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The article presents and validates an extensive multivariate dataset that offers insights into water–energy–food (WEF) nexus governance for social justice at the intrahousehold, household, and community levels. The lack of insights in the WEF nexus debate that take social justice and governance into account is what spurred the data collection. The initial process involved scoping the originally selected investigated sites and their suitability. Once the research areas were identified, the data were collected from 1184 households in the Matatiele, Magareng, and Greater Taung Local Municipalities in South Africa, using a semi-structured questionnaire and KoboCollect software. The freely available software was installed on Android Tablets which were used by the enumerators. The questionnaires were initially piloted in Matatiele Local Municipality, testing for internal validity and skip patterns, as well as time to complete the questionnaire. The reliability of the Likert responses from the questionnaire was evaluated using Cronbachʼs alpha. The questionnaire was then refined for data collection and utilized a total of twenty-two (22) locally trained enumerators who were employed at the investigated sites. These enumerators were trained in administering the questionnaire and the use of the KoboCollect software used in data collection. The enumerators also received training on how to conduct the survey ethically, including informed permission, confidentiality, and the option to withdraw from the interview. The design of the data collection process was a cross-sectional survey that was conducted between 6 June and 4 August 2022, using purposive sampling. At the end of each data collection day, the enumerators uploaded their collected data into the KoboTool cloud, which allowed the lead in the survey to assess the data and effect any correctional measures on the questionnaire if the need arose. The enumerators also used a WhatsApp chat group to communicate real time opportunities and challenges in the questionnaire, which allowed the lead in the survey to constantly update the questionnaire. The multivariate questionnaire was divided into sections of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, community-level governance, decision-making, food, energy, and water security, social justice, legal knowledge, and rights to utilize these resources. The dataset will be of significance to multi-disciplinary researchers focusing on WEF security, governance, and social justice in Southern Africa. Furthermore, environmental and sustainability practitioners can find valuable insights from the provided data. The employed methodology is replicable and adaptable, enabling real-time monitoring of social justice and governance in the context of food, energy, and water security. The real time monitoring of governance and social justice in water, energy and food allows for the possibility of continual data collection and updating, and if a longitudinal design is adopted, it can be used for impact inquiry of any interventions or policies.

The study assesses how access to climate services influences cropping decisions and, subsequently, household food security. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the study surveyed a total of 217 smallholder crop farmers selected through a multistage sampling approach. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, and both descriptive statistics and a propensity score matching (PSM) model were employed for data analysis. Household food security was assessed using households' dietary diversity. The study's findings highlight that 69% of the surveyed farmers had access to weather forecasts, while only 24% had access to seasonal forecasts. Consequently, farmers with access to climate services exhibited changes in their farming decisions, including daily farming activities, planting timing, crop selection, and land preparation. Notably, approximately 35% of the respondents were identified as food insecure. The application of the propensity score matching model revealed that access to climate services had a statistically significant positive impact on farmers' decision-making processes and household food security. These results underscore the potential of climate services to enhance farmers' decision-making capabilities and, subsequently, improve household food security. Considering these findings, it is recommended that efforts to expand access to climate services among smallholder farmers in South Africa should be intensified. This can be achieved by developing and disseminating more accessible and tailored climate information, including seasonal forecasts. In addition, initiatives should ensure that climate services are integrated into agricultural extension services and support systems to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiential learning and discovery through farmer field schools (FFS) have the potential to empower smallholder livestock farmers who face heightened vulnerability to climate change. However, there are various levels of learning and discovery in FFS that can inform smallholder livestock farmer knowledge and perception. Understanding this is vital, as farmers' perceptions influence their readiness to adopt climate-smart practices, informing effective resilience-building strategies. Therefore, this study sought to investigate and assess the impact of the FFS approach on smallholder livestock farmers' perceptions of climate change, taking Raymond Local Municipality in South Africa as a case. The design followed by the study was a longitudinal survey, with three pools each signifying various FFS intervention points. The study utilized simple random sampling to collect data from 80 smallholder livestock farmers using structured questionnaires in each of the three cross-sectional pools, while descriptive statistics, Min–Max Normalization, and t-tests were used for analysis. The results show that there was an increase in the awareness of climate change due to the interventions of the FFS. Furthermore, there are cumulative differences between the knowledge and perception towards climate change between the three pooled cross-sections. In conclusion, participating in FFS had a significant impact on farmers' level of understanding and adaptation to climate change. The study recommends that the government and policymakers extensively promote FFS and support them financially so that they can provide more support to rural farmers as well as enhance knowledge on climate change. This study recommends the provision of workshops and awareness campaigns on climate change for farmers through FFS as this will assist farmers to be more sustainable on their farming systems and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to assess the determinants of the utilization of digital technologies by smallholder farmers in South Africa. A cross-sectional survey of 250 smallholder farmers was purposively sampled from Port St Johns and Ingquza Hill Local Municipalities. Binary and ordered logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The results show that 55% of the smallholder farmers were using digital technologies. Out of these, 40% were using smartphones and radio. Close to 47% of the smallholder farmers who were using digital technologies were using them to some extent and 65% had been using digital technologies for a period of 1–4 years. 