The aim of this study is to determine the use of the parables of the historical Jesus as transformative interpretive instruments of food shortage in urban townships. We will give much attention on the 12 theses critical reading of the parables espoused by Van Eck. In order to reach stated objectives, a sample of 360 township residents across the South Western Townships (Soweto) and Pretoria, comprising of teenagers, youth and adults were invited to participate in the study. Van Eck's methodology of the twelve theses as interpretative frameworks of the parables will be applied. In that regard the reading of ten parables by Van Eck will be undertaken. The ten parables to be covered will be the following: the parable of the Minas (Lk 19:12b-24, 27), the parable of the Sower (Mk 4:3b-8); the parable of Unmerciful Servant (Mt 18:23-33); the parable of the Mustard Seed (Lk 13:18-19); the parable of the Great Banquet (Lk 14:1b-23); parable of the Lost Sheep (Lk 15:4-6); the parable of the Richman and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-26); the parable of the Merchant (Mt 13:45-46); the parable of the Friend at Midnight (Lk 11:5-8) and the parable of the Tenants in the vineyard (Gospel of Thomas 65). We will apply specific parables in interpreting four major indicators that emerged in the study. The indicators covered the following issues: the impact of food shortage on self-respect, one's dignity, openness and good relations with others. To achieve the desired end we will use the following parables: the parable of the minas (Lk 19:12b-24, 27), the parable of the sower (Mk 4:3b-8); the parable of the merchant (Mt 13:45-46); and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-26). Each selected indicator will be interrogated by a singular parable. The remaining aspects of the results of food study will be interpreted by eight parables namely: the parable of unmerciful servant (Mt 18:23-33); the parable of the mustard seed (Lk 13:18-19); the parable of the great banquet (Lk 14:1b-23); parable of the lost sheep (Lk 15:4-6); the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk 16:19-26); the parable of the merchant (Mt 13:45-46); the parable of the friend at midnight (Lk 11:5-8) and the parable of the tenants in the vineyard (Gos. Thom. 65). We want to show that the given parables can serve as catalyst of transformation in the interpretation of the entire study of food insecurity in the townships. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / New Testament Studies / PhD / Unrestricted

Masters in Public Administration - MPA / Mozambique has inherited from colonialism a backward agricultural sector based mainly in plantations of export crops, dominated by white settlers and a handful of foreign companies. Production of food crops, especially maize (which constitutes the main cereal food for the population), was mainly undertaken by the traditional agricultural sector. Combined events, from central planning of production to war and natural disasters, have made unsuccessful the governmental objectives of modernising the agricultural sector and making it more productive, in order to ensure a normal food supply, leading to a permanent situation of food shortage. The "free market" economy introduced in 1987 under the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), brought very little progress in terms of food crop production, leaving the country reliant on continued foreign food aid and imports. Recent studies of problems of low agricultural output in general and on the SAP performance in particular, have shown that the private sector, which is benefiting from SAP's investments, is biased towards cash crop production. The traditional agricultural sector, the biggest food producer in Mozambique, is facing integration problems into the new "free market" economy. This study has attempted to clarify the problems, which lie behind the difficulties in market integration of this sector of national agriculture. This is of particular importance, especially in this crucial moment of the ongoing regional food security project, within Southern African Development Community. The study has produced evidence of a lack of appropriate incentives within the traditional agricultural sector under SAP, mainly with regard to the marketing network and buyer of last resort in case of market failure. This includes absence of road facilities, rural shops and respective goods and commodities of interest to the peasantry. The study showed also that it is important to regulate commercialisation of food aid and food import, to ease the market for food crops locally produced. This could enable a gradual integration of rural markets. Conscious that the lack of the above-mentioned incentives may not be the only explanation for the persisting food shortage, I therefore suggest further research on the topic on appropriate incentives for the traditional agricultural sector, given its fragility and vulnerability within the free market economy.

Student Number : 0414810F - MA research report - School of Social Sciences - Faculty of Humanities / The goal of this research report was to profile the coping strategies of households in Thorndale to the effects and impacts of the 2002/2003 drought. Thorndale, the study site is prone to drought and thus experiences severe drought almost every year. The rationale behind the selection of Thorndale for the study was based on this fact, in addition to the fact that the study area is relatively unstudied. The study’s major findings included inadequate agricultural extension service delivery in the community, while the drought’s impacts were economic, social, nutritional and health, food shortage, environmental and wildlife. The most significant and largest impact was water shortage. These impacts led to increased household dependency on the natural capital component of livelihoods in addition to prostitution and the community’s institutional arrangements. The main constraints households encountered in response to the drought’s impacts included the lack of employment opportunities, financial and infrastructural problems among others. It is recommended that with respect to food security, efforts should be made to ensure the trickle down effect of national level assessment of vulnerability on annual basis to rural households in South Africa’s drought-prone areas including Thorndale, in order to improve timely and practical solutions to issues of food insecurity. Furthermore, it should be ensured that the national level benefits of early warning systems trickle down to the local and community levels including Thorndale. Additionally, agricultural extension service delivery in the community needs to be improved.

With our ever increasing global population it will be necessary for dense urban environments to develop methods of farming locally. Not only will urban agriculture be beneficial in aiding in the solution of this growing populations need for food production, but it can help to reconnect us to our food and their processes. This dissertation explores the education and reconnection of the public with the food production cycle through the experience of building integrated agriculture, vermiculture and aquaponic systems (cultivating plants and fish symbiotically). Pretoria’s Apies River is an ideal location for the establishment of a research facility of urban ecosystemic food production. The proposed urban agriculture program will allow for hands on research and development of emerging methods and technologies related to farming in the city environment while providing a platform for public education through interaction&inspiration. / Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Architecture / unrestricted

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