UWCScholar :: Browsing by Author "Penderis, Sharon"

Browsing by Author "Penderis, Sharon"

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The challenges of accessing labour markets for asylum seekers and refugees in Cape Town, South Africa: A case study of Bellville.
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Sebakwiye, Celse; Dinbabo, Mulugeta; Penderis, Sharon
The world has recognised the global record of increased international migrants and refugees in the last two decades. In South Africa in particular, migrants and refugees have remarkably increased in the last ten years. Refugees in South Africa face many challenges of accessing employment while the government also faces the high global unemployment of its citizens. Also, refugees have problems of accessing social services such as education, shelter, and social grants and also problems of insecurity and safety, discrimination and exclusion.
Challenges that offenders face upon release that contribute to recidivism in the Department of Correctional Services: a case study of the West Coast Medium ' A' Correctional Centre in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Samuels, Jerome Alex; Penderis, Sharon; Institute for Child and Family Development; Faculty of Arts
Recidivism, the tendency to revert to crime upon release from prison, seems to be an uncontrollable phenomenon as inmates keep on re-offending, which impacts negatively on the already overcrowded correctional centres in South Africa. Life in prison is harsh and overpopulation leads to numerous communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and other sexuality transmitted infections. Offenders participate in various rehabilitation programmes during their incarceration. However, the challenge is to sustain these rehabilitation efforts after their discharge from prison. Offenders released into society face numerous obstacles such as the need for employment, food, shelter, and the stigma of having been imprisoned. The community is reluctant to receive perpetrators back into society after their release from prison. Consequently, ex-offenders struggle to find employment because of this stigma, which often translates into family break-ups. They are then expected to invent new ways of making a living and surviving without any help from society; in, they resort to crime, which in turn results in recidivism. The research comprises an exploratory study of the challenges that offenders face upon release and which contribute to recidivism in the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). The West Coast Medium ‘A’ Correctional Centre in the Western Cape has been selected as the case study area. Although offenders attend various rehabilitation programmes inside the prison, it has become apparent that upon their release this rehabilitation is not sustained. The qualitative methodology used for this research included semi-structured interviews in order to gather information on the challenges that contribute to recidivism. Offenders, parolees, family members, the Head of Social Reintegration, a social worker, a representative of NICRO, the Chairperson of the Atlantis Community Police Forum, and a spokesperson for SAPS Atlantis were interviewed in order to gather the relevant information.
Community development initiatives and poverty reduction: the role of the Ethiopian Kale Heywot Church in Ethiopia
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Tefera Talore Abiche; Penderis, Sharon; Institute for Social Development; Faculty of Arts
Ethiopia is a country well endowed with a number of development related NGOs who have been involved in socio-economic development at national, regional and grassroots level. In a country like Ethiopia, where natural and man-made hazards persist, NGOs play a crucial role in terms of reducing poverty and other human sufferings. As one of the non-governmental organizations, the Ethiopian Kale Heywot Church Development Program (EKHCDP) has played an important role in supporting and encouraging the development aspirations of local communities in the areas of environmental rehabilitation, water and sanitation, agriculture, health, education, credit and saving schemes.The study focused on the Ethiopian Kale Heywot Church community development program in five selected project areas, namely Lambuda, Durame, Shashamane, Debraziet and Nazret. The analysis subsequently examined the nature and extent of community participation in the project planning, implementation and decision-making phases. Thereafter, the study brought into focus general observations gleaned from the investigation and provides recommendation to the EKHC and other stakeholders that have been involved in development activities. Quantitative and qualitative methods of research have been applied throughout the investigation. Accordingly, observation, in depth interviews, focus group discussions and structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather information. The qualitative mode was employed to gather socially dynamic information on issues relating to beneficiaries’ perceptions of processes in order to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play. On the other hand, the quantitative mode was used to test variables related to the research problem. The findings indicate that the Ethiopian Kale Heywot Church development program has played a significant role in terms of community development. Moreover, its development approach is responsive to local needs and able to mobilize local and external resources to support the poor, so that through empowerment and participation they will be released from the deprivation trap that they find themselves in. The study also indicates that the EKHCDP has good linkages and networks with other communities and partners. However, the study indicated that the intensity of community participation in decision-making is still low in certain cases. Meanwhile, the beneficiaries did not show a clear understanding of aspects such as project ownership. Finally, this study recommends that genuine community participation should be maintained because it is the core activity contributing to beneficiary empowerment and grassroots institutional capacity building and an essential ingredient for self-reliance and project sustainability.
