Greater Giyani Municipality Research Articles

Determinants of the Quality of Delivery of Agricultural Training Programs among Farmers in Greater Giyani Municipality, South Africa

Determinants of the Quality of Delivery of Agricultural Training Programs among Farmers in Greater Giyani Municipality, South Africa

The struggle within dual systems of government: dealing with conflict between traditional leaders and ward councilors in the greater Giyani Municipality in South Africa

IntroductionCurrent frameworks of conflict resolution have shown only partial success, particularly in the context of local municipalities where conflicts persist. There is a pressing need for context-specific framework that address leadership conflicts while fostering peace.MethodsTo address the lack of progress in resolving conflicts, this study identifies major challenges undermining the assimilation and implementation of objectively informed conflict resolution strategies. A purposive sampling method was employed to select 33 respondents from the Greater Giyani Municipality. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using statistically established matrix scoring procedures. ATLAS.ti software was utilized for data analysis.ResultsWithout claiming to be exhaustive, this paper highlights examples of externalities that threaten the coexistence of the dual system of governance in South African communities, with a focus on leadership conflict and unsustainable peace. Factors contributing to conflict escalation include capacity constraints, lack of inclusive, bias, divisive decision-making and contested court decisions.DiscussionThe study underscores the importance of addressing these challenges to foster effective conflict resolution. It emphasizes the need for the scientific community to provide critical information necessary for responding effectively to these challenges.ConclusionTo enhance conflict resolution in local municipalities, it is imperative to develop context-specific frameworks that address underlying challenges and promote sustainable peace. This requires concerted efforts from both researchers and practitioners to provide the necessary insights and strategies for resolution.

Adolescents' lived experiences of substance abuse in the Greater Giyani Municipality.

Adolescence is a unique and distinct stage of development that involves changes in the physical, psychological and social aspects of adolescents. It is a critical transition into adulthood whereby heightened risk-taking and sensation-seeking takes place, such as substance abuse. In a South African context, this transition sometimes occurs under economic stress, poverty, unemployment, high levels of crime and political instability. This can place adolescents at risk of substance abuse. To explore and describe the lived experiences of adolescents abusing substances in the Greater Giyani Municipality in the Limpopo province, South Africa. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design with a phenomenological approach was used. Data were collected through individual, in-depth, phenomenological interviews and field notes. Thematic coding was utilised to analyse the collected data, and literature was reviewed to support the findings. Moreover, measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical principles were applied throughout the research process. Five themes were identified: substance abuse behaviour among adolescents, adolescents' motivation for continuing substance abuse, the effects of substance abuse on the lives of adolescents, factors affecting adolescents' discontinuation of substance abuse and a need to discontinue substance abuse. The study concluded that adolescents abusing substances in the Greater Giyani, Limpopo province, experience loss of control, broken relationships, poor academic performance, stigma attached to mental illness and negative emotions. The adolescents foresaw their future as uncertain and without direction. It is recommended that mental healthcare professionals introduce and implement interventions that will assist the adolescents who abuse substances in the Greater Giyani, Limpopo province.Contribution:The findings in this study could add knowledge in developing and implementing of strategies for psychiatric nurses to support adolescents abusing substances in the Greater Giyani, Limpopo province.

Response of tomato cultivars to irrigation management strategies employed by emerging farmers in the Greater Giyani Municipality

Intensification of low-tech agricultural production is required in the Greater Giyani Municipality (Limpopo province, South Africa) to respond to changing climatic conditions, water scarcity and increased food demand of the local market. Two years of field experiments were conducted on two typical small-scale farms under real-world conditions. The objective was to test the response of locally available tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars (Rodade, STAR 9006, Commander, HTX 14 and MFH) to two different irrigation strategies (full irrigation FI and deficit irrigation DI). While results showed high tomato yield variability (ranging between 9.2 t ha−1 and 59.7 t ha−1) depending on the farms, environmental conditions (heatwaves, diseases) and irrigation management, STAR 9006 appeared to be the best performing cultivar and HTX 14 the worst. Seasonal evapotranspiration under FI was between 400 and 620 mm depending on the length of the season and harvesting time. Crop water productivity was generally higher for DI than FI treatments. Deficit irrigation appeared to be feasible to reduce water use for some cultivars (eg cv. STAR 9006), however, an economic analysis should be conducted at specific sites/farms to determine the impacts of DI on farmers’ income as some yield losses can be expected during drought years.

