M.Tech. (Architectural Technology) / This project is an architectural response to a setting shared by an active open cast platinum mine and the surrounding rural traditional subsistence farming communities located in the Mogalakwena municipality, Limpopo Province. The area is characterised by its mine waste landscape and large open cast pits, all of which are remnants of the process of open cast mining. The Mogalakwena communities’ economic livelihood is largely dependent on agricultural land. This land is reducing, partly due to the establishment and expansion of the mine and partly to the increased growth rate of the surrounding communities. This project argues that the remnants of the mining industry (particularly open cast pits, mine waste rock and infrastructure) need not be redundant and can be reused and rehabilitated to result in productive outcomes by establishing the necessary systemic strategy for transposed use. It contends that the proposed reconfi gured mining infrastructure programs can be responsive to context (history, environment and communities), climate and natural processes of the area. In testing the strength of this argument, diff erent research investigations and theories were used as was appropriate to each area of research in this topic. These included, among others, investigations into the history and context of both the mining industry generally, including its legislative context, and the site specifi cally. Considerations of the embedded memory of the site were taken into account. Theories which assisted in leading to a proposed strategy for the site on a contextual scale included theories relating to contextual productive systems, continuous productive urban landscapes, permaculture and biomimicry, augmented landscapes, entropic architecture, architecture as a machine and the mortality of architecture. Ultimately, a proposed solution as an architectural product was sought. The following questions had to be answered in a eff orts to produce an appropriate architectural response to the site and its challenges: 1. How can the role of architecture reconfigure the redundant, disused mine waste landscape so as to harness a rehabilitative and productive system and how can that system be managed by the design? 2. How can contemporary rural agricultural projects be challenged to form new typologies that empower the communities to provide for their own present and future needs? 3. How can architecture as a system be designed to outlast the temporality of its program to transform a redundant open cast mining landscape into a productive landscape? The architectural intervention is a design of reconfi gured structures aimed at facilitating a productive and sustainable environment for agricultural advancement, in order to rehabilitate the existing “minescape” (industrially altered mining land), and reconcile the use of this land with the history of subsistence farming as practiced by members of the surrounding communities. The proposed architectural product strives to create a site and context responsive architectural program or system by fusing technological strategies into the body of architecture that are essentially environmental. It aims to employ air, water, sun, and earth to augment the productive relationship between architecture and the “minescaped” terrain, thereby creating a Productive Minescape, which yields tangible positive by-products such as agriculture, renewable energy, water treatment and harvesting systems, among others. Other productive by-products of the project are education and research facilities and facilities which aim to provide accessibility and reconciliation of the stakeholders of this area, to the site and to each other. The introduction of these systems and facilities will be phase one of the proposed architectural intervention. However, the intervention is networked, and therefore has a scalable logic which is envisaged to grow and develop at a much larger and more intensive scale, suggested to occur over the next 30 years, which are phases two, three and four (see figures 17 and 18).

Rural farmers in Zimbabwe have been grappling with various changes and challenges occurring in the country since the early 1990s. Amongst these, climate variability has emerged as one significant aspect. It has introduced new challenges for these farmers who are already facing various difficulties in maintaining their insecure livelihoods. Yet, current adaptation theories and inquiries have failed to sufficiently account for and analyse the capacity of these farmers to adequately respond to changing climatic conditions. In this respect, a number of studies have been heavily embedded in deterministic concepts that regard rural farmers as passive victims who play only a minor part in decisions and actions that affect their own livelihoods and well-being. Similarly, although some studies have acknowledged farmers’ capacity to adapt and build elements of resilience, they have not adequately shown how farmers interpret changes in climate and the structures, processes and conditions underpinning adaptation. Following that, my study uses a case study of a rural community in a semi-arid region of Mutoko district in eastern Zimbabwe and Margaret Archer’s sociological theory to understand and analyse how farmers problematise climate variability and respond to it. The study utilises a qualitative approach to divulge the subtleties on how rural people interpret processes of change and adapt to such changes. The thesis found that farmers are encountering increasingly unpredictable and unreliable rainfall patterns as well as shifting temperature conditions which are inducing labyrinthian livelihoods conundrums. However, these climatic shifts are not being experienced in a discrete manner hence farmers are also discontented with the obtaining socio-economic circumstances in the country. Simultaneously, whilst farmers in large part conceived changes in rainfall and temperature to be caused by natural shifts in climate, they also ascribed them to cultural and religious facets. Importantly, the thesis reveals considerable resourcefulness by farmers in the face of nascent changes in climate variability. Farmers have therefore constructed versatile coping and adaptive strategies. What is crucial to mention here is that climatic and non-climatic challenges are negotiated concurrently. Therein, farmers are adapting to climate variability and at the same time navigating difficult socio-economic landscapes. All the same, the process of adaptation is ostensibly not straightforward but complex. As it evolves, farmers find themselves facing numerous constraining structures and processes. Nonetheless, farmers in this study are able to circumvent the constraints presented to them and at the same time activate the corresponding enabling structures, processes and conditions.

