Search Results (42)

The presence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in fresh produce constitutes a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where untreated water is commonly used for irrigation. Certain Enterobacter species have been reported as causal agents of onion bulb rot, with Enterobacter cloacae experimentally demonstrated to cause bulb rot in onions. However, there is poor documentation of its effects in the Vhembe District, South Africa. This study investigated the detection and identification of enteric bacteria in onions, soil, and irrigation water, as well as the characterisation of the identified isolates. Thirty-six samples were analysed, comprising 13 onion samples, 4 irrigation water samples, and 9 soil specimens collected from three farms using selective and differential agar. Identification and enumeration in water and onion samples were performed with the Colilert Quanti-Tray. Physicochemical analysis of irrigation water indicated that Farm 3 had the highest electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS), as well as the lowest pH, while Farm 2 exhibited the greatest diversity of pathogenic Escherichia coli pathotypes, including enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), which was absent in Farm 3. Culture-based methods yielded 72 presumptive bacterial isolates, which were characterized using the VITEK 2 system. Identified species included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Raoultella ornithinolytica, and members of the Enterobacter cloacae complex. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most Enterobacter isolates closely matched reference strains of Enterobacter ludwigii. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 19 antibiotics demonstrated varied resistance patterns among the isolates. The Enterobacter cloacae complex exhibited the highest resistance (10/19 antibiotics), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (9/19) and Citrobacter amalonaticus (7/19). All isolates were resistant to colistin but remained susceptible to ciprofloxacin, with most also sensitive to gentamicin and amikacin. Future research should include additional farms and investigate antibiotic resistance at the genetic level to elucidate its origins. Full article

Background: Edible insects constitute a highly nutritious, environmentally sustainable and culturally significant food resource with considerable potential to contribute to food system transformation within academic and broader societal contexts. Although global interest in entomophagy continues to increase, there remains limited research exploring the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and consumption practices of university populations within rural South African settings. Methods: Three concurrent cross-sectional quantitative studies were conducted at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), located in Thohoyandou, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Study 1 evaluated the knowledge, attitudes and consumption patterns of edible insects among 200 students. Study 2 examined knowledge and utilisation of edible insects among 390 students. Study 3 investigated knowledge and perceptions regarding edible insects among 200 university staff members. Structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and food frequency practices were administered across all studies. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 28 through descriptive statistics, frequencies and percentages. Analyses were descriptive only; no inferential testing, factor analysis or regression was undertaken, and the three studies are compared as a descriptive synthesis rather than pooled into a single dataset. Results: Findings across all study groups demonstrated high levels of awareness regarding edible insects, with awareness reported by 85% of participants in Study 1 and 100% in Study 2, and 98% of staff members acknowleded the ecological importance of insects. Mopane worms (Gonimbrasia belina), termites and grasshoppers emerged as the most recognised and frequently consumed edible insect species. Consumption prevalence was notably high, reported at 91% in Study 1 and 69.2% in Study 2 and 66.3% among staff in Study 3. General attitudes towards entomophagy were largely favourable, with 41% of students expressing excitement about edible insect consumption and 91.1% of staff supporting the commercialisation of edible insects. Key barriers influencing consumption included religious restrictions (25.1%, reported in Study 2 only; participants with religious dietary prohibitions were excluded at sampling in Studies 1 and 3, limiting cross-study comparability of this barrier), cultural taboos (3%), inadequate market availability and limited awareness regarding nutritional benefits. Staff members further demonstrated positive environmental and sustainability perceptions, with 84.1% recognising edible insects as environmentally beneficial and viable future food sources. Conclusions: Across three independent cross-sectional studies conducted at the University of Venda, broadly similar patterns of awareness, attitudes, perceptions and edible insect consumption were observed. Although the studies differed in sampling and measurement, they consistently suggest that edible insects remain culturally accepted among many students and staff. Nevertheless, challenges relating to nutritional literacy, market accessibility and policy integration continue to limit broader adoption. Strengthening nutrition education initiatives and incorporating edible insects into institutional food systems may enhance the contribution of edible insects towards food security, sustainable protein provision and nutrition sustainability within Limpopo Province and beyond. Full article

Wild edible plants play a crucial role in supporting rural livelihoods, yet knowledge about their use remains under documented, particularly among younger generations and across gender lines. This study examined the distribution of ethnobotanical knowledge of wild edible plants across age and gender groups in four municipalities of the Vhembe District, South Africa. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with 160 participants, primarily in the Venda region. Gendered patterns emerged, where women were more familiar with wild vegetables, while men demonstrated greater knowledge of wild fruits. Promisingly, some female youth demonstrated greater knowledge than older women and male participants. Voucher specimens of the cited plants were verified at the University of Venda Herbarium, and data were analysed using qualitative methods and generalised linear models. Results of this study suggest the need to document and conserve Indigenous knowledge, promote intergenerational knowledge transfer, and empower women and youth in traditional food systems to enhance food security and cultural heritage. The study further provides a foundation for future research on knowledge transmission pathways and supports the development of targeted, community-based conservation and educational initiatives to enhance food security and cultural heritage. Full article

