented in scholarly research. Despite its importance and potential contribution, goat farming remains underutilised and undeveloped in the rural economy - particularly in South Africa. Developmental intervention has focused on improving productivity with minimal effort aimed at the integration of key role players in the value chain, and even less emphasis on improving farmers' attitudes. The largest goat population in South Africa is found in the Northern Cape where there is great potential to be realised for goat farming. The main objective of this study was to identify supply side (production) factors constraining subsistence goat production in South Africa, with the view of identifying key actors to establish an innovation platform through vertical integration. By transforming the subsistence farming orientation of goat farmers into a commercial (market) orientation, the welfare of communities can be improved through the commercialisation of smallscale goat farmers. Studies highlight the need to enhance goat production beyond subsistence goat rearing and towards commercialisation through access to markets, veterinary services, credit facilities, and government support. Furthermore, a focus on market development, value chain integration and innovation platforms can improve the efficiency of the goat farming sector. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on goat farming in South Africa and offers an innovation platform to foster partnerships among the actors along the value chain, creating an enabling environment for the easy flow of market information and infrastructure development. A praxis model is incorporated into this research. This takes the form of a business model and is provided in Appendix B as a practical way of applying the knowledge gathered in this research.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Ndah, Hycenth Tim. "Adoption and adaptation of innovations." Doctoral thesis, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Landwirtschaftlich-Gärtnerische Fakultät, 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.18452/17022.

Full text

Abstract:

Die Studie mit Fokus auf die Übernahme von Fischproduktion und konservierender Bodenbearbeitung (KB) in Sub-Sahara Afrika (SSA) verdeutlicht 1) die Komplexität von Übernahme- und Diffusionsprozessen landwirtschaftlicher Innovationen in SSA, vertieft 2) den Wissensstand zur Diffusion dieser zwei Innovationen und, leistet 3) einen Beitrag zur Entwicklung eines neuen methodischen Ansatzes für den Forschungsgegenstand. Neben der Darstellung der wesentlichen Konzepte und Literatur basieren die empirischen Daten auf semi-strukturierten Interviews, Fokusgruppendiskussionen, Teilnehmerbeobachtung und QAToCA, einem in der Studie entwickelten, partizipativen und expertenbasierten Bewertungsansatz. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Fischzucht – speziell im Fall von Kamerun – eine attraktive Beschäftigung für mittelständische Landwirte ist. Zur weiteren Verbreitung dieser Innovation besteht jedoch Bedarf für 1) zielgerichtete Förderung mittelständischer Landwirte, 2) Verbesserung der Organisationsstruktur der Landwirte, 3) Stärkung des Beratungssystems, und 4) Verbesserung der Forschung für Jungfischaufzucht. Mit Anwendung von QAToCA für die Übernahme von KB zeigen die Ergebnisse i) hohes Übernahmepotential in Malawi, Sambia, Tansania, Kenia – aufgrund positiver institutioneller Faktoren, ii) geringes Übernahmepotential für Simbabwe – bezüglich der instabilen Marktlage, iii) geringes Übernahmepotential in Süd-Burkina Faso – aufgrund der Konkurrenz um Ernterückstände zwischen KB und Tierproduktion, und iv) hohes Übernahmepotential für Nord-Burkina Faso – was sich darauf zurückführen lässt, dass Alternativen zu KB nicht bestehen. Für eine anhaltende Übernahme landwirtschaftlicher Innovationen in SSA zeigt die Arbeit Handlungsbedarf auf für 1) Berücksichtigung des Bedarfs für neue Absatzmärkte, 2) Anpassung von Innovationen an bestehende Managementstrukturen von Betrieben und, 3) Entwicklung von fördernden politischen und institutionellen Rahmenbedingungen auf Dorf- und Regionalebene.
Focusing on adoption of Fish farming and Conservation Agriculture (CA) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), this study: 1) partly demonstrate that, the reality of adoption and diffusion of agricultural innovations in SSA is a more complex issue, 2) improve on the knowledge and understanding of diffusion for these two innovations in SSA and, 3) develop and contribute to a new methodological approach in this field of study. Apart from reviewing concepts and relevant literature, empirical data for this work was obtained by using semi structured interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation alongside a participatory expert-based assessment approach (QAToCA) - developed within this work. Results revealed that, Fish Farming especially for the case of Cameroon remains an attractive activity for medium-scale farmers. However for a sustained adoption of this innovation, there is need for 1) targeted support to medium-scale farmers, 2) improving organisational structures of farmers, 3) strengthening the fragile extension system, and, 4) improving research on fingerlings production. Following application of QAToCA in assessing CA adoption, results reveal i) high adoption potential for Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya - explained by presence of positive institutional factors, ii) low adoption potential for Zimbabwe - attributed to unstable and less secured market conditions, iii) low adoption potential for Southern Burkina Faso - explained by strong competition of CA with livestock over residue, and iv) high adoption potential for northern Burkina Faso - explained by the fact that farmers have no alternative than to adopt CA. For long lasting adoption of agricultural innovations in SSA, this work calls for 1) addressing emerging needs for new input and output market outlets, 2) adapting innovations to existing management structures of adopting farms and, 3) developing a supportive political and institutional frame condition at village and regional levels.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Strachan, Brian Douglas. "The design, implementation and assessing of an agroecological cropping system by rural KwaZulu-Natal households : its effect on their diet and food security." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/86234.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis(MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2014
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis documents a Participatory Action Research (PAR) project conducted from 2011 to 2013 in a rural communal area in southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The area is a microcosm of the global environmental and socio-economic polycrisis; with adult unemployment at 50 percent, 73 percent female-headed households, heavy dependence on government social grants and a food system reliant on purchased food. Eight, mainly female-headed households (the co-researchers), assisted by the student researcher, implemented and assessed a cropping system, designed on agroecological principles, on their abandoned garden plots. The objective was to grow culturally acceptable food crops to supplement their household diets and positively affect their food security. The student researcher provided the necessary infrastructure, including goat-proof plot fences, hand tools, a grain hammermill, seed, and fertiliser. The literature review, which also used early 1900’s photographs and contemporary isiZulu language as evidence, revealed the agroecological basis of pre-colonial agriculture. However, colonial and apartheid influences destroyed this knowledge base. The cropping system design utilized practices from this pre-colonial era combined with current agroecological techniques. The agroecological techniques employed on the plots included non-inversion tillage of planting pits using garden forks, precision placement of phosphate fertiliser and animal manures, open pollinated seeds, east-west orientated strip cropping, soil surface mulches, crop rotations including legumes and the use of chickens to control pests. Dryland crops included maize, beans, sweet potatoes, and butternuts, with small trial vegetable patches on some plots. The research identified a method to calculate the planting frequency of these vegetables to ensure a constant annual supply, however further research is needed. The dryland crops supplemented household diets between harvests. The formation of structured groups amongst the households proved vital to the success of the cropping system, providing mutual labour assistance, shared decision-making, building knowledge and moral support. The importance of dialogue and trust, reinforced by the student researcher’s ability to communicate in isiZulu with the co-researchers, formed the basis of both the PAR, and Focus Group Discussions(FGD), used to qualitative assess the cropping system. During these, the households reported a good understanding of the agroecological principles of the cropping system, a willingness to continue with it post research, and positive benefits, including better health, and money saved on food purchases, redirected to improve their asset base. The World Food Programme (2008) Food Consumption Score Analysis Method (FCS), modified to show the percentage contribution of homegrown food to the FCS, provided the quantitative assessment of the cropping system. The FCS scores rose during the research, with homegrown food contributing over a third of the FCS at times. The co-researchers suggested instituting group ‘stokvels’1to finance inputs and maintain infrastructure post research. The financial implications of these ‘stokvels’ was calculated. Due to the initial success of the PAR, the research recommends a method to extend the cropping system to more households, utilizing state finance to provide the infrastructure, and the co-researchers imparting technical knowledge through farmer-to-farmer extension.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie tesis word verslag gedoen van ’n deelnemende aksienavorsingsprojek wat van 2011 tot 2013 in ’n landelike dorpsgebied in die suide van KwaZulu-Natal, Suid-Afrika, uitgevoer is. Die gebied is ’n mikrokosmos van die wêreldwye omgewings- en sosio-ekonomiese polikrisis, met volwasse werkloosheid op 50%, 73% huishoudings met vroue aan die hoof, swaar afhanklikheid van die staat se maatskaplike toelae en ’n voedselstelsel wat van gekoopte kos afhanklik is. In die studie het agt huishoudings, wat hoofsaaklik vroue aan die hoof het (die medenavorsers), met behulp van die studentenavorser, ’n verbouingstelsel, wat op agro-ekologiese beginsels gegrond is, op hul verlate tuingrond geïmplementeer en geassesseer. Die doel was om kultureel aanvaarbare gewasse te verbou om hul huishoudelike dieet aan te vul en hul voedselsekerheid positief te beïnvloed. Die studentenavorser het die nodige infrastruktuur verskaf, met inbegrip van bokbestande omheining, handgereedskap, ’n graanhamermeul, saad en kunsmis. Die literatuurstudie, waarin foto’s uit die 1900’s en moderne Zoeloe as bewyse gebruik is, toon die agro-ekologiese grondslag van prekoloniale landbou. Koloniale en apartheidsinvloede het egter hierdie kennisbasis vernietig. Die verbouingstelselontwerp was gegrond op praktyke uit hierdie prekoloniale era gekombineer met moderne agro-ekologiese tegnieke. Hierdie tegnieke het ingesluit nie-inversie-grondbewerking van plantgate met gebruik van tuinvurke, presisieplasing van fosfaatkunsmis en dieremis, oop bestuifde sade, oos–wes-georiënteerde strookverbouing, grondoppervlak-deklae, wisselbou met onder andere peulgewasse en die gebruik van hoenders om peste te beheer. Droëland-gewasse het ingesluit mielies, bone, soetpatats en botterskorsies, met klein toetsgroenteakkers op sommige stukke grond. ’n Metode is in die navorsing geïdentifiseer om te bepaal hoe gereeld hierdie groente geplant moet word om ’n konstante jaarlikse voorraad te verseker. Verdere navorsing is egter nodig. Die droëland-gewasse het huishoudelike diëte tussen oeste aangevul. Die vorming van gestruktureerde groepe onder die huishoudings het noodsaaklik geblyk te wees vir die sukses van die verbouingstelsel, waardeur wedersydse hulp met arbeid, gedeelde besluitneming, die bou van kennis en morele ondersteuning gebied is. Die belangrikheid van dialoog en vertroue, wat versterk is deur die studentenavorser se vermoë om in Zoeloe met die medenavorsers te kommunikeer, het die grondslag gevorm van die deelnemende aksienavorsingsprojek asook die fokusgroeponderhoude, wat gebruik is om die verbouingstelsel kwalitatief te assesseer. In hierdie onderhoude het die huishoudings verslag gedoen van hul grondige begrip van die agro-ekologiese beginsels van die verbouingstelsel, hul gewilligheid om ná die navorsing daarmee voort te gaan, asook die voordele wat dit bied, soos beter gesondheid en geld wat op voedselaankope gespaar is, wat heraangewend is om hul batebasis te verbeter. Die Wêreldvoedingsprogram (2008) se Food Consumption Score- (FCS-)ontledingsmetode, wat aangepas is om die persentasie bydrae van selfgekweekte voedsel tot die FCS aan te toon, is gebruik vir die kwantitatiewe assessering van die verbouingstelsel. Die FCS-tellings het tydens die navorsing toegeneem, met selfgekweekte voedsel wat by tye tot meer as ’n derde tot die FCS bygedra het. Die medenavorsers het voorstel dat ’n stokvel gestig word om insette te finansier en die infrastruktuur ná die navorsing in stand te hou. Die finansiële implikasies van hierdie stokvel is bereken. Op grond van die aanvanklike sukses van die deelnemende aksienavorsingsprojek stel die navorser ’n metode voor om die verbouingstelsel na meer huishoudings uit te brei met behulp van staatsfinansiering om die infrastruktuur te verskaf asook die oordrag van die medenavorsers se tegniese kennis na ander boere.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

