Theses and Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/350

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Bank Finance in developing small and medium enterprises: An appraisal of relevant determinants in Rwanda
(University of Fort Hare, 2012-04) Gatabazi, Emmanuel Thomas
This study examines the perceived non-availability of adequate bank financing to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with reference to Rwanda. Evidence from both developed and developing countries show that SMEs are more constrained in their operations and growth than large enterprises and access to finance features importantly among the constraints, with their proprietors typically perceiving finance as their most pressing input constraints. The problem is more severe in less developed countries like Rwanda.
Poor Implementation of Conflict Resolution Strategies: A Challenge for Development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
(University of Fort Hare, 2011) Muyungi, Mbangu
Remarkably little research has been conducted on the potential of conflict resolution, a challenge to development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Underpinned by participatory development and conflict resolution approach the study conceptualizes conflict resolution as a collective effort by Congolese to resolve their conflict in a peaceful manner to achieve better quality of life for the country through making it a better place for development activities. The thesis makes a contribution in the provision of a comprehensive historical account of the events, personalities and environment that formed the policy for conflict that is affecting development goals in the DRC. This historical account is analysed through institutional frameworks to explain the antecedents that have resulted in conflict resolution policy outcomes that exist in the country at the present time.
Strategies for Empowering Kenya's lnformal Economy to Realise its Full Potential for Socio-Economic Development
(University of Fort Hare, 2010-12) Nason, Benson Vundi
This study attempted to identify realistic strategies that are accepted by those in the Jua Kali sector of Kenya's informal economy. The strategies were seen as being relevant, practical and achievable in integrating the sector, or some parts of it, in the formal economy. Special attention was given to export potential as the driving force in socio-economic development. Since Jua Kali enterprises are widely spread throughout an area covering all the more heavily populated regions of Kenya, including many small villages as well as major towns, a comprehensive, nationwide study was out of the question. For this reason, the study was limited to the following areas with known and readily accessible concentrations of Jua Kali entrepreneurs. This included key suburbs of Nairobi and key regional towns like Machakos, Athi River and Mlolongo. The objectives of the study were to establish the problems faced by the informal sector in Kenya, to find out how such problems have affected the relevant artisans, to investigate if the artisans were aware of those problems and what they were doing if anything, to solve the problems they encountered. Finally, the study sought to establish what the other stakeholders were doing to improve the informal sector.
The impact of gender on the characteristics and availability of debt finance to small and medium enterprises in selected cities in the Eastern Cape Province
(University of Fort Hare, 2010) Garwe, David Kudzaishe
Entrepreneurship and SMEs have, in recent years, become a key focus of research (Herrington, Kew & Kew, 2009). Entrepreneurship is considered to be an important mechanism for economic development through job creation, innovation and its welfare effect, which has led to a burgeoning policy interest in national-level entrepreneurial activity. Entrepreneurship and SMEs is not just an economic event; it is socio-economic phenomenon. SMEs are increasingly seen as playing an important role in the economies of many countries (Minniti, Arenius & Langowitz, 2005). Thus governments throughout the world focus on the development of the SME sector to promote economic growth (Dockel & Ligthelm, 2005:55).
An assessment of the sustainability of the selected NGOs' interventions on poverty alleviation: The case of Mafeteng and Leribe District
(University of Fort Hare, 2011-12) Ntobo-Letsie, Hlompho
The escalating levels of poverty present a serious challenge of vulnerability to most citizens of Lesotho. The government of Lesotho and its Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) partners have been engaged in several programs aimed at alleviating poverty, whose persistence has threatened the current and future generations of the country. This study aimed at assessing the sustainability of NGO's poverty alleviation programmes established for selected beneficiaries in rural communities. The main participants in this study were beneficiaries of poverty alleviation projects, government officials and NGO project managers. Using a combination of empowerment, sustainable livelihood approach and the sustainable development theoretical frameworks, the study adopted the qualitative research methodology to investigate the pertinent issues.
The impact of impact of aid dependence on social development: The case of Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Tinashe, Nyatoro
The purpose of this study was to look at how a foreign aid dependent economy is vulnerable to external manipulations. This study came up with the conclusion that foreign capital dependence is detrimental to long-term social, economic, and sustainable development of developing countries. The study also noted how foreign aid is used as a foreign policy instrument by western countries to influence the behaviour of the developing countries. The study noted Zimbabwe is an aid dependent country hence its vulnerable to external manipulation.
An evaluation of citizen participation in policy implementation in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-09) Pafa, Zolekile Willie
Before 1993, the South African government implemented. policy of separate development, also known as Apartheid which was based on the racial and territorial separation of the people of South Africa. It is during this time that policies were made for the people without necessarily recognizing their values or consulting them; hence such policies were eventually doomed to failure and conflict. The disadvantage _of Apartheid 'policies for municipal role-players was that there were separate local authorities something which resulted in the unequal distribution of resources. Furthermore, there was no real participation in democratic process by municipal role players something which led to citizens being excluded from the municipal government and administration. The democratic dispensation ushered in South Africa after 1993 wherein the universal franchise was extended also with new democratic rights, including the extension of peoples' voice in policy. The post- apartheid era has been identified as the transformation era, especially in the public sector where there is a need to strengthen democratic participation of people from below ; in development and improvement of service delivery. In responding to transformation, the post-apartheid South Africa embarked on a democratization program which involved the introduction of elected leadership. Importantly, rural communities became part of larger municipalities as every part of South Africa became part of a rural or urban municipality. Due to these changes, people rightfully expected change and participation in all government and administrative facets that affect their lives.