This study looked at the opportunities and challenges faced in promoting smallholder farming as an element in rural economic development. The main objective is to highlight the key factors affecting smallholder production; and how those factors affect smallholder farmers in rural areas of Buffalo City Municipality, and hence identify the ones likely to predict success for future use in intervention programs. The content and scope of this study is limited to the socio-economic constraints (economic activities, household assets e.g. natural assets, physical assets, financial assets etc.) faced by rural households and therefore prescribe the necessary interventions to enhance rural livelihoods. Data was collected through review of secondary sources, direct observation through field visits and interviews with households. Questionnaires were used as the main tool of inquiry to gather data from households in selected villages within Buffalo City Municipality. The collected survey data was coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 19.0. The study used Descriptive, Gini Coefficient and Binary Logistics model to analyze the collected survey data. For the descriptive model, the main pointers that were employed for this study were frequencies and mean values. The Gini Coefficient model was used to measure the contribution of different sources of income to overall inequality. The binary logistic regression model was used to uncover the correlates of the household income for different rural groups (famers and non-farmers). The results reveal that farm income has a strong association to overall household income per capita. Unearned income sources also have a substantial contribution to household income. Remittances and child grants were significant to non-farming household income per capita. Given the diminishing farm size of smallholder-led agriculture; these results suggest that a diversified household income portfolio is vital in addressing poverty in rural areas. Based on the results this study concluded that agricultural activities cannot solely enhance food security.

The study sought to investigate socio-cultural factors that contribute to the invisibility of women in agricultural activities at Khwezana village, Alice district. The present study was underpinned by a people’s –centered developmental approach paired with the feminist perspective based of ethnographic research methods, participant observation and basic individual interviews. The study mainly focused on female residents of the village, those who are active in agriculture and also those who are not practicing crop production. Rural women of South Africa have historically played a significant role by contributing in the sustainable livelihoods of the country as well as their communities. However, it has been revealed that there are factors that impede the participation of women in agricultural development. The study revealed that socio-cultural factors such as limited access to land, access to credit (due to tradition and culture circumstances), limited education and culture change in general are the major factors that significantly influence the low agricultural activity in the study village.

Effective microorganisms (EM), a commercial concoction of microbes that includes yeasts, fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes, have been found to be effective in enhancing crop growth by a number of scholars. It is registered in South Africa, but it had not been thoroughly investigated. The present study investigated the effects of EM on growth, yield and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), butternut (Curcurbita moschata) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris), along with selected soil properties. In field-grown tomato it was observed that the application of EM caused a significant increase in the number of fruits at seven weeks after transplanting. However, plants treated with EM alone, or EM in combination with other amendments, subsequently produced lower yields owing to an outbreak of early and late blights which affected them the most severely. Combined applications of EM with organic amendments improved plant N content and increased soil N content above initial levels. The application of compost resulted in soil N and P concentrations higher than those of the control presumably due to nutrients being slowly released from the compost material. In a follow up greenhouse trial EM application had a negative effect on tomato leaf dry matter yield, number of leaves, number of trusses, fruit yield and number of fruits. The negative effects of EM were ascribed to N immobilization by the EM that could have resulted in reduced N availability to plants. The lower number of fruits associated with EM application resulted in improved average fruit weight of tomatoes grown in the greenhouse, possibly as a result of more assimilates being partitioned to the few fruits EM application also had a negative effect on field grown butternut as reflected by lower total yield, lower marketable yield and lower first grade yield. The results were attributed to immobilization of N induced by application of EM, and to the inability of EM to control pumpkin fly that attacked very young fruit, resulting in their failure to develop or resulting in the down grading of mature fruits. The application of EM alone had a positive but non significant effect on the yields of both the first and second harvests of Swiss chard. However, when applied with compost or goat manure, a non significant negative effect on yield was observed. When applied with inorganic fertilizer, EM had no effect on yield but tended to increase the uptake of nitrogen by Swiss chard. Though goat manure had a narrower C: N ratio than compost, it did not result in greater EM effectiveness as had been hoped. However, goat manure had a more positive effect on soil properties than compost. It increased the N, P, and K contents of the soil and resulted in a narrower C: N ratio of the soil compared to compost. Generally, the results of the four trials conducted with three different crops indicated that EM had inconsistent effects on crop performance.

