During the apartheid era, Black South Africans in large numbers were forced to live in overcrowded reserves, which were impoverished, homelands and townships through decentralization. Because of the high level of poverty, people could not afford quality seeds and fertilizers for good harvests. A government initiative known as the National Land Reform programme was established to address the issue of redressing the injustice of forced removals and historical denial to access land that was created by the apartheid policies. The initiative had to ensure security of tenure for rural dwellers, decongest overcrowding and supply of residential and productive land to the poorest section of the rural population, raise income and productivity, build the economy through the provision of support services by generating large scale employment, and increase rural incomes. The international experience of land reform has broadened the issue of injustice and denials to access land by reversing the problems to create solutions. Land reform is a policy and legal understanding to increase access to land by giving poor people ownership rights and ensuring sustainable land use. Most of the objectives of land reform in other countries included improving the agricultural efficiency, distributing land equitable, uplifting the standard of living, reducing poverty, and achieving equitable land redistribution. The occurrence of land redistribution has been part of land reform in many developing countries. From land redistribution, it has been learnt that there should be greater emphasis on supporting productivity and access to input and product markets. On the other hand, land tenure reform aimed at motivating individual land ownership, increasing and protecting peoples land rights, and introducing more security by using effective system of cadastral surveys and title registration. The source of revenue for local governments has been land taxes. Land tax does not discourage investments in land improvements. Although land reform has been unsuccessful at some point, its success has been achieved by addressing the equity in land distribution and upgrading livelihood and raising a number of successful Black agricultural producers. Land dispossession is an ancient issue that still has an effect even in contemporary times. Because of the necessity for land reform to be utilized, it will promote equity as well as efficiency in South Africa. The equitable growth patterns created by land reform shifted income and power to the poor. Land reform promotes efficiency through redistribution of agricultural land to smallholders. Smallholders become more efficient than large holders because they are more responsible for most farming activities. The land reform success in South Africa should be measured against its ability to address equity in land redistribution and livelihood upgrading, reduction in poverty, creation of rural employment, and income generating opportunities. Land restitution programme is concerned with the communities who were victimised by the past racially discriminatory legislation. The programme provides specific compensation to victims of forced removals. The major outstanding issue is the level of compensation to which claimants should be entitled. A programme called tenure reform promotes security of tenure to all citizens of the country and prevents evictions by the state or landowners. One of the aims of the tenure reform programme is to increase tenure security for about six million households. The impact of land reform on the lives of people is that there has been an improvement on the quality of lives. Though within a restricted scale, the agricultural and non-agricultural productions are taking place; and there is better service delivery. Because of excessive bureaucracy and over centralization of the land reform programme, the implementation of the process has been slow. A baseline study of the quality of live of land reform beneficiaries was undertaken in Limpopo Province at Gertrudsburg. The community of Gertrudsburg was forcibly removed from their land in 1963. They lodged a claim to the farm, Ledig 289 LS, in 1995 and succeeded in 2001. Gertrudsburg forms part of the Makhado Municipality in the Vhembe District. The area experiences a dry climate with consistent summer rainfall. Occasionally, summers are very hot while winters are cold. The baseline study of Gertrudsburg has four basic steps that were followed that include determining what to measure, designing the questionnaire, fieldwork and data collection and data analysis. For the baseline study to be successful, important questions had to be answered, and the general information was gathered in a form of questionnaires and fieldwork. Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches did data analysis. The two approaches were used in order to put more emphasis on the data of the quality of life of land reform beneficiaries. Qualitative approach has two phenomena in which one focuses on the natural settings, while the other involves studying the complexity. The quantitative approach was carried out in order to strengthen the importance of the quality of life of land reform beneficiaries. In order for land reform and other aspects such as land redistribution to be implemented, there must be involvement with the government departments, local government, parastatal, and non-government organizations. The outcomes of land reform include reduction in poverty, change in agrarian structure, and increased productivity. The success of the restitution process was achieved through the restoration of more than 887 000 hectares of land to more than 172 00 households. The baseline study showed the presence of poor quality of life in Gertrudsburg. It generally indicated the basic needs of people, which are not yet accessible by others. Success in land reform is enhanced when all stakeholders are involved and when they work closely together. More attention is still needed in order to upgrade the services and facilities in Gertrudsburg. The study generally recommends that for the improvement of the quality of life in Gertrudsburg, the following should be implemented: increment of commitment at national level to post-settlement support through conceptual, fiscal, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation provisions; increment of the role of district and local municipality; promotion of integrated planning and implementation; introduction of project implementation support team; establishment of a provincial land reform post-settlement implementation strategy; and improvement of inter-departmental communication at project and government level. The results of the baseline study could be used for future evaluation and monitoring the improvement of the quality of life in Gertrudsburg. / Dissertation (M Inst Agrar (Land Development))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / M Inst Agrar / unrestricted

This dissertation describes a study undertaken in Limpopo Province and is based on the GPAP project which was created under the auspices of LIMPAST through an established working partnership of ARC-GCI and LDA extension services. The study aimed at analysing the impact of the Grain Production Advancement Project on farmers’ production efficiency; and to determine factors that could have possibly affected the implementation of improved maize cultivars and essential maize production practices at farmer level. In essence, two important phenomena of the study are addressed: train-the-trainer, and also train the farmer. Through the GPAP project, farmer groups were formed and capacitated. Extension officers seconded to the project were also capacitated to implement the project through On-farm trials, Demonstrations and Farmer Field Schools. A combination of explorative and conceptual analytical techniques was used for data analysis. Explorative analysis was meant to present frequency analysis, and descriptive statistics. In conceptualization analysis, content analysis was used to confirm the descriptions of behaviour and content of documents. Three checklists were administered to respondents. The first checklist was used to ensure efficient group functioning of farmer groups, the second checklist was used to determine mobilisation of farmer groups and the third checklist determined the extent to which leader farmers implemented the training program for Aganang leader farmer group. A questionnaire was also used to determine extension officers’ perceptions on the following aspects: <ul> <li> Farmer participation;</li> <li> Implementation tools;</li> <li> Production efficiency; and</li> <li> Factors that led to poor implementation.</li> </ul> A Screening Instrument was used to predict the chances of the selected individual leader farmers from the Aganang district, to be successful in farming. Findings from the study indicate that 12 on-farm trials were successfully implemented and managed by extension staff and Farmer Field days were well attended in the first two seasons on the project. Farmer groups were formed and respondents revealed that the utmost reason for the formation of a group was to improve their maize production and to increase knowledge and skills. Only 33% of the groups have reached the task/performance stage of group effectiveness. The farmer groups performed on an average level due to the following reasons; there is still a dependency syndrome in farmer groups and a need to improve ownership acceptance by farmers. Extension respondents perceive that for a farmer group to perform efficiently the following needs to be in place: cohesiveness and teamwork, common goal, commitment, interest, self-reliance, participation and ownership. A total of 63% of small-scale farmers have only access to less than one (1) ha of arable land. Adoption of maize cultivars was to a moderate extent and 40% of farmers implemented the recommended farming practices to a great extent. The utmost farmer constraints that were attributed to farmers’ low implementation of farming practices included; drought, land shortage, financial support and labour shortage. However, there was a positive increase in the use of hybrid seed which also improved farmer’s maize productivity levels. In the Aganang municipality, a total of 20 leader farmers were selected for a leadership development program. Nineteen leader farmers completed a Screening Instrument to determine their chances to be successful in farming. The Screening Instrument revealed that only