Manjengwa, George Munyaradzi. "Animal traction and small-scale farming : a Stellenbosch case study." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/6542.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The main aim of this case study was to research the impact of the introduction of oxen for draught power on Eric Swarts’ Stellenbosch farm. The research objectives were designed to find out if the oxen helped to improve the quality of the soil, to determine their cost-effectiveness (compared to a tractor) and other social and managerial constraints and benefits associated with using them and also to make recommendations for small-scale farmers in developing countries. The literature review revealed that human society faces many serious sustainability challenges from ecosystem degradation and global warming, to massive poverty and social inequality. The global population is growing against a background of decreasing agricultural productivity due to degraded soils and the increased costs of farming. The adoption of farming methods that enhance ecosystem services and depend less on external inputs is therefore essential. Animal traction is still widely used among small-scale farmers in developing countries, but lacks policy and investment support to make it more efficient. There are currently widespread negative opinions about animal traction which regard it as a backward or old-fashioned technology. This research investigated the possibility of animal traction emerging as an affordable, environmentallyfriendly and appropriate technology for small-scale farming. The research is a case study with a qualitative, ethnographic research design in which participant observation was key in gathering research data. A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was carried out to compare the cost-effectiveness of using oxen to either hiring or buying a tractor. The findings showed that oxen were a more cost-effective means of draught power than a tractor, not only in terms of capital costs but also maintenance and operational costs. The manure from the oxen was both an effective way of supplying crops with essential nutrients and improving soil biodiversity. The introduction of the oxen presented some challenges to the farmer concerning knowledge about how animals work and other managerial challenges, but these were overcome by learning through practice. It was found that the farmer will be able to make significant savings in soil-amendment costs and he can control the quality of the manure to suit his needs. It was concluded that small-scale farmers who choose animal traction over tractors as a means of draught power will realise many advantages in return.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoof doelwit van dié gevallestudie was om die impak van die ingebruikneming van osse as trekkrag op Eric Swarts se plaas te Stellenbosch na te vors. Die navorsingsteikens was ontwerp om uit te vind of die beeste gehelp het om die kwaliteit van die grond te verbeter, om hul lonendheid vas te stel (in vergelyking met ’n trekker) asook ander sosiale en bestuursbeperkings en -voordele wat met hul gebruik geassosieer word en ook met voorstelle vir kleinskaalboere in ontwikkelende lande voorendag te kom. Die literatuuroorsig navorsing het ontbloot dat die menslike samelewing met vele volhoubaarheidsuitdagings vanaf ekosistemiese agteruitgang en aardverhitting, tot swaar armoedigheid en sosiale ongelykhede gekonfronteer word. Die wêreld bevolking groei steeds ten spyte van die afname in landboukundige produktiwiteit as gevolg van verlaagde grondkwaliteit en die toenemende landboukoste. Die ingebruikneming van landboumetodes wat ekosistemiese dienste verhoog en minder staatmaak op eksterne insette is dus noodsaaklik. Dieretrekking word steeds algemeen in ontwikkelende landebenut, maar dit ontbreek beleids- en beggingsondersteuning om dit meer doeltreffend te maak. Daar is tans algemeen verbreide negatiewe sienswyse oor dieretrekksag wat dit as agterlike en oudmodiese tegnologie beskou. Dié navorsing het ondersoek ingestel om die moontlikheid van dieretrekking as ’n bekostigbare, omgewingsvriendelike en passende tegnologie vir kleinskaalboerdery vas te stel. Die navorsing is’n gevallestudie met kwalitatiwe, etnografiese navorsingsontwerp waarin deelnemerwaarneming kern is tot die insameling van data. ’n Kostewinsteanalise (KWA) was uitgevoer om die lonenheid van beeste te vergelyk met dié van of die huur of die koop van ’n trekker. Die bevindings het getoon dat beeste ’n lonender wyse van trekkrag as trekkers is, nie net in terme van kapitale koste nie, maar ook onderhouds en bedryfskoste. Die beesmis was beide ’n doeltreffende manier om die gevasse van nodige voedingstowwe te voorsien asook om grondbiodiversiteit te verbeter. Die ingebruikneming van beeste het sekere uitdagings vir die boere ingehou in verband met die kennis van hoe diere werk en ander bestuursuitdagings, maar dié was oorkom deur onderrig uit ondervinding. Daar was bevind dat die boer beduidende besparings kan maak aan grondaanvullingskoste hierdie jaar en dat hy die kwaliteit van die beesmis kan beheer om sy behoeftes dien. Die slotsom is dat kleinskaalboere wat kies om dieretrekking eerder as trekkers as trekkrag te gebruik, sal vele voordele hê.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

Atinuke, Jimoh Rashidat. "Investigating the use of social networking via mobile phone as an extension tool in small-scale (emerging) agriculture in selected farming communities in the Cacadu District." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18398.

Full text

Abstract:

We live in the era in which the internet is now available on the majority of mobile phones at a very cheaper rate. This advancement in technology has created a boom in the use of mobile phone social networking as a primary communication tool - not only for individuals but also commonly used by professionals in most fields. The trends and growing usage of social networking via mobile phone indicate a potentially effective new platform for increasing production especially in agricultural sectors. In this age of information technology, farming communities can be empowered with the latest information and knowledge through mobile phone social networking to enhance agricultural development. The study investigates the use of mobile phone social networking as an extension tool in small-scale (emerging) farmers in selected farming communities in the Cacadu District Municipality of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Specifically, the study investigates the use of available mobile phone social networks; what they are used for; and the importance and benefits of social networking both generally and to the farming communities. The study further identifies problems inhibiting the use of mobile phone social networking. Other channels through which the small-scale (emerging) farmers acquire agricultural information, aside from via mobile phone, and the type of agricultural information these farmers acquire, are also investigated. This study focuses on the use - and not the testing or adoption of - mobile phone social networking in small-scale (emerging) agriculture. In the exercise to investigate the use of social networking apps via mobile phone, data was collected from 40 small-scale (emerging) farmers using a purposive sampling method. This study used a survey design, exploratory and descriptive research methodologies. Data was captured by administering a questionnaire through personal face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics such as simple frequency tables, percentages and bar graphs were used. From the Chi-square testing, it was found that agricultural knowledge levels, internet access and size of production farm land influence the use of social networking by the small-scale (emerging) farmers. However, the result of this study showed that gender, age, other income and educational level of the small-scale (emerging) farmers are not statistically significant determinants of social networking use. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was found to be 0.95. To establish the strength of associations of the variables, Cramer’s V ranging between 0.04 and 0.9 (signifying relationships from negligible to very strong association) was used. The findings showed that different social networks are used by the farming communities, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Blackberry messenger, MXit, Twitter and YouTube. The various uses of these social networks by the farmers are discussed. The benefits and problems inhibiting their use are also outlined. Other sources of acquiring agricultural information by the farmers aside from social networking via mobile phone are examined. The result of the study shows that [agricultural extension officers, other farmers, farmers’ discussion groups, friends and family,] are major sources of agricultural information to the small-scale (emerging) farmers while other sources are television, radio, print media and result demonstrations. The study suggests that to enhance mobile phone social networking to ensure that timely and effective agricultural information is readily accessible to the small-scale (emerging) farmers. These include agricultural extension officers making optimal use of social networking via mobile phone, due to the strong interaction and trust between them and the farmers. This interaction can be instrumental in the effective use of this technology as a resourceful medium for accessing agricultural information to enhance productivity. Proper awareness and understanding of the potential and benefits of mobile social networking by the farmers will motivate the small-scale (emerging) farmers to use the technology for effective agricultural purposes. Also, ensuring the availability of agricultural information to small-scale (emerging) farmers by setting up on-line pages or websites to discuss matters of interest and educate and update farmers on agricultural issues should be encouraged. This may attract the younger generation and the youth to participate fully in agricultural activities - thereby enhancing agricultural development.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Mpuzu, Misery Sikelwa. "The impact of farmer support programmes on market access of small holder farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007140.