The aim of this investigation was to assess the impact of the In-Field Rainwater Harvesting technology on household food security in the study area. The study was conducted in Nkonkobe Local Municipality of the Amathole District Municipality in central Eastern Cape Province. The areas under investigation are Guquka and Khayaletu villages of the Thyume Valley, which is located about 30 kilometres north of Alice. The method used to assess the impact of the IRWH on household food security was a pair wise comparison method. During September 2009, there were 60 (34 in Guquka and 26 in Khayaletu) households who adopted the technology in home gardens. In order to get a clear picture of the impact of the technology on food security, a decision was taken to assess both the project members and non-project members, hence the pairwise comparison method. The non-project members (also 60 households) were selected randomly from those who were interviewed during the situation analysis in 2004. Five indicators were used to assess household food security. These were household income, expenditure on food, diet diversity, energy-protein intakes, and micro-nutrient intakes (Vitamin A, C and Iron). The income and expenditure data were collected from the 120 households. However, the detailed food data were collected from selected cases from both groups at different times (seasons) of the year. A case study approach was employed in data collection. A total of 12 cases (six households per village) were selected for this investigation. These were selected mainly according to the degree of poverty. The total of six households from each village comprised three project members and three non-members i.e. one from each poverty class (non- poor, poor and ultra-poor) in both categories. The data on the kinds of food products consumed by households was gathered using the food account method (FAM). The food consumed was then analysed for nutrient adequacy. The main findings of this investigation show the IRWH technology to have a positive impact on food security and nutrition of the project members. The technology made significant contributions to the amount of energy and vitamins A and C consumed by households especially during wet seasons. Substantial contributions of garden produce were noted among the project members. However, these contributions were not enough to ensure household food security. The results indicate that there are nutritional problems in the study area. Firstly, there is protein- v energy malnutrition mainly affecting the poor and the ultra-poor households. Secondly, there is hidden hunger affecting all poverty categories, even the non-poor households. This is mainly demonstrated by poor diet quality i.e. diet that lacks essential nutrients identified

This dissertation explored adaptation mechanisms and adaptation options employed by rural small-scale farmers at Dzindi Irrigation Scheme to achieve food security in the midst of climate change as well as reflecting on the role of the state in building capacity of rural small-scale farmers to adapt to climate change. The study employed qualitative research techniques and data was obtained through semi-structured interviews with 40 small-scale farmers at Dzindi smallholder irrigation scheme.Irrigation control, high yielding crop varieties (HYVs), drought resistant crop varieties, drip irrigation are among a host of adaptation strategies successfully employed by farmers at Dzindi. These strategies have been effective in giving the farmers a lifeline in terms of household food supply and income.However, lack of funding, modern infrastructure and equipment has hampered adaptation efforts at the scheme. This has been compounded by lack of support from the Government. Government seemingly has not done enough to capacitate and assist famers to adapt to climate change.

