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    Growth, yield and quality response of beetroot to organic mulches in tropical conditions : submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science (Horticultural Science) at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2021) Addo, Elizabeth
    A field experiment was conducted in Malawi (Bvumbwe, Thyolo) between June and September 2020 to evaluate the impact of locally found organic mulches, viz maize straw (SM) and compost mulches (CM), with an un-mulched control, on the growth, yield and quality of three beetroot varieties, viz Detroit dark red (DDR), Crimson globe (CG) and Globe dark red (GDR). The experiment was set up under a split-plot design, randomized, and replicated three times. During the experiment, observations on plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and width, marketable and non-marketable yield, root diameter, shoot and root dry weights and dry matter content were recorded. The profitability of the two mulch treatments was assessed by working out the net profit for each treatment per hectare. The results showed that mulching improved all growth parameters and yield in beets. Additionally, net return was maximized by mulching. Compost mulch produced superior results with the highest plant height (20.6cm) and marketable yield (2423g) while the control had the least plant height (12.7cm) and marketable yield (443g) which subsequently reduced the overall net profit. However, mulching did not affect dry matter percentage as there were no significant differences observed between the control and straw mulch. However, the lowest dry matter content was found in beets planted under compost mulch. The total net return was higher in all mulched plots with compost mulch giving the maximum net return. There were no significant differences observed between the effects of mulches on the three beetroot varieties. However, Detroit dark red and Globe dark red produced the maximum plant height and yield respectively. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that mulching was the most effective treatment compared to non-mulched treatment. Therefore, it is recommended for commercial beetroot cultivation in farmers’ fields.
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    The corruption chameleon : a case study of corruption within a Malawian NGO : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Development Studies at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
    (Massey University, 2012) Sandbrook, Jeremy B K
    Over the last decade, a growing consensus has emerged within the development world that corruption is the single greatest obstacle to reducing world poverty. The simplicity of this statement, however, masks the complexity of the issue, as corruption itself is a complicated multi-faceted phenomenon with multiple inter-related causes and effects. Both the term and the concepts underpinning it are highly problematic, as the shape and tone of any discussion on the topic is dependent on who is defining it. The majority of recent literature on corruption has tended to focus on the role of a single actor: the state. Despite their growing influence, NGOs on the other hand, appear to have attracted only cursory inspection. This thesis attempts to rebalance this by examining corruption with specific reference to development NGOs, and is based around a central hypothesis that they are not impervious to its influences. It seeks to contribute to the understanding of the nature, form, and dynamics of corruption within NGOs operating in a development context. Based on a detailed case study of an INGO operating in Malawi, the research findings highlighted the nature and extent of internal corruption; indicating that NGOs are subject to similar types and levels of corruption as faced by the broader societies in which they operate. The thesis concludes that whilst Western forms of combating corruption can be effective, they are insufficient to counter deeply entrenched neopatrimonial networks underpinning it. The most effective mechanism for countering such forms of corruption was found to be the same as those supporting and protecting it: access to, and support from, high-level political connections and insider networks. Whilst the key deterrent remains the implementation of a strong internal control system, its overall effectiveness is dependent on support at the highest levels. Instrumental to this is also the presence of a “principled” principal, with sufficient political-will to counter political-interests that may be vested in maintaining the status-quo.
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    Factors affecting sustainability of agricultural cooperatives : lessons from Malawi : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of AgriCommerce at Massey University, New Zealand, March, 2011
    (Massey University, 2011) Nkhoma, Agnes Towera
    Incorporation of small-scale farmers into agricultural commercialization has led rural communities to form cooperatives for better access to markets. However, sustainability of these cooperatives has been a great challenge. This thesis explores the sustainability problems affecting agricultural cooperatives in Malawi, and develops testable proposition for use on a larger sample. A multiple case study was used to investigate factors that contribute to the unsuccessful performance of agricultural cooperatives. Four cooperatives were selected by a combination of market failure and a-priori sustainability criteria. Basing on the market failure assumptions two cooperatives, from a district close to the major city of Lilongwe and two from a district far away from the city, were selected. In each district one sustainable and one less sustainable cooperative were selected based on the ranking prepared by Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The sample was further validated by the experts from local NGOs. Sixteen face to face interviews were conducted on location. Members of cooperatives, board members, the management of cooperatives and key informants were interviewed. It was found that most farmers joined cooperatives to improve their livelihood, through better access to capital and product markets, and for family food security. The farmers have managed to obtain input loans at small scale, despite their dissatisfaction with their cooperatives failure to access product markets. The general consensus for the participants in all the four cooperatives was that in their current state these cooperatives are not sustainable. Although, all the members interviewed were satisfied with the idea of having a cooperative and perceived it to be a good idea for addressing their needs, they were skeptical of their survival. The participants highlighted lack of market access, poor governance and a lack of managerial skills as the main problems affecting their cooperatives. These problems are aggravated by the complexity of the market environment in which these cooperatives are operating, that underscores the significance of the managerial capabilities and the cooperatives capacities. The study indicated that Malawian agricultural cooperatives are essential but still need a lot more support in the area of produce marketing. These findings draws propositions in relation to factors which led to Malawian agricultural cooperatives sustainability problems that can later be tested on a large sample in the other parts of the country or region. From such experiences and lessons, it is recommended to establish an apex organisation or secondary level cooperative at district level to address governance, management and market access problems, in order to improve the performance of cooperatives. Further, community sensitization is needed to increase memberships. In addition, policy interventions such as provision of the infrastructure necessary for accessing market information and supportive regulatory framework that would allow competitive market environment.