Department of Development Studies

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Adapting to climate change to achieve household food security: A case study of small-scale farmers at Dzindi smallholder irrigation scheme in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2012) Chigavazira, Blessing Munyaradzi
This dissertation explored adaptation mechanisms and adaptation options employed by rural small-scale farmers at Dzindi Irrigation Scheme to achieve food security in the midst of climate change as well as reflecting on the role of the state in building capacity of rural small-scale farmers to adapt to climate change. The study employed qualitative research techniques and data was obtained through semi-structured interviews with 40 small-scale farmers at Dzindi smallholder irrigation scheme.Irrigation control, high yielding crop varieties (HYVs), drought resistant crop varieties, drip irrigation are among a host of adaptation strategies successfully employed by farmers at Dzindi. These strategies have been effective in giving the farmers a lifeline in terms of household food supply and income.However, lack of funding, modern infrastructure and equipment has hampered adaptation efforts at the scheme. This has been compounded by lack of support from the Government. Government seemingly has not done enough to capacitate and assist famers to adapt to climate change.
An assessment of public participation strategies in the provision of water in Malawi: the case study of Blantyre water board
(University of Fort Hare, 2011) Khomba, Grace Precious Kasamira
The key focus of this study is the assessment of the effectiveness of public participation strategies in the provision of water in Malawi, through the case study of the Blantyre Water Board (BWB). After a thorough literature review, it has been noted that this is the first research of its kind in the analysis of public participation as a social problem facing water users in Malawi. The provision of water is a basic right for every citizen and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that each and every Malawian has access to clean water. This being the case, it is also a constitutional right for every citizen to participate in the water related activities and decisions affecting them. It is also the responsibility of water utilities to allow water users access to information as only an informed public is able to make informed decisions regarding their needs. This research aimed to assess the extent to which the BWB public participation strategies have contributed towards the sustainability of public involvement in water programmes or projects in general. From the findings, it was noted that the public participation strategies used by the BWB have not contributed to the sustainability of the water projects. It was further revealed that there is not much public involvement taking place between the BWB and its beneficiaries which has created an obvious gap, as per the findings. The research also aimed to identify major challenges affecting public participation in the provision of water in the Blantyre City Assembly in Malawi. It was noted, from the respondents' responses that the major challenges are poor management and administrative styles; political interference and lack of community sensitization. It would be advisable for the BWB to take cognizance of the results and concerns of this study in an effort to improve and ensure effective service delivery as stipulated in the Malawi National Water Policy which is a guiding policy framework for all water utilities.
An assessment of the child support grant as a poverty alleviation intervention in South Africa: the case of Mdantsane Township in the Eastern Cape
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Mase, Blossom Bukelwa
There were different kinds of imbalances that were created by the past regime in which race and colour were determining factors in terms of access to state welfare. The State Maintance Grant was one of the state welfare interventions where African women did not even know how or where to access the grant. When the Child Support Grant was introduced in 1998 it gave hope to the vulnerable section of the society, the children. The CSG is one of the poverty alleviation programs introduced by the government to target the poverty stricken children of South Africa. This is a means tested program which not all children are to benefit but a certain portion of the society. There are special conditions attached to the grant which require to be fulfilled. These conditions require the child to be fed, clothed, immunized, school needs be paid, and have proper accommodation. This study made use of the Mdantsane Township which is 25 km away from East London city centre as a case study to determine whether the CSG has managed to achieve its objective of relieving poverty among children, given the conditions of poverty and unemployment in Mdantsane. The findings of this study indicate that the people of Mdantsane are still in poverty and the most affected sections remain the children. The respondents indicate that the people are unemployed as a result the CSG seems to be the source of livelihood in these households leaving the children at a disadvantage as the grant is intended for their own needs. Therefore there is a need to investigate whether the CSG has any impact on the lives of these children. Also since Eastern Cape is known to be one of the poorest provinces, it is important to investigate whether the CSG has become the source of livelihood in some households.