Full text

Abstract:

Most smallholder farmers in South Africa are characterized by poor resources such as land, labour and capital while they play an important role in poverty alleviation especially in poor rural areas. Smallholder farmers are increasingly recognized because of their contribution to household food security. The world markets are increasingly being integrated due to globalization and liberalization. As a result, smallholder farmers are facing increasing market competition, not only in international markets but in local markets as well. However, smallholder farmers often face a number of barriers to accessing these markets arising in part from the tightening of food safety and quality standards requiring compliance with phytosanitary and sanitary standards and growing power of supply chain integration. Furthermore, the viability of these smallholder producers is constrained by institutional obstacles which include lack of access to information, high marketing and transaction costs and low quality and lack of critical volume in the absence of bulking up arrangements, etc. These barriers have contributed to the exclusion of smallholder/small-scale farmers from formal markets. In order to address these obstacles and speed up the pace of agrarian reform many support schemes (farmer support programmes) are now being designed to specifically address market access and value chain issues through unique co-innovation arrangements to improve the farmer’s access to profitable international chains. A number of farmer support programmes (FSP) have been implemented in South Africa to reduce the risk of a lack of capacity and a lack of economic and/or financial experience in smallholder farms. Intervention measures have been instituted to these smallholder farmers to assist them to move out of poverty through agricultural production. The aim of this study was to understand the roles played by farmer support programmes in addressing income and welfare levels and sustainability of smallholder farmers in South Africa. Eighty nine (89) farmers were interviewed for this study and almost half (49%) of them received support from various organizations while 51% of the sampled farmers did not receive any support. The study was designed to compare the two groups between the treated and control group to assess the impact of these programmes.Using a Tobit and Propensity Score Matching technique, potential diffusion effects were eliminated between farmers supported by Farmer Support Programmes and farmers that did not belong to support services. The latter was selected from comparable communities with no agricultural support services. Findings from the Tobit regression and propensity score matching are consistent across the two methods, suggesting that being a member of any agricultural support programme has a significant positive impact on income and welfare of smallholder farmers.Farmer Support Programmes and collective marketing activities such as the collection and sale of members’ products appear to have a significant and positive impact on smallholder welfare of those farmers engaged in them. In the second analysis the study tested the types of arrangements that farmers would adopt to market their produce. From the results it was established that those farmers who were supported by institutional arrangements or FSP had better access to markets than those farmers who operated as individuals. Marginal effects are used to show the degree to which farmers chose a particular marketing channel or institutional arrangement that these farmers take when trying to access better paying markets. Then the final analysis is on factors that determine the extent to which collective action contribute to farmers’ income and market access. A number of variables (age, distance to the market, region the farmers are located) were evaluated using the multinomial regression model. Empirical results suggest that among South African cooperatives, those established in KwaZulu-Natal and partly in the Eastern Cape and upon the voluntary initiative of farmers are more sustainable and have access to better paying markets both locally and internationally than the other areas. The results also show that NGO-supported cooperatives have a longer life span than Government controlled cooperatives.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Nhemachena, Charity Ruramai. "Biological innovation in South African Agriculture : economics of wheat varietal change 1950-2012." Thesis, University of Pretoria, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/65930.

Full text

Abstract:

In the wake of increasing private investment in crop breeding research and the release of new varieties by global biotech companies such as Monsanto, there is rightfully a question related to the benefits from wheat varietal improvement research funded by the public sector. It is therefore critical to understand the economic benefits generated from public investments in wheat varietal innovations. Since private and public institutions and funding sources are sometime jointly involved in developing and commercialising new varieties, a related problem is how to estimate benefits from wheat varietal innovations and apportion credit to the different institutions, both public and private, which contributed to the research that developed new wheat varieties across different time frames. Addressing this problem helps generate important information for decision makers that includes: ideas to inform further support for more research and balancing local varietal improvement support (including mix of research support across different crops) and getting technologies developed from other contexts such as international sources. The main research problem addressed in this study was the estimation of benefits from wheat varietal improvement research and their attribution to the Agricultural Research Council-Small Grains Institute and various sources of wheat research investments that contributed to varietal changes in South Africa. The findings contribute to generating information that is important in guiding decision-making on wheat varietal improvement investments, including national policy planning, to support wheat varietal innovations in South Africa. The empirical analyses used data on market shares of wheat varieties planted by farmers (used a measure of adoption rate of the varieties) and estimates of proportional yield gains, annual wheat farmer prices in South Africa and annual quantity of wheat produced across different wheat production areas in South Africa, namely dryland summer areas, dryland winter areas, and irrigation areas. A vintage regression model was applied to estimate the proportional yield gain from wheat varietal improvement in South Africa. The results indicated that the rate of yield gain due to release of new wheat varieties (varietal improvement) was 0.8% per year (equivalent to 19.84 kg/ha/year) for dryland summer varieties and 0.5% for both irrigation (equivalent to 32.20 kg/ha/year) and dryland winter varieties (equivalent to 16.65 kg/ha/year). The estimated aggregate economic benefits over the analysis period 1985-2015 amounted to R22.81 billion from all sources, which is an average of R0.76 billion per year. About R7.52 billion (33%) of the aggregate economic benefits from wheat variety research programmes in South Africa were from varieties developed in the pre-1985 period. The results using the geometric rule to attribute economic benefits among different institutional sources showed that local wheat research programmes have been relying on breeding efforts from CIMMYT and other sources. The results confirm that not accounting for attribution of benefits by source and time period results in an overestimation of benefits to any specific research programme. In addition, comparison of benefits between ARC-SGI and local private sector actors, mainly Sensako, before and after deregulation of the wheat sector showed that benefits to the ARC-SGI decreased after deregulation while the benefits to Sensako increased. The results highlight the impact of the drop in public funding for wheat variety improvement research after deregulation. Given the importance of wheat as a main cereal crop (second after maize) in South Africa, public funding for variety improvement remains critical for the country. An analysis of ARC-SGI partnerships and pedigree analysis of selected dominant varieties demonstrated that wheat varietal improvement research relies on efforts of other institutions and previous research. The results illustrated the need for attribution of benefits from wheat varietal improvements to avoid overestimation of benefits allocated to any institution. Further research would be be required to assess complementarity and substitution effects of the changing roles and how best public and private wheat varietal improvements in the country can be further stimulated to enhance productivity.
Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2017.
Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
PhD
Unrestricted

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

Yahaya, Iddrisu. "Essays on sustainable agricultural intensification practices: the case of two west African states." Diss., Kansas State University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/20514.

Full text

Abstract:

Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Agricultural Economics
Dalton, Timothy J.
Essay one evaluates two farmer field schools aimed at promoting conservation agricultural practices. The field schools were conducted and offered to approximately 1/3 of all individuals surveyed in a baseline in 2010. These same farmers were resurveyed in 2012 in order to determine whether their knowledge of conservation agriculture practices had changed using a double-difference approach. The approach was also used to determine whether innate perceptions and biases against conservation agriculture have changed over time due to training in the field schools. These findings are supported with enterprise budgets of conservation practices to determine whether knowledge or on-farm economics limit adoption of conservation practices. The data showed that farmer-to-farmer communications are effective tools for raising knowledge. Essay two examines the interdependence of sustainable agricultural intensification practices (SAIPs) in order to better understand the constraints and incentives for the adoption of components and “packages” of components. The impact of accumulated knowledge score on the adoption of SAIPs was assessed using data from 168 participant and non-participant farm households that completed a survey in 2014 and 2012 from the Upper West region of Ghana. From a three-step regression, our findings show knowledge of participant household improved with evidence of knowledge spillover to non-participant. Participation, age and gender of the head of household and experience were factors impacting farm household knowledge score change on SAIPs. The study found that, knowledge score through the treatment effect impacts adoption of SAIPs which are complementary. Younger household heads and experience in farming are also found to likely impact adoption. Essay three estimates technical efficiency (TE) scores for millet and sorghum and evaluates the impact of soil and water conservation methods on TE scores. The paper also examines the sensitivity of TE scores on the distributional assumptions of the one-sided error using data from 518 and 754 farm households producing millet and sorghum respectively from a random national household survey in Niger. A Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier model was used. The mean TE scores range from 52% to 66% and 35% to 60% respectively for adopters and non-adopters of soil and water conservation methods in millet production based on the distributional assumptions of the one-sided error. For sorghum production, the mean TE scores range from 47% to 63% and 39% to 63% respectively for adopters and non-adopters of soil and water conservation methods based on the distributional assumptions of the one-sided error. This suggests inefficiencies in the production of millet and sorghum and hence, the potential to improve output using existing technology. Adopters are relatively more efficient than non-adopters of soil and water conservation methods. The TE score differences in millet production are explained by location of household (rural), educational level and adoption of soil and water conservation. The efficiency score differences in sorghum can be explained by household size, educational level and soil and water conservation adoption. We also found TE scores are sensitive to the distributional assumptions of the one-sided error using the farm household level data.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Medah, Ignace. "Les dynamiques sociales de collaboration, de confiance et de reconnaissance au coeur du processus de conception d'agroéquipements en Afrique de l'Ouest : le cas du Burkina Faso." Phd thesis, Université de Grenoble, 2011. http://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00630661.