one (1) respondent had a 50% chance to be successful, and three respondents revealed a 26-49% chance to be successful. The Aganang leadership development program provided skills and knowledge to farmers and it was revealed that the leader farmers implemented the skills only to a moderate extent. Overall, the GPAP project had a positive impact on farmer’s productivity efficiency but there is need for a re-look at the project with special attention to the following: <ul> <li> Identification of high potential dry land production areas;</li> <li> The majority of farmer groups are too large and should be divided into smaller groups with clear, specific and measurable objectives; and</li> <li>Serious attention should be given to selected farmers with the best chance of success to participate in the project.</li></ul> Copyright / Dissertation (MSc(Agric))--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

This study focused on analysing the production and marketing constraints that often prevent smallholder farmers from accessing high-value markets in the agribusiness value chain. Access to markets is an essential requirement for the poor in rural areas to enjoy the benefits of agricultural growth. Limited access to agricultural markets by smallholder farmers in rural areas represents one of the most important challenges confronting policymakers in developing countries. Several studies have indicated how smallholder farmers can be linked to markets, but they have failed to address issues of how to increase the likelihood of smallholder farmers benefiting from high-value markets. Due to the stringent sourcing criteria of formal markets, small-scale farmers are excluded from the agricultural value chains. It may be easy to access the market, but it is very difficult for smallholder farmers to retain that market. This is attributed to the fact that smallholder farmers face various constraints along the value chain such as production and marketing constraints. The main objective of this study was to identify and analyse the constraints confronting smallholder farmers in the Limpopo Province and to suggest different strategies that can be used to make it easier for smallholder farmers to access high-value markets in the agribusiness value chain. This was achieved through personal interviews in two districts, i.e. the Capricorn and Vhembe districts. Primary data was obtained through structured questionnaires in both districts. These two districts were chosen due to their uniqueness with regard to agricultural potential, with smallholder farmers in both districts being heterogeneous and confronting different constraints in producing and marketing their products. Producing for the market calls for production resources, including production means such as land, water, on-farm and off-farm infrastructure, labour force, capital, and good management of these resources. Poor access to these resources affects the way in which smallholder farmers can benefit from opportunities in agricultural markets, especially in terms of the volume of products traded and the quality and quantity of those products. Based on the surveys employed for purposes of this study, the participation of smallholder farmers in high-value markets is constrained as a result of poor access to comprehensive agricultural support services. There are relatively few direct linkages between smallholder farmers and fresh produce markets, supermarkets, and agro-processors. The majority of sales by farmers are at either the local market or the farm gate level. Few farmers have access to basic production equipment and infrastructure. A range of impediments to participation in high-value markets were identified. These include lack of access to sufficient and productive land for expansion, sufficient water, modern irrigation systems, mechanisation, transport logistics, and market information. These constraints constitute the greatest barrier for smallholder farmers when it comes to accessing high-value markets, and overcoming these constraints is critical if smallholder farmers are to access lucrative markets. There is relatively low participation among farmers in collective action, more especially at production and marketing levels. The study found that smallholder farmers in the Vhembe district have a comparative advantage in terms of vegetable production compared to those in the Capricorn district. Smallholder farmers in the Vhembe district are better linked to agro-processors, fresh-produce markets and supermarkets as compared to farmers in the Capricorn district – even though this is the case for only a few individual farmers. The study also found that individual producers have greater access to on-farm infrastructure and also perform better and have closer links to formal markets compared to projects owned by groups of households. The results of the study suggest that smallholder farmers who are currently not participating in high-value markets could improve their participation if they are given access to comprehensive agricultural support services. More attention must be given to supporting smallholder farmers in both districts to ensure that they engage in commercial production and participate in high-value markets on a sustainable basis. This could only happen if their constraints along the value chain are addressed. The major challenge confronting policymakers is to create an enabling environment for smallholder farmers and empower them to produce high volumes of good-quality products on a consistent and sustainable basis. / Dissertation (MInstAgrar)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

The Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) is the largest layered mafic intrusion in the world and contains the largest known deposits of vanadium, chromium and Platinum group elements on the planet, as well as large deposits of iron, nickel, copper, tin and fluorite. To aid and improve our understanding of the tectonics that prevailed during the emplacement of the Bushveld Complex relevant data can still be extracted from the metamorphic aureole of the Complex, not the least among which are accurate determinations of pressure conditions during peak metamorphism. A relatively large number of geothermobarometric investigations have been performed on the Bushveld Complex aureole. The summation of all the thermobarometric studies on the Bushveld Complex aureole produces a dataset with largely divergent pressure-estimates, ranging from 1.5 kbar to 5.5 kbar. This study’s main aim was to produce new thermobarometric data for the Eastern Bushveld Complex aureole. To this ends metapelites from the aureole were sampled between Lydenburg and somewhat northwest of Penge. Polished thin-sections were produced for a number of samples and studied under microscope. After XRF analyses were performed on a refined number of samples, pseudosections for these samples were produced using Perplex. Electron microprobe analyses were used to analyze mineral chemistries of five samples and the resultant data used to construct isopleths for these samples in Perplex. The isopleth data was then used to scrutinize and, where possible, refine PT-estimates. The principal results obtained from mineral equilibrium modeling were the pseudosections and isopleths of samples DY09-54 and DY09-56. These samples’ cumulate results suggest that the metapelites of their sampling locality, which lies roughly ~36 km northwest of Penge, reached 530-565 ºC and 2230-2960 bar during peak metamorphism. Modelled isopleths of MnO/(MnO+CaO+FeO+MgO) suggest that these estimates be refined to 550 ± 5 ºC and 2650 ± 20 bar. These pressure estimates agree well with the majority of barometric studies in the literature that post-date the nineteen-eighties. The pressure estimates of 2230-2960 bar suggest that DY09-54 and DY09-56 were at a crustal depth of 7.9-10.4 km during peak metamorphism, assuming that a roughly 1.5 km thick load of rock, mainly of the Rooiberg Group and/or the Lebowa Granite Suite, were situated above the Rustenburg Layered Suite and at the top of the pile that overlay the samples. In such a case the Rustenburg Layered Suite’s contribution to the load would have represented a 4.2-6.7 km thick pile of these mafic rocks and, assuming that the load of Pretoria Group strata in the floor to the Complex had a thickness of 2350 m, the base of the Rustenburg Layered Suite would have been at a crustal depth of 5.6-8.0 km during peak metamorphism and directly above samples DY09-54 and DY09-56. Modelled palaeogeotherms together with the peak-metamorphic crustal depths estimated for samples DY09-54 and DY09-56 suggest that at peak metamorphism the samples’ temperatures had been elevated by no less than 320-355 °C, assuming that no thermal metamorphic effect was active on the samples just prior to the intrusion of the Bushveld Complex. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Geology / unrestricted

The work for this thesis was conducted on the basement lithologies of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. An investigation into the correlation between structural geology and the flow/occurrence of groundwater was conducted on these lithologies. Field measurements of geological structures were recorded and compared graphically and statistically to existing groundwater borehole data. Data analysis revealed that the structural geology in the basement lithologies of the Limpopo Province of South-Africa does not have a clearly identifiable influence in terms of spatial patterns in groundwater flow and occurrence at a regional scale. Groundwater targets created through weathering rather than tectonics were evidently more easily recognized. Structural controls on groundwater in the granitic aquifers from this specific area are not totally negligible, although it is believed that such influences will be better identified through intensive local scale investigations. As drilling for groundwater is an expensive practice, the knowledge gained through this study and the possibility of a correlation between groundwater flow/occurrence compared to structural geology might improve the odds of finding groundwater for the communities and farmers in the area. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Geology / unrestricted