An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Community Development Strategy on Poverty Alleviation in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2007) Chadoka, Rumbidzai
The major objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of community development projects in addressing poverty in Zimbabwe. In order to make this assessment an evaluation of Nyandoro community project was undertaken to find out if they have managed to create employment, increase consumption and increase the incomes Ievels of the majority of the population within these communities as it was the intention of government. The second goal of the state for these projects was to bring equity among the citizens by empowering and promoting people's participation in decision making and to reverse the years of deprivation and neglect of the poor. Therefore this study also made an assessment of the extent to which these objectives of the government have been accomplished. The research investigates the factors hampering the upliftment of the Iivelihoods of the poor through community development projects. For this study qualitative and quantitative methodology paradigms were employed. Qualitative research is one of the two major approaches to research methodology in social sciences. The qualitative perspective can give the researcher the inside view of the informants and can give the researcher a chance to probe for more information. Simply put, it investigates the why and how of decision making, as compared to what, where, and when. WhiIst on the other hand quantitative is deductive and will comprise of structured questions to eliminate researchers influence (Creswell, 1994:174). These two l perspectives complement each other and their convergence will increase confidence that what is being targeted is being accurately captured since any bias will be neutralised through the utilization of structured questions.
An assessment of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the children’s right to education: a case study of hiv/aids orphans and vulnerable children in the Amathole District
(University of Fort Hare, 2012) Ndonga, Moreblessing Memory
The research investigated the impact of HIV/AIDS on the children’s right to education with special focus on OVCs. The main aim of the research was to assess the impact of HIV/AIDS on the children’s right to education through examining its impact on children’s experiences and opportunities for meaningful access to education in the Amathole district of the Eastern Cape Province. The study also sought to investigate how HIV/AIDS programmes can be made an effective part of the education system in terms of the rights-based approach. The study adopted qualitative methods of research and semi-structured interviews, direct observation and literature review as methods of data collection. The findings and responses of all the respondents were analysed and discussed within a rights-based framework. The study identified four pertinent issues which include denial of children’s rights to education, to non-discrimination, to parental care and to lack of protection from abuse as four structural issues that need urgent attention. Thus, the study found out that HIV/AIDS is indeed a development problem and that it can be dealt with using some existing development approaches such as the rights-based approaches. Key recommendations are that HIV/AIDS programmes which are meant to benefit children must be made an effective part of the education system in terms of the rights-based approach. The findings of this research can be used by the Department of Social Development (DoSD), Department of Education (DoE), Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), social workers, Community Based Organisations (CBOs), Politicians and other professionals who work closely with the Orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs). These findings can be used to broaden people’s understanding on the impact of HIV/AIDS on the children’s right to education.
Business Mathematics: AMB 121F, November degree examinations 2016
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Makamba, B.B.; Mahlasela, Z.
Challenges for rural tourism development in Zimbabwe: a case of the great Zimbabwe Masvingo area
(University of Fort Hare, 2013) Musasa, Gabriel
The main focus of this study is the challenges of rural tourism development in Zimbabwe. The study identified that there is a lack of sustainable interventions in the development of rural tourism which is catalyzed by the absence of rural tourism promotion strategy to support the sustenance of livelihoods through socio-economic transformation. Meaningful socio economic transformation in the African rural areas through tourism remains a major development challenge. Development initiatives through different forms of tourism in the rural communities, has to a less magnitude benefited the rural communities and have negatively impacted the socio–economic environment. A qualitative research methodology and case study design was employed in order to have a deeper understanding of the experiences of the society around this project. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions guides were used to collect primary data. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques was employed to select respondents. Data was analysed using the transformative theory and sustainable livelihoods theory and was organized into categories and themes. The study established that the absence of a strategy is caused by political instability, community conflict, lack of finance, marketing, poor communication, and limited knowledge of tourism. All the aforementioned reasons complement each other and poise a challenge to the sustainability of rural tourism development. For Zimbabwe to effectively transform its economy through tourism, the government needs to plan the process, formulate and implement relevant economic and social development strategies and policies. Although this dissertation is a case study of sustainable rural tourism in Zimbabwe, it can be used to appreciate the role of tourism in bringing about socio-economic transformation and sustaining livelihoods in developing countries.