Full text

Abstract:

Dans le milieu professionnel artisanal et semi-industriel, la conception des objets techniques dans et pour les pays en développement d'Afrique de l'Ouest et notamment au Burkina Faso constitue un enjeu majeur. Cependant dans leur grande majorité, les technologies introduites n'ont pas répondu aux attentes des populations cibles. De nombreux échecs jalonnent l'histoire récente de ces tentatives. La problématique de cette impasse technologique est le plus souvent posée par les concepteurs et les développeurs en termes d'élaboration d'une méthode spécifique de conception destinée à ces pays en développement. Cette thèse attire plutôt l'attention sur le fait que la conception d'artefacts techniques dans cette région du monde ne peut faire l'économie d'une réflexion critique sur les modalités de mise en œuvre des processus de conception. Il ne s'agit plus uniquement d'aider à la conception de systèmes techniques par l'élaboration d'une méthode adaptée de conception mais d'aller au-delà, dans la mesure du possible, pour étendre le champ de connaissance et analyser l'ensemble des acteurs des réseaux sociotechniques impliqués, pour in fine, aider à la conception d'un nouveau système technique qui prenne en compte, dès l'amont, des questions comme celles des conditions de la collaboration, de la construction de la confiance et de la reconnaissance des concepteurs.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Walters, Edward B. "Impacts of new agricultural technologies in Peru." Thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/94491.

Full text

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impacts of Peru's research and extension programs on two regions in Peru and assess the implications of those impacts on institutional action by the Agrarian Bank and the Peruvian research and extension service. An LP model was constructed for two regions, Contumaza and Tarapoto, and was run under various levels of risk, alternative credit arrangements, selected price changes, and with and without the newly released varieties. Results from the various scenarios demonstrated that the introduction of new varieties increased net income, labor use, and the demand for credit in both regions. Also, altering the amount of credit available had a much more significant impact on the regions than altering the interest rate.
M.S.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

Theodorakopoulou, Irini. "National innovation systems as analytical frameworks for knowledge transfer and learning in plant biotechnology : a comparative study /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 1999. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p9946303.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Beyene, Abera Hailu. "Adoption of improved tef and wheat production technologies in a crop-livestock mixed systems in northern and western Shewa zones of Ethiopia." Pretoria : [S.n.], 2008. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-06092008-133248/.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

Parayil, Govindan. "Conceptualizing technological change : technology transfer in the green revolution /." Diss., This resource online, 1990. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-08232007-112133/.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Garnett, Juneann. "Bridging the Gap between Agricultural Innovations and Implementation: The way Forward for Guyana." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1429807458.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

Zamzow, Benjamin F. "Guilt and Reciprocity in Labor Markets and the Diffusion of Agricultural Innovations." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/293394.

Full text

Abstract:

This dissertation consists of three essays: The first essay considers a three-player labor market game and illustrates how wage and price decisions may change dramatically when a worker is guilt averse in the sense of wishing not to disappoint the firm's consumers. I incorporate guilt aversion into an effort setting game and obtain predictions thereof in a way not yet considered by labor economists, and I call attention to the fact that one must exercise caution when directly applying Battigalli & Dufwenberg (2007) simple guilt preferences. The results demonstrate that a sufficiently guilt-averse worker will exert costly effort to produce a high quality good so as not to disappoint the consumer, thereby trading material value for psychological well-being. The second essay seeks to understand the conditions under which the reciprocity motivation can alleviate sweatshop conditions. My co-author Martin Dufwenberg and I apply reciprocity preferences to a simple game designed to model a sweatshop. In this project we investigate the influence of a reciprocally behaving consumer on the firm's treatment of the worker. We vary the level of information the consumer has about how the worker has been treated and observe how this affects predictions. We demonstrate that in order to predict appropriately alleviated sweatshop conditions the model must be adapted to allow for the consumer to be motivated by a salient regard for the firm's treatment of the worker. In the third essay I study the role played by experiment associations comprised of scientifically literate farmers in assisting agricultural experiment station researchers in the development of technology and in facilitating the diffusion of biological and non-biological innovation. I examine two such networks of unique structure, the Ontario Agricultural and Experimental Union and the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Association. I find that the seed distribution efforts of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Association had an immediate statistically significant positive effect on the productivity of oats. I find that the program of experimentation of the Ontario Agricultural and Experimental Union had a delayed and statically significant positive effect on productivity of oats and peas.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

Majumder, Bhakti. "The performance of agricultural institutions in disseminating new technologies : a case study of the modern rice variety BR32 in Bangladesh." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2003. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=188101.

Full text

Abstract:

Despite substantial public expenditure from domestic and international sources on free-to-user agricultural extension services in Bangladesh, there is a lag between the availability and application of seed technologies. Besides the slow pace of diffusion of newly generated modern varieties (MVs), there exist wide gaps between potential and achieved yields at the farm level. This study aims to assess the performance of Bangladeshi research and extension (R&E) institutions in disseminating new rice MVs to end-users, and to identify factors affecting farm-level diffusion of the disseminated MVs. The study also examines the relationship between users’ technological knowledge and yields in the case of a new T. Aman season rice MV, BR32. The results suggest that the efficiency of the extension services was associated with the allocation of project funds between farm-level dissemination activities and overheads costs, and with the timing of project implementation. The presence of many divisions and administrative levels in the technology transfer system appears to be responsible for high overheads, while farm-level diffusion of BR32 was delayed for 4 years after its release due to the late start of project-funded dissemination activities. The rate of MV diffusion was restricted by seed scarcity, deficiencies in technical knowledge transfer, and some undesirable technology attributes. The reasons for the seed crisis were: i) the low amounts supplied by the public parastatal agency whose capacity was found to be under-utilized, ii) the lack of effective distributional channels for farmer-produced seeds, iii) the lack of farmer access to information about seed sources and demonstration sites, and iv) the low involvement of NGOs and the private sector. The average and marginal costs of BR32 dissemination would have been much lower if seed and technical knowledge could have been delivered more according to farmers’ demand.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

Rodriguez, Baide Joysee Mariela Molnar Joseph J. "Barriers to adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in the South change agents perspectives /." Auburn, Ala., 2005. http://repo.lib.auburn.edu/2005%20Fall/Thesis/RODRIGUEZ_BAIDE_18.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

Troosters, Wim. "Demand driven rural agricultural development in South Africa: the case of the agricultural sustainable community investment programme." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021149.

Full text

Abstract:

Food security is high on the development agenda in South Africa. A wide range of agricultural interventions exist across the country initiated by various stakeholders at different levels of society. While many interventions focus on production related constraints of food security, there are far fewer that focus on the integration of smallholder farmers in the supply chain. The research subject is the Agricultural Sustainable Community Investment Project (Agri-SCIP), operating on the south coast of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. As a demand driven alternative market model, the focus of the project is on the integration of local smallholder farmers in the fresh produce supply chain. The main research question is whether the participation of smallholder farmers in the fresh produce supply actually has actually improved for participants of the test case. Existing barriers to entry for smallholder farmers are mitigated in the project. Through a literature review five critical factors for market participation by smallholder farmers are identified, namely transport and distance to markets, product quality, product quantity, the buyer-seller relationship and market information. A literature review and empirical data are applied to test the impact of the Agri-SCIP project on the participation of smallholder farmers in the fresh produce supply chain based on these five critical factors. The data indicate that many of the existing barriers to entry in the fresh produce supply chain for the smallholder farmers are mitigated, and have been shifted to a collectively owned co-operative. Therefore, as an alternative market model, Agri-SCIP has the potential to provide a sustainable solution for smallholder development in South Africa with a strong focus on supply chain participation. The development of a strong smallholder farmers base and the development of smallholder farmers into semi-commercial farmers are potential long term results of the Agri-SCIP alternative market model.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Elmi, Osman Sed. "Agricultural prices and supply response in tropical Africa." Thesis, McGill University, 1994. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=55492.

Full text

Abstract:

The objective of this thesis is to examine price performance, and estimate the aggregate export and food crop output response to output price and non-price variables in tropical Africa and its four main agro-climatic regions. The analysis of real producer prices indicates that there are more countries that exhibited a statistically significant decrease in real producer prices than a significant increase. Moreover, nominal protection coefficient analysis shows that African crop exporters, on average, received a small proportion (50 to 60 percent) of border prices. Using pooled cross-section and time series data, a partial adjustment model was then specified to estimate agricultural export and food output response. The results show that aggregate agricultural export and food supply responses to output prices in tropical Africa are both positive and significant but inelastic. The price elasticity for the export crop output in Tropical Africa is 0.02 in the short run and 0.04 in the long run, and for the food crop output 0.05 in the short-run and 0.07 in the long-run. The responsiveness of agriculture varies, however, across the main agro-climatic regions in tropical Africa. The estimated coefficient of the price variable and price elasticity estimates regions reveal that producers in the Eastern and Southern Africa, and Western Africa regions were responsive to price incentives, while producers in the semi-arid Sudano Sahel and Central Africa regions were not. The trend variable, as proxy of technology, is positive and significant in most regions, suggesting that the provision of non-price factors along with favourable price incentives, could be very effective in raising agricultural production in these regions.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

Zaragoza, Tony. "Apple capital growers, labor and technology in the origin and development of the Washington State apple industry, 1890-1930 /." Online access for everyone, 2007. http://www.dissertations.wsu.edu/Dissertations/Fall2007/T_Zaragoza_122907.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

Vinez, Margaux. "Terres et agriculture en milieu forestier : essais sur des politiques historique et contemporaine en République Démocratique du Congo : rumble in the jungle." Thesis, Paris Sciences et Lettres (ComUE), 2018. http://www.theses.fr/2018PSLEH027.

