In this study on product development and positioning in the hunting industry in the Eastern Cape, two conceptual frameworks were developed, based on a literature study. These positioning and product development concepts were tested against primary and secondary information gathered about the hunting industry. The game and hunting industries were in a strong growth phase at the time of this study. These industries are playing an increasingly important role in the economy of the Eastern Cape, and more and more agricultural land is utilised for game ranching. From the perspective of obtaining a competitive advantage in an increasingly competitive environment, it is therefore important for hunting providers to develop suitable products, and to position these products correctly. It is also important to investigate the characteristics of the game and hunting industries in the Eastern Cape and to get information about the characteristics of the market in which product development and positioning take place. Hunting is the most important form of game utilisation in the Eastern Cape, followed by cropping of game and live game sales. At the time of this study, the total value of the game utilised annually in the Eastern Cape was in excess of R168 million. Game utilisation seemed to be taking place on a sustainable basis, as the number of animals utilised annually was less than the annual production. Kudu and springbok provide the biggest total income, and, together with mountain reedbuck, are the most abundant species in the Eastern Cape. The main game-producing areas in the Eastern Cape coincide with the areas where extensive beef, sheep and goat farming are practised. The hunting products on offer from hunting providers, differ in certain ways. Aspects like price, type of hunting provided, game species available for hunting, terrain where hunting takes place, and various other aspects in connection with the hunt, differ from hunting provider to hunting provider. Characteristics of the hunting experience that hunters desire may be divided into core and variable elements. The core elements include: · the conditions pertaining to the hunt being spelt out clearly; · the maintenance of safety standards; · reasonable day fees; · the presence of game in sufficient numbers; and · other aspects generally desired by hunters. In the study it was found that the needs of hunters also differ regarding certain aspects of the hunting experience. These variable elements include price levels, type and availability of accommodation, and the role of the hunting provider. The core aspects that hunters desire are as a rule part of the product offering. From a product development perspective, the variable elements provide an opportunity to customise products to hunter needs. The inclusion or exclusion of variable elements from the product offering give rise to certain unique product features, and therefore provide the opportunity for product differentiation. After development, products are positioned firstly by selecting a market segment to focus on. Secondly, the needs of hunters in the target segment should be clearly identified, followed by the development of suitable products based on hunter needs, and taking into account the features of competitive offerings. Decisions should also be taken about the features to be included in the product offering to achieve product differentiation. After development of a suitable product, an image or brand should be chosen for the product, and this image should be effectively communicated to the market. A number of possible positioning options were identified for hunting providers. It was found that factors like the physical features of the ranch, available infrastructure, the market segment chosen, desires of the hunting providers, and the perception of the needs of hunters, eventually influence decisions about product development and positioning. The final decisions on positioning should take the core competencies of the hunting provider into account and should ensure that the hunting provider has the ability to fill the chosen position in the market.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2011 to August 2012 to investigate the status and identify risk factors for Bovine Tuberculosis (BTB) and cattle Brucellosis. A total of 1277 cattle from 6 selected dairy farms were tested. The farms were purposively selected on suspected risk. Samples were analysed using Rose Bengal Test (RBPT) and Complement Fixation Test (CFT) for Brucellosis and Comparative Intradermal Tuberculin Test (CITT) for BTB. The results revealed the overall prevalence of 1.6% for Brucellosis and no BTB was found. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age of cattle, herd size and number of calves a cow has had significant association with Brucellosis with p-values 0.0071, 0.0490 and 0.000 respectively. The role of location (p>0.05), gender (p>0.05) and breed (p>0.05) in the occurrence of the disease was not statistically significant at α=0.05, although higher rates were obtained in females and Jersey breed. Questionnaires were also administered to 47 individuals a total of 12 females and 35 males. Most respondents were not aware about cattle brucellosis and cattle tuberculosis. Consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk still occurs with 74.75% of respondents revealed.

