Thesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / This article investigates the effects of drought on small scale beef cattle farmers of Ba- Phalaborwa Municipality in Limpopo Province. Drought and its financial implications have caused critical problems to small scale farmers especially beef cattle farmers in the municipality. Most rural households depend on agriculture as their source of food and income. Agriculture thus plays a prominent role in the stability of rural communities. Drought is a factor that affects farmers not only during the drought season, but also the following season as the previous year’s reduced profits influence the next seasons spending. The changes in price of input commodities the season after drought also affect farmer’s decisions. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effects of drought on small scale beef cattle farmers in Ba-Phalaborwa municipality in Limpopo province. 25 Small scale livestock farmers from Lulekani A and B village in Ba-Phalaborwa municipality were randomly selected to participate in the study. The quantitative study applied a survey design and primary data were collected using open and close ended questionnaires. The findings of the study revealed that drought is a major concern for livestock farmers and the agricultural sector at large, resulting in high loss of livestock due to mortality and enforced sales. Furthermore, due to the devastating effects of drought farmers responses were characterized by the increased reliance on the Department of agriculture and rural development in the form of drought relief. It is therefore recommended that the country needs to prepare for this natural phenomenon and the key to drought preparedness and readiness is about knowing the what, how and when of the drought. To achieve this goal the scientific expertise to monitor and predict, the capability of the observation networks, information systems for drought early warning have to be improved. Furthermore, the provision of financial assistance to address long-term developmental needs (such as investment in water infrastructure and water-harvesting techniques) of the farming community, thereby improving their resilience, may prove more beneficial in the long run than short-term drought relief assistance in the form of fodder supply. Key words: Ba-Phalaborwa, drought, small scale livestock farmers,

Thesis (M. Sc. Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / This study investigated the food security indicators in the rural communities of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality of the Limpopo Province. Quantitative data were gathered from five villages in the municipality using the probability proportionate to size. Data were collected from 185 households. The analytical tools that were used in this study include: Descriptive Statistics, Food Security Indicator Measures and the Logistic Regression Model. Food security is a multidimensional concept; thus it is difficult to measure it comprehensively. Hence, three food security indicators measures, namely; the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and Coping Strategies Index (CSI) were combined in this study to measure food security in the study. Each indicator measure was used independently. The Logit Regression Model was used to determine the factors affecting the status of household food security. Certain explanatory variables, namely; household size, marital status and receiving government grant, had a negative relationship with the dependent variable. On the other hand, other variables such as educational level, employment status, gender distance to the markets and health status of the household head were positively correlated with the household’s food security status. The study rejected the null hypothesis which stated that socioeconomic factors do not have influence on the households’ food security status in the Ba-Phalaborwa local municipality. Out of the 11 variables, only four variables were significant, with the household size at 10%, educational level at 5%, household monthly food expenditure at 1% and distance to the market at 10%, respectively. Therefore government should direct more focus should on the introduction of feeding schemes in order to reduce the burden on the poor and at the same time, make it easier for young children to attend school to improve their educational statuses. The households in the study area are not food secured because 65.4 % of households could not afford the food that they preferred and were depending on borrowing food from their relatives and creating debts.

Thesis (M.Dev. (Planning and Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The implementation of community development projects in rural South Africa was expected, among other outcomes, to empower women by creating opportunities for their sustainable livelihoods. This study investigated contributions made by such development projects on women empowerment in Lulekani of Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality of Limpopo Province. The research objectives were to determine the nature of community development projects, to examine the role of the projects in empowerning women and to find out strategies required to improve the impact of the projects on women empowerment. Anchored within an interpretivist philosophical paradigm, the study employed a qualitative research approach using a case study method. The study population consisted of women who actively participate in community development projects and those who are outside the projects. Purpose sampling was applied in selecting the sample. Inclusion criteria were that participants should have been participating in the projects and/or residing in the community of Lulekani. The sample also included a few women who did not participate in the projects. This was done for comparative purposes. For data collection, unstructured face-to-face and focus group interviews were used. Data were collected about relevant issues on empowerment such as, but not limited to, skills development, income generation, accumulation of assets, social capital and human resource development. The study found that the projects were contributing to women empowerment by creating employment and generating income for them and their families. However, it was evident that much more could be done to multiply the size of incomes and improve their lives of in terms of skills development and by providing support for the long-term sustainability of the projects. The study therefore recommends that policy makers should consider developing to more holistic and appropriate strategies to improve contributions of community development projects on women empowerment. The study concludes that while community development projects have a potential to empower women, this critically depends on strengthening their capacity, particularly with respect to management and administration of those projects as well as enhancing their access to markets and other support.