In Section A of the measuring instrument, demographic information relating to respondents Gender and Age was requested. In addition, information regarding respondents Qualifications and Employment status was also obtained. Furthermore, respondents were asked to indicate if they were the breadwinners in their households. For the purpose of this study, these factors (gender, age, qualifications employment status and being a breadwinner) are referred to as “demographic factors” in this sub-section. In order to establish whether relationships exist between the demographic factors and the dependent variables (attitude, food availability, lifestyle, awareness, knowledge and perceptions) investigated in this study, an analysis of variance was undertaken. As such, the independent variables were used as dependent variables to calculate ANOVA. The results of these analyses are illustrated and discussed in Table 4.21 below.
Table 4.20: The influence of demographic variables on the independent variables. dependent variables. The second demographic factor that proved no significant relationship with the dependent variables was the employment status. Thus regardless of resident’s employment status, it did not influence the dependent variables. The third demographic factor that proved to have no significance on the dependent variables was being a breadwinner. Concluding that being a breadwinner did not influence any of the dependent variables.
Qualification had a significant relationship with attitude (p<0.000), awareness (p<0.004), knowledge (p<0.040) and perceptions (p<0.000). This indicates that residents who had a post-matric qualification indicated a positive attitude towards urban agriculture. Secondly, they were more aware of the benefits of urban agriculture towards one’s health and the environment. Thirdly, having a post-matric qualification influenced resident’s knowledge with regard to growing food in a sustainable manner, such as using recyclable materials when practising urban agriculture. Finally, having a post-matric qualification influenced resident’s perceptions regarding urban agriculture, these related to teaching children the importance of gardening (amongst others).
Age also had a significant relationship with attitude (p< 0.005) and knowledge (p<
0.03). Concluding that certain age groups would have a different attitude towards urban agriculture and knowledge would vary, depending on the age group.
4.7 CHAPTER SUMMARY
Chapter 4 discussed the data analyses and interpretations of the primary data collected. This chapter addressed RQ5 namely, “How do residents in NMB perceive urban agriculture?” in doing so it had to satisfy RO5 namely, “To determine the residents’ perceptions of urban agriculture.” In doing so this chapter covered the following sub-sections:
Sub-section 4.1 provided a brief review of what was covered in Chapter 3 and introduced the research questions and objectives that are addressed in Chapter 4, as indicated above. Sub-section 4.2 provided a brief explanation of the data analysis and interpretation methods used in this chapter. Furthermore, it provided more information on the survey structure within the main study questionnaire (see Annexure B) and the specific techniques that were to analyse the data. Sub-section 4.3 provides the descriptive statistics. This comprises respondents’ demographics (Section A) and Household structures (section B). The descriptive statistics furthermore presented the respondents’ knowledge on urban agriculture as well as their interest in urban agricultural activities. The data collected revealed that most residents had some knowledge about urban agriculture and that they were interested in participating in urban agricultural activities/practices. It was concluded that urban agriculture was perceived as an important practise which residents were interested in.
Sub-section 4.4 conducted multivariate analysis and inferential statistics. As such, an exploratory factor analyses was undertaken on both the dependent and independent variables. Furthermore, Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis was conducted to determine the correlation between the dependent and independent variables. Multiple regression analysis was also conducted to test the strength and relationship (if any) between the dependent and independent variables. Furthermore, ANOVA tests were conducted to determine the influence of selected demographic factors on the independent variables.
Sub-section 4.4 provides information on the inferential statistics that were conducted on the variables in this study. This included the results of the validity and reliability. In order to assess the validity of the measuring instrument, a factor analyses was undertaken and the reliability of the measuring instrument was assessed by means of calculating Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Based on the results derived, the hypothesised model was revised and the hypotheses reformulated, this was presented in Sub-section 4.5. Sub-section 4.6 introduced and discussed the analysis of data which included the results of Pearson’s product moment correlations and then presented the relationships between the variables discussed in this study.
Furthermore, the results of the multiple regression analyses, showing the influence of the dependent variable on independent variables was presented and explored.
Thereafter, an analysis of variance was undertaken to establish whether relationships exist between selected demographic factors and the independent variables investigated in this study. Finally, sub-section 4.7 provides a chapter summary highlighting the most important deductions that can be drawn.
CHAPTER FIVE FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
The overall summary of this study was presented in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 reviewed literature pertaining to urban agriculture; government and policies on urban agriculture, food security in South Africa and urban poverty. The possible barriers and enablers to the practise were identified and a hypothesised model of urban agriculture in NMB proposed. Chapter 3 discussed the research methodologies used in the study whilst Chapter 4 presented the data analysis and interpretations. In Chapter 5, a summary of each Research Objective and Question is given in addition to findings, recommendations and conclusions based on the empirical study presented. Figure 5.1 presents the overview of the research questions and objectives of Chapter 5.
Figure 5.1: Chapter 5 RQ’s and RO’s in the context of the study
Chapter 5 addresses Research questions six and seven, namely “What are the enablers and barriers of urban agriculture in NMB?” and “How can urban agricultural activities be promoted to residents in NMB?” respectively. Subsequently this will achieve Research objectives six, “To provide pertinent conclusions based on findings” and seven “To determine how urban agriculture practises could be promoted in NMB”. A proposed model for urban agriculture in NMB is presented based on the identified enablers and barriers. Recommendations based on the findings of the empirical study are suggested, contributions of the study highlighted.
Limitations and recommendations for further use as well as a summary concludes this chapter.