Community participation in health: Home/community-based care as an alternative strategy to institutional care – a case study of Dunoon home-based caregivers
(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Abraham, Warren; Penderis, Sharon
In South Africa, since 2000, an increase of awareness in community involvement has become apparent, owing to the response from people to the need to be more engaged in decisions pertaining to their community. This positive move echoes an increasing acknowledgement by those in authority that community participation is essential to the main demands of renewing democracy, expanding service provision and constructing robust communities. The development of innovative patterns of participation development means that local communities should be empowered to participate in decision making, whilst government establishments need to have the determination and ability to respond to various community needs. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) pandemic has placed an enormous responsibility on public health services, such as South African hospitals, which are already functioning with limited resources. This has shifted the load of nursing to family members and communities as public health services are often stretched beyond their limits. Several community or home-based care programmes and facilities have materialised in reply to this necessity. In the context of participation of communities, the duty of community involvement in health plays a vital role in the future of public health in South Africa. Accordingly, this research was conducted to explore the nature and extent of community participation within the HIV/AIDS context in the Dunoon suburb in the Western Cape. An empirical research design, which consisted of qualitative methods, was used in this exploratory study to investigate the nature and extent of home-based care as an alternative strategy to institutional care. The research population was comprised of community members at the Dunoon informal settlement, the home-based workers employed at Heavenly Promise NGO, as well as staff and management of the Caltex/Chevron Refinery, members of Project Management 4 Africa (PM4A) and representatives of the Department of Social Development (DSD), which together constitute the partnership that is dedicated to combating the spread of HIV/AIDS in Dunoon. In general, the research findings demonstrate that home-based caregivers displayed strong levels of participation right from the outset of the project. The findings also established that participation among the community members was a combination of passive, weak and non-participatory, whereas home-based carers displayed a level of active participation. Furthermore, home-based care staff played a key role in decision making, while carers essentially undertook the work in the community. Hence, home-based care and communities participating in health matters are considered to be substantial as home care focuses primarily on palliative care of the patient at home, with the support of the family and the immediate community. Consequently, it is hoped that this research will prove significant and will enhance the existing knowledge of the potential benefits of home-based care as an alternative strategy to institutional care.
The debt trap: the indebtness of the poor in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Nagdee, Qureisha; Penderis, Sharon; Institute for Social Development; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
Providing international loans to governments in developing countries is seen as contributing to the upliftment and development of the Third World, according to a set of pre-determined criteria. From the neo-liberal capitalist perspective, this loan provision is widely conceived as one of the answers to poverty alleviation. Despite this, many Third World countries continue to be steeped in debt through these loans and stringent conditions. On a local level, micro-finance for small business development is seen as a tool for development and alleviating poverty. Millions of Rands have been made available in South Africa for micro-finance by government and backed by international financial institutions. As with international debt, already we are seeing a similar situation at the grassroots level of the poor and low income groups being indebted through micro-loans. They are in arrears with debt repayments, are over-indebted and their personal poverty is deepening as a result. In this thesis, I explore the different aspects impinging on low-income groups that are contributing to their indebted and poor situation. I explore the neo-liberal perspective, namely the GEAR strategy, as well as the micro-finance initiative against the backdrop of international and national debt tied to the IMF and World Bank. The glaring similarities between national and personal indebtedness are then examined. The focus then shifts to a micro-level case study of a group of low-income indebted people living in the Cape Metropolitan area. A range of elements from positivist, structuralist and humanist perspectives is employed to evaluate the circumstances of this sample. Both quantitative and qualitative research tools are used to construct a socio- economic profile of the indebted person. Qualitative methodologies, such as in-depth personal interviews and focus group discussions, are used to elicit information from the sample and respondents were selected through purposive sampling methods for this reason. Qualitative methodologies are employed in order to yield a deeper and more insightful understanding of the intricate web of personal indebtedness of the case study group. Quantitative methodologies included a questionnaire survey that was administered to the case study group and a stratified random sample was used to select participants. The summary profiling indicates that it is mainly single Xhosa-speaking women who are indebted and that all respondents are grant recipients. Further findings show that not only are respondents indebted to money-lenders and/or credit stores, but also to the local “spaza shop” and to the municipality in terms of their inability to pay for services as well. Serious concerns regarding lending practices, interest rates and absence of contracts were highlighted. Most disturbing is that it appears that a pattern of indebtedness is being established between generations. I argue that current legislation is inadequate and that the proposed new Consumer Credit legislation be translated into action otherwise the pattern of indebtedness will continue to persist. Further arguments are made for access to appropriate banking facilities and the importance of personal and national savings is stressed, if debt freedom and genuine development is to take place. I advocate for a re-thinking of the GEAR strategy, for a Basic Income Grant and for the building of popular movements to lobby and demand these changes and initiatives. The rationale put forward is that indebtedness is a symptom of the larger problem of poverty and unemployment; this therefore necessitates meaningful structural changes to address these overarching problems.