89% of the smallholder farmers using digital technologies indicated that they are beneficial and 83% had opted to continue using digital technologies to increase their skills and knowledge. However, 44% of the smallholder farmers who had opted to discontinue the use of digital technologies indicated that these technologies were not beneficial for them. Overall, 85% of the smallholder farmers would recommend the use of digital technologies to other farmers. Factors such as age, educational level, marital status, full-time farming, and land size affected the utilization of digital technologies while age, marital status, educational level, full-time farming, household size, non-crop producing, and tenure affected the extent of digital technology utilization. The study concludes that the partial utilization of low-tech digital technologies is a socio-economic driver. Recommendations include the promotion of digital technologies, especially high-tech technologies, taking into account the socio-economic circumstances of smallholder farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence the perceptions of smallholder farmers towards the adoption of digital technologies. A purposively selected sample of 250 smallholder farmers who were cross-sectionally surveyed from Port St Johns and Ingquza Hill Local Municipalities in South Africa was used in the study. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Attention, Desire, and Action (AIDA) model were used to analyse the data. The results showed that digital technologies were perceived to be expensive, cause a digital divide, and discouraged the use of Indigenous Knowledge even though they increased production. Positive perception towards digital technologies was associated with cattle rearing, with extreme negative perception for sheep and goat rearing. Educational level, employment status, monthly income, household size, being part of a cooperative (1% level), age, and source of income (10% level) were significant factors affecting smallholder farmers' perceptions of digital technologies. In conclusion, there are economic, social justice, and traditional perceptions towards digital technologies by smallholder farmers, with socio-economic factors affecting the perceptions. The study recommends providing low-cost digital technologies that promote Indigenous Knowledge, which should target the youth and young farmers with less education in small households who are full-time farmers with moderate-to-high incomes and are part of farmer groups/organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study ascertained the relationship between aquaculture production and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in South Africa. The study used the Autoregressive Distributed Lag—Error Correction Model (ARDL-VECM) with time series data between 1990 and 2020. The results showed that the mean annual aquaculture production, GHG emissions, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the period were 5200 tonnes, 412 tonnes, and US$447 billion, respectively. There was a long-run relationship between GHG emissions and GDP. In the short run, GHG emissions had a positive relationship with GDP and a negative relationship with beef production. Furthermore, there was a bi-directional relationship between aquaculture production and GHG emissions. In addition, beef production and GDP had a bi-directional relationship. Beef production also had a positive relationship with aquaculture production. The study concludes that aquaculture production is affected and tends to affect GHG emissions. Aquaculture legislation should consider GHG emissions in South Africa and promote sustainable production techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food is one of the essential areas of service delivery required for a household's wellbeing and development. Against this background, the literature suggests a high level of food insecurity among rural households in South Africa. Thus far, this study has investigated drivers of household-level food insecurity. Data were collected from 283 randomly selected respondents from Melani and Hamburg communities using a structured questionnaire. An ordered logit regression model was used to investigate drivers of household food insecurity. Descriptive statistics results revealed that most of the respondents from the study areas were food secure to mildly food secure (Melani-inland -73%; Hamburg-coastal -77.5%). The findings suggest that overall, the two communities were food secure. Econometrics results further revealed that factors like gender, household size, energy security, access to credit, farming, land ownership, and being able to afford to pay for water influence food insecurity of households in Melani and Hamburg. Therefore, to reduce household food insecurity, the study recommends that priority should be given to these socio-economic and institutional factors. This could be through improving gender and cultural policies which restrict women from generating income, training households about credit usage, and family planning to limit household sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic diversification transforms an economy to utilize multiple sectors for growth. The problem is that developing countries have been slow in shifting away from mineral-energy complex-based development. However, sector-heterogeneity either reduces or increases exposure and/or adaptive capabilities to greenhouse gas emissions. The objective of the study was to ascertain the