An investigation into Public Works Programmes as a Poverty Reduction Strategy for Rural Zimbabwe: A study on Gutu District
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-09) Josiah, Zindoga Blessing
With the progression of the new millennium, a new socio-economic order has taken charge in most developing countries, unfavourable to the wellbeing of the less economically advantaged populations. Seemingly, Zimbabwe is not an exception to this development. Increasing concerns have been expressed about the effects of the several interventions aimed at poverty reduction in Zimbabwe, both from within and outside the country.
The Efficacy of Education Decentralisation Policy in Zimbabwe: A case of Kadoma District
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-11) Mupindu, Wiseman
The study focused on the efficacy of the democratic education decentralization policy implementation of the four schools of Kadoma District in Zimbabwe. The thesis reviewed literature and discussed the concept of the democratic education decentralization policy implementation and how this has been practiced in Zimbabwe. The theoretical basis of democratic education decentralization policies were outlined and the argument for and against the policy discussed.
The Challenges of Policy Implication of the South African Water Policy in the Rural Villages of the Eastern Cape Province: The case of Amathole District Municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Mgwali.V.V
This study has investigated the question of capacity building of the Amathole District Municipality to provide sufficient quantities of water as stated in the White Paper. This includes the village committees in the operation and maintenance of the water projects. According to the Water Service Act 108 Of 1997 a village water committee may set conditions, including tariffs consistent with this Act, for the provision of water services. It may subject to section 4, limit or discontinue water service to a consumer.
The Role PF Non Governmental Organisations in Substainable Local Economic Development: Case of South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008) Moyo, Elisa
The failures of successive generations of imported western development strategies and projects to deliver meaningful reductions in poverty and achieve basic needs in Africa have provoked a deep questioning of Western concept of development. This stems from the fact that the state in most cases has failed especially on service delivery to cater for the well being of its people. Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and development practitioners are now increasingly focusing their attention on strategies which build upon local knowledge, skills and resources whereby the concept of self-reliance and local economic development are examined in the context of development challenges which face Africa. There are however a lot of negative perceptions, however, surrounding the whole issue of NGOs role in development, for instance, the issue of funding from external donors which makes them sometimes to pursue the interests of doors.
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.
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.
The District Development Planning Process in Bikita, Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2003) Mutema, Jealousy
The establishment of Rural District Councils as basic development planning and administration units was intended to alleviate poverty in the Council areas by mobilizing local potentials to solve development problems. It was also expected to make the development of the country broad-based and more participatory in decision-making and therefore take cognizance of people's felt needs. This study evaluates the district development planning process in Bikita, Zimbabwe. The evaluation was done through a month of observation, interviews and content analysis of Bikita Rural District Council's planning documents
Land reform and Black Farmers in Zimbabwe: a Study on Policy Visions and Historical Realities
(University of Fort Hare, 2004) Mupaganda, H.
The economy of Zimbabwe depends on a stable agrarian growth. Agriculture contributes 11-14% of the country's GDP and contributes 33% of formal employment. On independence the Government of Zimbabwe inherited a skewed distribution of land, which favoured the white minority farmers. This necessitated a land reform programme. In addition to bringing about more equitable distribution of land, the land reform programme has the objective of ensuring a more efficient and rational structure of farming and natural resources, utilisation and higher labour absorption, which would reduce rural poverty. This study attempted to capture the realities of black farmers in Zimbabwe since the land reform programme using as a case study the Karoi district. The aim of the study was mainly to examine the extent to which black fanners have been able to access markets, credit facilities and infrastructure and also to investigate some of the problems these farmers encounter since land reform. Survey methods in the form of interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data for the study. The results show that the farmers have now adopted a market orientated type of farming. However they experience problems in credit, storage facilities and credit loans and, inputs that affect their farm productivity.
Social policy and the urban poor: an examination of the urban housing policy and its implications on the low-income earners of Harare municipality in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2003-11) Moyo, Wisdom
Housing plays a very crucial role in the lives of the people and it therefore important for authorities to put considerable effort to provide housing to those in need of them. The city of Harare has been experiencing the problem of housing for a considerable period of time. This has seen a number of urban housing policies being implemented but all these past policies could not avert the shortage of housing. Instead the demand for housing especially among low-income earners has been rising sharply.
Transforming Human Resources for the Reconstruction and Development of Society in South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2001) Stofile, S.N.
For the first time in South Africa's history, a government has the mandate to plan the development of the Further Education and Training system, which is a band that bridges General Education, that is, from grade one to grade twelve and the Higher Education band that is beyond grade twelve, for the benefit of the country as a whole and all its people. The challenge the government faces is to create a Further Education and Training system that will fulfill the vision to "open the doors of learning and culture to all in order to empower the people of South Africa in all facets of life.
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.
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.
Local Economic Development Initiatives as an Intervention Measure for Rural Development: A Case of the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape in South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2008-03) Dapira, Clarah
The demise of apartheid in the early 1990s has left South Africa with an indelible social and economic legacy which is characterised by racial division, discrimination‚ high unemployment and poverty rates. These developmental challenges are more pronounced among the previously disadvantaged communities especially in provinces that host the former homelands. Though it can be argued that the new democratic government has made tremendous strides in its first decade but‚ continuing poverty, and inequality tends to undermine these gains, some even sees it as a crisis and perhaps as a threat to survival (Cousin, 2004). Faced by this development impasse, the democratic government has adopted various development endeavours in an attempt to address issues of social and economic development. Among the various efforts being experimented with by the state and non-governmental organisations to bring about social and economic development in South Africa's rural-urban landscape or within the previously disadvantaged communities is Local Economic Development (LED).

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