Livelihoods, Land and Political Economy: Reflections on Sam Moyo’s Research Methodology

This article focuses on the methodological lessons from Sam Moyo’s scholarship. Sam’s research is characterised by a combination of detailed empirical investigation, deep knowledge of the technical and practical aspects of agricultural production and farming livelihoods, and bigpicture political economy analysis and theory. Sam’s method is an insightful contemporary application of the method originally set out in Marx’s Grundrisse. Many contemporary explorations of agrarian political economy fail to sustain the important tension and dialectical debate, between diverse empirical realities and their ‘multiple determinations and relations’ and wider theorisation of the ‘concrete’ features of emergent processes of change. The implications of Sam’s methodological approach for the analysis of Zimbabwe’s land reform are discussed, especially in relation to the land occupations and the politics of agrarian reform since 2000

An Update on the Consequences of EU Sugar Reform

Since its formation the European Union (EU) has employed a rather complicated policy to ensure high prices to domestic sugar growers and trade preferences to certain sugar exporting countries, e.g. the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group. One result of this policy is that the EU has been both the second largest importer and second largest exporter in the world market. Under pressure from the World Trade Organization (WTO), the EU agreed to reform its policies toward sugar in 2001, with the full effect of the reforms being fully implemented in 2006. In this paper, the impact of the sugar reform on EU production, consumption, imports, and exports is examined especially with regard to how it all affects the ACP countries who receive preferential treatment regarding access to EU sugar markets. Preliminary analysis indicates that lowering domestic EU prices, while quotas requirements for ACP countries remain intact might have negative revenue implications for poor sugar producers

Effects of water and nutrient addition on the coppice growth response of cut Terminalia sericea.

The ability of a woody plant to coppice and remain vigorous largely depends on the severity of disturbances, resource availability and the mobilisation of stored reserves. There is limited information about the role played by resource limitation on the recovery of cut trees. This study investigated the effects of water and nutrient supplementation on coppice growth responses of resprouting cut trees in a semi-arid savannah in South Africa. Cut trees were exposed to different levels of water and nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) supplementation over a period of 2 years in a factorial experimental design. We hypothesised that adding water and nutrients would result in an increased coppice growth response and replenishment of stored structural reserves. Adding water and nutrients significantly increased shoot diameter, shoot length and resprouting ratio for the initial 12 months after cutting but not stored structural reserves. Such a response pattern suggests that the initial growth of resprouting shoots may be strongly resource-limited, while resources are concentrated on supporting fewer resprouting shoots compared to a higher number. Conservation implications: If practicing rotational tree harvesting, trees resprouting in resource-poor locations need a longer resting period to recover stored reserves and to also recover lost height after cutting.This research was funded by the Mellon Foundation and the Centre for Tree Health and Biotechnology (FABI, University of Pretoria).SP201

Research on sorghum and wheat flour composites

A book chapter on research on sorghum and wheat composites in Zimbabwe.The development of improved maize varieties and processing technology has gradually enabled maize to replace sorghum in low rain areas of Zimbabwe and other SADCC states. Sorghum and millet production and utilization technologies have remained at traditional levels of low efficiency and productivity. The increased dependence on maize has been coupled with a concurrent increase in the demand for wheat and wheat products. With the exception of Malawi and Zimbabwe, the rest of the SADCC states are net importers of maize. Currently every SADCC state is an importer of wheat.UZ/MSU Food Security Project

The lived experiences of men who have sex with men when accessing HIV care services in Zimbabwe

Background: Key populations such as men who have sex with men are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), yet they are underserved. This vulnerable group also faces stigma and discrimination when utilising the healthcare services. However, to achieve the HIV epidemic control, it is important for them to have access to HIV care services. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of men who have sex with men (MSM) as they accessed HIV care services in healthcare settings in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Setting: The study setting was healthcare facilities (state and private owned) in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, that offer HIV care services. Methods: The study used a descriptive phenomenological design targeting self-identified MSM living with HIV. Data were gathered by using in-depth individual interviews that were audio recorded. Data saturation determined sample size. Data were transcribed verbatim and later analysed thematically. Results: The study revealed that counselling given to MSM was generalised and not individualised. Some clients faced stigma and discrimination after disclosure. Peer and family support were important in the journey to access HIV care services. Conclusion: An enabling environment was not provided for MSM clients to access HIV care services in the majority of health facilities. This calls for sensitisation and competency clinical training of service providers so that the diverse needs of MSM are met. Peer and family support for MSM needs to be strengthened

Maternal HIV viral load testing during pregnancy and postpartum care in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Background. Pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV (WLHIV) are a target population for elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (eMTCT). However, there are limited data on maternal virological responses during pregnancy and the postpartum period in South Africa (SA).Objectives. To review compliance of viral load (VL) testing with national guidelines and suppression rates during pregnancy and up to 9  months postpartum among WLHIV delivering in four tertiary hospitals in Gauteng Province, SA.Methods. All women who had a point-of-care HIV VL test using Xpert HIV-1 VL (Cepheid, USA) at delivery in four tertiary obstetric units in Gauteng between June 2018 and February 2020 were included. HIV VL tests of eligible women performed up to 9 months before and after delivery were extracted from the National Health Laboratory Service’s Corporate Data Warehouse. Proportions of women delivering who had antenatal and postpartum VL tests performed and their suppression rates were determined and expressed as percentages.Results. Of 4 989 eligible WLHIV (median age 31.1 years), 917 (18.4%) had a VL performed during the antenatal period; of these, 335 (36.5%) had a VL ≥50 copies/mL and 165 (18.0%) a VL ≥1 000 copies/mL. At delivery, 1 911 women (38.3%) had a VL ≥50 copies/mL and 1 028 (20.6%) a VL ≥1 000 copies/mL. Among 627 women (12.6%) with a VL test postpartum, 234 (37.3%) had a VL ≥50 copies/mL and 93 (14.8%) a VL ≥1 000 copies/mL. Overall, having a VL test performed during the antenatal period was associated with viral suppression at delivery and receiving a VL test postpartum (p<0.001). Women with a VL ≥50 copies/mL at delivery were more likely to be younger and to remain virally unsuppressed postpartum (p<0.001) compared with women with a VL <50 copies/mL.Conclusions. Fewer than 5% of WLHIV with a VL at the time of delivery received VL monitoring during the antenatal and postpartum periods in accordance with national guidelines. More than 80% of WLHIV delivering had no evidence of VL monitoring during the antenatal period, and they were more likely than women who received monitoring during the antenatal period to be virally unsuppressed at delivery and to receive no VL monitoring postpartum. Women with a high VL at delivery were likely to remain virally unsuppressed postpartum. These results emphasise the need for closer monitoring of and rapid reaction to high maternal VLs during pregnancy, at delivery and postpartum for attainment of eMTCT

Harvesting Site Influenced the Concentration Level of Nitrogen and Mineral Status of Woody Species in Semi-Arid Areas of South Africa