relationship between economic diversification and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in South Africa. The study utilized the autoregressive distributed lag-error correction model (ARDL-ECM) and included macroeconomic variables such as gross domestic product (GDP), population, foreign direct investment and trade balance. The Tress Index of 10 industries was utilized to measure economic diversification. Annual data from 1993 to 2020 were used in the study. The study found that in the short run, CO2 Granger caused economic diversity but in the long run, there was no association. Population also had a long- and short-run relationship with economic diversification, while CO2 emissions had a long- and short-run relationship with GDP. The study concludes that there is a unidirectional causality between economic diversification and CO2 emissions in the short run and no relationship in the long run. Economic diversification should be considered in national, economic and climate change policies of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of rangelands to the welfare of the rural poor has been acknowledged. The study explores perceptions and determinants of rural households' rangeland harvesting. A cross-sectional survey of 159 rural households harvesting communal rangeland products was utilized, as well as 64 non-harvesting households. The sample was purposively selected. Dyamala community in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province was the study area, and was also purposively selected. Questionnaires were the data collection tool utilized, aiming at data on demographics, perceptions and participation in rangeland harvesting. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were utilized to analyze the data. The study found that among the rangeland harvesters there was a high positive perception of rangelands in terms of recreation and tourism, storm protection, nutrient retention as well as provision of wild fruit. However, the rangeland harvesters also exhibited negative perceptions towards factors such as the hosting of predators and deity. The decision to participate in rangeland product harvesting was influenced by the age of household head as well as perceptions pertaining to rangelands as a source of medicinal plants, recreation and ecotourism, deep-water wells, storm protection, micro-climate stabilization, income and wild fruit. The study recommends the provision of extension-based training in sustainably utilizing rangelands as a source of income, food and nutrition. Ecotourism can also be promoted as this dualistically and sustainably incorporates rangeland harvesting and income generation from wildlife. Promotion of indigenous knowledge, especially in medicinal plants, may dualistically improve income and health from harvesting such flora as well as enhancing conservation of these vital plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to determine factors influencing participation decisions in the Agricultural Research Council's Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) Scheme in South Africa. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data on socio-economic and institutional factors, as well as KyD Scheme participation decisions. The sample comprised 164 KyD Scheme participants and 81 non-participants from KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces. Data were analyzed utilizing probit, tobit and ordered probit models. Results showed that various socio-economic and institutional factors significantly determined decisions to participate, extent of participation and continuation of Scheme practices. Specifically, expenditure on stock feed and frequency of extension visits were the major significant factors impacting all decisions on participation, extent of participation and willingness to practise experiences learnt from being part of the KyD Scheme. The study recommends that participation in the Scheme and the extent of participation can be enhanced through increasing awareness of the Scheme at various points where stock feeds are available to farmers. Furthermore, enhanced cooperation with extension workers will provide a conduit for improving awareness of the Scheme and enhance participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Value creation is indispensable in enhancing agribusiness performance. However, there is a need to identify priority areas to unlock industry potential. The study sought to highlight particular areas within the Zimbabwean pork industry where value creation could offer the industry advantage. A survey of 24 pork butchers, 6 pork processors and 166 pig farmers from Mashonaland Central Province was utilised in the study. Descriptive statistics, correlation, ANOVA and multiple regression were used to analyse the data. The results highlighted that the industry regarded value creation through advantage in the acquisition of inputs, goods and services, production/processing, and logistics, which consequently makes those key target areas. Furthermore, the created value (profit/cost ratio) was influenced by the category of agribusiness, distance to markets, business practice and socio-economic dynamics of the business decision-makers. In conclusion, production and processing, as well as inbound logistics, were identified to be less effective in value creation. However, increasing transportation advantage will likely improve value. The study recommends that the pork industry leverage on production/processing, inbound logistics and transportation. Policy implications relate to the creation of a conducive environment in input procurement and transportation. The study adds insights for business strategy and policy formulation, aiding in enhancing turnover and strategic positioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to establish the factors that have significant correlation with the increase in adoption and intensity of adoption of genetically modified (GM) maize varieties. The study utilized a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative survey of smallholder dry maize producers. Multiple purposive sampling was utilized in the selection of 704 respondents and semi-structured interviews and pre-coded questionnaires were adopted as data collection instruments. The study sites were Mqanduli, Port St Johns and Flagstaff in King Sabatha Dalindyebo, Port St Johns and Ingquza Hill Local Municipalities in OR Tambo District Municipality. Through a Cragg's double hurdle model, the