scholarly journals Characteristics of maize growing farmers, varietal use and constraints to increase productivity in selected villages in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
V. G. P. Chimonyo ◽  
C. S. Mutengwa ◽  
C. Chiduza ◽  
L.N. Tandzi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Extension Programs ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Maize Productivity ◽  
Production Constraints

ABSTRACT The need to increase self-sufficiency of rural agricultural systems has been a centre of focus for many extension programs aimed at rural development and improved livelihoods. Numerous biotic, abiotic and socio-economic factors affect maize production for resource poor farmers in the Eastern Cape (EC), which is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa. Focus group discussions and semi-structured questionnaires were used to identify farmer characteristics, and specific production constraints influencing maize productivity in Jixini and Mkhwezo villages, of O. R. Tambo District in the EC Province. Elderly farmers who are above 56 years dominated the studied farming communities. The predominant varieties used were local landraces (53%) followed by hybrids (31%) and improved open pollinated varieties (OPVs) (11%). Farmers preferred local landraces as they were considered more palatable. Unmarried farmers were the least productive farmer group due to shortages of labour, use of landrace varieties and inadequate fertilizer. The main production constraints faced by farmers, were too much rain, pests and diseases infestation, drought stress due to climate change, and lack of fencing of the out-fields. Increasing the involvement of youths in agricultural activities could improve maize productivity. Maize breeding programs should solicit information on farmer-preferred traits and incorporate them into the improved varieties to enhance their desirability and adoption. Targeting of varieties should be guided by the most common constraints affecting maize productivity in a specific location rather than issuing blanket recommendations. Additionally, agricultural extension programs could improve their service delivery by having good knowledge of target-farmer traits, their farming practices and prevailing constraints. Information in this manuscript can go a long way in improving extension service delivery in the EC Province of the country. Keywords: Maize; Focus Group Discussions; Socio-Economic; Rural Livelihood, Agricultural extension

Community Newspaper as a Tool for Community Development: A Readers’ Perception Study ofIdikelethuNewspaper in Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 930-944
Author(s):  
Nolukhanyo T Metula ◽  
Oluyinka O Osunkunle
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Newspapers ◽  
Community Newspaper

This paper evaluates readers’ perceptions of Idikelethu newspaper as a tool for community development, particularly in Alice, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Data was collected from two focus group discussions that were held in the areas where Idikelethu newspaper has high readership rates. The findings revealed that development-related issues such as health awareness, education and community safety, among others, are regularly addressed by this community newspaper. Based on the findings and analysis of data, this study concludes that Idikelethu newspaper contributes in many ways to the development of its readers and Alice community in general. It is anticipated that the findings of this paper will play an important role in assisting Idikelethu and other community newspapers to function better as agents of community development.

scholarly journals Setting the global research agenda for community-based HIV service delivery through the faith sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha T. Ndlovu-Teijema ◽  
Maarten O. Kok ◽  
Sabine L. van Elsland ◽  
Hilleen Smeets ◽  
David Barstow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Faith Leaders ◽  
Global Research

Abstract Background While leading AIDS organizations expect faith and health collaborations to play a crucial role in organizing and scaling up community-based HIV services, it is unclear how this can be realized. Little primary research has been conducted into which strategies for collaboration and service provision are most effective, efficient, scalable and sustainable. Seeking to align research with urgent needs, enhance coordination and increase the likelihood that results are used, this study aimed to set an inclusive global research agenda that reflects priority research questions from key stakeholders at the intersection of HIV healthcare and faith. Methods In order to develop this global research agenda, we drew from document analyses, focus group discussions, interviews with purposively selected key informants from all continents (policy-makers, healthcare providers, faith leaders, academics and HIV activists), an online questionnaire, and expert meetings at several global conferences. We carried out focus group discussions and interviews with faith leaders in South Africa. Other stakeholder focus groups and interviews were carried out online or in person in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and South Africa, and virtual questionnaires were distributed to stakeholders worldwide. Respondents were purposively sampled. Results We interviewed 53 participants, and 110 stakeholders responded to the online questionnaire. The participants worked in 54 countries, with the majority having research experience (84%), experience with policy processes (73%) and/or experience as a healthcare provider (60%) and identifying as religious (79%). From interviews (N = 53) and questionnaires (N = 110), we identified 10 research themes: addressing sexuality, stigma, supporting specific populations, counselling and disclosure, agenda-setting, mobilizing and organizing funding, evaluating faith-health collaborations, advantage of faith initiatives, gender roles, and education. Respondents emphasized the need for more primary research and prioritized two themes: improving the engagement of faith communities in addressing sexuality and tackling stigma. Conclusions A wide range of respondents participated in developing the research agenda. To align research to the prioritized themes and ensure that results are used, it is essential to further engage key users, funders, researchers and other stakeholders, strengthen the capacity for locally embedded research and research uptake and contextualize priorities to diverse religious traditions, key populations and local circumstances.

scholarly journals Endogenous conflict resolution mechanisms of the San people at Platfontein

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Y Gebregeorgis
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Conflict Resolution ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
The State ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

The objective of this study was to explore the endogenous conflict resolution mechanisms and practices of the San people at Platfontein, South Africa. To this end, data were collected from 304 interviews and 26 focus group discussions. The collected data were analysed through Inductive Thematic Analysis. The findings show that the San people have endogenous conflict resolution mechanisms which basically aim at restoring peace and harmony within the community. The endogenous mechanisms were found to be fairly participatory and supplementary to the state machineries that work for justice, peace and harmony. However, the conflict resolution mechanisms of the San people are currently weakening due to the impact of modernisation and the leadership dispute among the sub-groups of the community.

scholarly journals The Unexpected Rewards of Qualitative Research in Assessment: A Case Example

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny Singh
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Tertiary Institutions ◽  
Learning Opportunity ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Oral Assessment ◽  
Oral Component

This paper reports on the inclusion of an oral component of assessment in science at two tertiary institutions in South Africa. The purpose of this paper is not to report on the results of the assessments conducted, but to focus on some of the unexpected rewards of conducting qualitative research in assessment. Using focus group discussions within a qualitative framework allowed me insights into the thoughts and experiences of the students and assessors, making the benefits of oral assessment apparent. These benefits included how assessment can be used as a learning opportunity, the advantages of homogeneous versus heterogeneous groups, and the benefits of face-to-face interaction, all of which led to improved relationships between students and assessors.

The Experience of Conducting Focus Group Discussions on the Topic of Gestational Diabetes in Cape Town, South Africa

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Everett-Murphy ◽  
Michelle Pentecost ◽  
Lorrein Muhwava ◽  
Buyelwa Majikela-Dlangamandla
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

scholarly journals Effects of Public Expenditure Management Practices on Service Delivery in the Public Sector: The Case of District Assemblies in Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
George Kojo Scott
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Public Expenditure ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Expenditure Management ◽  
District Assemblies

This research analysed how the public expenditure management as practiced in the District Assemblies of Ghana affect service delivery. The research adopted a mixed-method research approach where qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Multistage sampling was used to pick the respondents for the questionnaires, key interview informants and the participants in the focus group discussions. Thirty four out of 170 district assemblies which existed by 2008 were sampled. Participants in the study included 612 District Assembly (DA) officials, 1020 citizens, 28 national/regional officials and 20 participants in focus group discussions. Quantitative data, measured by using scaled-items, were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression while qualitative data were examined thematically. The study established that expenditure management practices had positive significant influence on service delivery. The study recommends that, the DAs should prioritize expenditures to key service delivery areas such as; those that enhance poverty reduction, improve on Human Capital index and strengthen Innovations practices. DAs should strengthen electronic, automation and appropriate technologies for better expenditure management and service delivery. There should be laws to ensure stiffer penalties and enforcement of sanctions on those involved in malpractices in public expenditure management practices, while persistent efforts are made to implement recommendations of Auditor General’s reports on DAs expenditures management practices.

scholarly journals Skills2Care: An innovative, cooperative learning programme for community health workers in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Therese M. Boulle ◽  
Paul Cromhout ◽  
Khuzwayo August ◽  
Dave Woods
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Cooperative Learning ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Cognitive Knowledge

Background: Community health workers (CHWs) hold potential to support universal health coverage and better health for vulnerable communities. They are integral to the re-engineered Primary Health Care (PHC) strategy, introduced in South Africa in 2011. This study focussed on how to train CHWs in large numbers, especially in resource-limited, rural settings. Skills2Care, a method of cooperative learning for CHWS, has been pioneered in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.Aim: To determine whether Skills2Care could improve the cognitive knowledge of CHWs; to understand their response and attitude to the programme; to explore factors that enabled and inhibited learning and to consider its viability as a training method.Setting: Research was conducted in 2019 in the Ngqeleni subdistrict of the O.R. Tambo district, in rural Eastern Cape.Methods: A group-learning model using specifically tailored study modules in booklet format, addressing mother and baby care, was used. A facilitator promoted learning. Knowledge assessment was conducted by pre- and post-study testing using multiple choice questions. Focus group discussions and interviews explored the appropriateness and acceptability of this method, and factors enabling and inhibiting the learning.Results: This method of peer group cooperative learning can significantly increase the cognitive knowledge of CHWs. Test scores indicated a significant (13%) improvement. Focus group discussions indicated that participants valued this method as it increased knowledge and boosted their confidence.Conclusion: This innovative approach to district-based, continuing education suggests that CHWs could be trained in large numbers without the need for additional resources.

scholarly journals HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS’ EXPERIENCES OF GANGSTERISM IN HANOVER PARK

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mufaro Magidi ◽  
Rinie Schenk ◽  
Charlene Erasmus
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
High School ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
School Attendance ◽  
Community Life ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Exploratory Approach

The culture of gang violence has become deeply entrenched in South Africa. The present study explored the experiences of non-gang school-going adolescents regarding gangs and gangsterism in Hanover Park in the Western Cape. A qualitative exploratory approach was used. Data collection instruments were focus group discussions supported by qualitative semi-structured interviews involving 18 adolescents between the ages of 16 and 18 from two secondary schools in Hanover Park, Cape Town. The data were thematically analysed. The results have shown that the presence of gangs affects the learners’ school attendance, restricts their mobility, increases bullying at school and seriously disrupts family and community life.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Teachers and Subject Advisers Regarding Curriculum Development Processes in Fort Beaufort District, Eastern Cape

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Uloma Nkpurunma Obi ◽  
Ignatius Khan Ticha
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Curriculum Development ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Development Processes ◽  
Perceptions Of Teachers

This study was designed to investigate the perceptions of teachers and subject advisers regarding the curriculum development processes in Fort Beaufort District in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The sample consisted of twenty-two respondents: four principals, twelve teachers and six subject advisers. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. The findings revealed that both teachers and subject advisers were concerned about the quality of teachers and learners as well as delivery of the curriculum. They also expressed concern about the quality of workshops; pointing to how much participation from teachers and subject advisers occurs in these workshops. Their responses create space for the researcher to engage with the question, does their involvement in these workshops help them to understand the curriculum and implement it better? Hence, this study recommends that the quality of teachers, learners and subject advisers should be considered while carrying out curriculum development processes.

scholarly journals A field study for assessing risk-contingent credit for Kenyan pastoralists and dairy farmers

2015 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 330-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Apurba Shee ◽  
Calum G. Turvey ◽  
Joshua Woodard
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Extension Programs ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Risks

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the feasibility of risk-contingent credit (RCC) by presenting an experimental and participatory game designed to explain the concept of RCC to Kenyan pastoralists and dairy farmers. The paper investigates the uptake potential of RCC through qualitative assessment of field experiments and focus groups. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a method of community engagement through a participatory game played in a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The paper also presents theoretical justification of RCC in credit market structure. Findings – The game effectively explains the concept and mechanism of RCC by reflecting local situation and production potential. Participatory exercises within focus group discussions indicate that there exists a strong interest and support for RCC. Research limitations/implications – The methodology described in this paper can be used in extension programs for promoting innovative rural microcredit in developing countries but should be modified according to the local production and associated weather and market risks. Originality/value – Micro-insurance and credit program delivery can be improved by the innovative approach of community engagement for explaining financial products.

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