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MRDV / Institute for Rural Development

Thesis (M. A. (Social Work)) --University of Limpopo, 2018 / Cancer of the cervix is second type of cancer among women in developing countries, and a common problem among women of low socio-economic status in rural communities. The spiral increase of the problem is aggravated by some socio-economic, structural, cultural and political factors. Understanding the risk factors associated with the disease is a step forward towards effective prevention and treatment. Numerous studies have been conducted on knowledge and perceptions of cervical cancer however the information on cervical cancer is still not reaching the majority of women. The study explored the perceptions and attitudes of rural women of Matebeleng village towards cervical cancer, the risk factors, screening tests and the HPV vaccines. A qualitative exploratory case study was conducted. Self-reported data was collected from 22 women. Two focus groups of 7 and 9 and 6 face-face individual interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Data was analysed thematically. The research findings revealed that the majority of women in the rural area where the study was conducted never heard of cervical cancer and only few received inadequate information. Few highlighted some of the risk factors but some information was incorrect. Very few participants had only once been screened and the majority have never been tested for cervical cancer. Some became aware of the vaccine through the consent forms from school even though they did not exactly understand the content. The sources of information were the radio, health clinic and random women. The concerns of those who were screened were lack of feedback from the clinic nursing staff after the test, lack of adequate preparation and information before been screened to allay fear and doubt of the unknown and lack of reach out programmes to rural communities. The methods of disseminating information to rural women in their distinct contexts should be examined. Conventional traditional ways of reaching out to rural women could perhaps produce improved results through the integrated approach involving multi-disciplinary teams in educating communities. Key Words: Perceptions, attitudes, rural-based women, cervical cancer, risk factors, screening tests, HPV vaccine

Thesis (PhD. (Education)) --University of Limpopo, 2016 / This study reports on an exploration of a conceptual framework for service-learning in order to provide a shared and common understanding necessary for guiding best practice of service-learning at the heart of two-rural-based universities in South Africa. The key research question answered in this study was: How is service-learning conceptualised by dir ectors of community engagement, project coordinators, academic staff members, and students at two rural-based universities in South Africa? The following sub-questions were developed on the basis of the key research question: • What are the current community engagement projects that can be modified for future practice of service-learning at two rural-based universities in South Africa? • What are the views of directors of community engagement, project coordinators, academic staff members, and students regarding conceptualisation of service-learning at two rural-based universities in South Africa? • What are the possible strategies for conceptualising and managing the quality of service-learning at two rural-based universities in South Africa? • What framework will be relevant and appropriate for conceptualising and implementing service-learning at two rural-based universities in South Africa? A qualitative research approach using grounded theory design was employed in this study. Convenience sampling was used to select the two rural-based universities in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Four similar schools from each university (Education, Law, Agriculture, and Health Sciences) were sampled purposively. Participants were also sampled purposively. These included the director of community engagement, one project coordinator, two academic staff members, and two final year undergraduate students who were taking part in community engagement or servicelearning- related activity at each sampled school at both universities. Data were captured through document analysis, semi-structured interviews with sampled participants, and silent observations. Content analysis was used to analyse data from documents. Data from semi-structured interviews and silent observations were analysed thematically. Findings from documents, semi-structured interviews and iv silent observations were used to make recommendations for developing a framework for conceptualising and managing the quality of service-learning at the two universities. The study revealed that service-learning is an unfamiliar concept at these two ruralbased universities. Advocacy of service-learning has never been done and no initiatives are made on the part of these universities to familiarise this concept. The study's findings also reflect that there is confusion among various role-players regarding the meaning of the concept service-learning. Participants showed that some prefer to use the concept community engagement rather than service-learning, while others view service-learning as synonymous to community engagement. The SMART conceptual framework was developed on the basis of the findings and recommendations of this study. This conceptual framework is SMART because it is S - socially relevant, M - manageable, A - adaptable, R - rural-based, and T - transformative. The proposed SMART conceptual framework is intended to guide institutional leaders, directors of community engagement, deans of faculties, directors of schools, heads of departments, project coordinators, academic staff members, students, traditional leaders, and community partners in conceptualising, implementing and managing the quality of service-learning endeavours at the two rural-based South African universities.