The overall objective of the whole study was to assess whether conservation agriculture (CA) systems can work in the Eastern Cape Province (EC). The CA systems were engaged through cover cropping to address land degradation problems by emphasizing high biomass production in order to realize short term benefits such as moisture conservation, weed suppression and soil fertility benefits under rainfed conditions in the central region of the Eastern Cape province. Since rainfall is the most limiting factor to crop production in the EC, a within season rainfall distribution analysis was conducted to expose the quality of the season (onset, end and duration) and hence the feasibility of CA systems to guide agronomic decisions by farmers in EC. To assess season parameters, thirty four years of daily rainfall was collected from the University of Fort Hare Research station and used to conduct the rainy pentad (5 day rainfall totals) analysis and the daily rainfall analysis using INSTAT software programme. Based on the pentad analysis, results showed that Alice does not have a rainy season in 1 out of 2 years (50% probability) but has one in 1 out of 4 years (25% probability level). This criterion proved to be harsher and conservative when compared to the daily rainfall approach which is more precise in measuring trends on season parameters. The daily rainfall analysis indicated a 65% feasibility for the dry land cropping systems in the EC. The pentad analysis however was effective in illustrating seasonality and it showed that the wet season begins on the 1st of November, ending on the 22nd of March lasting for 140 days. Though the season duration appeared too long, the existence of dry spells during critical growth stages adversely affects the quality of the season. The daily rainfall analysis also managed to derive a signal which can guide planting decisions. For planting to be successful, this analysis determined that 20 mm of rain should be received in two consecutive days after the 1st of November. A screening trial for cover crop biomass production and weed suppression was conducted on-station Fort Hare Research Farm (32°46' S and 26° 50' E), and Msobombvu village (MSBV) (32°44' S, and 26° 55' E) over two seasons (2007/08 and 2008/09). Six summer cover crops i.e. cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), dolichos lablab (Dolichos argenteus), sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), buckwheat (Fagopyrum sagittatum), forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sunflower (Helianthus annus) were evaluated for biomass yield, and weed suppression. Decomposition rates, moisture conservation and residual effects of these cover crops on the succeeding main crop were also evaluated under dryland conditions. The screening trial was laid in randomized complete block design replicated three times. Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sunflower (Helianthus annus) were identified as high biomass producers and their dry matter yields ranged from 8 -12 t ha-1. These cover crops can be useful in generating high biomass in rainfed cropping systems in the EC. Other cover crops produced 3 - 4 t ha-1 of biomass which fell short of the 6 t ha-1 expected benchmark. However, these biomass yields were important in weed management since all cover crop species showed a similar degree of weed suppression which surpassed the weed fallow treatment. As dead mulches, the cover crops failed to show residual moisture conservation and weed control benefits for the succeeding maize crop mainly because of poor residue persistence, and low harvestable fallow rainfall. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), was selected for further investigations in a follow up trial on station in 2008/09 season because of its weed smothering qualities, suitability to short cycle rotations, and possible allelopathic properties. The trial aimed at finding weed and cost effective management options of buckwheat that are none detrimental to the succeeding maize crop. Results showed that cropping systems where buckwheat is followed by a main crop may not work as they are unprofitable with respect to R100 rand invested. Though perceived to have allelopathic properties, buckwheat failed to demonstrate the possibilities of allelopathic action against weeds. Intercropping trial was conducted on-station in 2007/8-2008/09 seasons to try and find better ways of fitting legume cover crops into maize based cropping systems without compromising production of staple cereals on limited landholdings. The trials evaluated three factors in factorial combination, cover crop planting date, intercropping strategy, and cover crop species. The trial was laid as 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arranged in a split-split plot design. The main plot factor was cover crop planting date, cover crops simultaneously planted with maize and cover crop planted two weeks after planting maize (DKC 61-25). The sub-plot factor was intercropping strategy, strip intercropping and betweenrow intercropping. The sub-sub-plot factor was cover crop species, Dolichos lablab (Dolichos argenteus (Highworth), and Cowpea Vigna ungiculata (Agrinawa) plus control plots of sole maize. Results showed that same time planting of leguminous cover crops with maize using the in-between row intercropping patterns can derive appreciable system biomass (maize/cover crop) yields, utilize land efficiently whilst getting favourable maize grain yield. Based on the rainfall analysis, results showed that the probability of success when relay seeding cover crops after two weeks into standing maize is low (15% chances of success). This suggests that relay intercropping strategies would not work due to the unavailability of a good quality season.

Climate is an important factor of agricultural productivity and many rural dwellers in developing countries depend on agriculture and are highly affected by climate change and variability. The world is currently experiencing climatic changes and variability conditions which results in high temperatures, low rainfall patterns, shortage of water and drought persistence. Climate change and variability is affecting weather patterns and shifting seasons which results in serious repercussions on smallholder farmers. Smallholder farmers are extremely vulnerable to climate change and variability because their farming and production systems are climate sensitive and are not rebound to climate stresses. These adverse effects in developing countries arise from different climate change and variability-related causes, notable extreme weather events, food security, increased health risks in agriculture from vector home diseases, and temperature-related morbidity in environments. The study was carried in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. This study examines farmers’ awareness of climate change and variability and its effects on agricultural productivity in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality using a Descriptive Statistics, Binary and Ricardian Model fitted to data from a cross-sectional survey of 200 farmers in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. Both primary and secondary data was used. This research study estimates the effects of climate change and variability on King Sabata Dalindyebo agricultural productivity using a continental dimension of Ricardian analysis. Results revealed that local farmers were aware of climate change and variability and perceived changes in average temperatures and rainfall. The changes in average temperatures and rainfall had adverse effects on crop and livestock production. However, farmers’ awareness of climate change is not to an extent that they presume adaptation to climate change as a necessity and crucial. The results show that climate change and variability affects farm income and there is a non-linear relationship existing between climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) and farm income which depicts U-shaped. The study results indicated that climate change and variability affect agricultural productivity and have an effect on agricultural productivity in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. In view of the research findings, several policy proposals are suggested. The study findings suggest that climate change and variability must be taken seriously and monitored. Policy makers and government officials must support farmers with information distribution,education, market access, well trained extension agents, credit and information about mitigation strategies to climate change and variability which includes institutional and technological methods, particularly smallholder farmers.

Urban and peri-urban agriculture is a strategy that can be adapted by low income households in Orange Farm to meet their food and nutritional requirements. The practice is a basis upon which poor families can enhance their incomes by producing part of their food needs, hence saving money for use on other livelihood obligations. This dissertation discusses the importance of urban and peri-urban agriculture as a method easily available to low income families residing in informal settlements to access food and incomes. Urban agriculture is examined in the context of poverty alleviation. A descriptive and quantitative assessment of the salient variables of the practice in the area is attempted in order to give an insight of the potential role the sector can play in eliminating poverty, enhancing incomes and creating employment. The study shows that participation in urban farming can impact significantly on poverty conditions and improve livelihoods. / MA (Development Studies)