Theses and Dissertations

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Assessment of the viability of housing co-operatives for low income groups in Zimbabwe : a case of Emganwini Bulawayo
(University of Fort Hare, 2012-01) Mabusa, Olgah
Housing provision is considered to be a human right internationally, however the problem of inadequate housing is persistent especially in developing countries, and Zimbabwe is not an exception. Housing co-operatives can offer an alternative provision especially to the low income earners who are less likely to obtain houses through conventional housing finance schemes. However, the viability of housing co-operatives in Zimbabwe is questionable because they encounter a myriad of problems which threaten their operations. The objective of the study was to assess the potential viability of Emganwini housing co-operative in facilitating the provision of housing to the homeless low income earners in Bulawayo province of Zimbabwe. The study specifically sought the challenges that housing co-operatives usually encounter in a bid to identify measures which may be used to capacitate them as housing provision agents. The study followed a qualitative methodology and data was collected through the use of a case study research design. Primary data was obtained from members of the co-operative through the use of questionnaires. In-depth interviews were also conducted with the key informants being the housing co-operative's executive committee members. Data collected was analysed through the use of Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS) and was presented through the use of descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that the housing co-operative has the ability to meet the housing needs of its members. However, the main constrains were a lack of access to capital and high costs of constructing houses, especially due to continued increase of building material prices, hiring land developers and labour. Macro-economic conditions such as high inflation rates were also a major set back for the housing co-operative. Transparency within the co-operative's management committee was an outstanding factor that needed to be addressed.
Exploring the contribution of tourism to community development in Mnquma Municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-08) Mdlungu, Andisiwe; Monyai, P B
This study, titled "Exploring the Contribution of Tourism to Community Development in Mnquma Municipality," investigates the relationship between tourism and community development in a rural South African context. The research adopted a qualitative approach, conducting an interpretive case study that involved purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews with 9 participants. The study is structured around the main objective of exploring the contribution of tourism to community development. The research applied a critical theory and Social Exchange Theory (SET) as the theoretical framework. The findings of the study revealed that inadequate infrastructure, particularly poorly maintained roads and dilapidated amenities, significantly hampered the development of tourism in Mnquma Municipality. This has a direct negative impact on tourists’ accessibility and local businesses. Another key finding is insufficient community involvement in tourism activities in their area. As a result, they may lack sufficient appreciation of historical sites which can attract tourists, develop the tourism industry, and create jobs for the local community members. Additionally, the study found institutional and structural barriers, such as inconsistent policies and insufficient funding, which collectively hinder the sustainability of tourism in the Mnquma Municipality area. Despite these challenges, the study found several positive initiatives that can enhance the role of tourism in community development. The municipality recognizes the importance of improving infrastructure, with ongoing efforts to upgrade roads and facilities, particularly those leading to coastal and heritage sites. This reflects a commitment to supporting tourism. Moreover, the municipality actively promotes cultural heritage through initiatives such as tourism awareness campaigns and the use of large television screens to display tourism information, helping to preserve Mnquma’s unique cultural and historical assets. Efforts are also being made to engage local businesses and other local organisations by inviting them to participate in exhibitions and other business events, thereby creating economic opportunities. Furthermore, the study found that hosting entertainment events featuring artists from outside of Mnquma Municipality are and rotating events locations across Mnquma’s tourist sites has the potential to attract more visitors and generate community benefits. This study underscored that while tourism faces significant challenges, the initiatives already in place provide a strong foundation for growth, positioning Mnquma to harness the full potential of tourism for community development.
Assessing the role of decentralisation in rural development: A case study of Elundini Local Municipality (ELM)
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-07) Maya, Nothemba; Maqubela, A
Despite decentralisation efforts, rural development remains a critical problem facing local government. To this end, there are no tangible results addressing the challenges of underdevelopment in rural areas. Mohan (2006) states that rural areas are still challenged by high unemployment rates, which leads to urban migration. Poverty in rural areas remains high. This study investigated the role of decentralisation in rural areas of the Elundini Local Municipality. The study was guided by the Sustainable livelihood approach and Capability approach theories, using qualitative research methodology. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews guided by an interview guide. The total number of participants was 30, all from Elundini Local municipality. Participants included Ward councillors (7), municipal manager (1), LED manager (1), LED practitioner (1), and community members (20). The findings of the study reveal that decentralisation has improved water and sanitation systems in rural areas of ELM. The provision of water foundations, such as taps and water tanks, has been provided. The study also discovered that decentralisation has resulted in the provision of electricity to several rural communities under ELM. The study found that ward-based plans that meet the needs of different wards are needed to better understand alternative interventions that can be implemented to improve rural development. Participants emphasized the importance of developing ward-based plans so that the municipality is aware of the various services required by different wards or communities. Finally, ELM, as a local government encountered challenges of a lack of resources, specifically financial resources, as they are rural based, unable to produce their own revenue, and lastly, they exclusively rely on national government grants.
