The sustainability of agriculture as a development tool in Namibia

In order to address the inequitable distribution of land and to initiate socio-economic development amongst marginalised people in Namibia, the Namibian Resettlement Programme was introduced as a means of implementing land reform. There is a political, economic and social necessity for empowerment amongst many communities, however, land redistribution will not necessarily achieve this in the Namibian environment. The cost of implementing this Resettlement Programme has been very high and the benefits accruing to the settlers have been limited. It is argued that a primary reason for the lack of success of the Programme is that its agricultural focus requires all settlers to become successful farmers in an exceedingly harsh natural and economic environment. The sustainability of using agriculture is as a development tool in Namibia is assessed using certain environmental sustainability criteria. These were biophysical, economic, social, and political sustainability. Based on these criteria it is evident that Namibia does not have a comparative advantage in agricultural production and therefore should not promote agriculture as a means to achieve development. While the agricultural sector is already a significant employer in Namibia, there is limited scope for expansion of the industry and intensification of production is not sustainable because of the dry climate and associated low carrying capacity of the land. There is a need for research into other sectors of the Namibian economy in which Namibia may have a greater comparative advantage and hence would be better placed to act as a basis for development programmes. The Namibian Government should be encouraging other forms of job creation, such as tourism, and providing support to entrepreneurs undertaking new enterprises in sectors of the economy where the people of Namibia can sustainably exploit a comparative advantage

Market Maker for Iowa

Use of a web-based program can help Iowa producers pick and choose the best national markets for their products

Cooperatively Exploring Dry Edible Beans as a Value Added/Alternative Crop Dry Edible Beans

Driven by the desire and interest in finding a value-added marketable alternative crop a group of 24 producers in central Iowa recently tackled the formidable challenge of evaluating potential alternatives for their farming operations. Having witnessed other alternative crop projects come and go this group approached the process with a unique attitude of cooperation. Through a cooperative approach the risks, rewards and resources were shared for the purpose of more quickly reaching project resolution and at a scale that would reflect realistic market potential. Initial grower meetings narrowed the project down to two potential dry edible beans and established a protocol for risk management. Producers were encouraged to grow these dry edible beans with the mindset of research and experimentation. Individual growers were encouraged to utilize their existing cropping practices and commit to no more acres than they were willing to put at risk. To provide consistent evaluation data, the growers performed all production tasks and absorbed all personal production costs, however, all harvesting was done by a common machine and operator. Based on acres of production revenue from sales would be divided equally to all producers. This protocol was developed for the first year of production only and for the purpose of evaluating crop profitability as well as establishing a baseline of production practices

Manufacturing solar water heaters in South Africa : the benefits and costs.

MBA University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.There is potential to use solar energy instead of electricity as an energy efficient method of heating water. This study investigated the costs and benefits of solar water heater manufacture in South Africa and aimed to provide a better understanding of the industry in order to promote a better life for all. Local manufacturers have already recognised the costs and benefits of solar water heaters. This study drew on the findings of international practices and applied these to the South African context. The costs and benefits include the high price of solar water heaters, lack of awareness of the technology, the absence of legislation, a tedious process for rebates, nonmandatory standards, insufficient training facilities leading to a shortage of skills and the low price of electricity. The research methodology was qualitative in nature and the study was supported by current relevant theory and the results of six open-ended questionnaires completed by local manufacturers. The information gathered from the questionnaires was analysed and compared with the theory and international current best practice. The benefits of solar water heating can be enhanced by more government involvement in the development of policies to promote local manufacture and educate the public on alternative energy sources. Poor public awareness of the technology can be improved through awareness programmes at schools and frequent broadcasts on all media. There is a dire need for the development of cost effective financing mechanisms as the high costs of production directly influence the price of solar water heaters. Financial incentive models such as rebates could be used more effectively to assist low and middle-income groups with partial funding for the purchase of a solar water heater

Directions for 21st Century Lifelong Learning Institutes: Elucidating Questions from Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Studies

The literature regarding lifelong learning is robust, while the literature on lifelong learning institutions, centers, and programs remain under-researched in comparison. This article draws insights from a specific network of lifelong learning institutes with a rich history and high rapport in the United States: the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) network. Sixty articles regarding OLLIs are catalogued and highlighted to elucidate twelve thematic areas and twelve questions for future research and practice. In particular, these themes are related to adult education, healthy aging, and educational gerontology. The article concludes by reflecting on trends in and needs for institutional research and practice.Les publications portant sur l’éducation permanente sont nombreuses, contrairement à celles touchant les institutions, centres et programmes d’éducation permanente qui, en comparaison, demeurent généralement mal connus. Cet article recueille des idées d’un réseau d’instituts d’éducation permanente ayant un passé riche et de bons rapports aux États-Unis : le réseau Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Soixante articles portant sur OLLI ont été catalogués et analysés pour faire ressortir douze thèmes et douze questions pour la recherche et la pratique à l’avenir. Ces thèmes se rattachent à l’éducation des adultes, le vieillissement sain et la gérontologie éducative. L’article se termine par des réflexions sur des tendances et des besoins relatifs à la recherche et la pratique institutionnelles.Mots clés : recherche institutionnelle, éducation permanente, ainés, éducation des adultes, universités adaptées aux personnes âgée