Using data drawn from a sample of 80 farmers in the Kat River valley, this thesis presents the results of an assessment of the technical constraints affecting smallholder development and their implications for market access. A review of the relevant literature on the smallholder farm sector, technical change and technical constraints affecting smallholder farmers along with an overview of the agricultural marketing environment in South Africa has been presented. A critical review of the theoretical framework for consideration of technical change in agricultural development, with particular attention to the induced innovation model was undertaken. General information on the institutional set up was obtained by open-ended interviews of community leaders and focus groups. These interviews supplemented information obtained through literature study and document analysis. The other method of data collection employed was the single-visit household survey using structured questionnaires. The demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the surveyed farmers are described in this study. The selection process of the variables influencing market access was done by employing correlation and logistic regression analyses. Correlation analysis was conducted to ascertain the relationship among variables to find out the extent to which they mirror theory or intuition regarding their causation to constraints influencing market access. The logistic model was employed in the step-wise manner using each of key production inputs as response variables sequentially. On the basis of a binary logistic model, it can be concluded that the farmers still operate under a number of technical constraints. The most influential constraints are information, asset ownership, value of agricultural production and extension assistance. The study reflects the previous findings in South Africa that the legacy of apartheid continues to negatively impact on its agricultural economy. Key words: Technical Constraints, Technical Change,Market Access, Smallholder Farmers, Agricultural Development, Induced Innovation Model, Kat River Valley, Correlation analysis, Theoretical framework and Binary Logistic Model

Thesis (Ph. D. Com. (Human Resource Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / The purpose of this study was to explore workplace deviance, both constructive and destructive deviance, in order to understand and develop strategies that could be used to address different types of deviant behaviours amongst farm workers. Qualitative, explorative and descriptive research designs within the paradigm of constructivism were utilised to obtain rich and valuable data with regards to the participants’ views, experiences and meanings relating to workplace deviance, through a narrative approach to inquiry. Semi-structured interviews, using a critical incident technique, were employed in order to collect data on both constructive deviant behaviour and destructive deviant behaviour of farm workers from the research participants. Farm workers (n=30) and supervisors (n=9) from three farms belonging to the same conglomerate participated in the study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected narrative data on farm workers’ workplace deviance. The study highlighted that both forms of workplace deviance, namely; constructive and destructive workplace deviance, seem to exist amongst farm workers. The various forms of constructive deviant and destructive deviant behaviours, which farm workers were more likely to engage in were identified. The constructive deviant behaviours were found to assist the farms in realising their objectives, while the destructive deviant behaviours seemed to negatively jeopardise the wellbeing of the farms. The managerial strategies which could be used in the farming sector in order to manage workplace deviance in a more holistic manner were identified. These included practices to encourage workers to engage in constructive deviant behaviours, while discouraging them from engaging in destructive deviant behaviours. The managerial practices revealed in this study may assist farm management to manage farm workers in such a way that may enhance the farms’ competitiveness. KEY CONCEPTS Workplace deviance; Destructive deviant behaviour; Constructive deviant behaviour; Farming sector; Farm workers.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Information Technology)-Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 iii, iii, 85 leaves / Throughout Africa, growing human populations and resulting loss of wildlife habitat is a critical issue for most animal species. It is more and more common for privately owned small or medium sized farms to reintroduce wildlife on their land and such protected areas are fast becoming the only refuges available to wild animals. However a comprehensive understanding of the complex ecological processes taking place is vital for the effective management of restricted areas and the conservation of biodiversity. Due to the enormous complexity of an ecological system and the long periods of the related dynamics, it is very difficult to analyse the interaction between animals and plant populations without suitable computer models. In this thesis, the dynamics between elephant and trees (a major food source) are considered using computer simulations.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Information Technology)-Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 iii, iii, 85 leaves / Throughout Africa, growing human populations and resulting loss of wildlife habitat is a critical issue for most animal species. It is more and more common for privately owned small or medium sized farms to reintroduce wildlife on their land and such protected areas are fast becoming the only refuges available to wild animals. However a comprehensive understanding of the complex ecological processes taking place is vital for the effective management of restricted areas and the conservation of biodiversity. Due to the enormous complexity of an ecological system and the long periods of the related dynamics, it is very difficult to analyse the interaction between animals and plant populations without suitable computer models. In this thesis, the dynamics between elephant and trees (a major food source) are considered using computer simulations.