A review of case studies in community-based tourism (CBT) indicates that most initiatives emerged from a rather comprehensive critique of the international tourism industry and were part of the community’s movements searching for solutions to the many worrisome impacts generated by increasing mass tourism (Christensen, 2002&Pleumarom, 2002&Christ, 1998). These alternative tourism projects were certainly not without problems, but what is important to note is that they were genuinely owned and controlled by local people and their organizations without interference from government, business and international agencies. Commercialisation was seen as the main cause of tourism-related problems, so the motivation was not to establish profitable businesses. Rather, the priority was to expose visitors to the realities of Third World countries and to engender understanding and solidarity for peoples’ struggle against injustices and unwanted development schemes. This kind of community attitude is often rooted in tourism developers’ and researchers’ lack of understanding of community views and perceptions. A literature review revealed that resident perceptions of tourism are an important planning and policy consideration for the successful development, marketing, and operation of existing and future tourism programmes and projects. The research undertaken for this study aims to provide a better understanding of community perceptions surrounding tourism, as perceived by the residents of the Tshivhase area, a relatively newly established tourism destination in Venda, Limpopo Province, and draws implications for future marketing and sustainable tourism development. The study indicates variables that influenced community perceptions of tourists, tourism and their own cultural heritage and indicates its significance for the study area. It provides insights into community perceptions towards tourists, tourism and their cultural heritage in the tourism context by discussing research findings that were identified in the study area during the field research. Furthermore, the study identifies how the community perceive their own culture in respect to tourists’ culture and finally, how they perceive tourism to influence their own cultural traditions (socio-cultural Impacts of tourism). Finally, the study provides guidelines for an appropriate marketing approach for Community-based Tourism (CBT) and indicates the significance of community perceptions for sustainable CBT development. The semi-structured interviews produced a very large range of responses that were categorised by grouping community members according to their common socio-demographic characteristics. Education, age group and occupation Emerged as the most important variables. Community members in the Tshivhase area with similar socio-demographic characteristics in terms of education, age and occupation demonstrate similar perceptions, thus enabling the researcher to draw clear distinctions among them. On the one hand, the findings suggest that there is a high degree of agreement among respondents with regard to the positive economic and socio-cultural impacts of tourism on the area. On the other hand, despite their very favourable disposition towards the industry, respondents recognise the possibility that some negative social effects may ensue, despite their absence in the area thus far. In most cases, however, respondents are convinced that these negative consequences of tourism will not emerge in the area because of certain African practices such as the custodian role of the chief and the strong moral codes and values generally upheld within the community. Another important conclusion is that certain socio-demographic characteristics play an important role in understanding significant perceptual differences between Category A, B and C. The most crucial and explanatory of these were education, age, and occupation. Category B and C in particular demonstrate little understanding of the tourism industry as a result of low levels of education and limited exposure to the tourism industry. / Dissertation (MHCS (Heritage and Culture Tourism))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Anthropology and Archaeology / unrestricted

Thesis (M.A. (Psychology)) ---University of Limpopo, 2017 / The aim of this study was to determine the notions of manhood by adolescent African boys in Ngove Village, Limpopo Province. The study sought to describe what it means to be a man according to African boys in a rural community. The study also described critical routes through which African boys transit from boyhood to manhood. The qualitative method was used. The sample consisted of 10 participants from Ngove Village, and was selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data was analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Common themes around what it means to be a man were clearly delineated. Findings of this study suggest that manhood is a status that is earned when a male person possesses specific qualities that one’s community and culture consider to be in keeping with being a man. The findings of this study further suggested that from early childhood, African boys experience social pressure that compels them into channeling their behaviours into standards set by the community. Meanwhile it is maintained that the male gender is the primary element of manhood, it is strongly emphasised that the male person will need to display his manhood behaviourally.

