Bake bread while the sun shines : solar bakery for off-grid rural community development
- Authors: Meyer, J. , Von Solms, S.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Solar solutions , Rural development , Bakery
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/273545 , uj:29144 , Citation: Meyer, J. & Von Solms, S. 2018. Bake bread while the sun shines : solar bakery for off-grid rural community development.
- Description: Abstract: In South Africa there are still more than 1.5 million households which are unlikely to be connected to the utility grid in the near future. These rural communities are faced with economic development, social and environmental challenges brought about as result of not being connect to the utility grid. Renewable energy offers environmentally favourable and cost effective solutions which are attractive for rural development of communities not connected to the utility grid. Gwakwani is an off-grid rural village situated in northern Limpopo South Africa. As a result of being off-grid, economic and social development of the village was haltered and become near stagnant. In this paper a renewable solar energy solution is utilised in the Gwakwani rural off-grid community for the powering of a small bakery. A solarised container bakery was developed and installed in the community. The bakery operated by four bakers is capable of producing up to 160 loafs of bread per day. The bakery has become the main supplier of bread to the neighbouring communities and is now the largest source of income and employment in Gwakwani, driving economic development. An overview of the technical implementation, bakery operation as well as the social aspects are presented. Social development was facilitated through the training of community members on the operation of the bakery and the economic business development thereof. Results from the social and economic impact of the off-grid solar bakery are presented and discussed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Meyer, J. , Von Solms, S.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Solar solutions , Rural development , Bakery
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/273545 , uj:29144 , Citation: Meyer, J. & Von Solms, S. 2018. Bake bread while the sun shines : solar bakery for off-grid rural community development.
- Description: Abstract: In South Africa there are still more than 1.5 million households which are unlikely to be connected to the utility grid in the near future. These rural communities are faced with economic development, social and environmental challenges brought about as result of not being connect to the utility grid. Renewable energy offers environmentally favourable and cost effective solutions which are attractive for rural development of communities not connected to the utility grid. Gwakwani is an off-grid rural village situated in northern Limpopo South Africa. As a result of being off-grid, economic and social development of the village was haltered and become near stagnant. In this paper a renewable solar energy solution is utilised in the Gwakwani rural off-grid community for the powering of a small bakery. A solarised container bakery was developed and installed in the community. The bakery operated by four bakers is capable of producing up to 160 loafs of bread per day. The bakery has become the main supplier of bread to the neighbouring communities and is now the largest source of income and employment in Gwakwani, driving economic development. An overview of the technical implementation, bakery operation as well as the social aspects are presented. Social development was facilitated through the training of community members on the operation of the bakery and the economic business development thereof. Results from the social and economic impact of the off-grid solar bakery are presented and discussed.
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Community participation in the planning of water service delivery in a rural community in Limpopo Province
- Authors: Koekemoer, Rachelle
- Date: 2010-11-17T07:40:54Z
- Subjects: Rural development , Community development , Rural water-supply , Limpopo (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6996 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3501
- Description: M.A. , Providing water services to a community takes careful planning and consideration. It is essential that communities are included from the onset in the processes of the project so that their needs, expectations and circumstances can influence decision-making as well as the activities required for the installation and subsequent delivery of the service. This type of involvement is referred to as community participation and it is a very important aspect when a new development takes place in any sector. This study investigated the nature of community participation that took place when a rural village in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, received a water service from the government. This study also assessed the impacts (beneficial and detrimental) on the needs and expectations of the new water system and the level of satisfaction with the service from the viewpoint of community residents. The methods that were used to gather data were focus group meetings, in-depth interviews and a satisfaction survey. The investigation revealed that community participation was not very extensive and was limited to community meetings and labour by community residents. Seven potential benefits of participation, namely, better health, quality of life, equal benefits, human rights, employment opportunities, affordability and sustainable development were identified, but most of the respondents claimed to have only experienced the health benefit from these positive outcomes. Concerns were mostly about the municipality’s insufficient consultation and the tap water not being easily accessible and constantly available. The satisfaction survey confirmed these complaints. Although the study could not show that the dissatisfaction of the community was related to low levels of community participation at the onset of the water service and the lack thereof afterwards, it was recommended that ongoing community participation can resolve the issues that the community might have with the water service and its provider.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Koekemoer, Rachelle
- Date: 2010-11-17T07:40:54Z
- Subjects: Rural development , Community development , Rural water-supply , Limpopo (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6996 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3501
