Thesis (M.Inf.) --University of Limpopo, 2018 / The purpose of this research is to investigate the information needs of rural communities in Bushbuckridge. Investing information of communities is vital because information plays an important role in enabling communities to meet their development needs, such as employment, education, health, safety, food security, and leisure. Libraries are therefore instrumental in helping library users to meet these needs. The study utilised triangulated (quantitative) and (qualitative) research methods. Participants in this study included 100 library users, four librarians and one library manager drawn from four local libraries through a combination of random (probability) and purposive (non-probability) sampling. The quantitative part of the study i.e. survey measured the perceptions of users on library services through questionnaires, while unstructured interviews elicited the experiences of librarians in addressing the information needs of library users in the four libraries of Bushbuckridge. Findings from the survey revealed, inter alia, that: most (65%) users had access to library services, although high travelling costs were a major barrier for those living in remote villages; a large number of users (60%) still depended on librarians to help them find information, while a growing number of users (33% had begun using computers and the internet to meet their information needs; the most important reasons for using the library were: assignments, study and careers, and, the majority of users in all four libraries were generally satisfied with the quality of the services rendered, although significant improvements were required in the supply of materials and water. Findings from interviews with librarians demonstrated that significant steps had been taken to address information needs of users across the four libraries. Common examples include: books and materials; computers and internet services; study groups; user training, and outreach programmes – although these were hampered by shortage of staff and vehicles. Cross-cutting problems included delays in purchasing of library materials; shortage of water and low perceptions about the benefits of library services in the community. In light of these results, it was concluded that information needs of library users had been partially met, with greater room for improvement in areas like human resources, information technology, transport and procurement systems and processes. The research findings have demonstrated that if provided well, library information services may help reduce the challenges of illiteracy, poverty and unemployment in this area. In light of these findings, the study recommended, inter alia, that the skills of library staff along with procurement systems and processes be upgraded in order to satisfy the information needs of library users in the study area. The study further recommended that outreach programmes be scaled up to increase awareness in the community about the role and benefits of library services in facilitating community development, particularly in Bushbuckridge where challenges of illiteracy, poverty and unemployment continue unabated.

Thesis (MPA.) --University of Limpopo, 2015 / Refer to the document

Thesis (M Dev.)--University of Limpopo, 2006. / Eliminating poverty and deprivation and their negative social effects is a critical challenge facing South Africa today. No political democracy can survive and flourish if the masses of the people remain in poverty, are landless, and do not have tangible materials for a better life. Attacking poverty and deprivation should be a priority of any democratic government (RDP 1994:1, 2, 9). Then South African government like its counterparts in the developing world is being restructured to improve governance and alleviate poverty. Optimal agricultural performance by small-scale farmers for poverty relief, food security, is shown to increase income and employment. Recognizing the contribution of these farmers in agricultural development and helping them improve their farming methods and secure small loans would impact favorably on poverty alleviation in the rural areas. The aim of this study is to determine the role played by rural development projects in poverty alleviation. In addition policy options, consequences and recommendations will be entertained. / Not listed

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2009 / This study focuses on the impact of the community development projects on the livelihoods of the people. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of the community development projects and the livelihood of the community of Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality. The study examines the operations and performance of the community development projects since they started. The objectives of the study are to assess the impact of the community development projects on the livelihood of the beneficiaries and the community in terms of income, jobs and living standards, as well as identify and recommend appropriate intervention strategies where necessary. The finding of the study revealed that the community development projects did have an impact on both job creation and income generation, although the income part of it is not satisfactory. The other findings were the skewed participation where women were dominating. The study reveals that the government and the private sector should play an active role in training the beneficiaries, encourage youth participation in order to ensure sustainability of the projects, and also expose the project members to different technologies available in agriculture to ensure mass productions which will translate into better incomes from the projects.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / Poverty among communities is not a static condition. There are many factors which contribute to its causes and depth. In South Africa, the economic gaps imposed by the previous apartheid government aggravated economic inequalities and caused considerable disparities, which resulted in the high unemployment rates. This led to a call for pro-active initiatives by post 1994 democratic government to remedy the living condition of the previously disadvantaged people. As part of its poverty relief drive, the South African government has embarked on a series of developmental initiatives to bring services to the poor and to reduce enormous prevailing backlogs, with the aim of increasing community participation and improving the lives of the poor. This study evaluates the egg layers project as a poverty alleviation effort within Blouberg Municipality of the Limpopo Province to respond to the prevailing poverty and underdevelopment among the poor communities. This study revealed from the observations, interviews conducted and questionnaires administrated to sampled beneficiaries of Blouberg Municipality who faces poverty. The study formulated strategies and made recommendations regarding the impact and implementation of the egg layers on poor people.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / The study investigates the impact of LED projects funded by the DHSD on poverty alleviation in the Bakenberg area of the Mogalakwena Municipality. The DHSD established more than ten different types of projects in the area to alleviate poverty in the local area. The Bakenberg area is part of the Mogalakwena Municipality and is characterized by high poverty rate and unemployment. It is also regarded as one of the rural areas of the Municipality. The study used a case study methodology and a mixture of quantitative and qualitative research designs. The stratified random sampling method with a sample size of sixty (60) was used to collect data from various projects in the six categories. Data were collected by using the unstructured face-to-face interview method. The data were then analysed using the Moonstats Windows 14.0 to describe frequency tables, plotted pie and bar graphs for the quantitative study and the thematic method of analysis for the qualitative study. The key findings of the study were based on core issues, such as the profiles of the respondents that indicated that the majority of the research participants were females. Most of the LED projects had a problem of marketing their products, and this needed urgent attention. LED projects make an impact on job creation, sustainable livelihoods and social capital among project members and their communities. The study recommends that committed individuals who take part in poverty alleviation should be considered for funding rather than to provide state grants only to groups of people. Resources such as transport should be provided to projects in local areas to access any type of market. LED projects should install palisade and electric security fences around projects to prevent theft within the projects. The study also recommends that a stipend of R500 should be paid to each youth who joins the LED projects to encourage the youth to participate in LED projects.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2006 / The purpose of the study was to identify material benefits that households participating in poverty alleviation projects receive. The study used both the qualitative and quantitative research design in the context of a random sample of 70 non-project households and 42 households participating in projects. A structured interview schedule was used to collect data. The major findings of this research study are that poverty alleviation projects are effective in alleviating poverty especially amongst rural women. The significance of the study lies in insights on improved methods in the management of poverty alleviation projects

