Faculty of Science and Agriculture

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Studies on the Metabolism of Lactose, Melibiose, Sucrose and Raffinose by Erwin/a Chrysanthemi
(University of Fort Hare, 1995) Mabinya, Leonard Vuyani
One of the challenging problems for a bacterial cell is to detect chemical changes that constantly occur in its environment, and to regulate and integrate its metabolism in response to such changes. The primary function of many cellular activities in these organisms is directed towards this task. These activities may include transport processes‚ cellular locomotion and chemotaxis, and the secretion of digestive enzymes (Saier, 1977; Dills et al.‚ 1980; Postma and Lengeler, 1985; Mitchell, 1985).
Efficacy of the Diamondback Moth Parasitoid Cotesia Pletellae and Farmers' Perceptions About the Pest
(University of Fort Hare, 1999-12) Leutley, Mamogoto Frans
The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L), is the most destructive pest of cabbage and other cruciferous crop's world wide (Mitchel, Tingle, Navasero-Warde & Kehat, 1997). It is a holometabolous pest which survive as long as 50 days at low temperatures and as short as 15 days at high temperature (Hutchison, Bolin, & Hines, 1997). The main method of control practiced by farmers has been the use of synthetic insecticides. Due to over- dependence on chemicals, several pesticide related problems such as resistance development, hazards to non-target organism, environmental pollution, poisoning and residues in crops have surfaced and become serious (Lim, Loke, Chan & Syed, 1988). The alternative strategy to manage this pest would have to involve biological control as major component of the integrated pest management. The latter approach requires the study of this pest and its natural enemies.
An Analysis of the Characteristics and Constraints of Small Holder Commercial Farmers in the Transkei Region, The Eastern Cape , South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2000-01) Nompozolo, Sivelile
The majority of the poor in South Africa are involved in subsistence Agriculture. An increase in productivity of the production of staple crops would be one direct way of increasing income of those households as well as increasing the per capita availability of staples. The increased availability of staples could also release resources that could be used· to purchase foodstuffs for a better balanced diet and therefore contribute to the improvement of the nutritional status of the household. The general problem of agricultural development may well be the most critical development issue in Transkei (Transkei Land Reform Research Group; 1995).
Anatomy and Morphology of Glandular and Non-glandular trichomes of Pteronia incana in relation to their essential oil production
(University of Fort Hare, 2000-01) Mayekiso, Buyisile
The morphology and anatomy of the non-glandular. and glandular trichomes present on both abaxial and adaxial surfacea as well as on the stem surface of Pteronia incana were examined using light, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The non-glandular trichomes were thread-like structures with elongated fibrous ends having a tubular basal cells. They occurred in greater abundance in both young and mature leaves and in stems. The fibrous ends of non-glandular trichomes seemed to be shielding the epidermal layer, the glandular trichome and the stoma. The electron micrograph of non-glandular trichomes showed that both trichomes originated from a single epidermal cell by anticlinal division. As the trichome matured, the cells at the end of the trichome became dehydrated and formed a thread-like fibre. Structurally, these fibrous ends were similar in composition to the components of the suberized cell walls
A Comparative Study of one-step Methods for Numerical Solution of Initial- Value Problems in Ordinary Differential Equations
(University of Fort Hare, 2000-02) Kama, Phumezile
The ultimate aim of the field of Numerical Analysis is to provide a reliable and convenient methods for obtaining useful solutions to mathematical problems and for extracting useful information from available solutions which are not expressed in proper form. It is a common norm that analytic solutions, when available may be very precise in themselves but may be, of course, of unacceptable form because of the fact that they are not amenable to direct interpretation in numerical terms. In which case numerical analyst may attempt to devise a method of effecting that interpretation in a satisfactory way, or he may prefer to base his analysis instead upon the original formulation.
An Evaluation of the Oesophageal Fistula Valve Technique
(University of Fort Hare, 2000-05) Lebopa, Cornelia Kedidimetse
The oesophageal fistula valve technique (Raats & Clarke‚ 1992) was evaluated in terms of its ability to reflect the daily forage selection pattern of free ranging goats over a period ot four seasons and two Stocking rates. During the. evaluation, the oesophageal fistula valve technique was compared to the standard oesophageal fistula bag technique and observed feeding behaviour. Comparisons were in terms of: (i) proportion of grass or bush.(% DM) in both the fistula bag and valve samples compared against the time spent grazing or browsing i (% of active feeding period); (ii) the changes in chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF and ADL) of the bag samples versus that of valve samples and; (iii) diurnal changes in feeding behaviour and plant species selection pattern of free-ranging goats based on observations.