MCom (Business Information Systems) / Department of Business Information Systems / The aim of this research study is to propose an e-learning framework to deliver a guideline for the adoption of e-learning considering all major determinants such as technical, operational, organisational, cultural and socio-economical domains, in the setting of rural-based higher educational institutions. E-learning is a process which has arisen from ICT advancement, and it is coordinated together with the education programs at many universities. In South African tertiary institutions, the adoption rate for e-learning is higher in urban-based higher education institutions and colleges and lower in rural-based higher education institutions. Even though with the supposed capacity that e-learning provides, the bigger part of the e-learning approach in rural-based higher education institutions does not achieve their potential. This study focuses on identifying factors which impact the adoption of e-learning at rural-based, higher education institutions and its challenges. A case study approach is undertaken, using mixed methods for collection of data from the respondents based on e-learning adoption at student, educator and institutional level. The study identified the factors which influence the adoption of e-learning in rural-based HEIs. Eventually, the researcher proposed an e-learning framework which contributes to the e-learning adoption in rural-based HEIs, by establishing a guide for these institutions for enhanced planning, development and implementation tool for e-learning adoption using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model. The study identified that the e-learning usage and perception was lower in rural-based HEIs as compared to urban-based HEIs, and performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions are all major factors which influence the adoption of e-learning. / NRF

Too often, literature on participation in community development is void of the rationale for the participation of teachers; the roles they may play; factors for and against their participation; and strategies for inviting and sustaining their participation. This study examines what could be done to ensure the participation of rural based teachers in community development activities, by exploring these issues. A qualitative design and purposeful sampling are used. The sample consists of information-rich informants from the following five categories: officials of the Rural District Council, non-governmental organisation workers, rural based school teachers, Village Development Committee Chairpersons, and ordinary community members. Interviewing is used as the major instrument of data collection. The study reveals that rural based teachers should participate in community development activities, since they have a wide knowledge base and transferable skills, and they are part of and trusted by the community. It reveals that rural based teachers' participation is deterred by political factors, lack of supportive policies, attitudes, conservativeness, lack of specialized training, and labour issues. Twenty two roles are identified for rural based teachers in community development activities. Strategies for inviting them to participate are: the use of policy, change of attitudes, use of media campaigns, training, and inclusion of community development in tertiary education in general, and teacher education in particular. Strategies for sustaining their participation emerge as: the use of incentives, free time or days off and holding responsible offices. Sixteen recommendations are finally presented. / DEVELOPMENT STUDIES / MA (DEVELOPMENT STUD)

Too often, literature on participation in community development is void of the rationale for the participation of teachers; the roles they may play; factors for and against their participation; and strategies for inviting and sustaining their participation. This study examines what could be done to ensure the participation of rural based teachers in community development activities, by exploring these issues. A qualitative design and purposeful sampling are used. The sample consists of information-rich informants from the following five categories: officials of the Rural District Council, non-governmental organisation workers, rural based school teachers, Village Development Committee Chairpersons, and ordinary community members. Interviewing is used as the major instrument of data collection. The study reveals that rural based teachers should participate in community development activities, since they have a wide knowledge base and transferable skills, and they are part of and trusted by the community. It reveals that rural based teachers' participation is deterred by political factors, lack of supportive policies, attitudes, conservativeness, lack of specialized training, and labour issues. Twenty two roles are identified for rural based teachers in community development activities. Strategies for inviting them to participate are: the use of policy, change of attitudes, use of media campaigns, training, and inclusion of community development in tertiary education in general, and teacher education in particular. Strategies for sustaining their participation emerge as: the use of incentives, free time or days off and holding responsible offices. Sixteen recommendations are finally presented. / DEVELOPMENT STUDIES / MA (DEVELOPMENT STUD)