The objectives of the study were to explore and develop a sustainable social entrepreneurship mod... more The objectives of the study were to explore and develop a sustainable social entrepreneurship model which can be effectively and efficiently applied in the establishment, operations, and evaluation of urban farming initiatives in Johannesburg. The methodology used for the study was a review of relevant literature and key expert qualitative interviews which investigated strategic and operational intervention regarding the successful implementation of these initiatives. The findings highlighted several important challenges which limited and hampered the ability of urban smallholder farmers to ensure financial viability and sustainability of their farming initiatives. The results confirmed findings from other studies including limited accessibility to farming land, markets, funding and most importantly knowledge and information regarding setting up and effectively and efficiently managing small agri-businesses. One of the outcomes of this study is a proposed social entrepreneurship model that describes an alternative way of thinking about social initiatives, viz. a focus on both social impact and the profitability of the business. Further work needs to be done to develop an enabling environment for these initiatives to flourish. This study should stimulate and trigger a much-needed shift in thinking and approach to urban agriculture to effectively benefit and transform the urban farming community and related stakeholders.
The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of food insecurity in greater Johann... more The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of food insecurity in greater Johannesburg metropole (South Africa). A total of 1000 households were interviewed using standardised food insecurity scaling and scoring metrics. Findings revealed that 34% of households experienced food insecurity and almost 60% spent R1000($57) or less on food per month. Only half of respondents reported adequate food provisioning throughout the year. Many households frequently bought less preferred foods or only what was necessary and almost 50% borrowed food or money to cope with food insecurity. Appropriate interventions to alleviate food and nutrition security are essential.
International Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 2020
Input-intensive industrial-scale production systems are not sustainable means of addressing issue... more Input-intensive industrial-scale production systems are not sustainable means of addressing issues such as food security, nutrition security and sustainable livelihoods. Several literatures suggest that the solution to world hunger is to diversify agriculture and reorient it around ecological practices. There is considerable evidence that supports agro-ecological farming system ss a viable alternative that can improve food production especially for the most vulnerable farming households. In addition, literature shows that an agro-ecology food system holds the key to increasing dietary diversity at the local level, as well as reducing the multiple health risks from industrial agriculture. This paper is aimed at discussing the benefits of agro-ecology food system and how agricultural support systems can play a role. The emphasis of the paper is the application of the agro-ecology approach in an urban/ peri-urban setting. An evaluation report of City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Food Resilience Programme Evaluation unpublished report (2016), shows that very few households engage in gardening/ urban agriculture either in their backyards or nearby open spaces due to the following reasons; strict city by-laws, no access to land, no knowledge of innovative/alternative farming practices lack of interest and limited resources.
International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 2020
Socioeconomic disparities create conditions that contribute to poor population health. Poor healt... more Socioeconomic disparities create conditions that contribute to poor population health. Poor health increases this socioeconomic burden on the health care system and undermines society's capacity to reduce disparities and develop resilience to converging challenges regarding global, regional and national food systems. Using a structured mixed literature review design as well as both primary and secondary data sources collected through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and studies, this paper reflects on some key socioeconomic challenges facing South Africa and shows how the findings from the research can contribute to and address public health and agricultural development policies and challenges. These themes have been presented within the broader and contemporary discourse on the relationship between ecological health, food security and national development. The agriculture system in South Africa is one of the biggest governments supported systems with a wide community reach and is thus a key sector. The debilitating effects of unhealthy communities, poor environments and socioeconomic disparities are inextricably linked to food and nutrition insecurity. The findings from the reviews of the various papers and reports clearly demonstrate on the one hand the high prevalence of food and nutrition security but on the other hand reports and studies emphasize the positive outcomes of an integrated approach to addressing nutrition and food security. Furthermore, agricultural extension highlights how multi and trans-disciplinary methods based on ecological health promotion can achieve systemic changes to improve food security, public health status and also contribute socioeconomic development.