The contribution of rural non-farm economic activities to the livelihoods of women in the Eastern Cape: The case of Keiskamahoek and Alice town in the Amathole District
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-07) Masa, Amanda; Maqubela
Women have often been left behind with limited to non-participation in development. These women are exposed to many injustices, and with limited security, many of them are reliant on their male counterparts for survival and security. Women are vulnerable more especially in marginalised communities where there’s limited to non-education about women’s rights. The study therefore seeks to assess the contribution of rural non-farm economic activities in the on the livelihoods of rural women of Keiskammahoek and Alice. Rural Non- Farm Economy has been practiced widely in the past decades as it came into prominence in the 1970s. developing economies are actively present in this sector but little attention and support have shown to women. The intention of the study is to examine the contributions of the rural non-farm economy as a sustainable tool for their livelihoods in Alice and Keiskammahoek under the Amathole District. The study opted for a snowball sampling as women who are in this sector know one another, and it was convenient enough for the researcher. A sample of 40 participants was selected from both towns and divided in half, 20 in Alice and 20 in Keiskammahoek. The study used the mixed methods approach as the researcher felt that one method won’t do justice to the topic. The study used SPSS version 20 and Excel for the numeric data. For the qualitative data the used thematic analysis and created themes from the research objectives. The sector has indeed proven that with support and monitoring it is a viable opportunity for these women. Even though faced with serious challenges these women are not fazed out by any. More dedication and visits from the office of the rural development and from local municipalities are needed, to educate about possible options to grow in this sector, introduce them to funding initiatives, monitor and advise in ways to grow in this while ensuring sustainability. It is imperative that will not gain formal employment; therefore, the Rural Non-Farm Economy must be adopted as means to address the past and continuous injustices amongst women and ensure development. Even though this research was limited, it still offers valuable information, fresh perspectives, increased understanding, helpful ideas, and encourages positive conversations. All of this is meant to help create and put in place better plans and actions to support the Rural Non-Farm sector. This sector is important for Amathole, as it can help reduce poverty, improve access to food, and boost growth in other parts of the economy. While this study only looked closely at Alice and Keiskammahoek, the results could serve as a useful model for other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa looking for ways to better support the progress of women in rural areas.
Capacity building as a means to enhance effective service delivery in the public service: A case of Vhembe District Municipality
(University of Fort Hare, 2015-09-09) Mukwevho, Edzisani Amos; Thakhathi, D.R.
Capacity building is an important activity in all aspects of professional life. It is also important in all organizations, both private and public, regardless of size or complexity; since every organisation needs to have well-trained employees who are prepared to perform their job. In Vhembe District Municipality, many people enter the work force each year and need training to help them understand their specific roles within the municipality. However, the main challenge is that the majority of the municipality employees possess low-level work skills and knowledge which negatively affect service delivery significantly. This study was therefore investigated the mechanisms to be put in place to ensure that the capacity building objectives are achieved. The scientific mixed mode research design for data collection was adopted in· this study. Consequently, the tool for data collection in the form of the structured questionnaire and interviews was carefully designed and developed considering their reliability and validity as well as research ethical issues. Noteworthy, the stratified simple random sampling procedure was employed with the acceptable sample size of the respondents was selected. The data was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The frequencies and cross-tabulations analyses were computed to determine percentage trend on responses of the respondents in each question. The chi-square analysis to determine the association at 95% confidence level (P > 0, 05) between position and HRD work conducted was computed.
Rural Microfinance and Poverty Alleviation in Zimbabwe: The Case of Masvingo District
(University of Fort Hare, 2011) Mago, Stephen; Ncube, M.
