Repository logo
 

Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/14

Browse

Filters

2021 - 20222

Settings

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.Water conservation

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An investigation of farmer's perception of water conservation : a case study of Umgababa community municipality
    (2022-03) Thabethe, Geli Sharon; Davis, Jason; Reddy, Maliga
    The role and benefit of water to human life and the production environment cannot be over-emphasised hence it is one of the most valuable resources. The objective of the study was to identify the water conservation techniques used in the Umgababa community, to determine if the water conservation techniques used are adaptable, to determine the extent of adaptability of the water conservation techniques used in the Umgababa community. In addition, the study sought to recommend guidelines for sustainable water conservation techniques. Farmers in rural areas face even serious due to the inadequate supply of water, as well as a host of other service delivery challenges. This study assessed the farmers’ perceptions of water conservation with a focus on the Umgababa community in KwaZulu-Natal. A mixed-method approach was employed for the study. Sixty-one (61) respondents completed the questionnaires while three (3) interviewees participated in the semi-structured interview. The data was analysed both descriptively and inferentially, while thematic analysis was used in evaluating the transcribed feedback from the interviewees. The study revealed that the farmers have a positive perception of water conservation techniques and that basic water conservation techniques, such as the use of JoJo tanks and boreholes are currently in place. Even though the existing techniques are sustainable, not much focus has been given to other sophisticated water conservation methods that could be implemented in Umgababa. It was further revealed that the existing public awareness and education campaigns should be continued, to change residents’ existing water conservation behaviours and culture.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The water crisis in Durban : an analysis of the role of households in water conservation
    (2021-11) Ngcobo, Mbuso; Murwirapachena, Genius; Reddy, Maliga
    The continued water crisis in South Africa is causing many municipalities to exhibit performance problems in water service delivery. While South Africa is a water-scarce country, factors like population growth, climate change, urbanisation, and economic development contribute to water shortages. This implies that new and innovative ways of managing freshwater resources should be adopted. This study aims to examine the role of households in water conservation in the city of Durban. The study fulfils four main objectives to achieve this aim. The first objective is to establish the daily water consumption behavioural practices of households. Secondly, the study seeks to establish the households’ willingness to adopt water-saving technologies. Thirdly, it seeks to identify the factors preventing households from practising water-saving behaviours. Furthermore, the study finally seeks to recommend some possible solutions that the eThekwini Municipality could adopt to promote households’ water conservation. The study uses a mixed methods approach where quantitative and qualitative data are separately collected, analysed, and discussed. Quantitative data is collected through a survey conducted on 300 household heads residing across different spatial residential areas. On the other hand, qualitative data is collected from seven (7) employees in the Water and Sanitation Unit of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The thematic approach is then used to analyse the qualitative data, while descriptive statistics and probit regression models analyse the quantitative data. Four key findings are reported in the study. First, the study found that households in the city of Durban generally practice water-efficient behaviours in their daily water consumption activities. Secondly, the type of access to potable water services was the primary determinant for practising water-efficient behaviours. Third, more residents in the suburbs and townships have water-efficient technologies installed, while none of the respondents from the informal settlements has such technologies installed. Lastly, some biographical characteristics emerged as crucial determinants of water consumption behaviour and the adoption of water-efficient technologies. Key recommendations are given based on these findings.