Thesis (M.A.) --University of Limpopo, 2014 / Problem Statement This proposal investigates the life of men who left their beloved families with the aim of seeking jobs in order to support them. Most of the men when they get employed, they forget about where they come from and start new families by marrying another wives in urban areas. Furthermore this study will seek to find out how these men could get help and to restore their dignity. Methodology In order to achieve the aim and objectives of this proposal, the researcher will utilise textual analysis and interview method. Significance This study will act as wake-up call to the new generation to take into consideration the importance of where they original come from. In addition, the study will contribute to the existing knowledge and understanding the purpose of living their homes to seek employment not to start new families.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Water is a strategic resource critical for basic human needs and for sustaining key economic sectors, including various emerging small businesses. The significance of water to everyday life become apparent mainly during periods of acute water shortages because of increasing population, industrial developments, droughts, and natural disasters that threatens the assurance of water supply. With the growing complexity of water supply challenges faced by the Phalaborwa WTW, there is a need to deploy technology and other means available to improve the provision of water and sanitation services. The aim of the study was to evaluate the telemetry system for managing the Phalaborwa WTW water supply process. / 2022

To date, research on organic farming and certification has focused on the production and trade possibilities of the industry. Farmers‟ opinions are underrepresented and this study endeavours to capture their opinions. In this study, the economic problem is to investigate the low participation of farmers in certified organic farming, highlight the economic benefits which are normally not clearly defined, as well as study the often complicated and frustrating certification process. The main objective is to investigate the determinants, which affect the smallholder farmer‟s participation, and to analyse farmers‟ perceptions of certified organic farming in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The specific focus was on the participation of smallholder farmers in certified organic farming. The dependent variable was participation as measured by a farmer‟s decision to either certify their farm or not. The independent variables included factors that make up farmer and farm characteristics, certification and market related characteristics. The study used a standard questionnaire to obtain information from farmers. The research methodology, analysis and the presentation of the study was quantitative. The study used descriptive statistics (percentages, means, standard deviations, Chi-squares and significance intervals) to evaluate the significance of the variables. These were analysed and described quantitatively by making use of EVIEWS and IBM AMOS software. In estimating the influential factors, a probit model was adopted, and in analysing farmer perception, structural equation modelling was used. v Descriptive statistics indicated that among farmers interviewed, the majority (61%) were female farmers and 39 per cent were male farmers. Among the female respondents, 46% participated in certified organic farming and 15 per cent of female farmers were not certified organic farmers. From the male group, 29 per cent were certified organic farmers and 7% were not. In determining factors influencing farmer participation, three of the variables were positively associated with the probability of participating in certified organic farming, these being: the age of the farmer, membership to a farmer organisation and market premium prices for certified commodities. The other five significant factors were negatively associated with the probability of participating in certified organic production. These factors were: the gender of the farmer, the farmers‟ income, farming experience, information access and certification costs. All these factors tended to decrease the likelihood of participating. With the exception of the farmers‟ income and farming experience, all the significant variables had the expected signs. Farmers‟ perceptions of certified organic farming were analysed and the results showed that a high percentage of farmers had a positive view of certified organic farming. In other words, the perceived benefits of certified organic farming meet farmers‟ expectations. The perceived premium price of certified organic products is the most important factor affecting farmer perception. This is not unusual because South Africa‟s organic production is mainly focused on exportation and targets high value markets. As hypothesized, the costs associated with the certification process, that is: inspection costs (-0.578) and annual certification costs (-0.719), negatively affect farmer perception. In conclusion, a combination of factors influence a farmer‟s decision as to whether or not to participate in certified organic farming. One cannot rely only on specific factors to determine farmers‟ participation in certified organic farming. Farmer perception of certified organic farming is also an important aspect. The more farmers positively perceive the farming enterprise, the higher the rate of participation will be. The same applies to the perceived costs, which have a negative impact on participation. The study finally recommends that government complete and put into practice the South African organic regulations, which may motivate farmers to get involved in certified organic farming and encourage local capacity building in certified organic farming. However, in the meantime, government should place an vi emphasis on self-regulation within farmer groups and cooperatives for organic production, and set up a regulator to monitor the current activities. This would enhance interest from potential farmers, and strengthen consumer confidence. The study further recommends that information on organic farming should be improved by encouraging more research in this area, which will enable farmers, consumers and regulators to access data on socio-economic, production and trade in the industry. Government should support or create a partnership between farmers and processors to establish cost effective processing of organic products and to increase the availability of processed products for market. Government should assist non-certified smallholder organic farmers to become certified, potentially resulting in a price premium for their products and enhancing export capabilities. / Dissertation (MSc Agric)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted