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Morphological diversity, heritability, and selection of the first F7 improved Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) evaluated in South Africa.
(2024) Mametja, Stuat Cheka.; Tafadzwa, Mabhaudhi.
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) is an underutilised legume crop that can improve food and nutrition security, especially in low-input farming systems. The specific objectives of the study were: (i) to evaluate the agro-morphological diversity of Bambara groundnut (BGN) recombinant inbred lines (RILs) using quantitative and qualitative traits, (ii) to determine genetic variance components among BGN RILs to guide future selection. The first study assessed the genetic diversity present among BGN genotypes using agro-morphological traits. Fifty-four BGN genotypes comprising 44 RILs developed from a cross between single genotype Tiga Nicuru (maternal) and Dip-C (paternal) lines and ten local checks were evaluated in three environments in the KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa. The genotypes were laid out using 6 x 18 alpha lattice block design replicated twice. The combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant (P < 0.01) difference among the genotypes for most of the agro-morphological traits, except for days to 50% emergence (DTE), days to 50% flowering (DTF), and plant spread (PS). The genotype by environment interaction effects were highly significant (P < 0.001) for seed length (SL), seed width (SW), grain yield (GY), unshelled grain yield (UGY), grain yield per plant (GYPP) and shelling percentage (SHLP). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first four principal components accounted for 79% of the total phenotypic variance observed. Hierarchical cluster analysis assigned the 54 BGN genotypes into six clusters. The second study assessed genetic variance parameters among the 44 RILs and ten local checks. Germination percentage recorded the highest broad-sense heritability (H2) estimate of 65%, while days to 50% flowering recorded the highest H2 (65%).GY recorded the highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (69.4%), genotypic coefficient of variance (44.8%), and genetic advance (59.5%). The best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) estimates revealed that the genotypes P3, G23, G1, G8 and LL4 were superior and high yielding. These genotypes should be recommended for further multilocational evaluations.
The implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system in government departments: a case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development.
(2025) Madlala, Rudolph Mabutho.; Rieker, Mark Ivan.
The study is centred on “The Implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System in Government Departments: A case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development”. The Ministry of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation began in 2009, and the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) was established in January 2010. The Department of Social Development (DSD) Annual Reports for 2017/18 and 2018/19 contained the Auditor General’s audit outcomes of the Department of Social Development performance information. The audit/s revealed undesirable audit outcomes, with the department. Government departments should be effective in service delivery and efficient in allocating funds for service delivery programmes. The government is expected to report on its budget, programmes and achievements. The South African government has instituted a range of legislative and policy changes. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development’s mandate is to be delivered according to the South African Constitution and provide an effective, transparent, accountable and coherent intergovernmental system for provincial governments. This study seeks to understand the implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation System in the KwaZulu Natal Department of Social Development. The study objectives examine the implementation of the M&E system in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development and understand the role of monitoring and evaluation in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development. The qualitative research study employed the qualitative research design. This included interviews for data collection and a thematic strategy for data analysis. The study employed the theory of change. The findings show capacity gap between national, provincial, and local government organizations influences evaluations' credibility.The study recommendations support the assertion that M&E contributes to effective programme implementation and a level of good governance; an integrated approach is recommended and emphasised to recognise the multi-faceted nature of social problems.
Identifying contributory factors to adolescents’ late utilisation of antenatal care at primary healthcare clinics in a sub district north of eThekwini District, South Africa.
(2020) Reddy , Preantha.; Baloyi , Olivia Baorapetse.; Jarvis , Mary Ann.
Background
The late utilisation amongst adolescents of Antenatal Care (ANC) has shown to be detrimental to the pregnancy and the mother as inappropriate screening, testing and management is done due to delayed initiation. This is especially so, in the vulnerable population of adolescents where they are more susceptible which can contribute to maternal and child mortality. The adolescent is exposed to many challenges during pregnancy that can affect their utilisation of ANC, resulting in late booking.
Aim
The aim of the study was to identify the contributing factors to the adolescent’s (15-19 years) late entry to ANC at the select Primary Health care clinics.
Methodology
A quantitative study was conducted with self-administered questionnaires to adolescents who had booked late (>20 weeks) for ANC. The questionnaire was adapted to identify the contributory factors to the late utilisation of ANC with adolescents in which the variables socio-economic factors, knowledge of ANC, experiences of ANC services and obstetrical history were examined. The questionnaire was structured to maintain anonymity and had asked short ended questions and has Likert scales. Content and face validity was used to verify the questionnaire and show evidence that the tool is measuring the target construct. Face validity was obtained with the help of three health care experts (Medical officer, Nursing service manager and Midwife). Data analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarise categorical variables. Central tendency and dispersion of data were measured using means and standard deviations for normally distributed variables and medians and interquartile ranges for skewed variables. The Anderson and Newman`s Health Utilisation model guided the study.
Results
The response rate was 88%, with 96 respondents completing the questionnaire (anticipated sample size of 109). The data was collected from participants (15-19 years) in 13 clinics (eight Primary Health Care Clinics and five Community Health Care Clinics). The demographics showed majority age group of 18 years (n= 27, 28.1%), 95.8% (n= 92), of participants were single and 85.45% (n= 82) unemployed. The obstetrical and current history results showed the majority of participants had not used any contraception method (n= 68, 70.8%), 88.5% (n= 85) had not planned their pregnancy and 77.1% (n= 74) had no health problems. The majority of participants reported that they were satisfied with the experiences at the clinics, with 78.1% (n= 75) and 65.6 % (n= 63) were satisfied with the privacy and the staff respectively. A quarter (n =24, 25%) of the participants did not know the importance of ANC for pregnancy, while a lesser number (n=18, 18.8%) were unaware of the significance of ANC for their unborn baby.
Conclusion
Study findings highlighted the contributory factors to adolescents’ late utilisation of Antenatal Care. Basic Antenatal Care Plus Programme (BANC PLUS) has been shown to be beneficial to the adolescent as early utilisation of ANC can reduce maternal mortality. However, based on the Anderson and Newman Health Utilisation framework contributory factors, specific to the select geographical area were identified for late ANC utilisation. The targeting of the contributory factors through the recommendations can add value to the maternal health of the adolescent and in so doing recognise the global goal of universal health coverage and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.1.
Recommendations
Recommendations included Antenatal learning and supports, strengthening of health care systems and promotion and recognition of staff.
Limitations
Only selecting one district from eThekwini and only including the Department of Health clinics.
Factors influencing the involvement of male students in sexual and reproductive health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2023) Sobekwa , Sinazo.; Mudau, Tshimangadzo Selina.
Background: In the dynamic landscape of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) initiatives, understanding the extent and determinants of the involvement of male students’ sexual health issues is pivotal in promoting comprehensive and equitable SRH outcomes at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Male involvement in SRH is essential in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies, and in promoting safer sexual practices. In contrast, deferring healthcare leads to morbidities and mortalities, which could mostly be avoided through seeking early primary healthcare and preventative health as diseases are not responsive to gender. Recognising that SRH encompasses physical wellbeing and broader societal and interpersonal dimensions, this study offers a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing the involvement of male students in sexual and reproductive health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Exploring the intricate web of socio-cultural, educational, and healthcare system factors, this study aims to provide insights into the challenges encountered by male students in the context of SRH.
Research methodology: The qualitative, participatory action research approach was employed to explore and describe factors influencing the involvement of male students in sexual and reproductive health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa. The objectives of the study were: to explore and describe factors affecting male students’ involvement in SRH at the UKZN and; to explore and describe strategies that will enhance male students’ involvement in SRH at UKZN. In total, 24 male student participants were conveniently and purposely sampled to share their views and opinions on factors influencing the involvement of male students in SRH at the university in question.
regarding SRH services received at the UKZN campus health clinic. The data collection methods employed included semi-structured interviews, focus-group discussions (FGDs), and virtual meetings. The researcher collected data using an interview guide, an audio recorder, and taking field notes. The thematic analysis method was conducted to identify codes and themes emerging from the generated data. Findings revealed the students’ attitudes towards HIV tests, condom use, staff-related issues, stigma and stereotyping, attitudes towards SRH programmes and campaigns, infrastructural issues, and solutions to the identified challenges.
Conclusion: Involving male students in SRH in campus health clinics at UKZN is marred by socio-hegemonic orientations related to masculinity-related roles, cultures, and male-friendly services, and it is necessary to delve into issues around stigmas and stereotypes. It is therefore important to enhance health promotional campaigns and reviving male-friendly programmes in comfortable environments that are not formal for male students' involvement.
Recommendation: Topics on ways of breaking the gender stereotypes affecting young males and ways of enhancing male involvement in SRH matters have to be generated and explored. Nurses working in campus health clinics should be trained on Adolescent and Youth-Friendly-Services (AYFS). The necessity of developing policies that enhance interventions, strategies, and goals to close the gap of male SRH on the campus cannot be overemphasized.
Factors associated with the yield variation among citron watermelon (citrullus lanatus var. citroides (L. H. Bailey) mansf. ex greb.) genotype in South Africa.
(2024) Hadebe, Ntuthuko.; Bertling, Isa.