The changing role of non-state actors’ relations in post apartheid South Africa: a case study of two Eastern Cape non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
(University of Fort Hare, 2016-08) Chirowamhangu, Raymond Farai
This study focused on the changing role of non-state actors’ political relations in post-apartheid South Africa. During the apartheid period, NGOs were considered to be pushing a people-centered agenda, but the transition to the post-apartheid era made the role of NGOs complex and debatable as they are now viewed as organisations that work hand in hand with the government. A qualitative research design was implemented to conduct the study, in particular, individual interviews. The respondents included local households, community leaders and NGO representatives. The selected NGOs which participated were World Vision, Africare, Phumalanga and Victim Support Center (VSC). This research was conducted in Nkonkobe Municipality, in the communities of Alice, Middledrift and Seymour. The major finding of the study is that the political role of the NGOs has changed. Whilst in the apartheid period the NGOs openly opposed the state, in the post-apartheid period NGOs find themselves providing development services to the state. In other words, in the post-apartheid period NGOs tend to co-operate with the state by acting as service providers for a variety of development related functions. This condition raises questions about the autonomy of the NGOs and the agenda they serve in the post-apartheid period.
Citizenship, Gender and Development in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2004) Ndlovu, Octavia
This study focuses on gender and development in relation to the notion of citizenship. It is an inquiry into the position that is occupied by both men and women in the society based on their gender status. It is argued that citizenship does not merely mean the voting rights of people but goes further to include issues of participation, representation and access to resources by citizens who differ in various aspects. The existing power structure in Zimbabwe has kept women in marginalized positions in social, political and economic aspects of their lives. Women continue to be treated as second-class citizens in comparison to their male counterparts.
Community participation and food security in rural Zimbabwe: The case of Marange area in Mutare district.
(University of Fort Hare, 2011) Swikepi, Chiedzwa
The chief purpose of this study was to determine the role of the rural communities in the food security initiatives of the government in alleviating food shortages in the Marange communal area of Mutare district in Zimbabwe. The focus was on local community empowerment; ownership of food security initiatives by the communities; communities‟ independent analysis of needs and priorities; their involvement in designing food security programmes and the role of the government in linking with the communities. The data was gathered using a case study research design with the qualitative method being the main research approach. The primary data was obtained from focus group discussions held in three wards of Marange area and some in-depth interviews conducted with selected key informants. The findings indicate that the government designs food security strategies without considering the input of communities. The communities are introduced and expected to adopt these pre-conceived food security plans at the implementation stage. The results also show that poor community participation in the food security initiatives of the government, specifically during the initial stages, is a significant contributing factor to the continual shortages of food in the communal lands of Marange. It is the view of this study that unless community input in decision making at the planning and designing phases is given preference in the food security interventions of the government in rural Zimbabwe, food security will seldom be achieved. While the government has a significant role to play in food security measures, such interventions can make an important contribution if the use and development of community participation is made central to food shortage alleviation strategies. The principal conclusion of this study is that if food security is an intended ultimate goal in rural Zimbabwe, the communities must participate fully in the conceptualisation, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the government-initiated food security programmes.