- Description: M.A. , Providing water services to a community takes careful planning and consideration. It is essential that communities are included from the onset in the processes of the project so that their needs, expectations and circumstances can influence decision-making as well as the activities required for the installation and subsequent delivery of the service. This type of involvement is referred to as community participation and it is a very important aspect when a new development takes place in any sector. This study investigated the nature of community participation that took place when a rural village in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, received a water service from the government. This study also assessed the impacts (beneficial and detrimental) on the needs and expectations of the new water system and the level of satisfaction with the service from the viewpoint of community residents. The methods that were used to gather data were focus group meetings, in-depth interviews and a satisfaction survey. The investigation revealed that community participation was not very extensive and was limited to community meetings and labour by community residents. Seven potential benefits of participation, namely, better health, quality of life, equal benefits, human rights, employment opportunities, affordability and sustainable development were identified, but most of the respondents claimed to have only experienced the health benefit from these positive outcomes. Concerns were mostly about the municipality’s insufficient consultation and the tap water not being easily accessible and constantly available. The satisfaction survey confirmed these complaints. Although the study could not show that the dissatisfaction of the community was related to low levels of community participation at the onset of the water service and the lack thereof afterwards, it was recommended that ongoing community participation can resolve the issues that the community might have with the water service and its provider.
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Convergence opportunities and factors influencing the use of internet and telephony by rural women in South Africa and India towards empowerment
- Joseph, Meera K., Andrew, Theo N.
- Authors: Joseph, Meera K. , Andrew, Theo N.
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mobile technology , Rural development , Women in development
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/18741 , uj:16037 , Citation: Joseph, M.K. & Andrew, T.N. 2007. Convergence opportunities and factors influencing the use of internet and telephony by rural women in South Africa and India towards empowerment. IFIP International Federation for Information Processing, Volume 241 (Venkatesh, A. et al. (Eds.) Home Informatics and Telematics: ICT for the Next Billion), pp. 1-20. ISBN: 978-0-387-73696-9
- Description: Abstract: Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can have dramatic impact on poverty alleviation for rural women and for achieving socio economic development goals. Rural women need to treat ICTs as an empowerment tool and a means to a living. The use of mobile communication devices and internet are changing the way agricultural activities are managed by farmers nowadays. Rural women's lack of mobility and less hands-on computer experience might hinder women's welfare and empowerment. This paper analyses how use of the telephony (both cellular and land line), internet and other ICTs can benefit rural women in educational, business and economic sector. Women in rural India and rural South Africa were marginalized partly due to their lack of ability in being vocal when it comes to empowering themselves using ICTs due to cultural norms in India, and apartheid in South Africa. Over the years, unlike other developing countries, the above-mentioned countries have its unique ICT projects meant for empowering rural women. This paper is driven from the authors' commitment for rural development and rural women empowerment. It highlights different low-cost ICT initiatives and strategies taken by women's organizations, various companies and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for rural women empowerment. The paper also highlights various factors influencing use of internet and mobile phone adoption by rural women. Various bottlenecks for the community projects, factors de-motivating the use of mobile phones and internet by rural women and possible solutions for these are also mentioned.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Joseph, Meera K. , Andrew, Theo N.
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Mobile technology , Rural development , Women in development
- Language: English
- Type: Journal article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/18741 , uj:16037 , Citation: Joseph, M.K. & Andrew, T.N. 2007. Convergence opportunities and factors influencing the use of internet and telephony by rural women in South Africa and India towards empowerment. IFIP International Federation for Information Processing, Volume 241 (Venkatesh, A. et al. (Eds.) Home Informatics and Telematics: ICT for the Next Billion), pp. 1-20. ISBN: 978-0-387-73696-9
- Description: Abstract: Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can have dramatic impact on poverty alleviation for rural women and for achieving socio economic development goals. Rural women need to treat ICTs as an empowerment tool and a means to a living. The use of mobile communication devices and internet are changing the way agricultural activities are managed by farmers nowadays. Rural women's lack of mobility and less hands-on computer experience might hinder women's welfare and empowerment. This paper analyses how use of the telephony (both cellular and land line), internet and other ICTs can benefit rural women in educational, business and economic sector. Women in rural India and rural South Africa were marginalized partly due to their lack of ability in being vocal when it comes to empowering themselves using ICTs due to cultural norms in India, and apartheid in South Africa. Over the years, unlike other developing countries, the above-mentioned countries have its unique ICT projects meant for empowering rural women. This paper is driven from the authors' commitment for rural development and rural women empowerment. It highlights different low-cost ICT initiatives and strategies taken by women's organizations, various companies and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for rural women empowerment. The paper also highlights various factors influencing use of internet and mobile phone adoption by rural women. Various bottlenecks for the community projects, factors de-motivating the use of mobile phones and internet by rural women and possible solutions for these are also mentioned.
- Full Text:
Participatory approaches for the development and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for rural farmers
- Authors: Joseph, M.K. , Andrew, T.N.
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Rural development , ICT in development , Farmers
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/18776 , uj:16042 , Citation: Joseph, M.K. & Andrew, T.N. 2008. Participatory approaches for the development and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for rural farmers. 2008 IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society. 13p. ISBN: 978-1-4244-1670-7
- Description: Abstract: One of the prime ingredients for rural development in developing countries is information access. Although the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution in these countries has gained momentum, most of the farming communities still have no access to value added information. The agricultural researcher and the farming community need to enhance their knowledge by increased ‘farmer participation’ in research. This paper makes a strong case for the use of participatory approaches involving farming community for development and adoption of ICT in the agricultural sector. It acknowledges that farmers are knowledgeable and encourages researchers to work with farmers and development workers for agricultural improvements. This paper discusses how digital ICT developed by means of participatory learning and action research can spur development and eradicate poverty by providing services to farmers in rural areas. It also highlights how participatory approaches can empower collective groups of farmers and help to put decision-making in the hands of the farmers. Although no single ICT will be satisfactory for farmers, the use of a wide range of ICTs in agriculture can improve the livelihood of the farmers in rural areas and help in their socio-economic growth. The paper focuses on various participatory approaches such as participatory communication and participatory learning for effective use of ICTs in agricultural domain. It highlights how participatory approaches can assist in ‘participatory information and communication technology development’ for rural farming community.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Joseph, M.K. , Andrew, T.N.
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Rural development , ICT in development , Farmers
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/18776 , uj:16042 , Citation: Joseph, M.K. & Andrew, T.N. 2008. Participatory approaches for the development and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for rural farmers. 2008 IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society. 13p. ISBN: 978-1-4244-1670-7
- Description: Abstract: One of the prime ingredients for rural development in developing countries is information access. Although the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution in these countries has gained momentum, most of the farming communities still have no access to value added information. The agricultural researcher and the farming community need to enhance their knowledge by increased ‘farmer participation’ in research. This paper makes a strong case for the use of participatory approaches involving farming community for development and adoption of ICT in the agricultural sector. It acknowledges that farmers are knowledgeable and encourages researchers to work with farmers and development workers for agricultural improvements. This paper discusses how digital ICT developed by means of participatory learning and action research can spur development and eradicate poverty by providing services to farmers in rural areas. It also highlights how participatory approaches can empower collective groups of farmers and help to put decision-making in the hands of the farmers. Although no single ICT will be satisfactory for farmers, the use of a wide range of ICTs in agriculture can improve the livelihood of the farmers in rural areas and help in their socio-economic growth. The paper focuses on various participatory approaches such as participatory communication and participatory learning for effective use of ICTs in agricultural domain. It highlights how participatory approaches can assist in ‘participatory information and communication technology development’ for rural farming community.