International Journal of Agricultural Economics, 2018
The objective of this research was to examine agricultural product types and their contribution t... more The objective of this research was to examine agricultural product types and their contribution to the household income for communal farmers in Mhondoro-Mubaira area. The study was carried out in the area of Mhondoro-Mubaira, situated in Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe. The target population samples for the study comprised of communal farmers (N=150) and the extension officers (N=25). According to the results, remittances and gifts (92.66%) are the major contributors of household income for most communal farmers. This is because of the current bad economic situation and frequent droughts. Despite remittances and gifts being the major household income, farmers still perceive farming has very important contributor to their daily sustenance. The study proves that field crops and maize in particular is a strategic crop in Zimbabwe. Maize is not only for household consumption but also for selling. Tobacco is the most important cash crop for the farmers because of good prices and well-established markets. Farmers indicated that open markets are important but because of unscrupulous traders and lack of monitoring and poor regulations, farmers are prone to being cheated and price manipulations. The government and private sector can contribute in formalizing and improving growing of garden crops. The government should improve and invest in non-farm economy which contributes to communal farmer standard of leaving such has roads, electricity, and related infrastructure. This will inherently improve the farm economy and the livelihood status of the communal farmers.
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE), 2019
The objective of this research was to establish the role of agricultural extension in communal fa... more The objective of this research was to establish the role of agricultural extension in communal farmers' market systems by looking at possible ways in which it could intervene and support communal farmers in the marketing of produce. The study was conducted in the area of Mhondoro-Mubaira, which is situated in Mashonaland West Province in Zimbabwe. The target population comprised of 150 communal farmers and 25 extension officers. Poor technology and an under-resourced extension department is one of the factors identified by the extension officers (84%) for poor extension delivery (p =<0.464). The communal farmers referred to in this study have a negative perception of government-led extension support, especially in the area of agricultural market support. About half (56%) of the farmers indicated that they do not receive any form of agricultural marketing extension support. The reasons for the poor ratings of government extension support by communal farmers include the following: they are hardly available (8.88%); they are not knowledgeable enough (13.02%); and they do not offer practical solutions (24.85%). Communal food production and food security could be significantly improved if farmers receive appropriate input, training and extension support. Market linkage from the extension department could effectively boost income from agriculture enterprises and upgrade communal farmers who come from the most vulnerable section of the country's population.
International Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 2018
The objective of this research was to ascertain the communal farmers' perceptions and experiences... more The objective of this research was to ascertain the communal farmers' perceptions and experiences regarding the current communal market system. The study was carried out in the area of Mhondoro-Mubaira, situated in Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe. The population samples for the study comprised of communal farmers (N=150) and extension officers (N=25. According to the study, private buyers are the most preferred buyers for all the produce, for field, garden crops and livestock. The reason for favorable rating of the private buyers is they offer competitive prices, they pay the farmers on delivery of produce and sometimes they cover transport costs. Even though the private buyers are the most preferred buyers, farmers still prefer selling produce between themselves and the open market because they have control of the prices especially for livestock. The Grain Marketing Board and the Cold Storage Commission, which are government run, are the least favorable markets for the farmers. This is because these institutions offer the lowest prices, they do not pay on delivery and offer any assistance to the farmers regarding transport/transport costs. The results show that the farmers are not satisfied with the of the current market system which they deem restrictive, minimally supported by the government, low participation by the private sector, and the current economic situation in Zimbabwe overburdens the situation. The government of Zimbabwe needs to create a conducive environment for private players to participate with government interferences through overburdening policies.
This study described food security status and explored coping mechanisms of students at times of ... more This study described food security status and explored coping mechanisms of students at times of food insecurity at the University of the Witwatersrand. The sample consisted of 387 undergraduate students from all faculties and a subsample of 30 students who received financial aid. The 30 subsample students were also assessed regarding their coping strategies. Action research approaches included key indicators such as the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS). The HFIAS score showed that 1% of students was severely food insecure and 6% were identified as moderately food insecure. The DDS score amongst the sample was seven out of a possible 12 points. African male students originating from townships who were on financial aid and did not eat in university dining halls were the most vulnerable group to food insecurity. Almost all (97%) participants believed hunger could impact negatively on academic performance and 52% reported having personally experienced the impact of hunger on academic performance. Food security coping strategies used by students were avoiding expensive fast-food places; food pooling, shared meal preparation schedules; eating fewer meals and going home to get food. Wits should develop effective strategies to address pockets of hunger and food insecurity.