This study assessed the performance of a rural water supply system. Performance assessment of water supply systems is important to ensure the long-term sustainability of water services. The study addressed a critical gap in assessing performance while accounting for water disruptions and their effects on water quality in nonlinear rural water supply systems. This is critical, especially in rural areas where reliable access to water is limited. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on the reliability and accessibility of the water supply system. Questionnaire responses were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to determine the relationship between the socio-economic variables and the performance indicators. and the variables. Turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and pH were measured in the field. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and total coliforms were analysed using the membrane filtration method. A paired two-tailed t-test was used to determine if there is a significant difference in water quality between the dry and wet seasons. Key performance indicators on reliability and accessibility were assessed by comparing benchmarks. Most households receive an inadequate quantity of water, with 84.3% using less than the recommended basic need of 1500 L per week. Travel distances to the source exceeded the recommended benchmark of 100 m. The majority of respondents (81.4%) reported frequent water supply disruptions, indicating poor reliability of the source. EC and pH were within the South African National Standards (SANS) 241 guideline for drinking water. TDS, turbidity, and microbial parameters failed to meet safe drinking water standards, except for E. coli during the dry season. There was no significant difference in the water quality between the dry and wet seasons. The water supply system demonstrated poor performance. Measures such as implementing low-cost filtration systems to reduce turbidity, raising community awareness about water safety, and decentralising maintenance activities to improve system sustainability due to financial constraints. These interventions will reduce physical burdens and increase effective water usage. Full article

This study investigates how monitoring and support practices are enacted and strengthened to improve matric (National Senior Certificate) performance in the Vhembe East District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Persistent underperformance in rural schools reflects structural challenges related to instructional leadership, limited resources, and weak institutional support systems. While alternative frameworks such as instructional leadership and school effectiveness emphasise formal structures and standardised practices, this study adopts bricolage theory to better capture the adaptive, improvised, and context-responsive ways in which school leaders operate under resource constraints. Bricolage is particularly appropriate in this context as it foregrounds how actors mobilise available resources, relationships, and local knowledge to address immediate challenges where formal systems are insufficient. A qualitative case study design, informed by participatory and reflective principles, was employed and data were generated through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis, and analysed using a hybrid inductive–deductive thematic approach. Findings reveal that monitoring and support practices—such as teacher supervision, learner support programmes, and parental engagement—are unevenly enacted due to limited resources, weak monitoring capacity, and inconsistent implementation. Based on the participants’ reflections, the study proposes that strengthening monitoring and support in resource-constrained contexts requires integrating locally adaptive practices with structured capacity-building and institutional support. It contributes to a contextually grounded understanding of educational improvement and demonstrates the analytical value of bricolage theory in explaining how school leaders navigate constraints through adaptive practice. Full article

Despite the availability of clinical guidelines aimed at managing pregnancy complications, maternal deaths related to obstetric emergencies remain unacceptably high in South Africa, especially in rural provinces like Limpopo. These preventable deaths are often linked to delayed response to complications, poor adherence to protocols, and lack of essential resources. The study aimed to explore the experiences of health professionals regarding the implementation of maternal guidelines used to manage obstetric emergencies. The study adopted a qualitative, descriptive, and explorative design. Data were analysed thematically, and trustworthiness was maintained throughout the research process. Sixteen participants from four selected hospitals in a rural area of South Africa (Vhembe District, Limpopo Province) were purposively sampled and interviewed using semi-structured interviews; data were analysed thematically. The findings highlighted multiple critical barriers to guideline implementation, including shortages of printed clinical protocols, inconsistent patient follow-up, poor referral systems, infrastructure deficits, medication stock-outs, and negative staff attitudes. Most doctors and midwives working in maternity units lacked training on the Essential Steps in the Management of Obstetric Emergencies (ESMOE), resulting in insufficient knowledge and skills to manage obstetric emergencies. Therefore, there is an urgent need for comprehensive ESMOE training for all doctors and midwives in maternity units. Full article

