Governance is defined here as the process of decision-making and implementation. Public participation which leads on from good governance is a process leading to a joint effort by stakeholders, technical specialists, the authorities and the developing agent who work together to produce better decisions than if they had acted independently. Environmental decision-making and environmental partnerships go hand in hand in the sense that good environmental decision-making can only take place if sustainable environmental partnerships are formed. This thesis focuses on the case study of the Warwick Junction Urban Renewal Programme as an example of an area based management development project in the eThekwini Municipality. Warwick Junction is a vibrant trading and transport node in the heart of the city. The area is complex in terms of its biophysical, societal, economic and political structures. The purpose of the implementation of an Urban Renewal Program in July 1996 in Warwick Junction was to uplift and upgrade this inner city area so as to provide an improved trading and residential environment. A large number of projects that fall under this renewal programme have been completed. Community involvement in these projects has been implemented via community representation on a steering committee. It is proposed that a process of good governance is necessary to integrate sustainability into all spheres of development. The aim of this research therefore is to assess the decision-making processes for a number of environmental projects in Warwick Junction. The following projects that have already been completed will be the focus of this study: The Warwick Triangle Playground, Herb Traders Market, Bovine Head Cookers facility, Mealie Cookers Facility and the Badsha Peer Project. Theories of urban governance, public participation, environmental decision-making and environmental partnerships under the broader framework of sustainability, form the conceptual framework for this study. A qualitative approach has been employed in this research. Primary data has been derived from focus groups and open-ended interviews. A set of social sustainability indicators that was derived from the theoretical framework was used to determine the most successful project. Results show that the Mealie Cookers Project displayed all the characteristics of good urban governance. It is also considered to be a sustainable project because as part of its commitment to the urban renewal programme it has balanced the social, economic and environmental needs of present and future generations in Warwick Junction. This was the most successful project out of the five projects as it ranked very high on the social sustainability indicator table followed by the Muthi Traders market, the Badsha Peer Shelter, the Playground Facility and lastly the Bovine Head Cookers facility. The Muthi Market ranked as high as the Mealie Cookers Project on the social sustainability indicator table. This is due to adequate participation with affected communities which allowed them to contribute towards the decision-making process. The strength of the Badsha Peer Shelter Project lies in the good governance and good environmental decisions being taken, win-win partnerships and overall empowerment of stakeholders. The Playground Facility brought with it many political tensions as there were two civic associations that were at loggerheads with each other surrounding the whole project. The strength of this project lies in its transformative participation as the affected communities ideas were used to decide on the location of the park. There were also many political tensions among the Bovine Head Cookers. As a result of the cookers belonging to different political parties, an issue of territory was brought to the surface. Due to serious conflict between cookers and the renewal team, this project has taken three years to implement. It is thus considered to be the most unsuccessful project out of the five projects researched. It is therefore evident that three out of the five projects have been successful, displaying appropriate environmental governance. The results indicate that the environmental decision-making mechanisms that have been employed by the urban renewal team have been transformative in the sense that they not only give a voice to the communities, but also have empowered them in the process. Adequate public participation has also contributed to the success of the programme along with win-win types of partnerships that have formed. It is therefore concluded that the urban renewal decision-making mechanisms implemented in the Warwick Junction have contributed to the sustainability of the development programme. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2004.