The Role of Women in the Household Economy in Tzada Keristian Rural Area in the Central Zone of Eritrea
(University of Fort Hare, 2000-10) Negash, Biniam Mesghina
Eritrea gained independence after a 30 year long and bloody war in 1991. During the armed struggle 30-40 percent of the fighters were women. As a result of their great contribution to the country's independence, the new constitution guaranteed women's access to all the available resources. With this in mind this study is conducted to identify the extent to which women are involved in the household economy, apart from their roles as political participants.
Voedingstres Indikatore as Maastaf van Voedingspeil in Bokke (Capra hircus hircus)
(University of Fort Hare, 2000-12) Landman, Christiaan Mauritz Murray
An in-depth study was launched to evaluate the potential use of nutritional stress indicators in goats. Several blood metabolites, body characteristics and production functions were evaluated under different levels of nutrition (fasting, maintenance and ad lib), nutrient requirements (non-pregnant, pregnant and lactating) and environmental conditions (penned and free ranging). Generally the results were disappointing and with the exception of the fasting experiment the reaction time [(P < 0.05) differences between groups] for all 13 indicators was never shorter than seven weeks. Very few cases were observed where all the individuals within a group responded uniformly to the treatments. It was also not possible to confirm a clear linear relationship between the measured indicators and the level of feeding. This study shows that none of the measured indicators satisfied the predetermined levels of sensitivity or repeatability and can therefore not be recommended for use under free ranging conditions.
The Effect of Ramial Chipped Wood (RCW) and Litter Compost of of Casuarina equisetifolia Forst & Forst on Growth of Tomatoes, Soil Fertility improvement and Phytonematode Dynamics in Sandy Soil of Niayes, Senegal
(University of Fort Hare, 2000-12-04) Soumare, Mariame Dia
Plantations of Casuarina equisetifolia in the Niayes area Senegal produce two important by products, namely, litter and ramial chipped wood (RCW) which are organic materials that were suspected to have potential as organic soil amendments. However, their potential as sources of nutrients and their effects on biological pest control upon decomposition in soils remained to be established in infertile sandy soils of Niayes area.
Efficiency of Small Scale Farmers and Land Reform in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2001-02) Mushunje, Abbyssinia
The role and significance of agriculture in the Zimbabwean economy needs no further emphasis. The whole economy depends ~n a stable agrarian growth. Agriculture accounts for 11-14 percent of the GDP and contributes 33 percent of formal employment. Currently the government of Zimbabwe is forging ahead with its controversial Land Reform Programme. This is intended to achieve higher agricultural output, higher labour absorption and a
The Use and Agronomic Effectiveness of Kraal Manures in the Transkei Region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2001-04) Mkile, Zolani
The Transkei region of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa has got a high agricultural potential. However, poor nutrient supply is known to be a major yield-limiting factor in this region which, is dominated by small-scale farmers. The main local source of nutrients available in the area is kraal manure, and a number of small-scale farmers are using this resource to address their soil fertility problems. However, the nutrient supply practices of the farmers and their effectiveness have hitherto not thoroughly been investigated. This study was undertaken to address this need, and to provide a basis for efficient and effective use of kraal manure for crop production by resource-poor farmers in the former Transkei.
Land Use, Vegetation Type and Erosion Patterns in Selected Catchments of the Keiskamma River Basin, Eastern Cape
(University of Fort Hare, 2003) Pheto, Petunia Lebogang
The southern African region is designated as an area which is susceptible to soil erosion. This is particularly true for the former Ciskei, where it is estimated that 4 7 % of the area is moderately to severely eroded (Ciskei Commission, 1980). The Keiskamma River Basin is located entirely within the borders of the former Ciskei in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The river basin is populated by rural settlements with limited water resources. Five small catchment areas with a variety of environmental conditions were selected for study. The following aspects were assessed for each catchment selected.
Land Tenure System and Agricultural Land Use: The Case of Citrus Farmers in Alice/Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape
(University of Fort Hare, 2003-01) Mpukane, Mphangeli Witness
This study investigates the decline in agricultural production in the Alice/Kat river valley of the Eastern Cape due to the fundamental problem of lack of land ownership by the black citrus farmers. The results indicate that the problems associated with the acquisition of land by blacks farmers emanate from laws that were passed by the former government to deliberately deny black people's rights to land except to work on white farms as labourers. Farmers in the Alice/Kat river valley lack land security and experience an unfavorable land tenure system. Thus farmers are unable to access the financial resources from banks to develop the land in order to alleviate poverty and improve their financial status. In addition, the lack of practical skills in land use planning among farmers has led to the under-utilization and low productivity of agricultural land in the Alice/Kat river valley. This study recommends the provision of land as security to financial access and land use skills training as essential inputs to reap the benefits of a profitable citrus industry.
Environmental Education for Sustainable Utilisation of Natural Resources: The Case of selected Secondary Schools in Soweto
(University of Fort Hare, 2003-01) Cyril, Buhlungu M.
