Theses and Dissertations (Sociology)http://hdl.handle.net/10386/472024-03-28T09:49:01Z2024-03-28T09:49:01ZPerceptions of rural communities on climate change and its economic impacts on the livelihood : a case of Motupa Community in Tzaneen, Limpopo ProvineMakwala, Nkomi Shaunhttp://hdl.handle.net/10386/43452023-10-19T01:00:22Z2020-01-01T00:00:00ZPerceptions of rural communities on climate change and its economic impacts on the livelihood : a case of Motupa Community in Tzaneen, Limpopo Provine
Makwala, Nkomi Shaun
Climate is a primary component of agricultural productivity, and as such, it influences
the vulnerability of the households, communities and the broader economy. A heavy
dependence on climate-sensitive economic sectors, in particular agriculture, makes
South Africa particularly vulnerable to climate change. The study aims to explore the
perceptions of the Motupa community members on climate change and its economic
impact on their livelihood patterns. Motupa community is a rural area situated on the
Southern part of Tzaneen, Limpopo province South Africa.
A triangulation of focus group discussion and semi-structured data collection method
were adopted. Analysis was based on 20 participants who were purposively selected
at Motupa community aged between 45 to 90 years to obtain their perceptions of
climate change and its economic impact on livelihood. The study found that climate
change in rural communities has a major impact during the past years. Climate
change has contributed to major rural environmental stresses affecting local
resources such as water, subsistence agriculture, economic activities, farming,
livestock, forest and soil, among other natural assets.
The rural livelihoods show high levels of vulnerability to rapid climate change due to
notable low adaptive capacity. The high level of vulnerability to changing climate is
exposing the study population to increased prevalence of poor production, crop and
livestock failure, food insecurity, poverty, malnutrition, diseases and viruses, among
other impacts. The increase in temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns are
major causes of climate change that Motupa community members have identified.
Low production affects most community economic activities, resulting in livelihood
vulnerability. The study concludes that factors creating barriers to climate change
adaptation are related to those contributing to poverty and holding back sustainable
local development. The study indicates that community members are using their
indigenous knowledge as adaption to cope with the current climate change.
Thesis (M.A. (Sociology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020
2020-01-01T00:00:00ZAn evaluation of Social Work and counselling services offered to undergraduate students within the University of LimpopoMogale, Malepe Lesleyhttp://hdl.handle.net/10386/43412023-10-19T01:00:18Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZAn evaluation of Social Work and counselling services offered to undergraduate students within the University of Limpopo
Mogale, Malepe Lesley
The study focused on an evaluation of Social Work and counselling services rendered to undergraduate students within the University of Limpopo. The study aimed to evaluate both social work and counselling services offered to undergraduate students at the University of Limpopo by ascertaining the effectiveness, utilisation rate, describing the collaboration that exists between the centres from which the services are offered, and determining the mode in which students are made aware of the services under evaluation as well as the challenges faced by the practitioners when they render their respective services. The study employed a qualitative research approach and an evaluative design. The General Systems Theory and Evaluation Theory were employed. The General Systems Theory was used to explain the relatedness of all the sub-systems in making the whole system functional. In this case the sub-systems are the centres that exist and work together within the university in order for the university to reach its purpose for existence. The theory shows that if one or more sub-systems are dysfunctional, the functionality of the whole will be negatively impacted. The Evaluation Theory was employed to guide the researcher on what evaluation is, how and by whom it should be carried out. A convenience sampling method was used because all the people in the population of the study stood a chance to participate in the study and no preference was given to anyone. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Limpopo’s Turfloop Research Ethics Committee and gatekeeping permissions were given by the Centre for Student Counselling and Development and Student Health and Wellness Centre. No one was coerced to participate in the study, that is, the participants participated voluntarily.
The findings of the study indicated that students were aware of counselling services from the Centre for Student Counselling and Development but not aware of the existence of Social Work services for students within the university. The study also revealed that the effectiveness of the services under evaluation high amongst those who had utilised the services and perceived to be highly effective by those who had not yet utilised the services. The study also established that there were proper referral channels for referring students to various service provider including the ones that the study seeks to evaluate. As such, the practitioners also indicated some of the challenges they face when rendering their services to be lack of awareness of Social
Work services by the student populace, lack of commitment from students and being under-staffed since their target population is huge compared to the number of professionals employed to service them. Through recommendations yielded by the study, students are encouraged to play their role in making the services effective by committing and attending to the prescribed sessions, the social worker needs to strengthen the awareness efforts in place to market the services and the management of the university is advised to re-assess the professional-student ratio and work on balancing it.