Over the last century, developing countries have undergone rapid urbanisation resulting in marked social, economic and environmental changes. Africa is the least urbanised continent in the world but trends indicate that it is also the most rapidly urbanising region, accompanied by rising urban poverty. Urbanisation processes are often most pronounced in smaller urban centres since they experience the most severe pressures of population growth. Little is known about the role natural resources play along the rural-urban continuum and even less is known about the contribution of these resources within an urban context, particularly in small urban centres. In many sub-Saharan African cities, urban agriculture (the informal production of food in urban areas) has been used as a strategy to cope with increasing poverty levels but its role remains widely debated and uncertain. This thesis seeks to analyse the impacts of urbanisation on livelihoods and natural resource use, including home gardening and the collection of wild resources, in two South African towns and data was collected along the rural-urban continuum in Queenstown (Eastern Cape province) and Phalaborwa (Limpopo Province). Practices and contributions associated with agriculture and wild resource use were found to be significantly higher in Phalaborwa and this could be attributed to favourable environmental conditions and accessibility to wild resources due to the surrounding Mopani Bushveld. Rural households in Queenstown and Phalaborwa were more reliant on natural resources than their urban counterparts, but still diverse and incorporated a number of land-based and cash income generating strategies. Urban households tended to rely on one primary cash income strategy such as wage employment or state grants. However, natural resources did appear to play a subtle role in urban settings and particularly in the townships, where exclusion of natural resource contributions saw poverty levels increase up to 5%. Home gardening was practised by a wide range of people and not restricted to any one income group and, not surprisingly, wealthy cultivators who had access to resources such as land, water and fertilizer enjoyed increased benefits such as high produce yields. The results obtained suggest that rural-urban dynamics are complex and natural resource use in local livelihoods is contextualised within environmental settings, social preferences and historical contexts. Increasing pressures from the influx of people into small urban centres calls for a better understanding to how these processes are affecting livelihoods and natural resources to ensure sustainable management in the future.

Trees in natural forests are widely known for their essential contribution to rural livelihoods in developing countries, providing both consumptive and non-consumptive products to rural inhabitants. These benefits are also obtained from trees in urban forests and used by urban households. In the past decades, the role of urban trees to urban livelihoods, municipalities, local and global environment has often been overlooked by researchers and development agencies, and hence are poorly documented, especially in Africa. In South Africa, the increase in urbanisation and urban poverty means many urban residents are expected to be dependent on trees and tree products from homesteads, neighbourhoods and edges of towns. There is however a paucity of literature on the potential of trees in sustaining livelihoods and poverty alleviation in urban areas. This study determined the magnitude and nature of the direct contribution of trees and tree products to local livelihoods in different urban residential areas (informal, Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), and township) in three South African towns (Tzaneen, Bela Bela and Zeerust) which cover a rainfall gradient from relatively higher (775 mm p.a.) to low (575 mm p.a.). The results showed that most (90%) households had an interest in planting and managing trees on homesteads, given the high proportion (71%) of residents who had planted trees on their homesteads. The abundance of trees followed the moisture gradient, with Tzaneen having a larger share (46.4%) of trees, followed by Bela Bela (27.5%) and Zeerust (26.1%). Larger plots in the informal residential area accounted for the larger proportion (42.8%) of trees on homesteads, followed by the township (32.9%) and RDP households being the least because they were recently established. Tree density was also higher in the high rainfall town but the pattern did not follow the moisture gradient between Bela Bela and Zeerust due to little rainfall difference. However, tree density across residential areas was similar to the proportion of trees on homesteads in residential areas. The most common tree species were alien, and mainly exotic fruit trees made up two-thirds of the trees encountered. Most households collected various products from urban trees, particularly fuelwood, from edges of towns. This was especially by households with lower cash income. However, fruits were collected from homesteads regardless of the wealth status. Tree products had a significant contribution to the total annual household income, with fuelwood alone contributing up to R5 663 per household per annum, equivalent to two-three month household cash income. Tree products added 20% to total household income, which represents the amount of money households save by collecting tree products for free. Therefore, trees within and around urban areas contribute significantly to livelihoods and reduce poverty in urban areas. There is need therefore to encourage urban residents to plant trees on homesteads and policy makers to come up with policies that promote sustainable harvesting of tree products from areas surrounding urban areas.