The contribution of smallholder agriculture production to food security in rural Zimbabwe : a case study of Masvingo Province
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Toringepi, Godfrey
Agricultural development is back on the development agenda. Even though the smallholder farmers are in the majority and at the forefront in terms of food production and agriculture being the backbone of the economy of Zimbabwe, there is no clearly defined policy on smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe. The food insecurity has remained a continuous challenge for the rural poor in Zimbabwe. This study investigated the contribution of smallholder agriculture to food security with particular reference to the Masvingo province. The study employed qualitative method of research entailing extensive review of literature as a method of data collection. The study utilized the modernisation theory and sustainable livelihoods framework to illustrate smallholder agriculture and food security nexus. The study revealed that smallholder agriculture is the best option for addressing food security since agriculture is considered the main livelihood strategy for small scale farmers in Zimbabwe. There is general scholarly consensus that the main cause of food insecurity in Zimbabwe is a decrease in smallholder agriculture productivity. The study revealed that poor infrastructure , limited access to credit, limited access to inputs, poor investment in human development, limited access to markets and harsh climatic conditions weaken the capacity of small scale farmers to improve food security. Key recommendations are that supportive institutions need to be put in place to strengthen the smallholder farmer’s capacity to improve food security in Zimbabwe.
Critiquing the viability of a trade biased approach to regional integration in Southern Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Chipendo, Kudakwashe
Africa’s international marginalization is preponderantly conceptualized through world systems approaches, particularly structural dependency. Consequently, the region’s socioeconomic quagmire, characterized by economic stagnation, abysmal poverty, inequality and foreign dependency, is often attributed to its colonial heritage. Particular reference is made to the small size of the African state and its structural specialization in primary production. Collective self reliance based on mutual interdependence (regional integration) thus suggests itself as a logical way to overcome the structural constraints imposed by the small size of the state, while at the same time representing a viable alternative to asymmetric trade with developed countries. It is within the context of this theoretical framework that this study critiques the predisposition of the regional body in Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), towards a trade biased approach to regional integration (market integration). This critique is based on theoretical and empirical findings showing that trade led strategies are primarily suited for developed countries with robust manufacturing industries and complimentary production structures. Countries in Southern Africa are however characterized by a near absence of manufacturing industries, are at different levels of development and show low levels of trade complementarities. This study therefore concludes that market integration is an inappropriate strategy for regional integration in Southern Africa and in the process suggests development integration – a political economy approach, as an alternative.
Critiquing the Viability of a Trade Biased Approach to Regional Integration in Southern Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-12) Chipendo, Kudakwashe
Africa’s international marginalization is preponderantly conceptualized through world systems approaches, particularly structural dependency. Consequently, the region’s socioeconomic quagmire‚ characterized by economic Stagnation, abysmal poverty, inequality and foreign dependency, is often attributed to its colonial heritage. Particular reference is made to the small size of the African state and its structural specialization in primary production. Collective self reliance based on mutual interdependence (regional integration) thus suggests itself as a logical way to overcome the structural constraints imposed by the small size of the state, while at the same time representing a viable alternative to asymmetric trade with developed countries. It is within the context of this theoretical framework that this study critiques the predisposition of the regional body in . Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), towards a A trade biased approach to regional integration (market integration). This critique is based on theoretical and empirical findings showing that trade led strategies are primarily suited for developed countries with robust manufacturing industries and complimentary e production structures. Countries in Southern Africa are however characterized by a near absence of manufacturing industries, are at different levels of development and show low levels of trade complementarities. This study therefore concludes that market integration i is an inappropriate strategy for regional integration in Southern Africa and in the process suggests development integration — a political economy approach, as an alternative.