The objectives of the study were to explore and develop a sustainable social entrepreneurship mod... more The objectives of the study were to explore and develop a sustainable social entrepreneurship model which can be effectively and efficiently applied in the establishment, operations, and evaluation of urban farming initiatives in Johannesburg. The methodology used for the study was a review of relevant literature and key expert qualitative interviews which investigated strategic and operational intervention regarding the successful implementation of these initiatives. The findings highlighted several important challenges which limited and hampered the ability of urban smallholder farmers to ensure financial viability and sustainability of their farming initiatives. The results confirmed findings from other studies including limited accessibility to farming land, markets, funding and most importantly knowledge and information regarding setting up and effectively and efficiently managing small agri-businesses. One of the outcomes of this study is a proposed social entrepreneurship model that describes an alternative way of thinking about social initiatives, viz. a focus on both social impact and the profitability of the business. Further work needs to be done to develop an enabling environment for these initiatives to flourish. This study should stimulate and trigger a much-needed shift in thinking and approach to urban agriculture to effectively benefit and transform the urban farming community and related stakeholders.
The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of food insecurity in greater Johann... more The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of food insecurity in greater Johannesburg metropole (South Africa). A total of 1000 households were interviewed using standardised food insecurity scaling and scoring metrics. Findings revealed that 34% of households experienced food insecurity and almost 60% spent R1000($57) or less on food per month. Only half of respondents reported adequate food provisioning throughout the year. Many households frequently bought less preferred foods or only what was necessary and almost 50% borrowed food or money to cope with food insecurity. Appropriate interventions to alleviate food and nutrition security are essential.
International Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 2020
Input-intensive industrial-scale production systems are not sustainable means of addressing issue... more Input-intensive industrial-scale production systems are not sustainable means of addressing issues such as food security, nutrition security and sustainable livelihoods. Several literatures suggest that the solution to world hunger is to diversify agriculture and reorient it around ecological practices. There is considerable evidence that supports agro-ecological farming system ss a viable alternative that can improve food production especially for the most vulnerable farming households. In addition, literature shows that an agro-ecology food system holds the key to increasing dietary diversity at the local level, as well as reducing the multiple health risks from industrial agriculture. This paper is aimed at discussing the benefits of agro-ecology food system and how agricultural support systems can play a role. The emphasis of the paper is the application of the agro-ecology approach in an urban/ peri-urban setting. An evaluation report of City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Food Resilience Programme Evaluation unpublished report (2016), shows that very few households engage in gardening/ urban agriculture either in their backyards or nearby open spaces due to the following reasons; strict city by-laws, no access to land, no knowledge of innovative/alternative farming practices lack of interest and limited resources.
International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 2020
Socioeconomic disparities create conditions that contribute to poor population health. Poor healt... more Socioeconomic disparities create conditions that contribute to poor population health. Poor health increases this socioeconomic burden on the health care system and undermines society's capacity to reduce disparities and develop resilience to converging challenges regarding global, regional and national food systems. Using a structured mixed literature review design as well as both primary and secondary data sources collected through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and studies, this paper reflects on some key socioeconomic challenges facing South Africa and shows how the findings from the research can contribute to and address public health and agricultural development policies and challenges. These themes have been presented within the broader and contemporary discourse on the relationship between ecological health, food security and national development. The agriculture system in South Africa is one of the biggest governments supported systems with a wide community reach and is thus a key sector. The debilitating effects of unhealthy communities, poor environments and socioeconomic disparities are inextricably linked to food and nutrition insecurity. The findings from the reviews of the various papers and reports clearly demonstrate on the one hand the high prevalence of food and nutrition security but on the other hand reports and studies emphasize the positive outcomes of an integrated approach to addressing nutrition and food security. Furthermore, agricultural extension highlights how multi and trans-disciplinary methods based on ecological health promotion can achieve systemic changes to improve food security, public health status and also contribute socioeconomic development.