Cette thèse s’intéresse particulièrement à un aspect de la durabilité sociale des transports urbains à Cotonou au Bénin :la mobilité des populations pauvres. L’objectif global est de contribuer à l’amélioration des transports à Cotonou en faveur des populations pauvres de la ville. De façon spécifique, la thèse se propose de mettre en lumière le processus de mise à l’écart des citadins pauvres depuis les origines de la ville jusqu’à la formation des quartiers précaires, et d'en observer les ruptures et continuités. Dans un deuxième temps, elle ambitionne analyser l’offre de transport à Cotonou et étudier fondamentalement la mobilité des citadins pauvres. Elle propose enfin des solutions de politiques améliorantes afin de mieux intégrer la satisfaction des besoins de mobilité et d’accessibilité des populations défavorisées dans le système de transport urbain et d’y assurer plus d’équité. <p>Le recours à l'approche historique a permis d'analyser le processus de mise à l'écart des pauvres, tandis qu'une enquête individuelle de mobilité a permis d'étudier leurs habitudes de déplacement. Cette enquête a pris en compte un échantillon représentatif de 660 personnes pauvres âgées de 15 à 59 ans, issus de 4 quartiers très pauvres de Cotonou. Elle a été complétée par une démarche plus qualitative par l'administration de questionnaires semi-structurés à 20 enquêtés. La dernière démarche a consisté à investiguer le système de transports urbain dans ses trois dimensions (infrastructures, services de transport et aspects institutionnels) afin d'en saisir les contraintes et réalités.<p>Cette étude montre une expression de mobilité atypique des citadins pauvres. Les analyses entreprises sur les caractéristiques socio-économiques de cette population pauvre montrent un sous équipement en moyens de transport dans un contexte de difficulté d’accès aux transports publics. On note de rares utilisations du transport public, les déplacements sont courts, rares et s’inscrivent dans l’utile, il s’agit prioritairement des déplacements contraints. Mais ces habitudes coopèrent également avec des stratégies d’auto-emploi à domicile ou dans le quartier qui permettent ainsi à beaucoup de pauvres d’éviter les dépenses en transport. Les témoignages permettent de lire également les stratégies de gestion à moindre coût des déplacements lorsque les populations se résolvent à les mener :combinaison de la marche avec d’autres moyens, aides de proches, etc. D’autres logiques gouvernent également à certaines habitudes et qui sont plus culturelles avec des orientations liées au genre. Dans cette même mouvance, on note différents rapports des individus à l’espace et qui participent de la logique des courts déplacements dans les environs du domicile. Les habitudes de déplacement des pauvres participent d’un isolement qui n’autorise que fort peu leur contribution à la vie de la cité et à son développement. Dans ces conditions, leur sortie du cercle vicieux de la pauvreté est mise à l'épreuve.<p>D’un autre côté, le système de transport à Cotonou révèle des défaillances qui, à l’analyse, renforcent la pénibilité des déplacements des citadins pauvres. L’offre de transport évolue dans un désordre favorisé par la démission des puissances publiques et l’afflux dans le secteur de milliers d’opérateurs artisanaux qui gèrent en partie, exploitent et régulent le système. Le réseau routier est dégradé et faiblement revêtu alors que l’aménagement des routes bitumées et pavées n’intègre guère leur exploitation aisée et planifiée, par des services de transport public structurés. <p>L’ampleur des défaillances dans les divers compartiments de l’offre de transport ainsi que la pénibilité des conditions de déplacement des pauvres nécessitent impérativement un remède adapté. De là vient la prospection de plusieurs pistes pour l’amélioration du système de transport. Mais le fonctionnement de ces pistes nécessite à la fois un effort d’organisation et de régulation du système. D’où des analyses et suggestions pour un portage institutionnel adéquat. Mais l’opérationnalisation d’une telle option équivaut au réglage d’une suite de complexes défis.<p> / Doctorat en Art de bâtir et urbanisme / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

This study examines the conditions of hopelessness in the city of San Bernardino. The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which women and men's accessing of services for homelessness differ. This study employs a survey administered at an event given specifically for the homeless population in San Bernardino, and the differences between men and women and their access to support is documented.

