Thesis (M.Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / This dissertation describes a study undertaken in Limpopo Province and is based on the LADEP Project which was created through an established working partnership of the Finnish government and LDA extension services. The study aimed to assess the impact of women food security projects on household food security. For many poor people globally, in particular in sub-Saharan Africa, food security continues to be a challenge today. The poverty levels and increase in the prevalence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, reduced rainfall accompanied by changing climatic patterns, environmental degradation, the complexities associated with urbanization, globalization as well as technology shift in the agricultural sector and capitalistic market economies all play a role in the food security crisis. The study investigated the dynamics of food security in two villages in Limpopo Province: Jopi and Ntsako. This research has highlighted some of the factors that influence food economy and food security of poor rural dwellers. Achieving household food security for poor rural households requires an integrated approach in terms of poverty eradication as well as deliberate efforts with regards to food production and distribution within a framework of ecological integrity, with an aim of empowering the poor and ensuring that their household food security is guaranteed. The basic finding, and the one which impacts directly on the household food security of Jopi and Ntsako projects is that the majority of the people in these village depend on government grants, and are therefore classified as poor. However, as a survival mechanism, some women with experience in agriculture have resorted to farming, as well as initiating group farming projects to improve their socio-economic situation. Given the threats to sustainability of these projects, the study recommends that the government to mobilize financial resources to support the activities of these projects. There is also an increased demand for more training on various aspects of management and production for members to maximize output. The study also identifies the significance of a continuous monitoring and evaluation of projects on a regular basis.

Thesis (M.Dev. (Planning and Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Development projects, including the Fetša Tlala Initiative, were designed to contribute to the National Development Plan, 2030. The objectives of this research assessed how effective the Fetša Tlala project was in improving food and nutrition security of women farmers and the degree of empowerment the project afforded them. A semi-structured interview guide was applied to 16 purposefully selected respondents during face-to-face interviews as the data collection method. The findings indicated that physical resources provided to beneficiaries contributed to the effectiveness of the project. However, the inconsistent institutional support provided by the project initiators were considered to detract from the effectiveness. The findings also revealed that the beneficiaries were empowered by the opportunities afforded through the initiative, but were further empowered by their own resilience in the face of adversity. The study concludes by recommending the continuation of the project with improved institutional support.

This study aims at investigating household food accessibility categories (food insecure, vulnerable, marginal and food secure) of rural households in Sekhukhune district of Limpopo province. The study is based on five wards in Mamone village in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Ten households from each ward were randomly selected for the study. Structured questionnaires administered by enumerators were used to collect information from household heads. In all 50 household heads constitutes the sample size for the study. Data was collected from 20 August 2007 to 25 August 2007. Responses in the questionnaires were tabulated, coded and processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme. Based on comprehensive food security and vulnerability analysis the study showed that over 70 per cent of the sampled households were food insecure. Lack of education, income sources, water source, and infrastructure were some of the important factors contributing to food insecurity. The government should also give special attention to policy measures that guide towards the provision of household assets. It is recommended that special attention be given to measures that will provide the necessary factors that negatively affect household food security and vulnerability. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M.A. (Human Ecology)

This study aims at investigating household food accessibility categories (food insecure, vulnerable, marginal and food secure) of rural households in Sekhukhune district of Limpopo province. The study is based on five wards in Mamone village in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Ten households from each ward were randomly selected for the study. Structured questionnaires administered by enumerators were used to collect information from household heads. In all 50 household heads constitutes the sample size for the study. Data was collected from 20 August 2007 to 25 August 2007. Responses in the questionnaires were tabulated, coded and processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme. Based on comprehensive food security and vulnerability analysis the study showed that over 70 per cent of the sampled households were food insecure. Lack of education, income sources, water source, and infrastructure were some of the important factors contributing to food insecurity. The government should also give special attention to policy measures that guide towards the provision of household assets. It is recommended that special attention be given to measures that will provide the necessary factors that negatively affect household food security and vulnerability. / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M.A. (Human Ecology)