study revealed that level of education (1% level), membership to a farmer group (5% level), access to extension services and farm size (5% level) had significant positive influence on the decision to adopt GM maize. Intensity of use of GM maize was positively influenced by membership to a farmers group (5% level), access to extension services (5% level) and farm size (1% level). The study concluded that being part of a farmer organization, education, access to extension services and farm size were the most significant determinants in the dual decision to adopt GM maize and the intensity of utilization of GM maize. The study recommends awareness in line with the implemented policies and GM information dissemination toward farmer groups be promoted. The study also recommends that a balance be struck between optimization of land size devoted to GM maize and its subsequent adoption and extensive use thereof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intricacies between women and water are central to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Gender equality and women empowerment is a key driver in ending hunger and poverty as well as improve water security the study sought to identify and provide pathways through which female-headed households were water insecure in South Africa. Secondary data collected during the 2016 General Household Survey (GHS) was utilised, with a sample of 5928 female-headed households. Principal Component Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling were used to analyse the data. The results show dynamic relationships between water characteristics and water treatment. There were also associations between water access and wealth status of the female-headed households. Association was also found between water access and water treatment as well as between wealth status and water treatment. The study concludes that there are dynamic relationships in water insecurity (exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity) for female-headed households in South Africa. The study recommends that a multi-prong approach is required in tackling exposures, sensitivities and adaptive capacities to water insecurity. This should include capacity–building and empowering women for wealth generation, improve access to water treatment equipment as well as prioritising improvement of infrastructure that brings piped and safe water to female-headed households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to outline the determinants of market awareness and participation in the Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) scheme in South Africa. The study utilised a cross-sectional survey of a randomly selected sample of 116 KyD farmers in KwaZulu-Natal Province. A Logit model was used to analyse the data. The results show that more farmers are aware of farmgate market channels, but however, they tended to utilise auction market channels. Furthermore, gender, marital status, educational level, employment status, farm income, source of income, herd size, labour and training were significant variables in the awareness and use of butcheries, auctions and farm gate markets. The study concludes that the scheme is particularly effective in influencing commercialisation through utilisation of more lucrative market channels such as auctions. Furthermore, socio-economic factors had a bearing on the awareness and use of marketing channels for smallholder farmers in the KyD scheme. Labour was particularly significant across butchery, auction and farm gate market channels. The study recommends that the scheme needs to improve awareness and use of market channels through utilisation of information platforms such as radio, television and direct communication though mobile phones. Furthermore, extension should assist farmers not only in awareness of markets, but also in the utilisation of those markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study relates agricultural income and agricultural carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the context of environmental Kuznets curves for South Africa. We posit likely relationships between UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 1, 2 and 13, relating food production to climate change action. CO2 emissions, income, coal energy consumption and electricity energy consumption time series data from 1990 to 2012 within the South African agricultural sector were used. The autoregressive distributive lag bounds-test and the error correction model were used to analyse the data. The results show long-run relationships. However, agricultural income was only significant in the linear and squared models. Changes in agricultural CO2 emissions from the short run towards the long run are estimated at 71.9%, 124.7% and 125.3% every year by the linear, squared and cubic models, respectively. Exponentially increasing agricultural income did not result in a decrease in agricultural CO2 emissions, which is at odds with the Kuznets hypothesis. The study concludes that it will be difficult for South Africa to simultaneously achieve SDGs 1, 2 and 13, especially given that agriculture is reliant upon livestock production, the largest CO2 emitter in the sector. The sector needs to shift to renewable energy consumption with fewer CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean and safe water to drink is essential for human wellbeing. However, most people in rural areas still lack access to clean and safe water. This study estimated the determinants of the water security status for rural households from Melani-inland and Hamburg-coastal communities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The water poverty index (WPI) was used to calculate the water security status of households in the two communities, while the Tobit regression model was used to investigate the main factors affecting household water security status. The findings show that water security in the study areas is meagre, mainly due to the unavailability of water resources and the time that is taken to collect water. The Tobit regression results revealed that factors such as paying for water, type of toilet used, and time spent collecting water determine households' water security in the study areas. Therefore, the paper recommends policy options that improve: the affordability of water, access to non-water using flush toilets, and ensuring tap water is available at shorter distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]