Feed shortages in semi-arid areas cause a major set-back for livestock production. An understanding of the nutritive value of woody species in most parts of savanna regions can be vital to predicting what these species can offer for livestock productivity. The study assessed the variation in nitrogen and mineral concentration of leaves of woody species as influenced by harvesting site in South Africa. The study sites were communal areas in Limpopo and North West provinces. A total of 52 browse species were selected and used for this study. All statistical tests showed that there was a significant effect of species and site on both nitrogen and mineral concentrations of species. In Limpopo Province, the concentration of phosphorus and calcium was high in Adansonia Digitata species, while Androstachys Johnsonii had the lowest concentration of P and Ca. The highest (P \u3c 0.05) nitrogen level was obtained in Berchemia discolour, while the lowest (P \u3c 0.05) value was obtained in Euclea divinorum in Limpopo province. Bridelia mollis H. had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) zinc (Zn) concentration, whereas Berchemia zyheri had the lowest (P \u3c 0.05) Zn value in Limpopo province. Searsia lancea and Searsia pyroides in North-West sites had higher P when compared to all other species in the same sites. Diospyros lycioides also exhibited the highest (P \u3c 0.05) magnesium concentration level of all other species in the same sites. Prosopis velutina had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) compared to all other species in the same NW sites. Senegalia caffra, Grewia flava, Vachellia karroo, Vachellia nilotica subsp. kraussiana, Searsia leptodictya, and Melia azedarach found in the Limpopo province had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) phosphorus level when compared to the same species found in the North-West province. Senegalia caffra, Peltophorum africanum, Grewia. flava, Vachellia hebeclada, and Terminalia sericea found in the North-West province sites had the highest (P \u3c 0.05) iron levels when compared to the same species found in Limpopo province. Nitrogen concentration was regulated by the harvesting location and woody species. With the exception of Terminalia sericea, P Peltophorum africanum from Limpopo province, all browse species from all sites exhibited N concentrations more than 1.28%. There is a need to provide supplementation to those animals exposed to species that have a lower concentration of certain elements

Irrigation development in Zimbabwe: understanding productivity barriers and opportunities at Mkoba and Silalatshani irrigation schemes

Productivity barriers and opportunities influencing smallholder irrigation sustainability in Zimbabwe were identified using case studies of the Silalatshani and Mkoba irrigation schemes. The major barriers were poor infrastructure and soil fertility, and poor access to farm inputs, farm implements, functioning markets and agricultural knowledge, which resulted in low yields, food insecurity and negative farm income. Most irrigated land remains unused, and marketing of produce is uncoordinated. Mobile technologies provide opportunities for market information dissemination. Institutions are needed to continuously encourage dialogue among agricultural value chain stakeholders to allow irrigators to align their operations to market demands and improve the viability of irrigation systems

PRECISION IRRIGATION WITH SENSOR-GRID FOR DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM

Precision irrigation is the new generation irrigation systems that have tremendous potential to improve water control. This paper presents decision support system for precision irrigation in which sensor-grid technology is used to assist irrigation management decisions. Besides, this paper also explains the definition of precision irrigation and its benefits in irrigation management system. The agriculture is depended on quantity and quality of water. The main problem of water quantity is how to consider the water resources like dam or river, irrigation infrastructure and rain condition. The methodology to establish large-scale remote intelligent irrigation system based on sensor-grid by using wireless sensor network and considering grid climate stations

An investigation of the perceived consequences to employees of reducing employment related trip end choices in Cape Town

Paper presented at the 33rd Annual Southern African Transport Conference 7-10 July 2014 "Leading Transport into the Future", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.In South Africa, the bench mark for transport expenditure is 10% of monthly income. In the global South “transport poverty” is not a foreign concept considering that most individuals use more than 10% of their income on transport. The driver of these high transport costs is the positioning of economic activities relative to residential areas. Additionally, concerns over Peak Oil and its impact on fuel price means transport will become even more unaffordable in the future. Using Cape Town as a study area, this paper explores the concept of “too much” choice in a job choice framework to investigate the hypothesis that, the provision of a large catchment area from which individuals seek jobs does not continue to yield an increase in utility, but that there is a point beyond which benefits from having more choice are negligible. The results suggest that in a job choice framework, an increase in catchment size does not result in an increase in utility, instead as the catchment size increases utility decreases. It is therefore concluded that there is an amount of accessibility that cities can provide that can be considered to be “sufficient” and still enable individuals to attain positive utility. From the findings in this study, providing “sufficient” accessibility can be achieved by locating future urban growth thereby reducing home to work distances which may translate to a reduction in transport costs.This paper was transferred from the original CD ROM created for this conference. The material was published using Adobe Acrobat 10.1.0 Technology. The original CD ROM was produced by CE Projects cc. Postal Address: PO Box 560 Irene 0062 South Africa. Tel.: +27 12 667 2074 Fax: +27 12 667 2766 E-mail: [email protected]