Full text

Abstract:

En Afrique sub-saharienne, l’insécurité foncière associée aux régimes de droits fonciers dits “coutumiers” ainsi que la sous-utilisation d’intrants modernes sont deux facteurs souvent évoqués comme limitant le potentiel agricole de l’Afrique. Sur cette base, les décideurs politiques ont pensé et mis en place des interventions visant à individualiser le droit de la terre et à promouvoir l’adoption d’intrants améliorés. Cette thèse utilise des données originales collectées en République Démocratique du Congo pour étudier deux exemples de politiques publiques s’inscrivant dans cette lignée et mises en oeuvre à 50 ans d’intervalle. Elle montre qu’elles ont eu des implications de court terme et de longterme allant bien au delà de celles qui sont généralement attendues. Les deux premiers chapitres s’intéressent à une politique mise en oeuvre durant la dernière décennie de la colonisation belge qui entraîna l’individualisation de terres communales et leur allocation à des familles individuelles. Ils utilisent une expérience naturelle pour étudier ses implications sur les structures sociales et les mécanismes coutumiers de résolution des conflits. Le troisième chapitre s’intéresse à une politique récente de subvention d’intrants agricoles. En utilisant une expérience aléatoire, il montre que l’intervention a conduit à une augmentation de l’utilisation de semences améliorées, et analyse ses conséquences sur les décisions d’allocation des ressources en terre et en travail par les ménages
Contending that tenure insecurity under informal “customary” land institutions and theunder-utilization of modern inputs are two important factors holding back sub-SaharanAfrican agriculture, policy makers have designed policies to shift communal rights towardmore individualization and formalization, and to promote the adoption of improved inputs.This doctoral thesis uses an original database to explore two examples of such policiesthat took place 50 years apart in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It shows that theyhad short-term and long-term implications far beyond those commonly expected. The firsttwo Chapters focus on an intervention by the Belgian Colony that took place during thelast decade of colonization. It led to the division of communal land and its allocation toindividual families. Using a natural experiment, they study its consequences for socialstructures and customary conflict resolution mechanisms. The third Chapter focuses on arecent agricultural input subsidies intervention. It uses an experimental design to show that the subsidies successfully increased the use of improved seeds, and analyses its implications for households’ labor and land allocation

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Toafa, Tevita. "Action research to improve the pumpkin industry in Tonga /." View thesis View thesis, 1994. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030604.165605/index.html.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

Makhwaje, Ernest N. "Strategic planning of agricultural land information systems in South Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/1113.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (PhD(Agric) (Agricultural Economics))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
The planning processes involved in the design and development of strategic land information systems in a semantic context require a logical approach. An array of efficacy problems associated with the relevance of the information required and the data to be provided must be dealt with in terms of this logical approach so that wise decisions can be made about future land resource use options. This study applies the aforementioned statement to strategic decision-making regarding information management in the provision of accurate and relevant information about the characteristics of the land resource for use by both the public and private sectors in South Africa. With ever evolving human needs that increase pressure on the limited land resource, the need for accurate and relevant information for strategic purposes is increasing. However, even at the present time, land information systems design and development is characterised by a technical design orientation and a narrow cost-efficiency focus, with a lack of strategic envisioning. Strategic decisions require effective choices regarding what data should be collected and how this should be stored and processed to support landresource- use decisions in the future. Information systems can, however, not cater for too many variables due to cost implications. Hence, strategic choices in generating only the required information and data for storage and processing become necessary.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

Leonardo, Elias Leju. "Induced agricultural innovations in violent conflicts and post-conflict situations : lessons from Southern Sudan." Thesis, University of Reading, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.542264.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

Glazyrina, Anna. "Contribution of Public Investments and Innovations to Total Factor Productivity." Thesis, North Dakota State University, 2011. https://hdl.handle.net/10365/29848.

Full text

Abstract:

This study examines the importance of public research and development (R&D) expenditures and innovations (prices) to U S agricultural productivity employing panel vector error correction econometric technique Specifically, time-series and panel unit root tests, panel cointegration procedures, panel causality tests, and vector error correction model are used in the analysis. Empirical application to U S state-level data for 1960-2004 suggests positive and statistically significant influence of both supply-side drivers, in the form of public R&D expenditures, and demand-side drivers, in the form of innovations (prices), on total factor productivity growth.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Bolana, Khayalethu Kenneth. "The role of the Dohne Agricultural Research Institute in rural agricultural development in the Eastern Cape." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8198.

Full text

Abstract:

The decline of sustainable farming in the past twenty years in the villages of Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province is a cause for concern as this has resulted in reduced food security and increased levels of poverty and unemployment in the villages. As this decline continues to escalate even to date, this study was intended to investigate the role that could be played by the Dohne Agricultural Research Institute in the reduction of poverty through sustainable agricultural activities in these villages. Using a case study of Kubusi village in Amahlathi Local Municiplality, data was gathered through interviewing farming and non-farming households as well as the extension officer for Kubusi village and Dohne officials in order to understand the reasons for and the nature of the decline in farming activities in the villages. The study was conducted against the background of sustainable liveIihood (SL) theory. Important findings revealed that economic factors, primarily lack of money to buy fence and hire tractors to plough are primary causes for the decline, this followed by the effects of global warming and the lack of interest by the young generation to participate in crop farming. The study recommends that the government of the Eastern Cape should intervene through the Dohne Agricultural Research Institute in reskilling rural people in modern farming methods and assisting rural farmers with inputs, primarily fence, tractors and irrigation systems.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

34

Veljanoska, Stefanija. "Agricultural risk, remittances and climate change in rural Africa." Thesis, Paris 1, 2016. http://www.theses.fr/2016PA01E057/document.

Full text

Abstract:

Dans le cadre de cette thèse, nous nous intéressons à l'étude des décisions des ménages ruraux Ougandais en termes de gestion des risques climatiques. Dans un premier temps, nous testons l'impact des transferts des fonds des migrants sur le niveau de spécialisation des cultures agricoles ainsi que le niveau de risque du portefeuille des cultures des ménages contraints par l'accès aux marchés du crédit et de l'assurance. Nous complétons cette première analyse avec une étude sur la capacité des transferts des migrants à encourager les ménages à utiliser des inputs plus risqués tels que les engrais. Dans un troisième temps, nous explorons si le morcellement des terres peut réduire les effets négatifs de la variabilité des précipitations sur les rendements des cultures agricoles. Le dernier objectif de cette thèse est d'analyser l'impact de l'inégalité d'accès à l'eau sur l'intensité et l'incidence des manifestations et des émeutes au sein d'un pays. Le point central et commun aux différents chapitres est la variabilité climatique : quelles sont les conséquences pour les ménages agricoles ; comment les ménages peuvent se protéger contre les aléas climatiques et quelles sont les implications pour la disponibilité de l'eau et les conflits. Telles sont les questions que la thèse vise à aborder à travers une approche micro-économétrique
The dissertation provides evidence on the agricultural decisions of rural Ugandan households in terms of risk management against weather variability. First, I study the impact of remittances sent by migrants on households' degree of crop specialization and crop riskiness, as remittances may, to some extent, relieve credit and risk constraints. I complete the first objective with a second analysis that explores if remittances can motivate households to use riskier inputs - fertilizers. Third, I examine whether land fragmentation can reduce the negative impacts of rainfall variability on farmers' crop yields. In the final chapter, I test whether inequality in access to water for consumption may increase the incidence and the intensity of low-level conflicts. The central and common theme of the different chapters is weather variability: what are the consequences for agricultural households, how can households protect themselves against weather fluctuations and what are the implications for water availability and social conflict. Those are the questions that the dissertation aims at addressing with a micro-level empirical approach

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

35

Komape, Kwena. "Performance determinants for emerging agricultural cooperatives in South Africa." Master's thesis, Faculty of Commerce, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/30469.

Full text

Abstract:

South Africa has seen an increase in the number of cooperatives (co-ops) registered since 2005, following the new policy aimed at the promotion of cooperative enterprises. Newly registered co-ops received over R5.28 billion in direct financial support, comprising a combination of grants and loans from government. Over and above the financial support, co-ops also receive non-financial support in the form of capacity development. Some of the co-ops received support in the form of inputs and farming equipment. In spite of the support that government provides to emerging co-ops, the majority remain vulnerable and weak. This study seeks to establish the factors that determine the performance of emerging agricultural cooperatives in South Africa. In order to attain this, data were obtained from the Cooperative Data Analysis System (CODAS) of the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries. Cooperatives considered for the study have been in operation for at least five years by 2017. Results of the Spearman’s correlation used to analyse the results indicate that membership, wages, training and number of years in operation have a significant impact on the dependent variable, turnover. The main limitation of the study is the use of turnover alone as a measure of performance, due to limited data. Other variables such as growth in membership could be used as additional measures of performance; however, the numbers per cooperative in the study are constant throughout the observations.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

36

Tsholoba, Nokulunga. "Sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Emalahleni Local Municipality." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4133.

Full text

Abstract:

Long term growth and sustainability of cooperatives has become the focus of many countries worldwide. Cooperatives have been seen as the platform for uplifting disadvantaged communities while improving standards of the poor in countries such as Canada, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria (Department of Trade and Industry, 2012). In South Africa, cooperatives are seen as playing a role in poverty eradication, equal distribution of wealth, employment creation, food security and as a contributor to the economic activity. The South African government have implemented policies aimed at improving the performance and sustainability of agriculture cooperatives in South Africa. Despite all the efforts cooperatives still face sustainability challenges. Therefore the purpose of this research was to investigate the sustainability challenges that prevent the permanent establishment of cooperatives and to understand the dynamics and nature of failure associated with agricultural cooperatives .A case study methodology was used to examine a single case in-depth and to understand the factors affecting agricultural cooperatives. The main challenges identified in the study include; poor communication, limited access to markets, access to finance, a lack of good governance and a lack of managerial skills. The study recommended capacity building as the first point of reference in order to deal with challenges such as communication, access to markets and a lack of managerial skills. A lack of good governance is regarded as an attitude problem which requires setting ethical standards and rules accompanied by a penalty to the member if they are found to be breaking the rules. Access to finances is regarded as a skills and competence phenomenon which requires people to develop planning and financial literacy skills, which will enable them to formulate business plans and use them as a control tool for managing the cooperative. The business plan is also regarded as an asset or security document which acts as a proof that the cooperative is well planned, organised and sustainable. The research concludes with suggesting areas for future study to investigate the impact of informal education practices on skills development in the success of cooperatives.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

37

Adrian, Anne Mims Rainer R. Kelly. "Factors influencing adoption and use of precision agriculture." Auburn, Ala., 2006. http://repo.lib.auburn.edu/2006%20Summer/Dissertations/ADRIAN_ANNE_27.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

38

Job, Nancy, and William Ellery. "Halting degradation of Southern Cape peatlands in agricultural landscapes." Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/50013.

Full text

Abstract:

Palmiet peatlands in the agricultural landscape are viewed by farmers as problematic. They obstruct the effective passage of water along watercourses and therefore promote localized flooding of lands and infrastructure, and they trap sediment delivered along watercourses that drowns fields and infrastructure with sedimentary deposits. These events are problematic for farmers trying to make a living off the land. Wetlands are also often viewed as wastelands that should be put to more productive use. The obvious thing to do is to bring in machinery to drain the wetlands and improve the flow of water and sediment through these wetlands.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

39

Henke, Christopher R. "Working the mission : science and industry in California agriculture /." Diss., Connect to a 24 p. preview or request complete full text in PDF format. Access restricted to UC IP addresses, 2000. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ucsd/fullcit?p9984806.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

40

Waha, Katharina. "Climate change impacts on agricultural vegetation in sub-Saharan Africa." Phd thesis, Universität Potsdam, 2012. http://opus.kobv.de/ubp/volltexte/2013/6471/.

Full text

Abstract:

Agriculture is one of the most important human activities providing food and more agricultural goods for seven billion people around the world and is of special importance in sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of people depends on the agricultural sector for their livelihoods and will suffer from negative climate change impacts on agriculture until the middle and end of the 21st century, even more if weak governments, economic crises or violent conflicts endanger the countries’ food security. The impact of temperature increases and changing precipitation patterns on agricultural vegetation motivated this thesis in the first place. Analyzing the potentials of reducing negative climate change impacts by adapting crop management to changing climate is a second objective of the thesis. As a precondition for simulating climate change impacts on agricultural crops with a global crop model first the timing of sowing in the tropics was improved and validated as this is an important factor determining the length and timing of the crops´ development phases, the occurrence of water stress and final crop yield. Crop yields are projected to decline in most regions which is evident from the results of this thesis, but the uncertainties that exist in climate projections and in the efficiency of adaptation options because of political, economical or institutional obstacles have to be considered. The effect of temperature increases and changing precipitation patterns on crop yields can be analyzed separately and varies in space across the continent. Southern Africa is clearly the region most susceptible to climate change, especially to precipitation changes. The Sahel north of 13° N and parts of Eastern Africa with short growing seasons below 120 days and limited wet season precipitation of less than 500 mm are also vulnerable to precipitation changes while in most other part of East and Central Africa, in contrast, the effect of temperature increase on crops overbalances the precipitation effect and is most pronounced in a band stretching from Angola to Ethiopia in the 2060s. The results of this thesis confirm the findings from previous studies on the magnitude of climate change impact on crops in sub-Saharan Africa but beyond that helps to understand the drivers of these changes and the potential of certain management strategies for adaptation in more detail. Crop yield changes depend on the initial growing conditions, on the magnitude of climate change, and on the crop, cropping system and adaptive capacity of African farmers which is only now evident from this comprehensive study for sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore this study improves the representation of tropical cropping systems in a global crop model and considers the major food crops cultivated in sub-Saharan Africa and climate change impacts throughout the continent.
Landwirtschaft ist eine der wichtigsten menschlichen Aktivitäten, sie stellt Nahrungsmittel und andere landwirtschaftliche Produkte für weltweit 7 Milliarden Menschen zur Verfügung und ist in den Ländern Afrikas südlich der Sahara von besonderer Bedeutung. Die Mehrheit der afrikanischen Bevölkerung bestreitet ihren Lebensunterhalt in der Landwirtschaft und wird von Klimaänderungen stark betroffen sein. Die Doktorarbeit ist durch die Frage motiviert, wie sich von Klimamodellen vorhergesagte Temperaturerhöhungen und sich verändernde Niederschlagsverteilungen auf die landwirtschaftliche Vegetation auswirken werden. Die Forschungsfragen in diesem Kontext beschäftigen sich mit regionalen Unterschieden von Klimaänderungen und ihren Auswirkungen auf die Landwirtschaft und mit möglichen Anpassungsstrategien die mit geringem technischem Aufwand genutzt werden können. In diesem Zusammenhang wird schnell deutlich, dass Daten über die komplexen landwirtschaftlichen Systeme in Afrika südlich der Sahara häufig nur selten vorhanden sind, aus fragwürdigen Quellen stammen oder von schlechter Qualität sind. Die Methoden und Modelle zur Untersuchung der Auswirkungen von Klimaänderungen auf die Landwirtschaft werden zudem ausschließlich in Europa oder Nordamerika entwickelt and häufig in den temperierten Breiten aber seltener in tropischen Gebieten angewendet. Vor allem werden globale, dynamische Vegetationsmodelle in Kombination mit Klimamodellen eingesetzt um Änderungen in der landwirtschaftlichen Produktion auf Grund von Klimaänderungen in der zweiten Hälfte des 21.Jahrhunderts abzuschätzen. Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit zeigen einen mittleren Ertragsrückgang für die wichtigsten landwirtschaftlichen Pflanzen um 6% bis 24% bis 2090 je nach Region, Klimamodell und Anpassungsstrategie. Dieses Ergebnis macht deutlich, dass Landwirte die negativen Folgen von Klimaänderungen abschwächen können, wenn sie die Wahl der Feldfrucht, die Wahl des Anbausystems und den Aussaattermin an geänderte Klimabedingungen anpassen. Die Arbeit stellt methodische Ansätze zur Berechung des Aussaattermins in temperierten und tropischen Gebieten (Kapitel 2) sowie zur Simulation von Mehrfachanbausystemen in den Tropen vor (Kapitel 3). Dabei werden wichtige Parameter für das globale, dynamische Vegetationsmodell LPJmL überprüft und neu berechnet. Es zeigt sich, dass das südliche Afrika und die Sahelregion die am stärksten betroffenen Regionen sind, vor allem aufgrund von Niederschlagsänderungen, weniger aufgrund von Temperaturerhöhungen. In den meisten anderen Teilen, vor allem Zentral- und Ostafrikas bedingen Temperaturerhöhungen Rückgänge der Erträge (Kapitel 4). Diese Arbeit leistet einen wichtigen und umfassenden Beitrag zum Verständnis der Auswirkung von Klimaänderung auf die landwirtschaftliche Vegetation und damit zu einem großen Teil auf die Lebensgrundlage von afrikanischen Landwirten.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

41

Mahleza, Nomfundo. "ICT and education in a less privileged school of NMBA." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6237.

Full text

Abstract:

Today’s society requires citizens to have a greater knowledge of information technology (IT) than in previous decades. Strategy programs at a national level define the skill needed in an information society and encourage people to learn these skills (Ministry of Education, 2004). In order for everybody to have the opportunity to learn the basics of the new technology, computer science should be included in general education. The development of technology, like Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has turned the world into a global village (Hashem, 2006). The key instrument in this globalisation is the personal computer. Computer–mediated communication is increasingly becoming the dominant means of communication, particularly in the developed and in some developing countries (Adebisi, 2008). In a developing country, ICT is one of the prime ingredients for development. This generally means improvement of people’s lifestyle through improved education, income, skills development and employment. Development should now also be viewed as a multidimensional process involving major changes in social structures, popular attitudes and a national progression of life from unsatisfactory to satisfactory (Servaes, 1999). Since one of the goals of education is to prepare students for work and citizenship, schools are attempting to change their policies, practices and a curriculum to meet the challenge of making pupils ready for a future quite different than the immediate past (Turker & Codding, 1998). The integration of ICT into the teaching and learning environment in secondary education in Port Elizabeth could change learning and teaching attitudes of learners and teachers and help to prepare them for future challenges. However, the success of this integration will depend on how the learners and teachers adapt to the changes and whether they can make ICT technologies part of their daily life. As it is, there is little or no information available regarding the extent of current ICT usage and access in these secondary schools. The research focuses on the availability, usage and the impact of ICT in education, particularly at a secondary school in the poverty-stricken area of Zwide in Port Elizabeth.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