International Journal of Agricultural Economics, 2018
The objective of this research was to examine agricultural product types and their contribution t... more The objective of this research was to examine agricultural product types and their contribution to the household income for communal farmers in Mhondoro-Mubaira area. The study was carried out in the area of Mhondoro-Mubaira, situated in Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe. The target population samples for the study comprised of communal farmers (N=150) and the extension officers (N=25). According to the results, remittances and gifts (92.66%) are the major contributors of household income for most communal farmers. This is because of the current bad economic situation and frequent droughts. Despite remittances and gifts being the major household income, farmers still perceive farming has very important contributor to their daily sustenance. The study proves that field crops and maize in particular is a strategic crop in Zimbabwe. Maize is not only for household consumption but also for selling. Tobacco is the most important cash crop for the farmers because of good prices and well-established markets. Farmers indicated that open markets are important but because of unscrupulous traders and lack of monitoring and poor regulations, farmers are prone to being cheated and price manipulations. The government and private sector can contribute in formalizing and improving growing of garden crops. The government should improve and invest in non-farm economy which contributes to communal farmer standard of leaving such has roads, electricity, and related infrastructure. This will inherently improve the farm economy and the livelihood status of the communal farmers.
South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE), 2019
The objective of this research was to establish the role of agricultural extension in communal fa... more The objective of this research was to establish the role of agricultural extension in communal farmers' market systems by looking at possible ways in which it could intervene and support communal farmers in the marketing of produce. The study was conducted in the area of Mhondoro-Mubaira, which is situated in Mashonaland West Province in Zimbabwe. The target population comprised of 150 communal farmers and 25 extension officers. Poor technology and an under-resourced extension department is one of the factors identified by the extension officers (84%) for poor extension delivery (p =<0.464). The communal farmers referred to in this study have a negative perception of government-led extension support, especially in the area of agricultural market support. About half (56%) of the farmers indicated that they do not receive any form of agricultural marketing extension support. The reasons for the poor ratings of government extension support by communal farmers include the following: they are hardly available (8.88%); they are not knowledgeable enough (13.02%); and they do not offer practical solutions (24.85%). Communal food production and food security could be significantly improved if farmers receive appropriate input, training and extension support. Market linkage from the extension department could effectively boost income from agriculture enterprises and upgrade communal farmers who come from the most vulnerable section of the country's population.
International Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 2018
The objective of this research was to ascertain the communal farmers' perceptions and experiences... more The objective of this research was to ascertain the communal farmers' perceptions and experiences regarding the current communal market system. The study was carried out in the area of Mhondoro-Mubaira, situated in Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe. The population samples for the study comprised of communal farmers (N=150) and extension officers (N=25. According to the study, private buyers are the most preferred buyers for all the produce, for field, garden crops and livestock. The reason for favorable rating of the private buyers is they offer competitive prices, they pay the farmers on delivery of produce and sometimes they cover transport costs. Even though the private buyers are the most preferred buyers, farmers still prefer selling produce between themselves and the open market because they have control of the prices especially for livestock. The Grain Marketing Board and the Cold Storage Commission, which are government run, are the least favorable markets for the farmers. This is because these institutions offer the lowest prices, they do not pay on delivery and offer any assistance to the farmers regarding transport/transport costs. The results show that the farmers are not satisfied with the of the current market system which they deem restrictive, minimally supported by the government, low participation by the private sector, and the current economic situation in Zimbabwe overburdens the situation. The government of Zimbabwe needs to create a conducive environment for private players to participate with government interferences through overburdening policies.
This study described food security status and explored coping mechanisms of students at times of ... more This study described food security status and explored coping mechanisms of students at times of food insecurity at the University of the Witwatersrand. The sample consisted of 387 undergraduate students from all faculties and a subsample of 30 students who received financial aid. The 30 subsample students were also assessed regarding their coping strategies. Action research approaches included key indicators such as the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS). The HFIAS score showed that 1% of students was severely food insecure and 6% were identified as moderately food insecure. The DDS score amongst the sample was seven out of a possible 12 points. African male students originating from townships who were on financial aid and did not eat in university dining halls were the most vulnerable group to food insecurity. Almost all (97%) participants believed hunger could impact negatively on academic performance and 52% reported having personally experienced the impact of hunger on academic performance. Food security coping strategies used by students were avoiding expensive fast-food places; food pooling, shared meal preparation schedules; eating fewer meals and going home to get food. Wits should develop effective strategies to address pockets of hunger and food insecurity.
Uploads
Papers by Evans Muchesa