Faculty of Science and Agriculture

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http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/153

The Faculty of Science and Agriculture collection in DSpace at the University of Fort Hare showcases the scholarly and research outputs of its staff and students. This collection includes research articles, conference papers, technical reports, and examination question papers. The Faculty is committed to advancing knowledge, innovation, and skills in a wide range of disciplines, including the biological, chemical, computational, mathematical, agricultural, environmental, and earth sciences. Its teaching and research address pressing challenges in food security, climate change, natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, and technological innovation, while preparing graduates with the expertise needed to contribute to local, regional, and global development. By preserving and disseminating these resources, the collection supports teaching, learning, and research, while reinforcing the University’s mission to drive scientific discovery, agricultural advancement, and sustainable solutions for society.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 351

A bibliometric review of vegetation response to climate change
(Springer, 2021-10-25) Afuye, Gbenga Abayomi ; Kalumba, Ahmed Mukalazi ; Busayo, Emmanuel Tolulope ; Orimoloye, Israel Ropo
Global assessment of vegetation response to climate change (VRCC) studies was conducted to reveal the research evolution, current research hotspots and better understanding of dominant themes in VRCC areas of research from 1992 to 2019 through the use of bibliometrics. A total of 186 articles with the search term “Vegetation response to Climate change” were retrieved using the Web of Science (WOS) database. The annual growth rate of 10.3% connotes that research on VRCC has been increasing over time during the survey period. Average citations per article experienced many fluctuations over the years rather than maintaining the same growth rate, which connotes that this field of research reached was unstable in terms of average total citation per document. Results show that China ranked first followed by the USA and the UK, and this shows the dominance of these countries on VRCC studies over the years in review. Results from corresponding authors’ nationalities show that multiplecountry publications are relatively low compared to articles from single-country publications which showed a dominant trend. Hence, we can infer that most studies on VRCC were sustained by single-country publications. Results from this study revealed top-cited articles, the top global distribution of documents, academic collaboration, most relevant keywords and Word TreeMap of high-frequency keywords. The findings of this study show that “temperature” is in a central position in all keywords with the largest significant appearance in the field. In conclusion, the findings from this study may be applicable for planning and managing vegetation and forest ecosystem research and provide hints for future development.
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.
A comparative study of the various pretreatment techniques for bioethanol production from Kikuyu Grass
(University of Fort Hare, 2013-12) Mbande, Zukiswa Coceka
Bio-ethanol is by far the most widely used bio-fuel for transportation worldwide. Production of bio-ethanol from biomass is one way to reduce both consumption of crude oil and environmental pollution. There are mainly two processes involved in the conversion of lignocellulosic materials to ethanol production: hydrolysis of cellulose in the lignocellulosic biomass to produce reducing sugars and fermentation of the sugars to ethanol. However, pretreatment is an essential step before the hydrolysis of biomass and subsequent production of bio-ethanol. The current study was focused on four different chemical methods for the pretreatment of Kikuyu grass using mild temperatures. The temperature used was 100°C for various periods compared.
A Comparison of Open Source Native XML Database Products
(University of Fort Hare, 2005-12) Mabanza, Ntima
This introductory chapter discusses the motivation for studying XML databases, including some questions that provide direction for the work. It also briefly introduces previous research, the scope of the thesis and also the research methodology. Chapter one concludes by giving the organization of the thesis.
A multi-dimensional assessment of land degradation in the Sterkspruit river catchment: The nexus between landscape sensitivity, land use dynamics and landscape resilience
(University of Fort Hare, 2010-01) Tichagwa, Cornelius Gibson
This study sets out to assess the status and causes of land degradation in the Sterkspruit catchment of the Eastern Cape, and the extent to which this has affected the biophysical environment and rural livelihoods. The attributes of the biophysical and socio-economic environments that predispose the area to land degradation, the manifestations of land degradation and people's responses to the dynamics of their environmental circumstances are some of the key issues of enquiry.
A phylogeographic assessment of South African greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus): Preliminary insights
(Pensoft Publishers, 2023-03-28) Coetzer, Willem G.
The greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) is an African rodent with a wide Sub-Saharan distribution range. This species is viewed as an important protein source in many African countries. These rodents are also regularly viewed as a pest species who frequently raid croplands in agricultural settings. No phylogenetic work has to date been published on T. swinderianus from southern Africa. This paper therefore reports the first phylogenetic assessment on the species across the South African distribution range. Thirty samples were sourced from local museum collections, with one direct submission by a member of the public who found a rodent carcass identified as T. swinderianus west of its known distribution range in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Two mitochondrial loci previously used in West African studies of this species were used in the current study to asses T. swinderianus population genetic diversity and phylogenetic structure across the South African distribution. A comparison to sequence data from West Africa was also performed. A divergence time estimation was conducted to further investigate the evolutionary history of the South African sub-population. Similar genetic diversity estimates were observed for the South African sub-population when compared to the West African datasets. Specimens from the eastern parts of South Africa showed higher genetic diversity estimates, possibly indicative of an initial colonisation site from eastern Africa. Two distinct phylogenetic clades were identified by Bayesian inference, forming distinct West African and South African groups. The divergence estimates showed similar ages for the T. swinderianus most recent common ancestor (MRCA) as previously reported. The MRCA estimates for the South African group identified a possible middle to late Pleistocene migratory event from eastern African into southern Africa. Further fine scale sampling across the African distribution range is however needed to provide more accurate assessments for future conservation management planning for the different sub-populations, as needed.
A record of a melanistic rusty-spotted genet (Genetta maculata) from Lake Naivasha, Kenya
(African Journal of Wildlife Research, 2022-07-08) Do Linh San E.; Craig W.; Parker D.
A Review on SARS-CoV-2 Genome in the Aquatic Environment of Africa: Prevalence, Persistence and the Future Prospects
(MDPI, 2022-06-24) Ebomah, Kingsley Ehi; Msolo, Luyanda; Okoh, Anthony Ifeanyi
The COVID-19 pandemic (Coronavirus disease 2019) remains problematic in all its manifestations on the global stage where countless events of human-to-human exposure have led to fatal cases; thus, the aftermath being an unprecedented public health concern, with inaccessible health care and the instability of economies and financial institutions. These pose massive obstacles that can insatiably devour existing human resources causing negative impacts, especially in developing countries. Tracking the origin, dissemination and mutating strains of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) on population-wide scales is a somewhat overwhelming task, with the urgent need to map the dissemination and magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 in near real-time. This review paper focuses on the poor sanitation of some waterbodies and wastewater management policies in low-income African countries, highlighting how these contribute to the COVID-19 pandemic on the continent. Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic, there has been an upsurge in scientific literature and studies concerning SARS-CoV-2 with different opinions and findings. The current paper highlights the challenges and also summarizes the environmental aspects related to the monitoring and fate of the SARS-CoV-2 genomes in the aquatic milieu of Sub-Saharan Africa.
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.
A tale of two African mongooses (Carnivora: Herpestidae): differing genetic diversity and geographical structure across a continent
(Springer, 2022-10-13) Veron, Géraldine; Daniel, Caroline; Pagani, Paolo; Do Linh San, Emmanuel; Kitchener, Andrew C.; Hassanin, Alexandre
Phylogeographies of African mammals reveal patterns that correlate with Pleistocene environmental fluctuations and geographical barriers, which may affect species differently according to their habitat preferences and dispersal capabilities. The marsh mongoose Atilax paludinosus, a widely distributed African carnivoran, is a good model to compare with other African mammals. Here, we aimed to determine if its phylogeographical patterns depend on habitat preferences or other factors, such as dispersal capabilities. One nuclear and two mitochondrial markers were sequenced for marsh mongooses sampled throughout the species range, and sequences were also analysed for another widely distributed African mongoose, the whitetailed mongoose Ichneumia albicauda, previously studied, but more completely for this study. In the marsh mongoose we observed a deep divergence between West+Central Africa and East+South Africa, a pattern also observed in both forest and savanna mammals. With good dispersal capabilities and a preference for riparian habitats, the marsh mongoose may have been confined to forest refugia during Quaternary dry periods and may have used rivers as dispersal corridors. In contrast, in the white-tailed mongoose, the haplogroups were strongly divergent which may indicate more limited dispersal capabilities, but also reflect the preference of this species for more open habitats. These results suggest that life history traits, in addition to habitat preferences, had an impact on how these species were affected by past environmental changes, which is reflected in the geographical genetic structure today.