Citron watermelon [Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (L. H. Bailey) Mansf. ex Greb.] is a plant
species used for food and feed, belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. Wide yield variation is
exhibited among citron watermelon genotypes in South Africa. The objective of this study was
to assess morphological and physiological factors associated with yield variation among citron
watermelon genotypes in South Africa under drought stress and to recommend genotypes that
are drought-tolerant and display desirable fruit traits for future crop production, breeding and
conservation. The study also sought to understand, if the use of urine-based fertiliser sources,
such as struvite, can improve phosphorus (P) availability in acidic soils, leading to increased root
growth, nutrient uptake, and subsequently enhanced yield. The study was designed as a 6 x 2 x
3 factorial experiment with the following factors: citron watermelon genotype - 6 levels (WWM-
1, WWM-16, WWM-30, WWM-31, WWM-35, and WWM-37), drought conditions - 2 levels
(non-stress (NS) and (DS) drought-stress condition); and phosphorus source - 3 levels (struvite
- a urine-derived fertilizer, single superphosphate (SSP), and no added fertilizer, Gromor®
potting mix only). Data on quantitative leaf traits (leaf length, leaf width and leaf area), vine
length (the longest vine length), root traits (root mass and root length), fruit mass, nutrient uptake
(micro- and macronutrients) and leaf physiological data (gas exchange and chlorophyll
fluorescence, indicating photosynthetic activity, stomatal conductance, electron transport rate,
transpirational flow, intercellular carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, ratio of intercellular to
atmospheric CO2, and maximum fluorescence) were collected. Qualitative (phenotypic) traits,
such as fruit colour, were also recorded and data subjected to analysis of variance using GenStat
20th edition.
A wide variety of quality parameters among citron watermelon genotypes that could be
genetically improved, were observed. The results from this study showed no significant
differences (P>0.05) between treatments with respect to leaf traits (leaf length, leaf width and
leaf area) with all levels of P sources (struvite, SSP and no fertilizer), under both NS and DS.
Struvite- and SSP-treated genotypes outperformed the control with respect to leaf traits (leaf
length and leaf width) under NS, however, non-treated (control) genotypes outperformed both
struvite- and SSP-treated genotypes, concerning plant leaf area. Application of struvite
significantly improved the chlorophyll content index (CCI) of plants to levels higher than the
SSP treatment and the control. The urine-based fertilizer was comparable to the SSP treatment
concerning vine length of all six citron watermelon genotypes under both NS and DS. This
suggests that struvite improved vine growth of all selected genotypes. A significant difference
(p<0.05) was observed between struvite and SSP treated genotypes in terms of fruit mass, and in
terms of fruit nutrient (micro- and macronutrients) composition under both NS and DS.
The study revealed that both struvite and SSP effectively increased root development (resulting
in greater root dry mass and longer roots) under DS. A significant difference (p<0.05) was
observed in all levels of P sources (struvite, SSP, and no fertilizer) in terms of the root mass and
root length. Therefore, the application of struvite improved root growth and development. The
better uptake of micro- and macronutrients (higher mineral concentration than the control and
the SSP treatment) by struvite-treated genotypes could be attributed to the high cation exchange
capacity (CEC) of the Gromor. The increase of N uptake by citron watermelon fruit grown in
SSP- and struvite-treated soils could be due to mineralization of organic matter in the soil,
resulting in the release of initially unavailable N.
Results from this study revealed no significant differences (P>0.05) between treatments with
respect to leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Struvite-treated genotypes
performed well compared to both SSP-treated and control genotypes concerning the ratio of
intercellular and atmospheric CO2 (increased ratio) under NS, meaning struvite treatment
improved the photosynthesis process of genotypes because of high intercellular CO2
concentration in leaves. Struvite-treated genotypes performed well compared to SSP-treated
genotypes concerning the stomatal conductance (reduced stomatal conductance), this indicates
the efficient drought avoidance among the genotypes. Citron watermelon genotypes WWM-30,
WWM-31, and WWM-37 recorded the highest maximum chlorophyll fluorescence in both NS
and DS, meaning the effect of drought stress was reduced by enhancing P availability. The
genotypes WWM-1, WWM-30, and WWM- 35 revealed high maximum quantum efficiency of
photosystem II photochemistry and produced higher marketable fruit yields and a higher fruit
number per plant than WM-16, WWM-31, and WWM-37. These traits are important as
characteristics of parental genotypes in breeding programmes.
The present study recommends citron watermelon genotypes such as WWM-1, WWM-35, and
WWM-37, for use as leafy vegetables, due to their higher leaf biomass, whereas genotypes
including WWM-16, WWM-35, and WWM-37, are recommended for fruit production due to
their large fruit size. In conclusion, the study shows that the use of urine-based fertiliser sources,
such as struvite, seems to increase P availability in acidic soils and thereby leads to increased
root growth, nutrient uptake, and, ultimately, higher quality fruit.
Keywords: Citron watermelon, yield variation, physiological factors, morphological factors, soil
phosphorus, nutrient uptake.