Decentralisation and local governance in the Lilongwe district of Malawi
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Msewa, Edwin Filbert; Coning, Professor De; Penderis, Sharon; Institute for Social Development; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This research measured the impact of decentralisation on the promotion of good local governance in the Lilongwe District Assembly. The study explored the condition of local governance by examining the status of the facets that underpin local governance namely participation, transparency and accountability, gender equity and efficiency. It highlighted dilemmas associated with implementing decentralisation in areas where there are no functioning local institutions and where tendencies of centralisation still loom large.
Dynamics of Poverty traps in Kenya: Modelling Food Security, Population Growth and the Poverty Trap
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Momanyi, Eric Omwanza; Penderis, Sharon
Rural poverty accounts for 630/o of poverty worldwide. Land has been identified as a key productive asset in the hands of the rural poor. Through this land, the poor are able to produce food for their growing population numbers and sale of surplus to invest in more productive assets. This research project built a System Dynamics model to track the dynamic linkages between changes in the population, food available and land, and its impact on poverty traps in rural Kenya. The model was fitted with Kenyan population data from 1980 to 2005 and rural poverty headcount data for Kenya over the same period. Parameter values were estimated from several assorted publications. The model was used to test the policy implications of increase in land productivity and wage rates on poverty traps in rural settings. Preliminary results indicate that there is need to ensure the poor benefit from efforts of increasing land productivity for it to have a desirable poverty reduction impact. Furthermore, it emerged that demographic changes need to be monitored carefully to achieve a desirable and sustainable population-ecosystem equilibrium that enables the rural poor improve their livelihoods.
An evaluation of the effects of poverty in Khayelitsha: a case study of site C
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Ndingaye, Xoliswa Zandile; Penderis, Sharon; Scher, David; Institute for Social Development; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The study seeked to investigate an evaluation of the effects of poverty in Khayelitsha Site C. Poverty in this area has manifested in the conditions people live under and the social effects of such conditions in the life of Site C residents was assessed in terms of/or in relation to the following: levels of infant mortality; level of malnutrition; rate of school drop out due to lack of food and other resources; high level of alcohol abuse; lack of basic services and the shortage of toilets etc.