The effects of poverty on health equity in Zimbabwe : the case of Chegutu Urban District
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Budzi, Joseph
This study employed a qualitative methodology to investigate the effects of poverty on health equity in Zimbabwe. The investigation was motivated by the fact that the effects of poverty on health in Chegutu District have not yet been examined systematically despite the fact that the focus on poverty and equity considerations dictates the opportunities for equal health for the marginalised people. The contemporary socioeconomic crisis in Zimbabwe has posed a serious challenge to the comprehensive and equitable health systems and wellbeing. There is mounting pressure globally to implement appropriate interventions that can contribute concretely to health institutions’ efforts to tackle poverty and health inequities. In Zimbabwe, the extent to which poor people, households and social groups are accessing the resources to be healthy strongly determines their health potential. The study also examined the role of the non-governmental organisations and the town municipality in addressing poverty and promoting health equity in Chegutu. It was established that the focus on poverty entails the broader commitment of the local government and NGOs to the achievement of greater equity in health using a human rights framework to consider both poverty and equity. In practice, all systematic differences in Chegutu could be regarded as unfair and avoidable, and therefore regarded as inequities. The evidence points to the existence of extensive and widening social inequities in Chegutu District which have escalated the unequal distribution of diseases and survival in the district. The complexity of poverty as it relates to the distribution of health in Chegutu demands new ways of understanding the growing rich-poor gap. Thus to understand this complexity the Capability Approach and the Sustainable Livelihood Approach were used as the basis for critical appraisal of the variables under study. This study advances the vii understanding of the urgent need to take action to reduce these inequities and their root causes. The study calls for new ways of thinking about the direction of policy and also calls for renewed vigilance in monitoring impacts, to make sure that no segment of the population is excluded. Their implementation is seen to be dependent on increasing the capacity and organisation of the poor to more strongly influence policy and resource distribution in the health sector. It is important that health services respond effectively to the major causes of preventable ill-health among the poor and disadvantaged so as to address these continuing inequalities.
Energy and sustainable development : the case of Dewedzo Rural community in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Mbulayi, Shingirai Paul
Energy poverty is a concept that has gained significance quite recently. Its significance has been prompted by the realization that without sustainable modern energy alternatives for the rural poor, prospects for rural transformation remains low. The recognition of modern energy as one of the missing link in rural transformation comes amid the growing concern about the negative effects of relying on traditional energy services and the increasing forecasts that most developing countries are likely to miss their MDG targets by 2015. Drawing on the Modernization and the Sustainable Development Approach, this study concluded that improving the quantity and quality of energy services consumed by the rural poor can counteract rural underdevelopment and enhance rural social and economic transformation in Dewedzo. The study confirmed that energy poor households are prone to various social, economic and environmental detriments such as poor health, hunger, malnutrition, poor education and missed socio economic opportunities. By addressing rural people‟s energy needs, more nexus can be injected into rural productivity and the economic social outputs of this process can in turn increase the pace at which MDGs can be achieved.
Evaluation of the principles of public accountability in housing services in the Eastern Cape Ndlambe local municipality (2010-2011)
(University of Fort Hare, 2011) Balura, Vukile Michael
The purpose of this summary is to give the reader a synopsis of this mini thesis. Firstly it will summarize the nature and place of public accountability in Public administration, secondly it will give a short synopsis about Ndlambe local municipality and the housing situation, and thirdly it will briefly summarize the findings about the title. Lastly it will conclude the study. Five aspects of accountability have been looked, namely: political accountability, administrative accountability, accountability to the law, accountability to the consumer and professional accountability. It is import for chief officials and political office bearers to observe the above dimensions of accountability and be responsive to the real needs and justifiable expectations of the citizens. Political office-bearers and chief officials need to spend taxpayers money to the benefit of the community and that community must take part in deciding how their money must be spent. It is important for the powers that be to make income and expenditure statements available to all and place them on the Ndlambe local municipality's website.