Adaptive responses to heat stress, quality of hide and meat from indigenous Nguni and non-descript crossbred cattle
(University of Fort Hare, 2016) Chikwanda, Denice
The main objective of this study was to determine the adaptive responses of Nguni and non-descript crossbred cattle (NDCC) to heat stress, nutritionally-related blood metabolite profiles, fatty acid profiles, carcass and meat characteristics, physico-mechanical properties of automotive upholstery crust leather and the associated collagen fibre architecture of hides and crust leather. Forty steers (20 Nguni and 20 NDCC) which were approximately 14 months of age with live weights ranging between 153 kg and 203 kg at the beginning of the study were used. Environmental variables (ambient temperature, relative humidity, wind parameters, solar radiation) were collected from a weather station at the research farm. Temperature-humidity index (THI) values were computed. Rectal and skin temperature, skin traits and blood metabolites were determined at two-week intervals over 16 weeks. Hair coat scores ranged from extremely short (score 1) to very woolly (score 7). At slaughter, blood samples were collected after exsanguination. Meat samples were collected from the right muscularis longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and Triceps brachii (TB) muscles after 24 hours of chilling of carcasses for physico-chemical quality tests. Fatty acid profiles and physico-chemical quality of meat were determined on the LTL and TB. An additional fifty-four hides (27 Nguni and 27 NDCC) were obtained from a commercial abattoir at slaughter. The hides were tanned into automotive crust leather and tested for physico-mechanical quality. Results showed that week and environmental variables affected skin temperature; also, the rectal and skin temperatures were negatively correlated to body condition, skin pigment, coat score and skin thickness. Non-descript crossbred cattle had higher coat scores (2.1 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 4.20) than Nguni cattle (1.6 ± 0.36 to 4.1 ± 0.36). Body condition scores, blood creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin and globulin were affected by genotype and week of sampling. At the end of the trial, NDCC had higher slaughter and hide weights (285.9 ± 6.52 kg and 18.4 ± 0.54 kg, respectively) than Nguni cattle (232.6 ± 6.5 kg and 14.7 ± 0.54 kg, respectively). The majority of NDCC carcasses (73.7 percent) had a fatness level of 1 compared to Nguni carcasses (50 percent). Intramuscular fat was higher in Nguni (1.8 ± 0.09 percent) compared to NDCC (1.5 ± 0.09 percent) steers. Nguni steers had darker muscle colour (L*=33.6 ± 0.01) than NDCC (L*= 35.7 ± 0.54). Nguni and NDCC had similar thawing loss, cooking loss, WBSF tenderness, fat-free dry matter, moisture content, fatty acid profiles and health-related lipid indices. Ultimate muscle pH, meat colour and chroma were similar in the LTL and TB. Concerning the skin, Nguni and NDCC had similar physico-mechanical properties. However, breaking load and tensile strength were higher (1257.1 ± 70.72 N and 28.3 ± 1.23 MPa) in samples taken parallel to the backbone compared to that taken perpendicular to the backbone (979.5 ±70.72 N and 23.6 ±1.23MPa) across the two genotypes. Non-descript crossbred crust leather varied in physico-mechanical tests by direction of sampling. Collagen fibre orientation in hides and crust samples also varied between longitudinal and cross-sections. Collagen fibre diameters in the Nguni were similar in longitudinal and cross-sections (3.4 ± 0.12 μm and 3.2 ± 0.11 μm, respectively). From this study, it is concluded that THI, hair coat, skin traits and body condition affect skin temperature, but not rectal temperature, cortisol and CK activity in Nguni and NDCC reared extensively. The two genotypes differ in nutritionally-related blood metabolites, growth performance, hide weights and carcass traits. Beef from Nguni and NDCC differs in the IMF and meat lightness but is similar in the meat fatty acid composition and some physico-chemical quality parameters. Automotive crust leathers from the two genotypes were similar in some physico-mechanical properties. Collagen architecture varied among different regions of hides and crust leathers.
Advances in the Use of Atomic Force Microscopy as a Diagnostic Tool for Solar Cells Characterization: From Material Design to Device Applications
(Wiley, 2023-12-03) Ahia, Chinedu Christian; Meyer, Edson L.
Considerable efforts in search for an effective characterization technique for photovoltaic devices with utmost precision is on the increase. For precise analysis and tailoring of device performance, a reliable technique is vital. Atomic force microscopy is one of the leading surface analysis techniques of choice for probing surface patterns in a variety of materials with atomic precision using a cantilever. It has evolved as a reliable technique for the investigation of subatomic scale properties of materials such as photocurrent heterogeneity, electromechanical response, charge distribution, molecular weight effects, and many other material parameters. The integration of artificial intelligence hybrid algorithms in atomic force microscope for optoelectronic device fabrication and characterization has increasingly emerged to be desirable due to its reliability and effectiveness in achieving high image resolution, automated analysis, actuation, and the coupling of manufactured units with a precision down to atomic units. In this review, an investigation of topical developments in the use of atomic force microscopy as a diagnostic tool for solar cells characterization is presented with special focus on polymer solar cells, perovskite solar cells, quantum dots-sensitized solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, fullerene-based solar cells, III-V-based solar cells, and silicon-based solar cells.