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) remains a critical environmental governance challenge in rural and peri-urban regions of the Global South, where service delivery gaps exacerbate illegal dumping and public health risks. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are increasingly promoted as decision-support tools to improve waste collection efficiency and environmental monitoring; however, their adoption in resource-constrained municipalities remains limited. This study investigates the institutional and policy barriers shaping GIS readiness in four rural municipalities within South Africa’s Vhembe District. Using a qualitative case-study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 municipal officials across managerial and operational levels, complemented by 399 community responses to an open-ended survey question. Thematic analysis, guided by Institutional Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), identified five interrelated themes: waste production and disposal behaviours, collection and infrastructure constraints, institutional and operational challenges, policy and standardisation gaps, and technology readiness. The findings reveal that weak service reliability, fragmented governance structures, limited human and financial capacity, and inconsistent policy enforcement collectively undermine GIS adoption, despite its high perceived usefulness among officials. The study demonstrates that the effectiveness of GIS as an environmental management tool is contingent on institutional readiness rather than technological availability alone and highlights the need for integrated reforms in service delivery, institutional capacity, and policy implementation to enable GIS-supported sustainable waste management. Full article

Smallholder irrigation farmers play a vital role in sustaining rural communities in South Africa. However, the performance of smallholder irrigators, both as income generators and job creators, has come under scrutiny in recent years. In Limpopo province, a study was conducted in the Vhembe District using cross-sectional data from 95 independent and 165 public smallholder irrigators, which are privately established farmers and users of government-supported and managed irrigation systems, respectively. Qualitative data were collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, and group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed by SPSS version 30 using themes and codes, employing inferential statistical methods such as chi-square and t-tests to assess variables related to agrifood systems, crop selection, and market access. The study found that smallholders predominantly favor the production of grains, vegetables, and horticultural crops, with a statistically significant (p < 0.05) similarity between independent and public irrigators. Public irrigators dominate within irrigation schemes at 64% of the total, with X² of 22.7 with 0.001 p-value. Amongst the groups, the income distribution shows a statistically significant difference in earnings between independent and public irrigators (χ² = 25.83, p < 0.001). Informal and formal markets are accessible and available to 59% of independent irrigators, but 30% of public irrigators only access the informal market (p < 0.001). The major identified challenge across all smallholders is the lack of food value addition and commercial packaging. The study recommends the development of food value addition initiatives, adoption of climate-smart practices, maintenance of infrastructure, and improvement of market access to enhance productivity and sustainability. Full article

Both behavioral intentions and structural constraints shape household waste disposal in low-resource settings. This study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with Environmental Justice (EJ) to examine informal waste disposal in Vhembe District, South Africa, a region marked by infrastructural deficits and uneven municipal services. A cross-sectional survey of 399 households across four municipalities assessed five disposal behaviors, including river dumping and domestic burial. Only 8% of households used formal bins, while over 50% engaged in open or roadside dumping. Although education and income were inversely associated with harmful practices, inadequate service access was the most significant constraint on formal disposal. Logistic regression revealed that rural residents and households in underserved municipalities were significantly more likely to engage in hazardous methods, regardless of socioeconomic status. These findings extend TPB by showing that perceived behavioral control reflects not only psychological agency but also material and institutional limitations. By reframing informal disposal as a structurally conditioned response rather than a behavioral deficit, the study advances EJ theory and provides a transferable TPB–EJ framework for decentralized, justice-oriented waste governance. The results underscore the need for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-aligned interventions that integrate equitable infrastructure with context-sensitive behavioral strategies. Full article

The lack of improved sanitation in rural areas of developing countries, including South Africa, exacerbates open defecation, leading to the significant contamination of water sources by human and animal waste. This study aimed to establish the association of Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Shigella flexneri, and Yersinia enterocolitica in open defecation sites and animal waste with the contamination of water sources in Vhembe District, South Africa. A total of 1032 water samples and 111 faecal samples from the Collins Chabane and Thulamela municipalities were analysed using qPCR. Regression models were used to assess associations, with S. Typhimurium (19–60%) and S. flexneri (11–44%) being the most prevalent bacteria in faecal matter and water, showing detection rates of 4–100% and 5–100%, respectively. Strong associations were found during the wet season between faecal waste and water contamination for S. flexneri (R² = 0.7, p = 0.005) and S. Typhimurium (R² = 0.619, p = 0.091). Urgent measures are needed to address the contamination of rural water sources due to open defecation and livestock waste. Full article

Background: Gender-based violence has serious health impacts on survivors and is perpetuated by cultural norms, patriarchy, and traditional values. This study explored women’s (survivors) views, attitudes and the impact of gender-based violence on their health in a selected rural village within the Collins Chabane Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used, involving 20 women aged 18 to 59. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, and data were analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti 8, based on Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework. Ethical considerations were prioritised due to the sensitive nature of the research. Results: The results revealed that women in the Collins Chabane Municipality experience multiple forms of GBV, including physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, which severely impacts their mental and physical health. Additionally, socioeconomic factors like unemployment and financial dependence exacerbate their vulnerability, making it difficult to escape abusive relationships. Conclusions: Cultural norms, patriarchal beliefs, and limited community support intersect to shape women’s experiences and responses to abuse. Full article