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The African experience with ICT for rural women’s development
- Authors: Joseph, Meera K.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rural development , Rural poverty , Poverty , ICTs , Information and Communication Technologies , Rural women
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5303 , ISBN 978-953-51-0461-2 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5208
- Description: Television, computers and mobile phones can facilitate communication, processing and transmission of information. Singh (1999) defines rural development as the process that lead to sustainable improvement of the quality of life of the rural poor. Rural women play a major role in rural development. ICTs have the potential to improve the quality of lives of the rural women. Information and Communication Technologies for Rural Women’s Development (ICT4WD (Joseph 2007) research stems from the lack of understanding of rural women’s capabilities for their development through the use of ICTs. ICT4WD is an ongoing project that facilitates the development of rural women using ICTs. The aim of this project is to create awareness of the potential of ICTs and to improve the quality of life of rural women through the use of ICTs in developmental projects. This chapter covers only some aspects of the above ICT4WD research project.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Joseph, Meera K.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rural development , Rural poverty , Poverty , ICTs , Information and Communication Technologies , Rural women
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:5303 , ISBN 978-953-51-0461-2 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5208
- Description: Television, computers and mobile phones can facilitate communication, processing and transmission of information. Singh (1999) defines rural development as the process that lead to sustainable improvement of the quality of life of the rural poor. Rural women play a major role in rural development. ICTs have the potential to improve the quality of lives of the rural women. Information and Communication Technologies for Rural Women’s Development (ICT4WD (Joseph 2007) research stems from the lack of understanding of rural women’s capabilities for their development through the use of ICTs. ICT4WD is an ongoing project that facilitates the development of rural women using ICTs. The aim of this project is to create awareness of the potential of ICTs and to improve the quality of life of rural women through the use of ICTs in developmental projects. This chapter covers only some aspects of the above ICT4WD research project.
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The impact of information communication and technology in rural development : a case of Moletjie, Limpopo Province
- Aigbavboa, Clinton O., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
- Authors: Aigbavboa, Clinton O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Business entrepreneurship , Business innovation , Rural development , Information technology
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12261
- Description: Refer to full-paper
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Aigbavboa, Clinton O. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Business entrepreneurship , Business innovation , Rural development , Information technology
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12261
- Description: Refer to full-paper
- Full Text: false
The interface between traditional leadership in shared rural local governance
- Authors: Tlhoaele, Clement Timase
- Date: 2012-11-07
- Subjects: Traditional leadership , Central-local government relations , Community leadership , Rural development
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8144
- Description: M.A. , The study deals with the nature and problems of traditional leadership and the variables that influence the interface between traditional leadership in shared rural local governance within the context of an interactive government framework. Due to South Africa’s specific history and the power that the Apartheid regime instilled on traditional leaders, the country has somewhat of a unique situation. Therefore, the emphasis falls on the South African context. The general aim of the study is, therefore, to analyse the concepts and legislative requirements related to traditional leadership. Furthermore, it aims to determine how traditional leaders could help Government in its rural development effort to deliver more effective services to rural people. This enquiry is premised on the view that the institutionalisation of traditional leaders has been constitutionally and statutorily recognised and can make an important contribution to shared rural local governance on a political, economic, social and cultural level. It remains an important link between the local government and rural communities. As such, traditional leaders play a vital role in the development process. Furthermore, traditional leaders are important with regard to resource mobilisation, political stability and policy implementation in shared rural governance. In general, the study reveals that, despite modernisation, traditional leaders are still influential actors in the rural life of communities in South Africa. Furthermore, attempts to strip them of their formal powers, such as the allocation of land and jurisdiction in criminal cases, have not reduced their influence. In the light of the above argument, the institution of traditional leaders remains influential because it has been able and continues to adapt itself to the changing modern environment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tlhoaele, Clement Timase
- Date: 2012-11-07
- Subjects: Traditional leadership , Central-local government relations , Community leadership , Rural development
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8144
- Description: M.A. , The study deals with the nature and problems of traditional leadership and the variables that influence the interface between traditional leadership in shared rural local governance within the context of an interactive government framework. Due to South Africa’s specific history and the power that the Apartheid regime instilled on traditional leaders, the country has somewhat of a unique situation. Therefore, the emphasis falls on the South African context. The general aim of the study is, therefore, to analyse the concepts and legislative requirements related to traditional leadership. Furthermore, it aims to determine how traditional leaders could help Government in its rural development effort to deliver more effective services to rural people. This enquiry is premised on the view that the institutionalisation of traditional leaders has been constitutionally and statutorily recognised and can make an important contribution to shared rural local governance on a political, economic, social and cultural level. It remains an important link between the local government and rural communities. As such, traditional leaders play a vital role in the development process. Furthermore, traditional leaders are important with regard to resource mobilisation, political stability and policy implementation in shared rural governance. In general, the study reveals that, despite modernisation, traditional leaders are still influential actors in the rural life of communities in South Africa. Furthermore, attempts to strip them of their formal powers, such as the allocation of land and jurisdiction in criminal cases, have not reduced their influence. In the light of the above argument, the institution of traditional leaders remains influential because it has been able and continues to adapt itself to the changing modern environment.
- Full Text:
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