Examining the relationship between socioeconomic status and obesity. A case study of Khayelitsha in the Western Cape province of South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Boakye, Alex; Penderis, Sharon
Background: Obesity in South Africa is a critical public health issue. Previously considered a problem of the affluent, obesity is now reported among all populations in South Africa regardless of age, race, gender or geographical location. Although a body of literature suggests that sociocultural, environmental and behavioural factors are likely to explain the increasing levels of obesity in South Africa, few studies have examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and obesity. As such, there is dearth of evidence showing how socioeconomic status influences obesity in the country. Given the multiplicity of challenges associated with controlling obesity, understanding the link between socioeconomic status and obesity is critical for informing and developing effective prevention programmes. This study therefore examines the nexus between socioeconomic status and obesity by using Khayelitsha as a case study area. Goal and objectives: Guided by the conceptual framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the overall goal of this study is to determine how education status and income level influence dietary and weight control behaviours in relation to obesity. The objectives are to 1) examine the role of social factors on food consumption behaviour; 2) investigate the influence of income levels on food consumption; 3) explore the relationship between education levels and food choices and 4) provide recommendations for policy review. Methods: This research is embedded within a larger study conducted by researchers from the Institute for Social Development on factors that influence food choices and eating habits of residents in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain. The epistemological position forming the basis of this research was guided by the concepts of positivist and interpretivist paradigms, as both perspectives were deemed relevant for achieving the study objectives. Moreover, the study combined both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to analyze the gathered data. Results: The study identified cereals, bread, pasta, milk products, processed meat, fried chicken, fish and oil fat, soft drinks, fruit and vegetables as the main kinds of food consumed by residents in Khayelitsha. However, among these food groups, fruit and vegetables consumption was found to be low. In general, cost was identified as the main barrier for the frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables. The study also discovered a positive relationship between education and eating habits, with most educated individuals’ demonstrating high intentions to consume healthy foods compared to people with lower education. However, in contrast to the hypothesis of this study, the impact of education on dietary behaviour was found to be insignificant. Similarly, the impact of education on weight control behaviour was found to be insignificant although the relationship between these two variables was equally found to be positive. With regards to the association between income and food choices the study discovered an overall positive relationship between the two variables. However, the general effect of income on food choice was not statistically significant. Cost of food and low family income were found to be key barriers to the purchase and consumption of healthy foods. Conclusion and recommendations: This study has demonstrated that education and income status correlate positively with dietary lifestyle as well as weight management practices. However, contrary to the hypotheses outlined in this study, neither education nor income status was found to significantly impact on dietary and weight control behaviours. In general, other factors such as culture, price of foods, television advertisement and perception of weight status were found to also contribute to respondent’s dietary lifestyle and weight management practices. Given these findings, a multidisciplinary approach involving the promotion of proper dietary patterns as well as physical activity are recommended. Specifically, the strategies should focus on 1) the development of policy measures that regulate the high cost of healthy foods, 2) the roll-out of food voucher interventions that promote frequent consumption of fruit and vegetables and 3) the promotion of physical exercises in religious and health centers.
Fiscal decentralization in Kenya: a case of the Constituency Development Fund in Nambale Constituency - its effectiveness and sustainability on education projects
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Wabwire, Phaustine; Penderis, Sharon; Institute for Social Development; Faculty of Arts
This study aims to establish the effectiveness and sustainability of Kenya's Constituency Development Fund as a fiscal decentralized initiative aimed at poverty reduction. The study focuses on the contribution of CDF on education and how this has brought about changes related to increased access to education, better education facilities and improved performance. The study also seeks to highlight prime factors such as participation in decision making as necessary for the implementation of the CDF, while also highlighting those factors that hinder the effective and sustainable implementation of the program.
The impact of Fairtrade on the quality of life of workers on wine estates in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Fusenig, Mirjam; Penderis, Sharon
Fairtrade is an international organisation aimed at creating empowerment, sustainable livelihoods and fair trading opportunities for small-scale producers and hired labourers in the Global South. The organisation Fairtrade International and its independent certification body FLO-CERT form part of the larger Fair Trade movement. As South Africa's wine industry is still characterized by oppression of its farm workers, the organisation urges for a profound transformation of the industry. Fairtrade's engagement in South Africa is unique as it emerged from an initiative of local producers seeking the certification in 2003. Since then, the number of Fairtrade grape and wine farms has steadily increased and expanded to other wine-producing countries. Thus, after more than ten years of Fairtrade operation in this industry, it is worthwhile evaluating the impact of this international initiative on local farm workers on wine estates. This study uses the capability approach as a theoretical platform from which to assess farm workers' quality of life. The investigation draws a comparison between conditions for workers on Fairtrade-certified farms and conditions for workers on non-certified wine estates. Quantitative research methods were used to gather relevant information. The findings prove the hypothesis of a positive impact of the Fairtrade intervention, but only in certain categories. Labourers on Fairtrade-certified farms were found to be better off concerning financial provision for retirement, contractual status and opportunities to participate in professional training and to join unions. The data furthermore supports the hypothesis that Fairtrade workers are more satisfied with their jobs on wine farms. For further research, longitudinal studies and participatory research approaches are recommended to obtain in depth-information about farm workers' views on Fairtrade.