Microfinance resources are recognized as having an important contribution towards poverty alleviation. Currently, about a billion poor people in the world face exclusion from the formal financial mainstream. The poor people, especially those in the rural areas of developing countries are considered 'unbankable' and traditional financial providers are either unable ·o r unwilling to provide them with finance. Research shows that in Africa, about 5 to 6 % of the population have access to formal banking finance and about 94 to 95 % rely heavily on microfinance institutions. The central argument is based on the notions that the poor are risky borrowers and transaction costs associated with saving this segment are very high relative to the expected return. The rural poor fail to access financial resources because they do not have physical collateral security which is a key requirement of the financial traditional financial providers. Microfinance therefore uses joint liability and peer pressure monitoring to replace the commonly needed physical collateral security. Microfinance gained momentum in the mid-1970s when Muhammad Yunus identified it as a poverty alleviation strategy in Bangladesh.
Rights, livelihoods, and low-income housing: A case study of Kwa-Nobuhle, Kariega
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-08) Maphosa, Nkosilinda; Bezuidenhout, Andries
The post-apartheid government’s housing program has failed to provide sufficient, strategically located houses for the urban low-income earner and to significantly alter the spatial legacy of apartheid. The very situations that the state attempted to address have been replicated due to structural flaws in its approach. On balance, formal low-cost housing settlements continue to be located on the margins of urban conglomerates. Nevertheless, access to low-income housing (physical capital, in the language of the sustainable livelihoods approach) allows beneficiaries the potential to leverage other livelihood strategies, such as renting out rooms or using housing as a site for running a small business. However, in the absence of access to jobs an over-reliance on welfare grants for survival limits the extent to which livelihood strategies linked only to housing access can improve their quality of life. The specific aim of the study was to critically identify the intersection that rights, livelihoods, and low-income housing have in Kwa- Nobuhle, Kariega. Extensive research has been done on low-income housing, but few studies link research on low-income housing to both rights and livelihoods. Also, there are no contemporary studies of housing in Kwa-Nobuhle in particular. At the theoretical level, to better understand the relationship between low-income housing, livelihoods, and rights, this study draws on two theories from development studies, namely the sustainable livelihoods approach and the rights-based approach. Methodologically, critical realism provided a viewpoint that highlighted how institutions impact human agency while acknowledging that people can act freely within these structural limitations. The study employed a mixed methods approach in which in-depth interviews, observations, and a survey were conducted specifically to understand how inadequate housing impacts economic stability, social well-being, and access to essential services. In-depth interviews with ten key informants, selected through purposive sampling, were conducted. In addition, a survey of one hundred households, selected through convenience sampling, was conducted. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis, and quantitative data was analysed descriptively using SPSS. The findings revealed that access to low-cost housing had some positive impacts on the livelihoods of residents. Respondents who benefited indicated they had access to physical capital, basic services, and better living conditions. Nevertheless, several factors limited the extent to the improvements in livelihoods, as well as the sustainability thereof. Housing delivery is marred by corruption, and houses have flaws. Unemployment is rife, and residents are dependent on government grants for survival. Some factors cited as contributing factors to housing problems include gender inequality, unemployment, lack of communication, fraud, and corrupt practices. Also, despite houses being built, the housing database is still growing. The research recommends a plethora of initiatives which could be implemented to improve housing quality and provision, livelihoods, and housing rights. These include stakeholder participation, post occupancy evaluation, adherence to good governance and a bottom-up approach to housing that could be initiated to improve which low-income housing may take.
The district development model and water service delivery in the Elundini local municipality in Mount Fletcher
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-07) Dlaza, Yonela; Chivanga, S; Monyai, P B
The District Development Model is one of the strategies implemented to overcome service delivery challenges in municipalities and assist the government spheres in working in units with one plan, budget, and goal. Mount Fletcher is one of the smallest towns in the Eastern Cape and faces water service delivery challenges, scarcity, and unavailability. This study investigated the role of the DDM in water service delivery in the local municipality of Elundini. The primary goal of this study was to examine strategies for planning and monitoring the DDM's activities of DDMs in the provision of water services. Data for this study were gathered through semi-structured interviews and observations using a qualitative research methodology. The key findings of this study show that the DDM still needs to assist the municipality in providing adequate water to Mount Fletcher communities since its implementation. Moreover, the communities of Mount Fletcher continue to experience inequality in water service delivery as the municipality claims to face budget challenges. As the municipality plans to use the IDP to track the progress of the DDM's initiatives, it is also essential to monitor ward-based developments that directly impact the community. These communities struggle with water service delivery, access to roads, healthcare, and failing businesses. Additionally, given the municipality's recognition that the Moroka community faces the most significant impact in terms of water service delivery, it is imperative to regularly repair and inspect boreholes to prevent further harm and distress for residents. The active involvement of the community in the DDM plans would prove advantageous, ensuring a clear understanding of the developments within their communities.
A comparative study of the marginalisation and exclusionary effects on internally displaced persons (idps) in the diverse forms of internal displacement in Zimbabwe
(University of Fort Hare, 2024-11-30) Sikuka, Alois Neza
Globally, states are expected to recognise and offer assistance to all its citizens including those internally displaced without any form of discrimination and segregation. In Zimbabwe, literature on internal displacement points to the state as being responsible for the IDPs, but at the same time is also responsible for ameliorating internally displaced person’s effects. Subsequently, political recognition of the internally displaced individuals by the state builds restoration of sustainable livelihoods and capabilities of the displaced populations. Using an inductive method approach and drawing on capabilities, entitlement and sustainable livelihood approaches, the study investigates the marginalisation of internally displaced individuals in Zimbabwe and exclusionary effects on them with a comparative analysis of the three provinces. Data were collected from the internally displaced individuals, authorities, host communities and development partners. Content examination was applied to analyse qualitative data, supplemented with descriptive analyses of statistics assembled in this study. The research revealed massive marginalisation and exclusion of internally displaced groups in the three provinces under research in Zimbabwe. The non-recognition and exclusion IDPs point to the failure of the state to apply social justice, promotion and protection of human rights, constitutionality, of the IDPs. Furthermore, the study exposed a power struggle between the state and the development partners resulting in vulnerability of the internally displaced groups thereby reducing their capabilities to their entitlements to achieve durable solutions. Another significant observation of the study was the lack of possession of legal documents such as identification cards destroyed during the displacement cycle. In addition, lack of security of tenure has negatively affected accessing the basic social, economic, political and environmental services to enhance livelihoods and sustainable integration for the internally displaced individuals. The main conclusion reached in the study is that IDPs in Zimbabwe have not been recognised and are usually deprived of their human rights, capabilities, entitlements, human capital and livelihoods. Therefore, in order to recognise, protect and offer assistance to the IDPs, the international community through its various mandated instruments should act and ensure viable, integration interventions for internally displaced individuals are implemented by the state. This will in the long run promote sustainable integration, and improve livelihoods for the marginalized IDPs in Zimbabwe. The study posits that sustainable attainment of durable solutions for internally displaced persons depends on the functionality of the study`s three recognition, empirical and exclusion dilemmas linking with concepts of capabilities, livelihoods and entitlements.
Social protection and secondary education in Zimbabwe: The case of Masvingo District in Masvingo Province.
(University of Fort Hare, 2015-01) Mago, David
The study sought to examine the role of social protection in reducing school dropouts in secondary education in Masvingo District of Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the idea that despite the social assistance interventions that are in place, the school dropout phenomenon is still continuing among secondary school learners in the Masvingo District. This was achieved by discussing various programmes delivered by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the government in reducing the number of school dropouts. The thesis also outlined various economic, social and political depressions that affected secondary education since Zimbabwe's gaining of independence. From 1962 until 1980 the colonial government catered for the European child, this meant that secondary education was difficult to be accessed by blacks. Education maintained a bottleneck structure that favoured whites more than black people. After gaining independence, the Zimbabwe African Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) introduced laws that allowed the black majority an opportunity to proceed with their education. Over the years the number of school dropouts is still increasing. This was curtailed by the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) in 1991 to 1995.
Appraisal of policy implementation process in the public sector: Thes case of the Department of Human Settlements in the Eastern Cape Province.
(University of Fort Hare, 2013-01) Ngantweni, Sibulele Samuel
The study begins with a historical narrative wherein specific topics related to public administration in general and public policy in particular have been discussed. The first chapter dealt with the public administration perspectives of both the International World and South Africa. The reader is therefore taken step by step in the introduction of public administration in the two worlds, as a comparative view. Chapter two discussed at length the theoretical and the conceptual understanding of policy implementation. In this section, both a sophisticated and a radical approach were adopted with a view to make it crystal clear that policy implementation in the practical world demands the two conflicting approaches.
An Approach to National Health Workforce Planning for Health Service Delivery in South Africa.
(University of Fort Hare, 2009-12) Mahlathi, Malixole Percival
Although South Africa educates and trains many health professionals of various categories, it continues to experience relative and critical shortages of these professionals especially at its rural health facilities. It boasts more than 15 Faculties of Health Sciences, which train a variety of health professionals. In addition to training for its own purposes, it also offers training for several countries in the Southern African Development Community. The burden of disease is considered to be high and increasing, complicated by the HIV and AIDS epidemic. In the light of these challenges it is necessary that South Africa engages in careful health workforce planning as a long term approach to solve shortage of health professionals and improving the delivery of health services. This study examines the health workforce planning approaches by the various Provincial Departments of Health and the student planning approaches by the Faculties of Health Sciences of the Higher Education Institutions that train health professionals.
Cash transfers and povrty alleviation for orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe: The case of Zvimba Rural District.
(University if Fort Hare, 2015) Mutongerwa, Dexter.K.K
The focus of the study is on the implementation of cash transfers and their effects on poverty alleviation amongst orphans and vulnerable children. The Harmonized Social Cash Transfer (HSCT) is used as a mechanism of fulfilling the National Orphan Care Policy (NOCP) and National Action Plan (NAP) policy objectives by reaching out to all OVC in · the country with social cash transfers that would help meet the basic needs of OVC and increase access to basic services. The NOCP and NAP as guiding mechanisms of the HSCT have been insufficient and ineffective in address if the orphans and vulnerable children poverty situation. Many of these children have no reliable sources of income and their vulnerability is worsened by the fact that they are in the care of elderly relatives who are either chronically ill or economically inactive
Urban agriculture and food security in Zimbabwe. The case of Harare.
(University if Fort Hare, 2017-11) Chikondowa Prosper. 0
This study seeks to evaluate the role of urban agriculture on food security in Zimbabwe. The study was motivated by the fact that food security is a great challenge in Zimbabwe and it seems as if the government is running out of ideas and policies to curb this challenge mostly in urban areas. Misaligned macroeconomic policies such as Economic Structural Adjustment Programme and Fast Track Land Reform Programme forced industrial closure which caused high retrenchment, unemployment, underemployment and low wages. Urban agriculture has been used by many countries mostly in the north as a way of livelihood and it has been successful. However, it has struggled for policy attention as a developmental strategy in developing countries, particularly in Zimbabwe. This has been promoted by the government's failure to acknowledge it as a means of living. The statutory and legal framework is the main challenge facing urban agriculture. On the methodological lens, the study adopted the quantitative research methodology. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires using a sample of sixty households.
An Investigation of the role played by Agricultural Cooperatives in Employment-creation and Poverty Reduction: The Case of Mangwe and Bulilima Districts in Zimbabwe.
(University of Fort Hare, 2016-01) Gama, Andile
The study's main aim was to investigate the role played by agricultural cooperatives in employment-creation and poverty-reduction in Mangwe and Bulilima Districts in Zimbabwe. Literature supports the need for the establishment and growth of these agricultural cooperatives to ensure sustainable development. Thus, the study used the qualitative research methodology as its methodological approach. Data was collected using interviews which were carried out with cooperative members, communities, Government Departments and NGOs. Questionnaires were also used, and the study used the case study research design. Some of the findings from the study indicated that there has been little intervention on the part of Government, NGOs, Private and Public Sectors with regards to financial support and development of agricultural cooperatives in Mangwe and Bulilima Districts. Despite this, agricultural cooperatives in the districts contribute to employment creation, especially at household level where cooperative members are able to earn a form of income.
The changing role of non-state actors' relations in post apartheid South Africa: A case study of two Eastern Cape non-government organisations (NGOs)
(University of Fort Hare, 2016-08-21) Chirowamhangu, Raymond Farai
This study focused on the changing role of non-state actors' political relations in posta-partheid 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 contribution of rural entrepreneurship to poverty reduction in South Africa: The case of Amathole District Municipality (ADM) in the Eastern Cape Province
(University of Fort Hare, 2015-04-18) Fiseha, Gebregziabher Gebreyesus
Today, the main challenge of the Eastern Cape Province is unemployment. According to the report release by Statistics of South Africa in 2015 the unemployment rate among the youth in the Eastern Cape is forty one percent (41 %). The prime objective of the study was to investigate whether rural entrepreneurship contributes to poverty reduction in Amatole District Municipality (ADM). The study employed mixed research methodology. Face-to-face interview was utilized to collect the primary data from the research participants. The participants in this study were entrepreneurs, entrepreneur employees, customers (people who purchase goods and services from the entrepreneurs) and government officials.
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.

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