Browsing by Author "Musango, Josephine K."

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    A conceptual approach to the stakeholder mapping of energy lab in poor urban settings
    (2022-05-20) Chen, Ivy X.Q; Musango, Josephine K.
    Various efforts are presently being undertaken to set up and maintain open, inclusive, participatory, and transparent processes, whilst at the same time, strengthening stakeholder partnerships in implementing SDGs remains a challenge. This paper enriched the discussion of multi-stakeholder approaches through a dynamic multi-level system view of stakeholder mapping, along with important theoretical frameworks and key empirical results to tackle the lack of security of energy services in poor urban settings. The study attempted to develop comprehensive cases for Africa-based experiences of the pilot project launched through a set-up of an energy living lab in the Groenheuwel community, as well as achieve an improved understanding of social-technical benefits of gendered energy security and innovative solutions at the household level. The contents are two-fold. The first part assesses the theoretical models available for stakeholders and outcome mapping. The second part focuses on the preliminary identification of stakeholders and their primary interests at all levels. The results of this study found that the energy living lab in poor urban settings recognised the importance of stakeholder mapping and the development of new solutions. Findings indicated that all stakeholders should support the government in the development of policies and strategies. Findings also suggested that key players should proactively agree and negotiate with the local government on energy outcome measures. It was also found that multi-stakeholder involvement improved transparency and accountability for decision making.
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    A conceptual framework for energy technology sustainability assessment
    (Elsevier, 2011-03) Musango, Josephine K.; Brent, Alan C.
    Technology assessment has changed in nature over the last four decades from an analytical tool for technology evaluation, which depends heavily on quantitative and qualitative modelling methodologies, into a strategic planning tool for policymaking concerning acceptable new technologies, which depends on participative policy problem analysis. The goal of technology assessment today is to generate policy options for solutions of organizational and societal problems, which, at the operational level, utilize new technologies that are publicly acceptable, that is, viable policy options. This study focuses on the development of a framework that incorporates a technology assessment approach, namely, system dynamics, within the broader scope of technology development for sustainability. The framework, termed systemapproach to technology sustainability assessment (SATSA), integrates three key elements: technology development, sustainable development, and dynamic systems approach. The article then demonstrates the framework of incorporating the system dynamics methodology in energy technology assessment theory and practice within the context of sustainable development. The framework provides for technology sustainability assessment, which, in turn, can guide the promotion of sustainable energy technologies at a policy level. In addition, it can assist technology developers in understanding the potential impacts of a technology, hence enabling them to reduce technology transfer risks
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    Exploring factors that influence the mainstreaming of gendered energy interventions in poor urban environments : a structured literature review
    (Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2020-11-11) Oosthuizen, Lelani; De Kock, Imke H.; Musango, Josephine K.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Energy sectors are faced with the interconnected challenges of urbanisation and providing a growing population with accessible and sustainable energy that facilitates economic development, energy security, and poverty reduction. The Sustainable Development Goals address issues that include poverty, gender equality, energy, and sustainable cities, and highlight the need to improve the lives of poor communities and to address economic marginalisation. However, recent studies show that poor urban areas have a considerable number of female-lead households. Energy is a critical input for these households, resulting in women being increasingly vulnerable to unsustainable energy consumption patterns and energy insecurity. In this article, a structured literature review is conducted to investigate energy technologies that contribute to energy security among energy-poor women. The key factors to consider in the mainstreaming of a gender perspective into energy technology innovations are then identified and contextualised. How these factors can help achieve the sustainable development goals and contribute to ensuring sustainable energy sectors is also highlighted.
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    Exploring the connections between green economy and informal economy in South Africa
    (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2015) Smit, Suzanne; Musango, Josephine K.
    The notion of an inclusive green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication requires an approach that engages with the informal economy. However, the informal economy is generally ignored or undervalued in discussions on the green economy. This paper set out to bolster this argument by identifying the ways in which the green economy and the informal economy may be connected by establishing the extent to which policies and plans relating to green economy connect with the informal economy, and recognising several informal green activities. The barriers and opportunities for connecting the two spheres were also explored as well as possible ways in which such activities may be supported at different levels of organisation. In the case of South Africa, many informal green activities that contribute to sustainable livelihoods are recognised. However, issues pertaining to procedure, process and participation hinder the transition to a truly inclusive green economy.
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    A roadmap framework for solar aided power generation in South Africa
    (Energy Research Centre, 2015-11) Musango, Josephine K.; Brent, Alan C.
    Technology roadmaps are critical for decisions pertaining to technology development. They have been utilised in the renewable energy sector to assist in filtering alternative technology options in order to support energy policy formulation, energy security and energy independence, among others. However, solar aided power generation is a recent concept and no roadmap has been developed for the technology as yet. This paper thus reviewed the literature related to roadmapping with the aim of understanding the methods and tools that have been utilised in other settings. Informed by the literature, a conceptual framework was developed, which was further utilised for the initial analysis for developing a roadmap for solar aided power generation in South Africa. Generally, it would be beneficial for South Africa to integrate solar aided power generation within its current Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) or the National Treasury Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme. However, it should be noted that this is only feasible in the short- and medium-term. In the long-term, there is a need to support stand-alone solar thermal technologies.