Honeybees provide a variety of services and products that are beneficial to humans, including pollination, honey, propolis, and other harvested products. In South Africa, it is believed that honey harvesting from wild (unmanaged) honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies is widely practiced. However, there is limited knowledge regarding this practice. Using structured questionnaire surveys and site visits for validation, we aimed to (1) confirm the practice of honey harvesting and ascertain the extent to which it is practiced; and (2) quantify the economic benefits of this practice to communities’ livelihoods. We found that honey and other products (i.e., brood and pollen) harvesting from wild honeybee colonies is still a common practice among the rural communities of selected areas within the Vhembe District, which was confirmed by 44% of the respondents. These products are either consumed by the harvesters or sold, helping to generate total household incomes ranging from R500.00 ($26USD) to R2000.00 ($112USD) South African Rands (ZAR), which contribute towards offsetting various household costs. Although the overall population and health status of the wild honeybees in the area is unknown, the survey respondents (29%) indicated that they are generally healthy. From these findings, we were able to establish a good level of dependence on wild honeybee colonies by rural communities for income generation, albeit at a small scale. Given the wide array of pressures on insect pollinators, particularly honeybees, from factors such as habitat loss, climate change, pests, pathogens, and pesticides, our findings serve as a strong basis for considering protection and preservation mechanisms for these populations. These could be accommodated under various local and provincial conservation efforts, especially those preventing habitat loss. Full article

The Vhembe district of South Africa is dominantly rural, with agricultural practice being the main major livelihood activity. Furthermore, many of the rural subsistence farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly high temperatures. Changes in climate cause extreme losses in agricultural productivity, increasing the level of vulnerability among rural subsistence farmers. The study examines the livelihood options adopted by rural communities in response to climate change dynamics in the Vhembe district. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches, both primary and secondary data from 365 rural community members were employed. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered using purposive sampling and employed statistical analysis techniques. The results revealed that livestock production was the most dominant livelihood-resilient activity at 30%, while vendor activity is common in Ṱhohoyanḓou at 29%. The findings indicated that the highest establishment of water tanks was in the Madimbo area, with 51% as a form of livelihood resilience. Further, 70% of respondents demonstrated livelihood sustainability activities such as agricultural forums, conferences, and the practice of indigenous activities. The proposed strategies can be used by policymakers to effectively consider the most vulnerable groups and articulate unique local vulnerabilities. Full article

Pharmaceutical pollution of surface waters has emerged as a significant environmental health concern worldwide. In this study, we investigated the presence and concentration of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments within Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa. To achieve this, grab samples of water were collected from various locations across the Thulamela Local Municipality encompassing rivers, streams, and dams. A targeted solid-phase extraction method with ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) was used to screen, detect, and quantify 98 pharmaceutical compounds and caffeine in the collected water samples. The findings revealed the presence of a range of pharmaceutical compounds, including the antiretrovirals nevirapine and lopinavir, the anticonvulsant/antiepileptic carbamazepine, and the analgesic and antipyretic acetaminophen. The central nervous system stimulant caffeine was also detected in various water bodies across the region. The presence and concentrations of the pharmaceuticals varied across different water bodies, with nevirapine present at nine sites out of twenty-one (up to 166 ng/L), lopinavir at two sites (up to 42 ng/L), carbamazepine at one site (21 ng/L), and acetaminophen at two sites with the highest concentration of 427 ng/L. Caffeine was present at 15 sites (up to 975 ng/L). This study provides valuable insights into pharmaceutical pollution in surface water resources from one of South Africa’s rural areas, Vhembe District Municipality. It contributes to the monitoring data required to find sustainable solutions to the problem of pollutants of emerging concern in aquatic environments worldwide. Full article

Plastic pollution is a problem and the world is currently dealing with its impacts on the aquatic environments. This study investigates the perceptions and knowledge of process controllers and managers from twelve water and wastewater treatment plants within two local municipalities (Thulamela and Makhado) in the Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa. The perceptions and knowledge of plastic pollution, limited resources and economic difficulties, the effects of plastic pollutants on water systems, a lack of information and training, and a lack of institutional support documents were the five main themes that were identified from semi-structured interviews with workers from the treatment plants. The findings show serious issues regarding plastic waste affecting treatment operations, ineffective methods of removing plastics and inadequate waste collection services in rural areas. Financial and material limits make managing plastic pollution even more difficult, and inconsistent training and a lack of institutional support make it difficult for workers to manage it consistently. The responses highlight the need for improved waste management plans, financial support for advanced filtration systems, and continuous training to provide workers with the skills and knowledge needed to reduce plastic pollution. These measures are crucial for maintaining the water quality and increasing treatment plants’ operational effectiveness. Full article