The impact of micro-enterprise training on SME development – A case study from rural Dominican Republic
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Rose, Benita; Penderis, Sharon
In the Dominican Republic (DR) the development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas is of great importance because SMEs generate employment and increase local capacity in areas with the highest poverty rates in the country. Ultimately, SME development can contribute to poverty alleviation especially in rural areas. Micro-enterprise training as a form of capacity development initiatives aim at effective empowerment of entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs, which allow them to build capacities to develop their business. These capacities will enhance their ability to ensure sustainability of decisions that influence their quality of life. So far, very little research has been conducted on the precise effects and overall effectiveness of SME-related training in the Dominican Republic. Against this background, it is of great benefit to evaluate impacts of micro-enterprise training initiatives on the development of SMEs in rural DR, in order to find out which factors stimulate the creation and growth of enterprises and which factors hinder their development. This allows effective adjustments of future support initiatives in the development sector and it contributes to the existing empirical evidence base in this field. This study applies Human Capital Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour as theoretical frameworks to analyze impacts of micro-enterprise training on SME development. Secondary data for this study was drawn from the Dominican tourism-project La Ruta del Cacao, applying a mixed-method approach for the data collection. Quantitative research methods in the form of a semi-structured questionnaire helped to quantify the impacts of provided micro-enterprise training. Qualitative methods in the form of Focus Group Discussions allowed an in-depth analysis of training impacts on respondents, with the aim of identifying influencing factors, especially those which the theoretical framework may not have covered. The theoretical discussion of this study identified that entrepreneurial intentions are mediated by the attitude toward entrepreneurship, perceived subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. The empirical results show that the provided training is likely to have slightly improved the participants attitude towards enterprise creation. Perceived subjective norms have not decreased due to the training and appear not to have played a role in the participants decision to start or not start a business. The participants perceived behavioural control is not likely to have increased due to the training. On the other hand, results indicate that the training provided participants with useful entrepreneurship-related skills and knowledge. Overall, the participants entrepreneurial intentions slightly improved as a result of the training. However, the impact of these outputs on SME development was rather modest. Identified external factors which influenced the participants entrepreneurial behaviour were a lack of capital, job loss, having a family to take care of, being part of an entrepreneurial family and the existence of an entrepreneurial role model. Intrinsic characteristics were identified as the most influential in demonstrating successful entrepreneurial behaviour and SME creation. The findings of this research contribute firstly to the existing evidence base of micro-enterprise training impacts in rural Dominican Republic. In addition, the findings contribute to the literature base on applications of both Human Capital Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour in the field of entrepreneurship education.
Investigating the factors which contribute to sustainability of a school greening project:a case study of the West-end primary greening project
(2009) Carelse, Anita; Penderis, Sharon
West-End Primary is one of more than 100 public schools in South Africa, which since 1994, has greened large parts of its school grounds with a water-wise indigenous and vegetable garden. The South African National Botanical Institute-Environmental Education Unit (SANBI-EEU) is a government agency that has undertaken responsibility for implementing greening projects in partnership with public schools such as West-End Primary. SANBI-EEU encourages and supports the establishment of indigenous and vegetable gardens to facilitate teaching, to support school nutrition programmes and to make possible the employment of unemployed community members.Anecdotal evidence points to local cases where the “caretaker inherits” the greening project because other stakeholders (educators, learners) no longer participate in garden maintenance or because projects are started but cannot be sustained. The review of theory suggests that project sustainability is achieved and ensured through adopting a people-centred, participatory and sustainable approach to development.Hence, participation, capacity and capacity building is important to ensure this.Incorporating these development approaches into programme, project and operations management strengthens the process for achieving and ensuring project sustainability. This study was exploratory and used an empirical research design which combined qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate sustainability factors. The research population comprised Grade 5, 6 and 7 learners, staff and parents/community members at the West-End Primary School.In general the research findings demonstrated that West-End Primary achieved a degree of sustainability after project implementation. The study found that developmental factors such as participation, capacity, capacity building did in part contribute to achieving and ensuring this degree of sustainability. However a year and several months after project implementation, the degree of sustainability achieved was in a fragile state. This fragility was the result of a mix of weakness and strengths in the factors that have contributed to sustaining the greening project.