42

Andeyhun, Yesake Demeke. "Food and nutritional security in Africa : a comparative analysis." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/86156.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study the food and nutritional security of the African continent was analysed based on the three main pillars of food security, namely availability, accessibility and utilisation. FAO‟s Food Balance Sheet method of per capita caloric food supply along with food production, trade and food aid was used for the food availability analysis. Accordingly, the majority of Eastern and Central Africa countries still remain below FAO‟s recommended caloric food supply level. While Ghana and Egypt showed impressive progress, Madagascar and Zambia recorded a deteriorating performance of caloric food supply. Per capita cereal production showed deteriorating performance in Sudan, DRC, Madagascar, South Africa and Nigeria. However, the rate of area harvest (except in South Africa) and yield (except in DRC) increased over the case study countries. On the other hand the majority of African countries struggle to maintain their agricultural trade surplus. Also food aid was found to be more important in the East African region. Among the case study countries, the DRC, Sudan and Ethiopia showed increasing trend of cereal aid receipt over time. The food accessibility analysis of the continent revealed that Africa showed impressive economic growth over the last decade. While it was widespread, those countries with less dependence on mineral resources showed better performance in poverty reduction and income distribution. Besides the economic factors, physical, political and sociocultural factors are also important factors of food accessibility. The food utilisation analysis found that child malnutrition was generally decreasing over the case study countries. However, the level of micronutrient deficiency, especially in children under the age of five, was found to be high in almost all of the case study countries. Except in Egypt, South Africa and Zambia, the percentage of the population with access to better sanitation services was under 30% in all the case study countries. In the DRC, Ethiopia, Madagascar and Mozambique, the percentage of the population with access to improved water services was less than 50%. Although challenged by complex factors, the analysis found out a positive relationship of agricultural growth and food and nutritional security in Africa. Besides its importance as an engine for economic growth and poverty reduction, agriculture enhances nutritional security through the provision of cheap and nutritious food even to remote rural areas. On the other hand the expansion of supermarkets and food price variability found to be both opportunities for and threats to food security. Also unfair international trade environment is negatively affecting food security. To this end, agricultural promotion accompanied with political stability, investment on infrastructure, national and regional market integration together with maintaining productive and sustainable safety nets and social protection schemes are found to be very important. The study used electronic databases of the EIU's Global Food Security Index, FAO's FAOSTAT database, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank among others. Analysis of the long-term statistical trends in the quantitative data and a systematic qualitative literature review were the methods employed for undertaking this research at the regional and national level.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie is voedsel- en voedingsekerheid op die Afrika-vasteland op grond van die drie hoofkomponente van voedselsekerheid ontleed, naamlik die beskikbaarheid, toeganklikheid en aanwending van voedsel. Voedselbeskikbaarheid is aan die hand van die parameters van voedselproduksie, -handel en -hulp ondersoek. Uit die lande waarvan gevallestudies onderneem is, toon Zambië 'n daling in kaloriese voedselvoorraad. Ook Nigerië, Soedan en Madagaskar toon 'n afname in die vlak van kaloriese voedselvoorraad oor die afgelope paar jaar. Dít kan verband hou met die waargenome afname in landbouproduksie per kop in daardie lande. Die landbouhandelsontleding dui aan dat Afrika sedert die 1980's 'n suiwer invoerder ten opsigte van landbou geword het. Vier studielande, naamlik Ghana, Ethiopië, Suid-Afrika en Zambië, het egter in 2011 'n landbouhandelsurplus getoon. Daarenteen word voedselhulp oënskynlik al hoe belangriker in die Oos-Afrika-streek. Onder die studielande het die Demokratiese Republiek die Kongo (DRK), Soedan en Ethiopië mettertyd 'n toename in graanhulpontvangste getoon. Die ontleding van voedseltoeganklikheid op die vasteland het aan die lig gebring dat Afrika oor die afgelope dekade indrukwekkende ekonomiese groei beleef het. Hoewel dié groei wydverspreid was, het lande wat minder afhanklik is van minerale hulpbronne beter presteer wat armoedevermindering en inkomsteverdeling betref. Benewens die ekonomiese faktore, is fisiese, politieke en sosiokulturele faktore ook belangrike bepalers van voedseltoeganklikheid. Die ontleding van voedselaanwending het bevind dat wanvoeding onder kinders in die studielande aan die afneem is. Tog is daar 'n hoë vlak van mikrovoedingstoftekorte in bykans al die lande wat bestudeer is, veral by kinders onder die ouderdom van vyf. Buiten Egipte, Suid-Afrika en Zambië, het minder as 30% van die bevolking in die studielande met verloop van tyd toegang tot beter sanitasiedienste bekom. Daarbenewens het minder as 50% van die bevolking in die DRK, Ethiopië, Madagaskar en Mosambiek mettertyd toegang tot beter waterdienste verkry. Hierdie navorsing beklemtoon ook dat landbougroei in Afrika die hoeksteen van voedsel- en voedingsekerheid bly. Benewens die belang daarvan as 'n werktuig vir ekonomiese groei, versterk landbou voedingsekerheid deur goedkoop, voedsame kos te voorsien; deur metodes te bied vir die verhoging van voedingswaarde, soos industriële verryking en bioverryking, en deur met behulp van landbouvoorligtingsdienste in die voedingsbehoeftes van afgeleë landelike gebiede te voorsien. In hierdie opsig word die uitbreiding van supermarkte en die wisselvalligheid van kospryse as 'n geleentheid sowel as 'n bedreiging vir voedselsekerheid beskou. Hoewel supermarkte goedkoop kos van gehalte aan stedelike en buitestedelike inwoners verskaf, kan die gevolglike marginalisasie van kleinskaalboere uit die verskaffingsketting, sowel as die toenemende gesondheidsgevare verbonde aan verwerkte voedsel, 'n bedreiging inhou. Die styging in kospryse kan ook op lang termyn 'n geleentheid bied om boerderyinkomste te verhoog, terwyl dit op kort termyn voedseltoeganklikheid vir arm mense beduidend ondermyn. In dié verband verseker die instandhouding van produktiewe en volhoubare veiligheidsnette en maatskaplike beskermingskemas nie net voedseltoeganklikheid vir die armes nie, maar versterk dit ook algehele voedingsekerheid. Hierdie navorsing op streeks- en nasionale vlak is met behulp van 'n langtermynontleding van statistiese tendense in kwantitatiewe data sowel as 'n stelselmatige kwalitatiewe literatuuroorsig onderneem.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

43

Witwatersrand, University of the. "Farmworker Research & Resource Project (DSRP): Press clips summary 3." University of the Witwatersrand, 1989. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68951.

Full text

Abstract:

Thousands of farmers were saved from bankruptcy by the Department of Agriculture, says Minister Greyling Wentzel. He said in 1986/1987 2 741 farmers who would have been bankrupt were saved through the department’s production aid scheme. The Rill,7m they received as loans enabled them to get a crop in the ground, without which they would have gone under. The debt consolidation scheme likewise helped about 2 000 farmers escape bankruptcy for the period 1983/1984 to 1986/1987.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

44

Oberholster, Jacobus Hoon. "The development of a financing model for agricultural production in South Africa." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3041.

Full text

Abstract:

The world agricultural industry, despite numerous supply and demand challenges, has to significantly increase its production capacity to satisfy the increased demand for food and successfully address the issues surrounding food security. Access to credit is however a key enabler in this regard, while a lack of it limits the adaptive capacity of agricultural producers. The financing needs of agricultural producers however vary and are influenced by the different production systems which have different investment, revenue and risk patterns. The sector is unique in that the risk and uncertainty in agriculture are increased by the nature of agricultural production systems, which is in many cases driven by unpredictable external factors such as adverse weather conditions. In addition agricultural production systems also function within the total food system which consists of a number of interrelated subsystems, each presenting agricultural producers with a unique set of risk factors that need to be taken into account. The development of new and innovative financing solutions for the sector therefore requires a thorough understanding of the multidimensional nature of agriculture and the unique characteristics of the sector. The purpose of this study was to contribute to the development of new and innovative financing solutions for the agricultural sector in South Africa.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

45

Mashamaite, Makwena Phistos. "Price asymmetry in South African futures markets for agricultural commodities." Thesis, University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/942.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (M.Sc. ( Agricultural Economics )) --University of Limpopo, 2005
The deregulation of agricultural markets in South Africa led to the establishment of a futures market for agricultural products, which was opened in January 1995. The marketing of Agricultural products act No. 47 of 1996 was passed at the end of 1996. The new Marketing of Agricultural Products Act (Act No. 47 of 1996) in South Africa has created an environment in which farmers, traders and processors are able to react positively to transparent prices that are market related. Agricultural futures markets serve several important functions, such as price risk management, price discovery and forward pricing. Economists around the world have studied vertical and spatial price relationships, and the behaviour of price changes in futures markets using asymmetry tests. Price asymmetry results in futures markets have a number of important implications. Firstly, traditional models in time series may be slightly biased when forecasting future prices, because they assume price symmetry. Secondly, asymmetry results may imply that the weak-form efficient markets hypothesis appears to be contradicted, thus indicating that past prices do affect current prices and do contain information. Lastly, if persistent asymmetry is found in futures markets, market regulators and policy makers may wish to use asymmetric information to improve the functioning and stability of futures markets through improved price limit and margin policies. Implementing policies iv accounting for asymmetric behaviour may help avoid market crashes and sudden unexpected price adjustments adversely affecting market participants. This study tests the existence of price asymmetry in South African futures markets for white and yellow maize, wheat and sunflower seeds using a dynamic price asymmetry model. The sum of coefficients test and the speed of adjustment test are used to determine whether or not prices move up in the same fashion as they move down, over daily and weekly data frequencies. Out of the four commodity futures markets studied over varying data frequencies, only daily wheat is price asymmetric. Wheat daily prices respond faster to price decreases than to price increases. The implication of the results is that past prices do affect current prices and contain information. Hence, the weak-form efficient market hypothesis appears to be contradicted for wheat futures market. Another important implication of the results is that implementing policies accounting for asymmetric behavior through price limit and margin policies will improve the functioning and stability of wheat futures market in South Africa.
National Research Foundation, and the University of Limpopo

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

46

Behroozi, Farzaneh. "Innovations: identifying and evaluating local solutions to public health problems in southern Africa." Thesis, Boston University, 2013. https://hdl.handle.net/2144/21123.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (M.A.) PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you.
In order to address the 10/90 gap and ensure the ‘right to health’ for all, there is a need to identify promising innovations, evaluate them for effectiveness and potential to be implemented at scale. To be of maximal benefit, they must address inequities and access to health in the local context of Southern Africa (taking into account the local disease burden, resource constraints and the complex context of health). This study proposes a method for identifying innovations and evaluating their impact on health outcomes, equity, implementation and potential for scale-up. It examines seven case examples of local innovation in Southern Africa with an application of this method to identify common themes in innovation, elements for success and common barriers. The research was informed by a grounded theory case study approach, with data collection via the innovative method of documenting projects through film and multimedia. The footage served as a data source as well as the source material for inspiring short films that capture the essence of each innovation. Innovation could provide an alternative approach to improve public health practice by using community-based solutions that have been proven to work in context. Ideally, innovation and public health research efforts should be combined to focus on key challenges in population health, and encourage a culture of innovation to accelerate progress towards better health. If effective innovations can be scaled up successfully, we may yet achieve Health for All.
2031-01-01