Hydrogeochemical characteristics of arsenic rich groundwater in Greater Giyani Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

This study evaluated the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in the Greater Giyani Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A total of ten (10) groundwater samples were collected from the existing boreholes and analysed for their hydrogeochemical properties using standard laboratory techniques. The data were interpreted using Piper diagram, Gibbs diagram and the scatter plots. The results showed that pH of the samples ranges from neutral to weakly alkaline. The abundance of major anions and cations are in the following order: HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO3− and Na+>Mg2+>Ca2+>K+, respectively. The Piper diagram revealed that the hydrogeochemical facies identified in the study area are Ca–HCO3 and mixed Ca–Na–HCO3 type indicating the predominance of water-rock interaction. The water-rock interaction was further confirmed by the Gibbs diagram. The ionic ratio showed that the major ions originate from weathering of carbonate and silicate minerals. The concentration of arsenic was found to be ranging between 0.1 and 172.53 μg/L with the average of 32.21 μg/L. A total 6 out of 10 samples had arsenic concentration above the WHO recommended limit of 10 μg/L. The study calls for action from public health officials towards evaluating the correlation between arsenic concentration and arsenic related diseases and further development of arsenic remediation techniques.

The Effects of Parents’ Incarceration on Children at Hlaneki Village in Greater Giyani Municipality

The Effects of Parents’ Incarceration on Children at Hlaneki Village in Greater Giyani Municipality

The effect of climate change on rural livestock farming: case study of Giyani Policing Area, Republic of South Africa

The key sectors of the Greater Giyani Municipality (GGM) economy are driven by manufacturing, trade, catering, government, finance, transport, communications and agriculture. The goal of this study is to analyse the effect of climate change on rural-livestock farming activities in the Giyani Policing Area (GPA). The effects are described in terms of agricultural yield, livelihood and production. Apart from other general factors that impact agriculture negatively, the success of rural livestock farmers in the GPA is greatly influenced by turbulent climate change aspects. The current paper further identifies the effect of climate change (e.g. drought, temperature and rainfall) on farmers and key stakeholders while establishing how they handle challenges associated with climate change in the study district. Data were collected from 22 participants, including officials associated with Veterinary Services and Land and Infrastructure of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in the GGM. Taking part in the Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were officials from the DAFF-2:1, and 20:10 rural livestock farmers from Makosha and Xikukwana villages, respectively, were used for the Focus Group Discussions (FGD’s). The main findings show that the rural livestock farmers in the GGM are highly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change, shown by the overall decline in livestock farming practices in the area caused by associated health and nourishment problems brought forward by climate change. The links between climate change and rural livestock farming were examined in the process of describing that droughts, excessive temperatures and heavy rainfall has a detrimental effect on rural livestock farmers in the selected areas. This paper further investigates the strategies that rural producers utilise to maintain sustainable economic viability concerning animal health, safety and nutritional requirements while preparing for unforeseen risks. In conclusion, this paper enforces the statement that the identified climate change factors do have a significant effect on rural livestock farming, despite the infrequent and varied occurrence between regions. This paper recommends that the relevant stakeholders should be encouraged to be involved in proactive and reactive activities concerning the climate change, to avoid unnecessary negative effects implicating national food security. Keywords: Agriculture, drought, rural livestock farmers, rainfall, temperature

Small businesses contribution to rural economic development in the Greater Giyani Municipality area: perceptions from owners