The war on poverty is South Africa's priority and challenge. Many poverty alleviation programmes have been established in South Africa in an effort to overcome poverty. However, poverty alleviation projects have had little impact on the poverty profile of the country. Poverty continues to be pervasive, intractable, and inexcusable. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the personal definition of poverty as constructed by the poor themselves. In this study the researcher's main argument was that sustainable poverty reduction calls for effective strategies based on clear and consistent concepts and approaches. Different ways of understanding poverty lead to different ways of dealing with it. A common and clear understanding of poverty helps build a common agenda with development partners, linking specific causes of poverty in each setting with sustainable policies and action. A qualitative study was conducted with fifteen (15) poverty-alleviation projects participants from three (3) different projects. Data was collected with the use of an interview guide. The participants' responses revealed that poverty, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. The participants attached varying and interesting meanings to explaining the concept of poverty. The study also shed some light on the current state of the poverty-alleviation projects. / Social Work / M.A. (Social science)

The main objectives of the study are to determine the extent of control women have over sexual matters in Swazi traditional marriages; to identify the factors influencing the extent of control women have over sexual matters in traditional marriages; and to analyse the consequences of women’s lack of control over sexual matters on the women themselves, their families and their communities with regard to development. Reviewed literature and identified themes were verified in the field through focused group discussions and key informant interviews. The study revealed that women in traditional marriages do not have control over their sexuality because of the obligations and cultural practices inherent in the marriage restricting women’s involvement in decision making in sexual matters. This position undermines the social and economic development of women, families and communities. It is therefore recommended that cultural practices be amended to improve the status of women in decision making. / Development Studies / M.A. (Social Sciences)

The study focused on City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality situated in Gauteng Province. The study aims to explore the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality process of legalising squatters in relation to social development. A qualitative approach using semi- structured interviews, focus groups, observations and public documents was used to explore the process of legalising of squatters in relation to social development. The researcher, based on the evidence from the respondents, public documents and the discussion of findings, concludes that there is a positive relationship between the process of legalising of squatters in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and social development as an approach. The City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality process of legalising squatters is in line with the South African legislations and social policies. The finding will add value to the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Department of Human Settlements, Non –governmental and Faith Based Organisations and other sector stakeholders working with informal settlement dwellers in the following ways: a) Helping the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in the implementation of informal settlement policies and processes; b) Recommendations to policy issues; c) Advancement of knowledge. / Social Work / M. A. (Social Work)

Poverty and the environment are closely linked, as people use environmental resources to support livelihoods. Illegal stone quarrying evident in Lusaka, Zambia is symbolic of the use of environmental resources by the poor. Stone crushing provides income yet it is characterized by land degradation, large-scale excavation and dumping of waste materials. This study provides an analytical account of stone crushing as a livelihood in Lusaka and makes recommendations for improving the livelihoods of stone crushers to become sustainable. Using a livelihoods approach, a qualitative study collected data from various role players in Lusaka. Assets (physical, natural, human, social and political capital) for stone crushers were assessed, revealing that stone crushers lack livelihood assets, key options and are exposed to various shocks due to seasonal shifts. Increasing access to key livelihood assets, reducing vulnerability, improving infrastructure, access to justice and tackling social exclusion and gender inequality will enhance their livelihoods. / Development Studies / M.A. (Development Studies)

There is consensus that the majority of South African citizens, as a result of being unable to participate in local economic activities, are poor and it is increasingly difficult to bridge the divide between the rich and the poor. Apart from being a challenge for the South African government, poverty reduction is a challenge to most African countries as well. Though there are interventions by international development agencies to assist African countries reduce poverty, such efforts are derailed by, amongst other factors, lack of resources to provide for the multiple needs of the poor in countries. Poverty is a dynamic and multidimensional phenomenon that needs to be clearly measured to allow governments to design appropriate measures to reduce it. In South Africa the prevalence of poverty is associated with the legacy of apartheid and amongst other initiatives, the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) approach, is seen as a distinctive local government initiative to help municipalities in reducing poverty. Municipalities, through this initiative are central to development planning. This study used a quantitative research method consisting of both the survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, respectively targeting households’ heads in the broader community of the KSD and directors of departments in the KSD municipality. From the findings of this study, King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality's IDP contributes towards achieving the goals of poverty reduction. Like in most municipalities, the KSD municipality started implementing the IDP in 2000. Though the municipality has made a significant progress in the provision of services, it still is faced with many challenges such as an insufficient IDP consultation process, poorly maintained infrastructure, budget constraints, poor coordination of activities between municipal departments and lack of monitoring and evaluation. / Public Administration & Management / M.A. (Public Administration)