MSCAGR / Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness / The study was premised on anticipation for the existence of small businesses that `seemed to be widespread within households in the traditional authorities of Molemole local municipality. The observation prompted the researcher to investigate two aspects related to these ventures; how these small-scale businesses and other income generating opportunities impact livelihoods of members of the communities. The study was conducted in rural communities of Molemole Local municipality of Limpopo Province. Data was collected using a structured pre-tested questionnaire from members of the community. Additional data was collected from traditional leaders of the four traditional authorities namely: Machaka, Makgato, Ramokgopa and Manthata through focus group discussions. Multi-stage clustered proportional random sampling technique was used to select the sample for this study of 150 individuals from the four traditional authorities. SPSS computer software was used to analyse data from the structured questionnaires while Likert scale was used to analyse the data collected from the focus group discussion. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data while Binary logistics regression model was used to analyse the influence of socio economic factors on the income levels of the respondents (from both businesses and other sources). The findings of the study show that biographic characteristics proved to have a great effect/impact on how rural community members generate their livelihoods (through income generation). Most of the respondents were found to be females, and this had a positive impact on their level of income. Majority of the respondents had secondary education as their highest level of education which caused them to have limited access to external employment. Services rendered by the few small businesses were found to be unsatisfactory by the community members. Traditional leaders stated that it was important for residents in their communities to own businesses as this will provide them with good income and services to the communities. The study concluded that income did improve the livelihoods of community members. Amongst others the study recommended for increased women empowerment, educational opportunities and encouragement to communities to initiate business ventures.

Published Article / The central regions of South Africa experienced an abnormally high precipitation during the first quarter of 2009, thus resulting in an unusually high probability of veld fires due to the excessive amounts of fuel / grass available. In South Africa the process of land redistribution was recently drastically accelerated. This implies that many newly settled black farmers are fanning but still need to be trained in various aspects of farm management. Unfortunately, in most cases this training did not include environmental management, which among others, implies managing and preparing for veld fires. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry also does not have sufficient funding to cover all these aspects and a regional collaborative plan must therefore be developed. In addition to this, in an attempt to alleviate poverty, many other previously disadvantaged people in South Africa must be assisted in establishing small business enterprises. This paper will highlight a process to be followed to train and coordinate all farmers and simultaneously establish business opportunities that will remove some of the fuel (grasses and shrubs) in order to reduce the risk and intensity of winter and spring veld fires.

In Nigeria, 92% of retirees live in poverty because of insufficient preparation for entrepreneurship that could serve as an alternative income in retirement. Guided by the human capital theory, the purpose of this case study was to explore how 15 civil service employees in Grade Levels 15-17 at the public service attained small scale business information before retirement. All employees had knowledge, training, and experience in small-scale business operation. Fifteen employees participated in individual interviews and 5 participated in a focus group; data were also gathered from, employee training records, organizational policy documents on training, and public service documents regarding capacity building. Using Yin's 5 step data analysis process, member checking, and triangulation, key findings emerged on financial institutions, mentoring, and vocational training opportunities as avenues employees can attain small scale business information required for entrepreneurship. The study findings may create awareness on how employees can attain small scale business information regarding sources of funding, mentorship, and vocational training during their final years of employment. This awareness may promote positive social change by preparing these individuals for entrepreneurship in retirement, thereby reducing the rate of post-retirement poverty.

MSCAGR (Agricultural Economics) / Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness / See the attached abstract below

Small-scale Business Enterprises (SBEs) lack proper mechanisms for supporting the provision and access to business information that can nurture their development in Kenya. This study investigated the role that public libraries could play in supporting the development of SBEs in Meru County with a view to developing a model that would enable public libraries to effectively support the development of SBEs. The study used the pragmatic paradigm to explore the identified phenomena. It applied the mixed methods approach and survey research design; collected data from 355 SBEs, 21 staff from three public libraries and two staff from the enterprise development unit of Meru County. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. The response rate was 83.4% and 95% for SBEs and public library staff respectively. The descriptive and inferential statistics were used with the help of SPSS and Excel. Thematic analysis was applied on qualitative data. The study found that the factors that influence the development of SBEs are anchored in the environmental, cultural and personality factors of SBEs. SBEs have a myriad of business information needs which are sector-specific and cut across all the stages of business development. To fulfil these needs, most SBEs consult informal information sources and places. Technology-related tools were a popular means of accessing business information. Public libraries were poorly stocked with business information sources while business information services were in a desolate state. The study concludes that public libraries have facilitative and functional roles of providing business information solutions to SBEs by collaborating with like- minded stakeholders. The availability and accessibility of business information sources and services at public libraries is critical in addressing the information needs of SBEs. The study recommends repositioning of public libraries as business community development centres by providing value-based information sources and services. Public libraries need to revise their collection development policy, increase budget allocation, establish business information centres, seek partnerships, improve ICT facilities, ensure adequate staffing, engage business services librarians, open more libraries and widen their business outreach activities for effective support of SBEs. Policy framework and support systems for symmetrical access to business information, and entrepreneurial training for SBEs and for public library staff are needed. The proposed model of public library’s support for the development of SBEs is valuable and contribute to knowledge in business development. / Information Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)