There is an increasing acknowledgment of the prospective small businesses has on rural economic development and job creation in South Africa. Although deliberations on the discourse continue to trend about the virtual contributions of small businesses, substantiation from recent studies supports their imperative heroine as an economic engine of rural development. However, challenges in the industry such as lack of funding opportunities, crime, and management skills inhibit the emergence and thriving of small businesses. Through both the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, this study probed the small businesses owner's perceptions on the rural economic development role at the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. Data were collected through questionnaires and supplementary interviews among 70 small business operators. The study therefore revealed that although small businesses positively contribute to the socio-economic well-being, improving the local economy and job creation, support from government, business and civil society sectors is required to ensure a more immense contribution by small businesses.

FACTO RS AFFECTING THE RUNNING OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN GREATER GIYANI MUNICIPALITY

There is increasing recognition of the potential contribution of small and medium enterprises towards economic growth and creation of job opportunities worldwide. This study was aimed at determining the factors that contribute to the success or failure of small businesses operating under jurisdiction of Greater Giyani Municipality. Data were collected via a focus group, which consisted of eight business owners. The findings revealed that business owners experience challenges, for instance, no entrepreneurial support is accessible to them and they struggle to get start-up capital for their businesses and as a result end up sourcing funds from micro-lenders. Most business owners have poor business skills, but they do not receive any training to enhance their capabilities, hence the likelihood of some businesses failing. Businesses are not being afforded the support they require. This could compromise the intentions of the government to encourage people to start businesses and thus improve their livelihood and the wellbeing of society. For these businesses to sustain their operations, it is important that they be provided with support, particularly in the form of start-up capital and business skills. Regarding future research, a study should be carried out on a large scale in order to allow for generalisability of these findings to the entire Limpopo province.

Factors influencing the adolescent pregnancy rate in the Greater Giyani Municipality, Limpopo Province – South Africa

A quantitative, descriptive and explorative survey was conducted to determine factors that influence adolescent pregnancy rate among teenage girls (n=147) attending four high schools in the Greater Giyani Municipality in South Africa. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire which had a reliability of 0.65. Response frequency distributions, two-way frequency tables, Chi-square tests and Cochran–Armitage Trend Tests were used to determine the effect with the demographic characteristics of participants. Participants reported that health services were not conveniently available for them. Their relationship with nurses was poor (p<0.05) as reported by 73% of participants with regard to maintenance of confidentiality. Participants reported key psychosocial variables such as inadequate sexual knowledge (61%), changing attitudes towards sex (58.9%) and peer pressure (56.3%) as contributory to high pregnancy rate. Recommendations were made to improve school health services, reproductive education in school curricula focussing on reproductive health, sexuality and guidance for future research.

Analyzing the factors affecting the market participation of maize farmers: A case study of small-scale farmers in greater Giyani Local Municipality of the Mopani District, Limpopo Province

The aim of the study was to analyze factors affecting the market participation of small-scale maize farmers in Greater Giyani Municipality. The study hypothesizes that there are no factors affecting market participation in small-scale maize farmers in Greater Giyani. The study used cross-sectional data collected from 92 small-scale maize farmers. The logistic regression model was used to analyze data. The logistic regression results reveals that out of twelve variables considered in the analysis as factors affecting market participation, seven of them were found to be significant, while five of them were insignificant. Gender, farmer’s access to credit, marital status, market information and infrastructure were found to be positively significant, while distance to market and external source of income were negatively significant. Farmers’ level of education and age of a farmer were positively insignificant. Distance to output market, experience in farming and external source of income were negatively related to market participation. The results from the study highlights that government can increase market participation of small-scale maize farmers through encouraging group market participation, upgrading of roads to enable smooth accessibility of farmers to output market and establishment of local point of sales in farming areas. Also government has to provide input subsidy to all farmers to enable them to produce more and to pay for all marketing cost. Finally it is recommended that government provides planned workshops to all farmers, to equip them with marketing knowledge. Key words: Greater Giyani Municipality, market participation, logistic regression model, small-scale.