An evaluation of the role of local economic development in promoting infrastructural development: a case study King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Mbontsi, Nandipha Siphokazi
This study examines Local Economic Development intervention strategies in relation to promoting infrastructural development with specific reference to roads as one of the vital interventions for alleviating poverty in the KSD Municipality. The study sought to evaluate the impact of the deteriorated condition of roads on the growth of economic activity and community development, the understanding of LED by both the Council and the officials, and also to evaluate LED approach on infrastructural development for poverty alleviation. The study reveals that the municipality does not understand the concept of LED as a result this has caused blockages and impediments in terms of implementing the program in the municipality. Though there are some successes achieved through the construction of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Stadium, there are key constraints related to shortages of funds, staff, skills and resources. The study has established that LED is not living up to expectations in the area, there seems to be confusion regarding its definition and application. Furthermore, there is a confusion regarding the purpose of LED whether it is purely about poverty alleviation or whether LED it is about encouraging economic growth. Ideally it should be about the combination of the two. LED clearly has a critical role to play in terms of considerations of poverty alleviation in terms of addressing development backlogs and promoting sustainable economic growth. In order to achieve this, there is a need to establish a permanent LED facilitation and support unit. The need to identify key intervention strategies, for example, the Expanded Public Works Program which aims at identifying labor-intensive and community construction methods. In order to achieve this the study details a number of key recommendations which are mentioned below: The need to properly define LED and its goals, also to align LED with business and market realities. There should be adequate and appropriate training of officials, adequate funding and ensuring accountability. Active encouragement of local leaders, local level forums and partnerships and close co-operation with beneficiaries should be encouraged. It is also vital to establish LED units and development agencies at local level to drive LED process. It is also important for the municipality to encourage economically viable projects which meet poverty and growth requirements and which can also encourage SMME development.
Foreign land investments and the survival of small-scale farmers in copper belt province of Zambia
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Toro, Bigboy
This study was undertaken with the objective of examining the impacts of foreign land investments on the survival of small-scale farmers in Zambia. Nevertheless, the study generates knowledge, provides insights, raises awareness, suggestions and foster constructive dialogue aimed at designing and implementing more effective strategies and policies that would enhance agricultural productivity among small-scale farmers in Zambia. Small-scale farmers can play an important role in Zambia in terms of overcoming poverty, enhancing food security and stimulating growth in other sectors of the economy. Despite their potential, the Zambian government in collaboration with multinationals continue to stifle their latent potential by evicting small-scale farmers who are living on communal lands. Underpinning these foreign land investments is the longstanding failure of the Zambian government to recognise, in law and practice, the communal land rights of small-scale farmers. Relying on the neo-classical property rights approach, the thesis argues that the creation of more secure property rights, and enforcement of these rights, is essential in motivating small-scale farmers to make the kinds of short and long-term fixed investments in their farms that will increase agricultural productivity and raise rural household incomes. Likewise, transformations which reinforce the property rights of small-scale farmers and ensure that their land cannot be alienated or otherwise used without their consent are necessary. Therefore, obtaining secure property rights is critical to rural development and recognition of small-scale farmers in the country’s agricultural framework. Although, the thesis focused only on Zambia as the case study, the findings may provide an example for other Sub-Saharan countries on how to improve the tenure and productivity of small-scale farmers.
Gender and Employment in Post-Independence Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2003) Ncube, Moreblessings
The study is premised on the basis that in the Zimbabwean labour market there is occupational discrimination among men and women. The labour market reveals that men and women are employed in different occupations, where women are concentrated in the administrative and clerical jobs, while men represent the executive . and managerial jobs. It is therefore necessary to understand the contemporary situation of the employment status historically, hence the study analyses the precolonial, colonial and post-colonial periods of Zimbabwean history. Although women have made considerable inroads into executive and managerial jobs, the rate is not convincing enough considering that women constitute more that 52% of the population. Women still do not have equal influence in political and decision-making bodies as well as in education. They continue to be marginalised in the economy and in the enjoyment of legal and human rights.
Informal Cross - Border Trade : A Review of its Impacts on Household Poverty Reduction (Zimbabwe).
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-11) Chani, Chivimbiso
This study endeavors to explore the value of informal cross-border trade to household poverty reduction. Informal cross-border trade has become a panacea to most Zimbabweans both employed and unemployed in the middle of the socio-economic crisis which has eroded the standards of living in Zimbabwe. This study is an eye opener to those who view informal cross-border trade as merely a survival strategy. It explores the efficacy of informal cross border trade as a poverty reduction strategy looking at its viability and sustainability despite criticism by many people who associate informal cross-border trade with all kinds of negativity. It thrusts forward the agenda of participatory poverty reduction agenda within a nexus of partnerships and relationships between the government, non-governmental organization, institutions and families.

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