An investigation of community participation in housing delivery at the Joe Slovo Settlement in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Mnguni, Sabelo; Penderis, Sharon; Institute for Social Development; Faculty of Arts
This research endeavours to identify existing participatory structures and explore the role of local government officials, community representatives and other role players in the housing delivery process in Joe Slovo; indicate opportunities for the participation of beneficiaries in the housing process as well as the extent and nature of community engagement; highlight existing barriers to effective community participation and other problems related to housing delivery in Joe Slovo; draw general conclusions within the framework of the government’s housing policy; and provide recommendations to policy makers, urban planners and other stakeholders. Consequently, this research employs qualitative methodological tools as they are most appropriate in the collection of this type of data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with local officials, and observations were used to gather critical information. In addition, secondary data, with a special focus on newspaper articles, were used.
Microfinance and poverty alleviation: a study of three savings and credit associations, Caprivi region, Namibia
(2013) Simataa, Linus Milinga; Penderis, Sharon
According to Professor Muhammed Yunus, Nobel Prize winner in 2006 and the founder of the internationally acclaimed Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, microfinance is a viable solution to poverty alleviation among the poorest people residing in rural areas. Microfinance programs have led to poverty alleviation and empowerment of especially rural based women of developing societies, as they enable the poor to manage their finances and cope with unpredictable shocks and emergencies (Yunus, 2007). This research evaluated the developmental impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation and women empowerment. It assessed the impact of the existing microfinance programmes among the members of the three microfinance Savings and Credit Associations (SCAs) in the rural areas of the Caprivi region of Namibia. This study explored whether microfinance programs have helped their members to minimize financial vulnerability through diversification of income sources and accumulation of assets. The research employed both qualitative and quantitative research designs. Data were collected through different qualitative and quantitative techniques (in-depth individual interviews, faceto- face interviews, questionnaire and questionnaire schedule). Summary findings indicate that the SCAs has positively contributed to the socio-economic improvement in the living standards (contribution to livelihood – increased income, enhanced health, and food status), improved education/healthcare, women empowerment through micro enterprise training and skill development. However, SCAs are still struggling with challenges, such as lack of income, high default rates and unprofitable micro enterprises. This research makes several recommendations, including: MFIs should concentrate on women’s economic empowerment as their main aim, incentives should be provided to the MFIs to encourage savings and investment amongst the poor, and if microfinance is to be used as a promotional tool for credit and saving services for the poor, then the socio-economic consequences of micro-credit lending have to be re-investigated, especially when they negatively impact on poverty reduction.
The nature and extent of participation by small scale farmers in the Development Aid from People to People Farmers' Club project in Mazowe District of Zimbabwe
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Mandioma, Shamiso; Penderis, Sharon
The conventional top-down approach to development has been rendered unsustainable and is regarded as a poor strategy to achieving community empowerment and development. The past few decades have seen the promotion of bottom-up techniques whereby governments and developing agents collaborate with target beneficiaries and view them as equal partners in the development of their own communities. It is generally believed that the participation of farmers in agricultural projects improves the performance of the agricultural sector. However, despite the adoption of participatory models, agricultural societies have remained plagued by poverty. It is against this background that this research using the Mazowe District as a case study investigated the nature and extent of participation by small scale farmers in the Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Farmers’ Club in order to document the extent to which farmers have been empowered. The study made use of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to gather relevant data. Broadly the findings indicate that the participation of farmers in the DAPP Farmers' Club project was substantively high. The results also suggest that the project empowered farmers to farm more productively in the case study area. In light of the findings the study recommends that governments and NGOs should follow the values and principles of the people-centred development (PCD) theory when implementing agricultural projects as it has proven to be an empowering approach. This practice may transform societies as there is an opportunity to address societal needs at grassroots level. In view of this research it can be argued that capacitating farmers through training and improving their farming skills can improve their agricultural production.