In South Africa, particularly in Soweto secondary schools environmental education has never enjoyed the Same Status as other established subjects such as Geography, Biology and History. This has resulted in learners losing interest in environmental education. There is a lack of environmental education at secondary schools that results in a lack of environmental awareness amongst learners. This study seeks to recommend the integration of environmental education within the policies of the Gauteng Department of Education thereby contributing towards the establishment of environmental education as an independent subject in secondary schools.
Separation of Bi, Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, Ti, V and Zn in soil samples using thenoyltri:fluoroacetone as the most selective single ligand by the appropriate use of solvent extraction under the optim~m pH conditions
(University of Fort Hare, 2003-01) Mamela, Mojalefa Daniel
In this investigation, three soil samples collected from non-arid land were qualitatively analysed using both the electron microscopy and AAS methods and elements such as Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn Ti, V and Zn were positively identified in each of them. However, the electron microscopy method also revealed the presence of Na, K and Mg in these samples. Due to the logistical problems our scope of analysis was restricted to the first sixteen elements only.
Remediation of Heavy Metals ( Cd and Pb) and Phthalate Easters in Contaminated Soil Treated with Composts.
(University of Fort Hare, 2003-02) Sibali, Linda Lunga
The availability of heavy metals (lead and cadmium) and phthalate esters ( dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) from artificially contaminated soil samples to which were added compost of different compositions, were measured weekly for 28 days. Heavy metals and phthalate esters were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. Six different types of composts (C l-C6) were used for heavy metals whilst three different types of composts (Cl, C2 and C4) were used for phthalate esters. For heavy metals, the total metal sorption in composts changed with time and the changes were dependent on type of compost and its formulation. Generally, for all the composts used lead was highest on 7th day and cadmium on 14th day. The highest rate of compost appeared to give the most efficient fixing of the metals.
A Spatio-Temporal Study of Land Degradation and Land Use/Land Cover Trends in the Upper Tyume Catchment Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
(University of Fort Hare, 2004) Mapukati, Guilty
The study traced land degradation trends and land use changes and their relationships over time in the Upper Tyume Catchment of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. An integrated approach was used to investigate the reasons behind the occurrence of physical land degradation and how land use changes could have influenced degradation. A GIS-based soil erosion potential model and interpretation of aerial photographs (1: 10 000) spanning 47 years (1949-1996) were used to identify areas of differing soil erosion susceptibility. The erosion model used soils, slope, hydrology and land use as variables. Predicting slope areas susceptible to gully initiation was based on a 20m resolution DEM from which slope classes were computed. The modelling results were compared with aerial photo interpretation results and fieldwork.
Origins and Development of Black Rugby in East London and its Response to South Africa's Rugby Unity, 1886-2000: A Study of Selected Clubs
(University of Fort Hare, 2004-01) Nongogo, Philani
This study explores a range of questions about sport and society in the context of racial division, and the difficulties of uniting rugby in contemporary South Africa. This work begins by outlining and analysing how black rugby originated and developed in East London; and later Mdantsane, through the twentieth century and analyses this long history of black rugby in South Africa, in the East London and Border areas of the Eastern Cape. To a certain degree, this work seeks to "set the South African rugby record straight', using oral evidence and content analyses of available documents that include early vernacular newspapers, and academic and nonacademic articles on the subject. Also, a loosely structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Further, a programme of interviews was carried out with members of the chosen rugby clubs.
Soil and Water Conservation Farming Practices, in the Communal Areas of the Central Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2004-01) Mabi, Maudline
A survey was carried out to investigate the extent of use of conservation tillage practices for soil and water management under smallholder farming conditions in the central region of the Eastern Cape Province. The survey was carried out in five districts viz: Middledrift, Sada, Keiskarmahoek, Zwelitsha and Seymour. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was conducted whereby village meetings were held in each area, then a total of 45 - rural households were identified by extension officers -for participation in in-depth interviews
Women and Urban Agriculture in Buffalo City: A Case Study of Mdantsane, Duncan Village and Postdam.
(University of Fort Hare, 2004-01) Phiri, Christopher
The urban poor are striving to find strategies to alleviate poverty. In South Africa, the urban poor, including women, are practising urban agriculture to alleviate poverty. Within the context of the debates on gender and development, this study explores the extent at which the urban poor of Buffalo City in the Eastern Cape, South Africa are benefiting from urban agriculture. The study highlights the challenges and problems encountered by the urban poor in the former black townships, and how the post realist research methodology was urban poor in the former black African state and the non-governmental organizations are supporting the alleviation of urban poverty. The realist research methodology was to be achieve the objectives of this study. Women dominate the practice benefiting from their endeavours. The study recommends the increased participation of the urban poor in urban agriculture and the creation of more open spaces for farming.

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