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    The state of the art of gendered energy innovations : a structured literature review
    (Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2020-11-11) Van der Merwe, Stefani; De Kock, Imke; Musango, Josephine K.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The impact of restricted access to sustainable energy is the worst in vulnerable urban poor areas, and so an alternative approach to energy innovations is needed. To explore the possibilities for energy innovations, gender needs to be taken into account. This is especially relevant in the sub-Saharan African context, as most households are female-headed. This paper aims to explore the current state of gendered energy innovations by using a multivocal approach; it thus focuses on the existing body of knowledge at the gender—energy interface. The study is conducted in two parts: first, ‘state of the art’ is conceptualised using a multilevel approach; second, a structured literature review on gendered energy innovations is conducted in light of the structured understanding of ‘state of the art’. There is definitely room for new innovations to use gender as a strategy for solving energy security problems in urban poor environments.
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    Towards connecting green economy with informal economy in South Africa : a review and way forward
    (Elsevier, 2015-08) Smit, Suzanne; Musango, Josephine K.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    The informal economy is a vibrant and growing phenomenon, offering both opportunities and lessons on resilience and innovation. When considering global social, economic and environmental challenges, resilience and innovation are valuable response strategies. The notion of a green economy has similarly inspired a number of ideological, geopolitical and institutional responses, yet a review of the dominant approach indicates the propensity to undervalue or ignore the informal economy. Within the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, connecting the informal economy with the green economy is imperative. This paper explores possible connections between the green economy and the informal economy in South Africa and argues that by engaging the informal economy in discussions on the green economy, a more informed policy and planning environment may ensue, resulting in more socially equitable and environmentally sustainable development.
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    Towards measuring the informal city : a societal metabolism approach
    (Wiley, 2018) Smit, Suzanne; Musango, Josephine K.; Kovacic, Zora; Brent, Alan C.
    The rapid growth of urban informal settlements or slums, poses a particular challenge for balancing developmental and environmental goals. In South Africa, high levels of inequality, poverty and unemployment contribute to widespread migration. The influx of migrant workers to cities however is rarely matched with adequate housing and infrastructure, resulting in the formation and growth of urban informal settlements. Despite the persistence of the slum phenomenon, very few studies provide an in-depth understanding of the metabolic processes that link these spaces, and informal economies, to the broader urban environment and economy. This article therefore utilised a multi-scale integrated assessment of the societal and ecosystem metabolism (MuSIASEM) approach to examine human activity and land use in Enkanini, an urban informal settlement in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The results highlight a number of issues to be addressed through spatial, developmental, and local economic policy such as the need for improved transport linkages. The time use results show that Enkanini is a net provider of labour to the surrounding area. Further, geographic mapping indicates Enkanini as a small, but vibrant, informal economy, whilst being grossly underserviced in terms of water, waste, and sanitation infrastructure. Key implications are discussed in terms of the theoretical, methodological, societal and policy impact of the study, including the need for city observatories that conduct regular data collection and analysis.
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    Undertaking individual transdisciplinary PhD research for sustainable development : case studies from South Africa
    (Emerald, 2016) Van Breda, John; Musango, Josephine K.; Brent, Alan C.
    Purpose: This paper aims at improving the understanding of individual transdisciplinary PhD research in a developing country context, focusing on three individual PhD case studies in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: The multiple-case method was used, and three completed transdisciplinary PhD research efforts undertaken at Stellenbosch University were selected. They were coordinated through the TsamaHub1, an inter-faculty platform at the University which organises educational modules for transdisciplinary research. Using actual research experiences and reflections of the three individual PhDs, the paper evaluates their work in terms of ontological, epistemological, methodological and methodical/methods aspects. Findings: The central challenge to individual PhD researchers is engagement with non-academic actors to enable joint problem formulation, analysis and transformation. To overcome this, the paper suggests that developing individual epistemic relationships to build ‘transdisciplinary epistemic communities’ should be considered for inclusion as an intentional aspect of transdisciplinary research design. Research limitations/implications: ‘Transdisciplinary epistemic communities’ is still a concept in its infancy and needs more work before it may be theoretically and practically useful. Practical implications: Continuously guiding the individual transdisciplinary research process in a reflexive, recursive, transparent and equal manner is absolutely critical, because transdisciplinary research cannot be done successfully if dominated by overly methods-driven approaches. Originality/value: The discourse around transdisciplinary methodology has major implications for the design of individual PhD research. The paper provides recommendations to enhance the theory and practice of individual transdisciplinary PhD research.
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    Water resource infrastructure implications of a green economy transition in the Western Cape Province of South Africa : a system dynamics approach
    (Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering, 2017-08) Pienaar, Aliza; Brent, Alan C.; Musango, Josephine K.; De Kock, Imke H.
    ENGLISH ABSTRCT: The Western Cape Province government in South Africa has established the transition to a green economy as a high priority. The sustainable use of water resources has been identified as a critical necessity for such a green economy transition. The research summarised in this paper conceptualised the factors that relate to water resources, and that influence the transition to a green economy in the Western Cape Province. Subsequently, a system dynamics model was developed to evaluate the impact of key strategic interventions of the green economy transition. The results from the model show that the Province could possibly experience extreme water shortages in the near future if a business-as-usual scenario continues. However, with sufficient investment and effective management, the water demand of the Province can be met.