The political economy of food aid: a case of Zimbabwe
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Munyanyi, Rachael Mationesa; Penderis, Sharon; Schweitzer, Sylvia; Institute for Social Development; Faculty of Arts
The food security crisis which gripped the sub Sahara Africa after the drought in 1999/2000 threatened development initiatives in these countries. Zimbabwe’s situation has since worsened and the country has failed to recuperate from the food problems, even after an improvement in the climatic conditions. International and local food aid activities then became a priority in the fight to sustain the right to food for the affected regions. It is argued in this research that if food aid is distributed on the basis of need it will enable the vulnerable populations recuperate form food insecurity problems. It is also postulated that if well implemented, food aid programmes are also able to play the dual role of averting starvation and leading to long term development. This thesis departs from the allegations of food aid politicisation in Zimbabwe. Using the rational choice and neopatrimonial theories of individual behaviour, this research endeavored to ascertain whether political decisions influenced the government food aid distributions which were conducted through the Grain Marketing Board. In line with these theories, it is argued in this study that politicians behave in a manner that maximizes the fulfillment of their individual needs rather than the needs of the people who vote them in positions of power. A qualitative approach was adopted in this study and data was gathered through household interviews in the Seke and Goromonzi districts of the Mashonaland East province in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with food aid experts from the governmental and non governmental organisations dealing with food security issues in Zimbabwe.
Public participation at a grassroots level : it's impact on service delivery in Elsies River, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Fortuin, Charmaine; Penderis, Sharon; Institute for Social Development; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The birth of democracy in South Africa in 1994 not only meant the end of apartheid, but also served as the catalyst for community participation in the affairs of local government. Despite the creation of an enabling environment, i.e. the adoption of the concept of Developmental Local Government and Integrated Development Planning Framework to ensure the participation of communities, public participation remains contested today and still does not achieve its expected results. A range of problems besets public participation in governance and development planning. Accordingly, this thesis presents a case study of the barriers to meaningful public participation as well as exploration of the context and extent of public participation in Ward 28, Elsies River, Cape Town, South Africa. The investigation examined the link between public participation, development planning and service delivery. In order to achieve the stated aim, the researcher employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods including secondary analysis, observation, informal interviewing, focus group discussions as well as the administration of a structured questionnaire to various stakeholders. Based on the empirical results of this research, the study provides a number of developmental guidelines and public participation recommendations to enhance planning and service delivery, especially in poor communities.
The role and impact of local government communication strategies in participatory governance: The case of Lamberts Bay
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Frantz, Dmitri; Penderis, Sharon
This research examines the role and impact of local government communication strategies in participatory governance with particular reference to Lamberts Bay, South Africa. The investigation aimed at establishing whether the communication strategies of the municipality serve as an effective mechanism to promote public participation in local government. The study used qualitative research methodology, towards the realisation of the aims and objectives of the study. Accordingly, an interview schedule was used as a tool that contains the pre-determined questions prepared in order to acquire insight and knowledge of the councillors, administration, community and community organisations. In addition, observation was used as a tool to observe the dynamics of the different institutionalised structures such as the ward committee meeting, council meeting and public meeting. An empirical study was conducted to measure the role and impact of communication strategies used by the local authority in the case study area of Lamberts Bay to enhance public participation. The findings indicated that the communication strategies used by local government to encourage meaningful participation within the case study area is not effective with regard to enabling local residents to participate meaningfully in governance decisionmaking within the region. The study concluded by presenting a number of recommendations in an attempt to improve the communication between the citizens and local government and to enhance public participation of local residents.
The role of community-driven participatory monitoring and evaluation in empowering communities and improving their decision making: a case study of the KARI/CIAT collaborative project, Coastal Kenya
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Sangole, Noel; Penderis, Sharon; Faculty of Arts
The researcher has been working for CIAT, as a community development facilitator and research assistant for past five years (2001-2006). CIAT has been involved in testing tools and methods for promoting participation and tracking changes at community level under different pilot projects in Eastern and Central Africa in partnership with national research organizations of respective countries. One of CIAT’s areas of research is developing participatory monitoring and evaluation systems that are appropriate for rural communities. The researcher has been involved in designing and setting up community-driven participatory monitoring and evaluation systems on a pilot basis with communities in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Browsing by Author "Penderis, Sharon"

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