Agrarian question in South Africa: an evaluation study of the land redistribution for agricultural development (LRAD) programme in selected areas of the Buffalo City
(University of Fort Hare, 2010) Gebeza,Mahlubandile
This study is based on the view that the 'agrarian question of the dispossessed' is not yet resolved in South Africa. Since the early '90s, the South African government embarked on a land reform programme that was meant to contribute towards the creation of a better life for the historically dispossessed individuals. Land was given to land reform beneficiaries as grants. However, according to suggestions made by non-governmental organizations, community-based groups and the media, the land reform programme has generally not had any impact and that farms/projects assisted have either collapsed or are not functioning to the levels expected. This is the main reason why the study is conducted: to examine factors that explain why the agrarian question is not yet resolved in South Africa. The purpose is to bring -about -corrective measures which would result in stopping the wastage of funds that could be better utilized elsewhere.
Agricultural Expenditure ror Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2012-04) Mapfumo, Alexander
A vibrant and an efficient agricultural sector would enable a country to feed its growing population, generate employment, earn foreign exchange and provide· raw materials for industries. The agricultural sector has a multiplier effect on any nation's socio-economic and industrial fabric because of the multifunctional nature of agriculture. The main objective of this study was to investigate how government expenditure on agriculture has affected economic growth in Zimbabwe from 1980-2009. The Log linear growth regression model was employed where gross domestic gross was the dependant variable, and the explanatory variables are the factors which affect it which include government agricultural expenditure. The expenditures of government on agriculture were divided into three functions namely extension, credit assistance and R & D.
Aliphatic mixed ligands Sn(II) complexes as photon absorbers in quantum dots sensitized solar cell
(Elsevier, 2022-04) Agoro, Mojeed A. ; Meyer, Edson L. ; Mbese, Johannes Z. ; Fuku, Xolile ; Ahia, Chinedu C.
Dye-sensitized solar cells have attracted a lot of research interest due to the quest for an alternative energy supply given that it is cost-effective and its materials are easily available. However, the need to improve the conversion efficiency of these solar cell devices has necessitated the search for new materials that will lead to more energy conversion. One of such material of interest is tin (II) sulfide (SnS). In present study, we report results from the synthesis of hexadecylamine (HDA)-capped SnS and uncapped SnS photosensitizer using a molecular precursor. The efficiency of the photon absorbers, their morphological, structural and electrochemical properties were examined using different techniques. Both photosensitizers displayed X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks within the range 26.03 –66.05 , which corresponds to orthorhombic structure. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM) further revealed that HDA-capped SnS has a better morphology and size distribution. UV–Vis analysis shows that the HDA-capped SnS exhibits strong absorption in the entire visible region which is attributed to perfect orientation. The HDA-capped photosensitizer superiority was linked to well reduced electron recombination and electron lifetime. The addition of HDA capping agent improved the J-V performance with a new conversion efficiency of 8.20%. Results obtained from present work proselytize the concept of using capping agent as an approach for improving the quality of photon absorbers.
Alternative methods used by small-holder farmers to control ticks and bovine dermatophilosis and the impact of a changing interface of Amblyomma ticks on dermatophilosis in Zimbabwe.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Ndhlovu, Daud Nyosi
This study was carried out to document the ethno-veterinary plants and non-plant remedies that farmers used to control dermatophilosis and ticks, and validate these in vitro and in vivo, as well as determine how the interface of Amblyomma variegatum and A. hebraeum affected the epidemiology of bovine dermatophilosis at selected small-holder areas in North-West Zimbabwe. A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect information on the control methods used by farmers for the control of bovine dermatophilosis and ticks. A total of 39 plants were used by farmers for various diseases, eleven of these plants were used for the control of dermatophilosis while three were for tick control. Across the study sites, dermatophilosis was controlled using eleven plants. Among these plants; six plants; Cissus quadrangularis, Catunaregan spinosa, Pterocarpus angolensis Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens which were frequently used were selected for further studies. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to validate the efficacy of these plants. The minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal concentration assays were used for the in vitro validation of C. quadrangularis, C. spinosa and P. angolensis. Dermatophilus congolensis was more sensitive to P. angolensis average MIC = 0.63 mg/ml than to C. quadrangularis average MIC = 1.25 mg/ml and C. spinosa average MIC = 2.08 mg/ml. Cissus quadrangularis was selected for in vivo studies as this plant was the one most frequently used by farmers. Its therapeutic efficacy was compared to conventional antibiotics that farmers used to treat dermatophilosis infection. In the in vivo trials C. quadrangularis did not lead to appreciable reduction in clinical disease compared to the conventional drugs. The larval packet assay was the in vitro assay used to validate the efficacy of Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens against larvae of A. hebraeum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Manihot esculenta at 20 % w/v exhibited the highest larvicidal activity against R. appendiculatus. In the in vivo study, efficacy of the plants were investigated on naturally tick-infested cattle. Mannihot esculenta exhibited the largest tick load reduction compared to the other two plants but its performance was lower than that of conventional acaricides. The effect of A. variegatum and A. hebraeum on bovine dermatophilosis was investigated by evaluating how the presence or absence of these ticks and other herd level risk factors predicted clinical dermatophilosis and its prevalence at herd level. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data on potential risk factors. At the same time, cattle were physically examined for the presence of bovine dermatophilosis, according to a pre-defined case definition, and presence or absence of Amblyomma ticks was also recorded. The multivariable binary logistic model was developed with disease status as outcome, tick presence and infestion and herd level risk factors as predictors. Of the herds examined clinical bovine dermatophilosis was detected in 45% (84/185; 95% CI: 38.2, 52.6%) of them. Herds infested with Amblyomma variegatum were associated with higher odds (OR= 6.8; 95% CI: 1.71, 27.10) of clinical dermatophilosis while the association was not significant (P > 0.05) in A. hebraeum infested herds. It was concluded that management practices aimed at movement and tick control would help reduce the prevalence of clinical dermatophilosis in herds.
Alternative remedies used by resource-limited farmers in the treatment and manipulation of the reproductive system of non-descript goats in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Rwodzi, Maxwell
This study was carried out to determine alternative approaches used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and in the treatment of reproduction ailments of goats in Mount Frere area, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Furthermore, information on farmer perceptions pertaining to these practices was also gathered. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine materials used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and treat reproductive ailments. The survey revealed 10 plant species that were commonly used for reproductive health in goats. Elephantorrhizza elephantina (37.1%) and Rhoicissus tomentosa (25.7%) were the most frequently cited plant species. Elephantorrhiza elephantina and R. tomentosa recorded the highest Fidelity Level (FL) values of 92.86% and 75% respectively, for their use in the treatment of reproductive ailments and these were the plants on which further studies were conducted. The study also revealed that farmers had different perceptions on the effectiveness of the traditional medicines. An in-vivo assessment was done to determine efficacy of E. elephantina and R.tomentosa using serum estradiol and progesterone profiles. The highest (P<0.05) serum estradiol and progesterone concentration was observed in animals administered with aqueous extracts of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa mixture while the least (P<0.05) concentrations were observed in the negative control group. Does administered with a mixture of aqueous E. elephantina and R. tomentosa extract had the highest (P<0.05) body weight (65 kg) as well as body condition scores, while the negative control which were administered with distilled water had the least body weights (54 kg) and body condition scores. Does that were administered with a mixture of E.elephantina and R. tomentosa were all pregnant with twins (100%), confirmed by a doppler ultrasound scan.
Alternative remedies used by resource-limited farmers in the treatment and manipulation of the reproductive system of non-descript goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2014) Rwodzi, Maxwell
This study was carried out to determine alternative approaches used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and in the treatment of reproduction ailments of goats in Mount Frere area, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Furthermore, information on farmer perceptions pertaining to these practices was also gathered. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine materials used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and treat reproductive ailments. The survey revealed 10 plant species that were commonly used for reproductive health in goats. Elephantorrhizza elephantina (37.1%) and Rhoicissus tomentosa (25.7%) were the most frequently cited plant species. Elephantorrhiza elephantina and R. tomentosa recorded the highest Fidelity Level (FL) values of 92.86% and 75% respectively, for their use in the treatment of reproductive ailments and these were the plants on which further studies were conducted. The study also revealed that farmers had different perceptions on the effectiveness of the traditional medicines. An in-vivo assessment was done to determine efficacy of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa using serum estradiol and progesterone profiles. The highest (P<0.05) serum estradiol and progesterone concentration was observed in animals administered with aqueous extracts of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa mixture while the least (P<0.05) concentrations were observed in the negative control group. Does administered with a mixture of aqueous E. elephantina and R. tomentosa extract had the highest (P<0.05) body weight (65 kg) as well as body condition scores, while the negative control which were administered with distilled water had the least body weights (54 kg) and body condition scores. Does that were administered with a mixture of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa were all pregnant with twins (100%), confirmed by a doppler ultrasound scan.
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).
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.

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