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / The government poverty alleviation programme in the form of social welfare support grants and free basic services have been going on over the past decade. This prompted the research into the study which is aimed at the investigation of the implementation of the government social welfare support and free basic services in the Mapuve village, in Greater Giyani, Limpopo Province. The study was designed as a case study within a qualitative framework. The simple random method, which is a probability type of statistical sampling approach, was used in the selection of respondents. Closed and open-ended questions were used to solicit information from the participants in the study. The study discovered that the implementation of government social welfare grant and free basic services in disadvantaged communities represented the realisation of their socio-economic rights as enshrined in the South African constitution. Mapuve village is one of the villages with a huge backlog of service delivery in Greater Giyani Municipality. The municipality „s inability to provide every applicant with an RDP house is the major contributing factor to the different views and perceptions that people held towards the allocation of RDP houses. The assessment of the key level of services in the dwelling of respondents painted a deplorable situation in the village. None of the respondents had free basic services; that is, water, sanitation and refuse removal in their dwellings and in the communities. Electricity as one of the free basic services is found in one portion of the village. The perceptions of community members towards the government social welfare grant and free basic service at Mapuve Village point to frustration, anger and dissatisfaction towards the services of the government although to some extent, the social welfare support has contributed to poverty alleviation. In view of the absence of free basic services in the village the respondents complained that the social grants are inadequate in meeting their needs because they also use the grant buy paraffin/electricity and water which are supported to be free basic services. Therefore they called on the government to increase grants to people in areas where free basic services are inadequate.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2013 / The objective of the study is to evaluate the socio-economic impact of poverty alleviation and food security projects implemented by the Department of Agriculture in Limpopo Province. Data were collected from beneficiaries, stakeholders and literature. The analysis is based on the status of the projects before the intervention and the present status after the implementation of the programme. In most instances the beneficiaries and stakeholders were not part of the plenary for the programme. Observations also show that it seems interest and ability in agricultural activities was not tested before implementing the programme. Sustainability of a project depends on the involvement of all relevant key players, stakeholders and beneficiaries, from the initial stage through monitoring and evaluation stages, to closure of the project.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / The aim this study was to assess the impact of training of Extension Officers on poverty alleviation agricultural projects in Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality. It aimed to assess if the skills that the Extension Officers acquired from the training offered to them did have a positive impact on the farmers and their projects. The objectives of the study thus, were: to identify and describe the nature and relevance of the training programs offered to the Extension Officers; to assess the impact of training and development on service delivery; and to suggest appropriate actions or interventions as may be necessary to improve the impact on service delivery. The study was qualitative in design and it sampled 10 projects. Data was gathered from Extension Officers attached to the 10 projects, famers, key informants consisting of community leaders and headmen and Deputy Managers. The study used focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire to collect data. The key findings from this study are: computer literacy skills training seems to be the most popular one among the Extensions Officers. Some of them have never been given the opportunity to attend agricultural-related training. The study recommends that the computer literacy should be combined with the technical agricultural subjects so that the Extension Officers could be equipped with more information which will assist them to search for information from the internet and to impart the agricultural information to the farmers so that they could improve their productivity and income. Training in marketing and financial management is imperative for farmers to enhance their productivity and to manage their finances. The study also found out that the Extension Officers are not receiving adequate posttraining supervision in the form of evaluation. The frequent project visits and supervision of the extension officers’ daily duties by their superiors can improve their commitments to their work as well as increase the farmers’ productivity. Farmers lament the fact that they are offered the training theoretically and none of the extension officers make an effort to demonstrate to them practically. The work-related training which the Extension Officers have attended have improved service delivery at their work place because some of the beneficiaries since they started working in their projects, they have been getting their salary every month and their secret is that they cultivate the correct vegetables at the right time and this helps them to manage the three months waiting period easily. The Limpopo Provincial Department of Agriculture should extend the number of the extension officers in their municipality so that they could be available when they need them. The study adds to the knowledge base on the impact of training of extension officers on poverty alleviation agricultural projects.