Thesis (M.A. (Social Work )) -- University of Limpopo, 2023
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZSolid waste management and selection of a solid waste disposal site in the Mankweng Cluster, Polokwane Local Municipality, South AfricaSelomo, Tsakani Germinahttp://hdl.handle.net/10386/43172023-10-17T01:00:09Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZSolid waste management and selection of a solid waste disposal site in the Mankweng Cluster, Polokwane Local Municipality, South Africa
Selomo, Tsakani Germina
Solid waste management (SWM) has become a major concern due to its rapid generation rate, especially in developing countries. It is projected that the quantity of waste generated will keep on rising with an increase in population. The solid waste (SW) generation rate is relatively influenced by various factors associated with population growth, urbanisation, and economic growth. This includes South Africa as most of its big cities are experiencing intense poor waste management (WM) and lack of landfill space. Therefore, accurate planning of a region's SWM system requires knowledge of the waste quantity, generation rate, and composition. Most studies on SWM have been focused on big cities whilst neglecting rural towns and villages, thus creating information and knowledge gap. Consequently, this current study aims to investigate the management of SW in the Mankweng cluster and find a potentially suitable area for a solid waste disposal site. The objectives of the study were to (i) to evaluate household solid waste management practices and perceptions, (ii) forecast the municipal solid waste generation and (iii) identify a potentially suitable landfill site using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in Mankweng Cluster. The study adopted a mixed-method approach whereby both qualitative and quantitative methods were explored. A total of 240 households in ward 25 (urban) and ward 27 (rural) participated in this study. The data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, field observations, and waste-weighing measurements. Furthermore, complementary data was obtained from secondary data sources such as government documents, and internet sources for forecasting and identification of a location for a suitable landfill site. Qualitative data was analysed using the thematic approach and quantitative data was analysed using statistical methods such as descriptive statistics, correlation, regression (i.e., forecasting) and GIS-based AHP. The results of the study show that majority of the SW produced was organic food waste (53% and 61%) based on their weight in ward 25 and ward 27, respectively. An estimated SW generation rate of 0.27kg/cap/day and 0.13kg/cap/day was observed for ward 25 and ward 27, respectively. Respondents from both wards indicated that
improper WM practices lead to, amongst to other things, illegal dumping. Furthermore, the respondents stated that illegal dumping occurs because of ignorance, lack of knowledge and unavailable waste collection services. They recommended that the municipality should build recycling facilities, install disposal bins on hotspots for illegal dumping, and promote good SWM practices. The results further showed that the multiple linear regression model used for forecasting waste generation rate in Polokwane Local Municipality yielded coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.88, with RMSE of 50690.2 ton/year and P<0.000. The model was significant (P≤0.05) and was then used to forecast future solid waste generation rate. The model showed that in future the amount of municipal SW is set to increase leading to the need for construction of a new landfill. In addition, the results for site selection for a new landfill estimated that roughly 67% of the area in Mankweng cluster is suitable for the construction of a disposal site. However, the outcome of the study demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating GIS-based multicriteria decision analysis and community perceptions in the selection of suitable landfill site. In conclusion the study emphasises the value of waste separation, collection, recycling, and awareness in achieving a sustainable SWM.
Thesis (M.Sc. (Geography)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZPerceptions of climate change and impacts on subsistence farming: a case of Mutoko Community in ZimbabweTayengwa, Dykehttp://hdl.handle.net/10386/42802023-08-24T01:00:10Z2017-01-01T00:00:00ZPerceptions of climate change and impacts on subsistence farming: a case of Mutoko Community in Zimbabwe
Tayengwa, Dyke
The study explored Mutoko community members’ perceptions of climate change and its impact on subsistence farming. Mutoko is a rural community situated in the eastern part of Zimbabwe. Focus group discussions were conducted to explore perceptions of climate change and its impacts on subsistence farming. The study findings show that the primary source of food is subsistence farming. The main crop grown in Mutoko is maize, followed by ground nuts (peanuts), and indigenous vegetables. Maize, ground nuts, sunflowers (for seed), sorghum and millet are grown for household consumption. The study reports community members’ perceptions and views of changes in the local natural environment. The changes are increased temperature and scarcity of rain. Observable impacts of these changes are decreased crop yields in times of drought. The findings are supported by observation that Zimbabwe lies in a semi-arid region with limited and unreliable rainfall patterns and temperature variations. Rainfall exhibits considerable spatial and temporal variability.
Generally, the impact of climate change on subsistence farming was the major concern among the participants. Though the study was not aimed at documenting adaptation measures taken to lessen the negative impacts of increased temperature and rainfall scarcity on crop production, the study shows that adaptive measures have been developed and used to adapt and cope with climate change. Community members are adapting to the impacts of increased temperature and scarcity of rain through their culturally informed mechanisms. The mechanisms include change of crops, use of manure to improve soil structure and mulching. It is concluded that the impact of climate change on subsistence farming is real and is negatively affecting food security in the study area. Farmers gave different views on the following; knowledge about climate variations, changes in environmental conditions, changes in temperature patterns and changes in rainfall patterns.
Thesis (M. A. (Sociology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017
2017-01-01T00:00:00Z