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the nature, extent and impact of multiple land uses on the agricultural landscape in Stellenbosch as manifestation of a post-productivist mode of agricultural change. The research objectives included the provision of a thorough literature review of post-productivism; mapping the spatial distribution of farm-based activities on wine farms within the Stellenbosch area; the compilation of a land-use map of the area that will investigate the extent of multiple land-use diversification; an analysis of the locational relationship between farm-based activities and a range of land-use changes in GIS; mapping the municipal properties and land use on each; the provision of a typology of post-productivist, non-agricultural land consumption practices; and conducting a representatively sampled survey among farm owners/managers who have not followed the trend of multiple land-use practices. Data were collected from questionnaires completed by the owners of wine farms within the Stellenbosch area; by differentiating each land cover type by the changes that took place over the period 1993 to 2010; and from long-term lease agreements of Stellenbosch municipal properties and the land use of each property. An overall increase in the presentation of alternative features/facilities can be observed in the Stellenbosch area. According to the information obtained from the questionnaires, conferences and weddings seems to be the most popular alternatives to primary farming. The research findings indicate that tourism-related functions/facilities on farms lead to a much needed alternative source of income for farmers. The changes in land cover observed over time can be linked to the process of post-productivism, which is aimed primarily at minimising the harmful effects of intensive farming techniques on the environment. In cases where land cover has decreased drastically, especially plantations, these areas have been transformed into natural vegetation. The Stellenbosch Municipality is strict on compliance with policies, as failure to do so can have harmful effects on the environment. These policies include the Land Use Planning Ordinance 15 of 1985 (Western Cape, 1985); the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations of 2008 (Western Cape, 2008); the Western Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework of 2009 (Western Cape, 2009); the Provincial Urban Edge Guidelines of 2005; and the policy on the management of Stellenbosch Municipality’s immovable property of 2012. The municipality also is strict on the fact that the property may only be used for the purpose for which it was zoned. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to the termination of the contract between the municipality and the farmer, without any compensation from the municipality. Recommendations for future research include some development opportunities and marketing strategies for farm-based tourism; suggestions regarding the municipal responsibilities towards the commonages; as well as suggestions regarding the management of changes in rural land use change. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om ondersoek in te stel na die aard, omvang en impak van veelvoudige grondgebruike op die landbou-landskap van Stellenbosch as ’n manifestasie van die postproduktivistiese modus van landbouverandering. Die navorsingsdoelwitte het die volgende ingesluit: die voorsiening van 'n deeglike literatuuroorsig oor postproduktivisme; kartering van die ruimtelike verspreiding van plaas-gebaseerde aktiwiteite op wynplase in die Stellenbosch-omgewing; samestelling van 'n grondgebruikskaart van die gebied wat die omvang van die diversifisering van veelvuldige grondgebruike ondersoek; analise van die liggingsverhouding tussen plaas-gebaseerde aktiwiteite en 'n verskeidenheid van grondgebruikveranderinge in GIS; kartering van die munisipale eiendomme en grondgebruik op elke eiendom; verskaffing van 'n tipologie van die postproduktivistiese, nie-landbou verbruikspraktyke; en die uitvoering van 'n verteenwoordigende opname onder plaaseienaars/bestuurders wat nie die tendens van meervoudige grondgebruike volg nie. Data is ingesamel deur middel van vraelyste wat deur eienaars van wynplase in die Stellenbosch-omgewing voltooi is; deur onderskeid te tref tussen verskillende soorte grondbedekking deur te fokus op die veranderinge wat van 1993 tot 2010 plaasgevind het; asook ’n ondersoek van langtermyn huurkontrakte van munisipale eiendomme op Stellenbosch en die grondgebruik van elke eiendom. In die Stellenbosch-omgewing was daar 'n algehele toename in die aanbieding van alternatiewe funksies/fasiliteite. Volgens die vraelyste blyk konferensies en troues die gewildste alternatief tot primêre boerdery te wees. Die navorsingsbevindinge dui daarop dat toerisme en verwante funksies/fasiliteite op plase 'n noodsaaklike alternatiewe bron van inkomste vir die boere verskaf. Die veranderinge in die grondbedekking wat oor tyd waargeneem is, kan gekoppel word aan die proses van postproduktivisme, aangesien die proses daarop fokus om die skadelike uitwerking van intensiewe boerderytegnieke op die omgewing te verminder. In gevalle waar grondbedekking drasties afgeneem het, veral van plantasies, is hierdie gebiede gewoonlik in natuurlike plantegroei omskep. Die Munisipaliteit van Stellenbosch is streng oor die nakoming van beleide, aangesien versuim ʼn skadelike uitwerking op die omgewing kan hê. Hierdie beleide sluit in die Grondgebruikbeplanning Ordonnansie 15 van 1985; Munisipale Bate Oordrag Regulasies van 2008; die Wes-Kaapse Provinsiale Ruimtelike Ontwikkelings Raamwerk van 2009; die Provinsiale ‘Stedelike Randgebied’ Riglyne van 2005; asook die beleid op die bestuur van die Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit se vaste eiendom van 2012. Die munisipaliteit is ook streng oor die feit dat eiendomme slegs gebruik mag word vir die doel waarvoor dit gesoneer is. Versuim om hieraan te voldoen kan lei tot die beëindiging van die kontrak tussen die Munisipaliteit en die boer, sonder enige vergoeding vanaf die munisipaliteit. Voorstelle vir toekomstige navorsing sluit in 'n paar ontwikkelingsgeleenthede en bemarkingstrategieë vir plaas-gebaseerde toerisme, voorstelle ten opsigte van die munisipale verantwoordelikhede teenoor meentgronde, asook voorstelle gerig op die bestuur van verandering in landelike grondgebruik.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient infectious disease that has been infecting different populations around the globe and it has also been considered as one of the most successful human and animal disease. TB found in animals such as cattle and other known bovids is known as bovine tuberculosis. Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is an infectious disease found in cattle mainly caused by Mycobacterium bovis. M. bovis is a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) together with M. tuberculosis, M. africanum, and M. canetti where the natural host is humans; whereas M. caprae, M. microti and M. pinnipedii usually have animals as their natural host. In this study the molecular characterization of the MTC from cow milk in the Eastern Cape was investigated. One hundred and twenty samples (40 ml each) were collected from three dairy farms in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. These samples were processed using a modified Petroff decontamination method. Sample processing was followed by DNA isolation using a Zymo Bacterial/Fungal DNA Kit and the amplification and detection of the MTC was done using the Seeplex MTB Nested ACE assay. The drug susceptibility tests were done using GenoTypeMTBDRplus assay which detects mutations and resistance to INH (isoniazid) and RMP (rifampicin). The milk isolates were further analyzed using a spoligotyping method which is based on the PCR amplification of a highly polymorphic direct repeat locus in the M. tuberculosis genome which detects and types the MTC. A percentage of 20.8 % samples were found to be positive for MTC using the Seeplex MTB Nested ACE assay. There were 42.1 % samples that were resistant to both INH and RMP with the rest sensitive to either INH or RMP. The spoligotyping method showed that 78.3 % samples resembled Family 33 strains and the rest (21.7 %) resembled a spoligotyping signature known to be that of M.africanum. Both these strains belong to the Ancestral lineage with Indo-Oceanic and West Africa 2 lineage. The outcomes of our study showed that molecular methods for detection of MTC can be applied directly on milk samples without the need for culturing.

This study looked at the opportunities and challenges faced in promoting smallholder farming as an element in rural economic development. The main objective is to highlight the key factors affecting smallholder production; and how those factors affect smallholder farmers in rural areas of Buffalo City Municipality, and hence identify the ones likely to predict success for future use in intervention programs. The content and scope of this study is limited to the socio-economic constraints (economic activities, household assets e.g. natural assets, physical assets, financial assets etc.) faced by rural households and therefore prescribe the necessary interventions to enhance rural livelihoods. Data was collected through review of secondary sources, direct observation through field visits and interviews with households. Questionnaires were used as the main tool of inquiry to gather data from households in selected villages within Buffalo City Municipality. The collected survey data was coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 19.0. The study used Descriptive, Gini Coefficient and Binary Logistics model to analyze the collected survey data. For the descriptive model, the main pointers that were employed for this study were frequencies and mean values. The Gini Coefficient model was used to measure the contribution of different sources of income to overall inequality. The binary logistic regression model was used to uncover the correlates of the household income for different rural groups (famers and non-farmers). The results reveal that farm income has a strong association to overall household income per capita. Unearned income sources also have a substantial contribution to household income. Remittances and child grants were significant to non-farming household income per capita. Given the diminishing farm size of smallholder-led agriculture; these results suggest that a diversified household income portfolio is vital in addressing poverty in rural areas. Based on the results this study concluded that agricultural activities cannot solely enhance food security.

PhD (Agricultural Economics) / Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness / The high attrition rate of cooperatives in Limpopo Province is a great concern considering that cooperatives globally and in South Africa have been esteemed to play a role in rural development and poverty reduction. The problem of attrition is a threat in the development of our societies. In response to this, the study investigated the formation of cooperatives, influence of social, human capital and household characteristics. The study also assessed the differences that can be used to discriminate cooperatives earning monthly income and those without a monthly income. The main aim of the study was to develop a framework that could be used to create sustainable cooperatives in the future in Limpopo Province. The study was conducted in five districts of Limpopo Province namely: Sekhukhune, Waterberg, Mopani, Capricorn and Vhembe. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 146 cooperatives. Key respondents were cooperatives leaders. Focus group data from Mopani district cooperatives was used to provide a background to the researcher in the development of the framework. Focus group discussion information was only used by the researcher in order to understand the cooperative member’s views. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 146 cooperatives due to the availability and accessibility of the cooperatives. SPSS analytical tool was used to analyse the data. Models used in the study were Binary logistic, Multinomial and Discriminant analysis. The findings of the study revealed that household characteristics such as gender, member affiliation affected the formation of legitimate cooperatives. Social capital indicators such as access to information and benefits derived by relatives encouraged the need for funding. However human capital indicators were found not to influence the need for external funding. The study also discovered that there were major differences between cooperatives earning a monthly income and those without the income. There were various benefits derived from the cooperatives by members. The study concluded that for cooperatives to be sustainable, focus should be on human capital, extension services and improvement of the level of education. The notion is that an informed, trained and educated cooperative society is the future.