Views of professional nurses regarding low tuberculosis cure rate in Greater Giyani Municipality, Limpopo Province.

Management of patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB) after discharge from hospital plays a critical role in the cure rate of TB. Despite interventions developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve the cure rate, TB remains a worldwide health problem. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the views of professional nurses regarding the low TB cure rate in primary healthcare facilities of Greater Giyani Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa, with the aim of determining strategies that can be used to improve this low rate. This study was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature. The population consisted of professional nurses working in primary healthcare facilities within Greater Giyani Municipality, which has a TB cure rate below the national target of 85%. Data gathering was through individual face-to-face interviews using an interview guide. Open-coding was used to analyse the data in this study. The theme that emerged from data was ‘factors contributing to low TB cure rate’. This theme was supported by the following sub-themes: poor referral system, lack of knowledge about TB and its treatment, stigma attached to TB, and cultural and religious beliefs. The professional nurses suggested counselling of TB patients upon diagnosis, advice about patients’ responsibilities and the involvement of family members. The involvement of community stakeholders in TB prevention, health promotion and education activities devoted to disease spread and cure is vital so that the stigma attached to TB can be eliminated. TB education and awareness programmes should be included in the curriculum of primary schools.

English

In the present study, the physical and chemical quality of several borehole water sources, used by rural schools in Greater Giyani Municipality, were assessed to determine their safety for human consumption. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and ion chromatography were used to determine the chemical quality of water sources. The pH of the water samples varied between 5.29 and 8.3 and tended to be lower in summer and higher in winter. The turbidity values varied between 6.17 and 44.7 NTU in some of the schools. High concentrations of magnesium and total hardness were obtained from all water sources. Calcium concentrations were high in some schools. Anions such as chloride and sulphate were within the recommended Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) limits except for two sampling points. High concentrations of nitrates were obtained from all schools except in Nyanisi high school. There were no fluorides and phosphates from all schools. Heavy metals like arsenic, iron, cadmium and lead were within the recommended DWAF limits. The results obtained in this study indicate that the water from the studied boreholes is not suitable for human consumption based on hardness and nitrate content and may pose a serious threat to the health of the consumers and therefore calls for urgent intervention in order to reduce such chemicals and preserve the health of the children. Key words:&nbsp;Physico-chemical water quality, borehole, primary schools, Giyani, South Africa.

Microbial quality, diversity and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of bacterial isolates from borehole water used by schools in Greater Giyani Municipality, Mopani District, South Africa

In the present study, the microbial quality of several boreholes, used by rural schools in Greater Giyani Municipality, was assessed over a six months period to determine their safety for human consumption and to highlight the potential occurrence of water-borne diseases. The microbiological quality of the water sources was performed using the membrane filtration technique, while standard culture methods were used for bacteria isolation. The MicroScan was used for identification and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of isolated potentially pathogenic bacteria. The results obtained indicated that the water quality of the boreholes was poor over the study period (June to October, 2009). Indicator organisms were higher than the acceptable maximum limits prescribed by the South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) and the World Health Organisation. Numerous organisms that are potential enteric pathogens such as Vibriospp., Shigella species and Klebsiella spp, were isolated throughout the study period. There was high resistance to many antibiotics particularly ampicillin (92%), cefazolin (95.9%), cefuroxime (91.7%) and cefoxitin (92.6%). The most active antibiotics were tobramycin with resistance level of 8.7% and levofloxacin (23.0%). The study indicates that water from the studied boreholes was not suitable for human consumption and may pose a serious threat to the health of consumers and therefore calls for urgent intervention. High level of antibiotic resistance is of concern in the management of infections caused by these organisms. Further studies are needed to identify the sources of contamination in order to curb the negative effect of contaminated water particularly in children. Key words: Antibiotic resistance, bacterial indicators, children, water quality, borehole, schools, South Africa.