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

47

Mosoma, Khutsi Peace Wellington. "International comparison of agricultural exports : South Africa and the Cairns Groups." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/49994.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study addresses two important research questions which are in essence motivated by the trade policy reform that took effect in the 1990s to reverse decades of inward industrialisation strategies towards outward industrialisation strategies to promote economic growth and development. This raised the expectation that a movement away from low-demand growth products towards commodities with stronger demand growth and buoyant price trends would be encouraged. The first central question that this study addresses is the extent to which South African agricultural exports are moving up the value chain relative to the agricultural exports of the other members of the Cairns Group. The second research question that the study addresses is to determine whether South Africa's movement up the value chain (value adding activities) in agricultural exports is more competitive than the other members of the Cairns Group. To adequately address the first research question data from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) databases were used to examine their trade perspectives. The second research question was addressed by applying Relative Comparative Advantage (RTA) using data from the FAOSTAT 2002 to determine each country's competitive status in selected agro- food chains. The results show that South Africa managed to surpass all other members of the Cairns Group, except Chile, Philippines and Bolivia, whose export structures are highly dominated by high-value products relative to South Africa in terms of the movement up the value chain in agricultural exports. This is the case despite the fact that countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Indonesia, New Zealand, Thailand and Uruguay have managed to increase their percentage export value of high-value agricultural products and that South Africa has experienced a decrease in the percentage export value of high-value products. The results also clearly show that the food chains in Costa Rica, Paraguay, Thailand and South Africa are generally marginally competitive, whilst the food chains in Canada, Chile, Colombia, Indonesia and Uruguay are only just marginally competitive as many of their RTA values are situated around zero. The food chains in Guatemala, Malaysia, New Zealand and Philippines are internationally uncompetitive. And the food chains in Argentina,Australia and Brazil are internationally competitive. The analysis also reveals that competitiveness decreases in all these countries when moving from primary to processed products in the agro-food chains which implies that value-adding opportunities are constrained.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie spreek twee belangrike navorsingvraagstukke aan wat in wese gemotiveer is deur die handelsbeleidshervormingsproses wat in die 1990s 'n aanvang geneem het. Dekades van intern-gerigte industrialisasiestrategieë is na ekstern-gerigte industrialisasiestrategieë omgeskakel om sodoende groei en ontwikkeling aan te moedig. Hierdie proses het die verwagting geskep dat 'n beweging weg van produkte met lae groei in vraag, na goedere met 'n sterker groei in vraag en veerkragtige prystendense sal aanmoedig. Die eerste sentrale probleem waarop in hierdie studie gefokus word is die mate waartoe Suid- Afrikaanse landbou-uitvoere in die waarde-ketting op beweeg het relatief tot die landbouuitvoere van die ander lede van die Cairns Groep. Die tweede vraag wat die narvorsig aanspreek is an vas te stelof Suid Afrika se waardeletting oktiwiteite in landbou uitvore meer kompeterend is as die van onder lede van die Cairns Groep. Om die eerste navorsingsprobleem voldoende aan te spreek, is data van die Voedsel en Landbou Organisasie, Handel en Industriële Beleidstrategieë en die Wêreldhandelsorganisasie gebruik. Hierdie organisasies se databasisse is gebruik om handelsperspektiewe te bepaal. Die tweede navorsingsprobleem is aangespreek deur die toepassing van die Relatiewe Vergelykende Voordeel (RVV) op die data bekom van die FAOSTAT 2002. Hierdeur is elke land se mededingende status in sekere geselekteerde agri-voedselkettings bepaal. Die resultate wys dat Suid Afrika daarin geslaag het om die ander lede van die Cairns Groep verby te steek, met die uitsondering van Chilli, die Filippyne en Bolivië, waar uitvoerstrukture gedomineer word deur hoë waarde produkte relatief tot Suid Afrika. Hierdie tendens is ten spyte daarvan dat lande soos Argentinië, Australië, Brasilië, Colombië, Costa Rica, Indonesië, New Zealand, Thailand en Uruguay daarin geslaag het om hul persentasie uitvoerwaarde van hoë waarde landbouprodukte op te stoot, en dat Suid Afrika, daarenteen, ervaar het dat die uitvoere van hierdie produkte afgeneem het. Die resultate toon duidelik dat die voedselkettings in Costa Rica, Paraguay, Thailand en Suid-Afrika oor die algemeen marginaal kompeterend is, terwyl die voedselkettings in Kanada, Chile, Colombië, Indonesië en Uruguay tot 'n mindere mate marginaal kompeterend is aangesien hul RVV-waardes rondom nul lê. Die voedselkettings in Guatemala, Maleisië, Nieu-Seeland en die Filippyne is internasionaal nie-kompeterend, met die voedselkettings in Argentinië, Australië en Brasilië wel internasionaal kompeterend. Die analise wys ook dat die mededingendheid afneem in al hierdie lande wanneer hulle van primêre na geprosesseerde produkte beweeg in agri-voedselkettings, dit impliseer dat waarde toevoeging geleenthede tot produkte beperk is.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

48

Kruse, John Robert. "A structural model of the international oilseed sector : an econometric investigation /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2003. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p3100055.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

49

Mutingwende, Nhamo. "Identification of agricultural and industrial pollutants in the Kat River, Eastern Cape and their effect on agricultural products found along the river banks." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020242.

Full text

Abstract:

There is growing concern that commonly used Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) and pesticides are entering and contaminating drinking water supplies. The use of targeted quantitation of PPCP has been well established but there is an emerging trend to also screen for and identify unexpected environmental pollutants. Chemicals like pesticides hormones and antibiotics are especially of interest because of proven endocrine disrupting effects and a possible development of bacterial resistance. Powerful screening methods are required to detect and quantify the presence of these compounds in our environment. PPCP encompass a wide range of pollutants, including Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDC), pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, drugs of abuse, x-ray contrast agents and drinking water disinfection by-products to name a few. In order to properly assess the effects of these compounds on our environment, it is necessary to accurately monitor their presence. The diversity of chemical properties of these compounds makes method development challenging. LC/MS/MS is able to analyse polar, semi-volatile, and thermally labile compounds covering a wide molecular weight range. The new AB SCIEX TripleTOF™5600 LC/MS/MS was used to profile environmental samples for unexpected pollutants, to identify and characterise the chemical composition and structure of the pollutants, and to quantify (based on intensity) the concentration in collected water samples. Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMS/ MS) is able to analyse polar, semi-volatile, and thermally labile compounds covering a wide molecular weight range, such as pesticides, antibiotics, drugs of abuse, x-ray contrast agents, drinking water disinfection by-products etc. More recently there is a growing interest from environmental researchers to also screen for and identify non-targeted compounds in environmental samples, including metabolites and degradates, but also completely unexpected pollutants. The new AB SCIEX TripleTOF™5600 LC/MS/MS system is capable of performing highly sensitive and fast MS scanning experiments to search for unknown molecular ions while also performing selective and characteristic MS/MS scanning for further compound identification and, therefore, is the instrument of choice for this challenging task. General unknown screening workflows do not use a target analyte list and compound detection is not based on any prior knowledge, including retention times and information on possible molecular and fragment ions. Therefore, acquired chromatograms are very rich in information and can easily contain thousands of ions from both any compounds present in the sample as well as from the sample matrix itself. Thus, powerful software tools are needed to explore such data to identify the unexpected compound. Water samples were collected both upstream and downstream of two WWTPs (Seymour and Fort Beaufort) and were directly injected on the AB SCIEX TripleTOF™5600 LC/MS/MS after being filtered. 15 sample points along the Kat River, ranging from a point as close to the source as possible to a point just before it joins the Great Fish River were used. The samples collected from the source were used as the control in each of the experiments, the assumption being the closer you get to the source, the less contaminated the water would be for the analysis of pesticides. Points were selected where the Kat River crosses the R67 or on farms where the river was accessible using farm roads. Samples were collected from October 2013 to November 2014.The Peak view software and Analyst software were used in the analysis of PPCPs. The XIC Manager allows you to manage large lists of compounds and perform automatic extracted ion chromatogram (XIC) calculations and review results operations. The results were displayed in the chromatogram pane and the XIC table (see results). The results reported here in this thesis indicate that there is contamination in the Kat River water due to both pesticides and PPCPs. The results also indicate that the food products are also contaminated and hence both the Kat River agricultural produce and its water need to be closely monitored for both pesticide and PPCPs contaminants. Further studies to investigate the quantitative levels of pesticides and PPCPs in the Kat river water to determine if the concentration levels of the detected pesticides are below the reported Maximum Residues Limits will be explored in the future.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

50

Kwesaba, Xolelwa. "Exploring the impact of agricultural project and income generation in Uitenhage." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021076.

Full text

Abstract:

An income generating project signifies an unemployment strategy and an attempt at upliftment of living standards This study tries to explore the impact of agricultural and income generating projects on poverty alleviation in the Uitenhage area .The research topic tries to establish whether these poverty alleviation projectshave impacted sufficiently and contributed to socio-economic development and eradication of poverty . A sample of 15 respondents involved in an income generating project funded by the Department of Social Development was drawn from 1 Tinarha Agricultural Tourism Initiative. A purposive samplingmethod was used for thisstudy. Data was gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. Related literature that focuses on income generating projects for poverty alleviation has been reviewed. Various recommendations based on the findings of the study have also been made. The findings of the study indicate that the income generation project, has not impacted and contributed significantly to the process of eradicating poverty for the project members. It also indicates that project members were not empowered sufficiently with financial management skills needed to equip them to make substantial profits from their small business enterprises. It also emerged that the members were not able to secure markets for their products. This remains a key challenge for attainingsustainability. The research findings indicated clearly that the strategies that were used by the Departments were not effective enough to achieve the desired goals of poverty alleviation.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Agricultural innovations in Africa'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles