The significance of the safety-net role of NTFPs in rural livelihoods, South Africa
- Authors: Paumgarten, Fiona
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Non-timber forest products -- South Africa , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007161 , Non-timber forest products -- South Africa , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Description: This study was conducted in two rural villages in South Africa with the purpose of investigating the safety-net role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The use of NTFPs as a safety-net is reported as a common feature of rural livelihoods however empirical data supporting this function is limited. Therefore, policy makers and land-use planners underappreciate the probable role and consequent value of the safety-net function. The findings show that poor, rural households are vulnerable to a range of risks. Over a two year period 100% of households reported experiencing crises including unexpected idiosyncratic risks (e.g. illness, retrenchment, crop failure and death) as well as expected expenses and periods of vulnerability (e.g. the payment of school fees and seasonal crop shortfalls). Households are prone to these risks irrespective of wealth or gender of the de jure household head. To secure their livelihoods households in both villages rely on a variety of livelihood strategies including waged labour (53%), self-employment (30%), government grants (60%), arable agriculture (56%), animal husbandry (64%) and the use (100%) and sale (22%) of NTFPs. In terms of the proportion of households involved, the findings suggest land-based strategies make an important contribution. Formal employment and old-age pensions distinguish wealthy households from poor and allow for investments in assets and saving schemes (62%). In response to the risks experienced households employed a variety of coping strategies. Generally the most commonly used strategies were kinship (85%), reduced household spending (72%), changes to food consumption and saving (72%) and relying on NTFPs (70%). Kinship and NTFPs show no differences for wealth or gender of the de jure household head. The remaining strategies are influenced by wealth. The use of NTFPs as a safety-net manifested predominantly through the increased use of products, then the substitution of commercial goods by NTFPs and lastly through the sale. Of those using NTFPs as a rural safety-net 41.4% used of wild foods, 40% used medicinal plants, 25.7% substituted paraffin with fuelwood, 10% sold fuelwood and 8.6% sold other products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Paumgarten, Fiona
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Non-timber forest products -- South Africa , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007161 , Non-timber forest products -- South Africa , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Description: This study was conducted in two rural villages in South Africa with the purpose of investigating the safety-net role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The use of NTFPs as a safety-net is reported as a common feature of rural livelihoods however empirical data supporting this function is limited. Therefore, policy makers and land-use planners underappreciate the probable role and consequent value of the safety-net function. The findings show that poor, rural households are vulnerable to a range of risks. Over a two year period 100% of households reported experiencing crises including unexpected idiosyncratic risks (e.g. illness, retrenchment, crop failure and death) as well as expected expenses and periods of vulnerability (e.g. the payment of school fees and seasonal crop shortfalls). Households are prone to these risks irrespective of wealth or gender of the de jure household head. To secure their livelihoods households in both villages rely on a variety of livelihood strategies including waged labour (53%), self-employment (30%), government grants (60%), arable agriculture (56%), animal husbandry (64%) and the use (100%) and sale (22%) of NTFPs. In terms of the proportion of households involved, the findings suggest land-based strategies make an important contribution. Formal employment and old-age pensions distinguish wealthy households from poor and allow for investments in assets and saving schemes (62%). In response to the risks experienced households employed a variety of coping strategies. Generally the most commonly used strategies were kinship (85%), reduced household spending (72%), changes to food consumption and saving (72%) and relying on NTFPs (70%). Kinship and NTFPs show no differences for wealth or gender of the de jure household head. The remaining strategies are influenced by wealth. The use of NTFPs as a safety-net manifested predominantly through the increased use of products, then the substitution of commercial goods by NTFPs and lastly through the sale. Of those using NTFPs as a rural safety-net 41.4% used of wild foods, 40% used medicinal plants, 25.7% substituted paraffin with fuelwood, 10% sold fuelwood and 8.6% sold other products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
A comparative analysis of environmental policies of South African universities
- Authors: Gyan, Cecilia Adwoa
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- Study and teaching , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- Environmental aspects , Environmental policy -- South Africa , Campus planning -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4773 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008067 , Environmental education -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- Study and teaching , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- Environmental aspects , Environmental policy -- South Africa , Campus planning -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Description: There has been ongoing global concern on environmental issues and which is supposed to have moved down into smaller institutions and areas through local agenda 2l. Environmental issues are associated not only with care for the environment but also sustainable development. Various universities are beginning to strive for sustainable development and care for the environment. Some universities are therefore integrating care for the environment in their curricula and in their daily operations on campus. The greening of higher educational institutions as models is important as they are the seat for research and training of undergraduates who will become future leaders and policymakers and caretakers of the environment. It is therefore important for undergraduates to be exposed to greening processes in operations, research and curricula whilst still on campus. This study examines the process of formulating a policy and applies that to forming an environmental policy. The study involved a comparative analysis of environmental policies of various tertiary educational institutions from different countries. The study focused on how many universities in South Africa have environmental policies and how the universities which have environmental policies went about their formulation process. The study further examines the duration of the formulation process and the constraints encountered by universities. The study then reviews strategies on how the environmental policy is being implemented and how effective the implementation process is practically and the constraints these institutions face. The findings of the study reveal that few universities ill South Africa have an environmental policy. The universities are making efforts in their implementation process however, not all the principles found in the policies are being implemented effectively as there are no environmental management systems in place and there are no measurable objectives and targets set for proper evaluation of the success or failure of the policy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Gyan, Cecilia Adwoa
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- Study and teaching , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- Environmental aspects , Environmental policy -- South Africa , Campus planning -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4773 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008067 , Environmental education -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- Study and teaching , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- Environmental aspects , Environmental policy -- South Africa , Campus planning -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Description: There has been ongoing global concern on environmental issues and which is supposed to have moved down into smaller institutions and areas through local agenda 2l. Environmental issues are associated not only with care for the environment but also sustainable development. Various universities are beginning to strive for sustainable development and care for the environment. Some universities are therefore integrating care for the environment in their curricula and in their daily operations on campus. The greening of higher educational institutions as models is important as they are the seat for research and training of undergraduates who will become future leaders and policymakers and caretakers of the environment. It is therefore important for undergraduates to be exposed to greening processes in operations, research and curricula whilst still on campus. This study examines the process of formulating a policy and applies that to forming an environmental policy. The study involved a comparative analysis of environmental policies of various tertiary educational institutions from different countries. The study focused on how many universities in South Africa have environmental policies and how the universities which have environmental policies went about their formulation process. The study further examines the duration of the formulation process and the constraints encountered by universities. The study then reviews strategies on how the environmental policy is being implemented and how effective the implementation process is practically and the constraints these institutions face. The findings of the study reveal that few universities ill South Africa have an environmental policy. The universities are making efforts in their implementation process however, not all the principles found in the policies are being implemented effectively as there are no environmental management systems in place and there are no measurable objectives and targets set for proper evaluation of the success or failure of the policy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Adaptive livelihood strategies of the Basarwa: a case of Khwai and Xaxaba, Ngamiland district, Botswana
- Authors: Madzwamuse, Masego S
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: San (African people) -- Botswana , Land use -- Botswana , Rural development -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4737 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005286 , San (African people) -- Botswana , Land use -- Botswana , Rural development -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects -- Botswana
- Description: This thesis looks into the land use and natural resource management systems of Basarwa communities in Ngamiland in the northwest of Botswana. The study specifically focuses on Basarwa communities living in and on the edges of the Okavango Delta. The link between these communities and their natural resources is explored using the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Framework and the Adaptive Renewal Cycle. The core assumption in this thesis is that livelihood strategies are constantly renewed and adapted to promote resilience in ecological and social systems. Fieldwork data collected between May 2000 and July 2001 and secondary data is used to deliberate on this point. The thesis confirms that the Basarwa’s livelihood strategies were adaptive only in as far as traditional livelihoods are concerned. The thesis traces the changes that the Basarwa have experienced as a result of policy restrictions through the different phases of the adaptive renewal cycle. The period following Independence in Botswana saw a policy shift which resulted in the Basarwa becoming landless. With mainly land-based livelihood strategies, the Basarwa were faced with new forms of crises and vulnerability which their traditional adaptive strategies were not designed for. It comes to the conclusion that the Basarwa are currently stuck in a reorganisation phase; however, the CBNRM Draft Policy of Botswana offers a glimpse of hope as it provides an opportunity for the Basarwa to progress through the full cycle of reorganisation, renewal, conservation and release.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Madzwamuse, Masego S
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: San (African people) -- Botswana , Land use -- Botswana , Rural development -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4737 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005286 , San (African people) -- Botswana , Land use -- Botswana , Rural development -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects -- Botswana
- Description: This thesis looks into the land use and natural resource management systems of Basarwa communities in Ngamiland in the northwest of Botswana. The study specifically focuses on Basarwa communities living in and on the edges of the Okavango Delta. The link between these communities and their natural resources is explored using the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Framework and the Adaptive Renewal Cycle. The core assumption in this thesis is that livelihood strategies are constantly renewed and adapted to promote resilience in ecological and social systems. Fieldwork data collected between May 2000 and July 2001 and secondary data is used to deliberate on this point. The thesis confirms that the Basarwa’s livelihood strategies were adaptive only in as far as traditional livelihoods are concerned. The thesis traces the changes that the Basarwa have experienced as a result of policy restrictions through the different phases of the adaptive renewal cycle. The period following Independence in Botswana saw a policy shift which resulted in the Basarwa becoming landless. With mainly land-based livelihood strategies, the Basarwa were faced with new forms of crises and vulnerability which their traditional adaptive strategies were not designed for. It comes to the conclusion that the Basarwa are currently stuck in a reorganisation phase; however, the CBNRM Draft Policy of Botswana offers a glimpse of hope as it provides an opportunity for the Basarwa to progress through the full cycle of reorganisation, renewal, conservation and release.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Ameliorating poverty in South Africa through natural resource commercialisation
- Authors: Shackleton, Sheona E
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6651 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007062
- Description: This short policy brief advocates for more attention to be paid to the potential of natural resource commercialisation as a means to livelihood security and poverty alleviation in rural South Africa. It is one of a set of four policy briefs based on the findings of several case studies across the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Shackleton, Sheona E
- Date: 2006
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6651 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007062
- Description: This short policy brief advocates for more attention to be paid to the potential of natural resource commercialisation as a means to livelihood security and poverty alleviation in rural South Africa. It is one of a set of four policy briefs based on the findings of several case studies across the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Contrasting livelihoods in the upper and lower Gariep River basin: a study of livelihood change and household development
- Authors: McDermott, Lindsay
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Sustainable development -- Lesotho , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Rural poor -- Lesotho , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Agriculture -- Lesotho , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007147 , Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Sustainable development -- Lesotho , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Rural poor -- Lesotho , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Agriculture -- Lesotho , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Description: This study investigated rural livelihoods in two contrasting environments in the upper and lower reaches of the Gariep River: Sehlabathebe in the Lesotho highlands, and the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape, and how these have changed over time. Livelihoods were examined using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework in conjunction with the household development cycle. This study therefore adopted a multi-scale approach, where a micro-level household analysis was framed within the macro level social, political, environmental, economic and institutional context, while taking into account the role of temporal scale of livelihood change. A multi-scale approach facilitated the identification of the major drivers of change, both exogenous and endogenous. The combination of livelihood strategies pursued differed between the two sites. Households in Sehlabathebe are reliant mainly on arable and garden cultivation, livestock in some households, occasional remittances, use of wild resources, petty trading and reliance on donations. Households in the Richtersveld relied primarily on livestock, wage labour, use of wild resources and State grants or pensions. The livelihood strategies pursued in each site have not changed markedly over time, but rather the relative importance of those strategies was found to have changed. The assets available to households, the livelihood strategies adopted and the changes in these livelihood strategies are influenced by a households stage in the development cycle and differing macro-level factors. Drivers of change operate at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and are often complex and interrelated. The major drivers of livelihood change were identified as macro-economic, demographic, institutional and social and climatic. This study highlights the importance of using historical analysis in the study of livelihoods, as well as the complexity and diversity of rural livelihoods. Ecosystem goods and services were found to play a fundamental role in rural livelihoods and are influenced by institutional factors. Rural households are heavily reliant on the formal economy, and macro-economic changes have had a significant impact on livelihoods. This is highlighted by how the drastic decline in migrant labour opportunities for households in Sehlabathebe has negatively affected them. Vulnerability was shown to be a result of external shocks and trends, such as institutional transformation, a decline in employment opportunities, theft and climatic variation; and differed between the two sites. The role of institutional breakdown was shown to be a major factor influencing rural livelihoods, and this is related to broader economic and political changes. This study contributes to the growing literature on rural livelihoods by allowing for an appreciation of how differing environments and contextual factors influence livelihood strategies adopted, and which different factors are driving change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: McDermott, Lindsay
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Sustainable development -- Lesotho , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Rural poor -- Lesotho , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Agriculture -- Lesotho , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4758 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007147 , Rural development -- Lesotho , Rural development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Sustainable development -- Lesotho , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- Lesotho , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Rural poor -- Lesotho , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Northern Cape , Agriculture -- Lesotho , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Northern Cape
- Description: This study investigated rural livelihoods in two contrasting environments in the upper and lower reaches of the Gariep River: Sehlabathebe in the Lesotho highlands, and the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape, and how these have changed over time. Livelihoods were examined using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework in conjunction with the household development cycle. This study therefore adopted a multi-scale approach, where a micro-level household analysis was framed within the macro level social, political, environmental, economic and institutional context, while taking into account the role of temporal scale of livelihood change. A multi-scale approach facilitated the identification of the major drivers of change, both exogenous and endogenous. The combination of livelihood strategies pursued differed between the two sites. Households in Sehlabathebe are reliant mainly on arable and garden cultivation, livestock in some households, occasional remittances, use of wild resources, petty trading and reliance on donations. Households in the Richtersveld relied primarily on livestock, wage labour, use of wild resources and State grants or pensions. The livelihood strategies pursued in each site have not changed markedly over time, but rather the relative importance of those strategies was found to have changed. The assets available to households, the livelihood strategies adopted and the changes in these livelihood strategies are influenced by a households stage in the development cycle and differing macro-level factors. Drivers of change operate at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and are often complex and interrelated. The major drivers of livelihood change were identified as macro-economic, demographic, institutional and social and climatic. This study highlights the importance of using historical analysis in the study of livelihoods, as well as the complexity and diversity of rural livelihoods. Ecosystem goods and services were found to play a fundamental role in rural livelihoods and are influenced by institutional factors. Rural households are heavily reliant on the formal economy, and macro-economic changes have had a significant impact on livelihoods. This is highlighted by how the drastic decline in migrant labour opportunities for households in Sehlabathebe has negatively affected them. Vulnerability was shown to be a result of external shocks and trends, such as institutional transformation, a decline in employment opportunities, theft and climatic variation; and differed between the two sites. The role of institutional breakdown was shown to be a major factor influencing rural livelihoods, and this is related to broader economic and political changes. This study contributes to the growing literature on rural livelihoods by allowing for an appreciation of how differing environments and contextual factors influence livelihood strategies adopted, and which different factors are driving change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The application of integrated environmental management to improve storm water quality and reduce marine pollution at Jeffreys Bay (South Africa)
- Authors: Seebach, Rudi Dieter
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Marine pollution -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Storm sewers -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Marine ecology -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Environmental management -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Environmental risk assessment -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Community development -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Sewage disposal -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005287 , Marine pollution -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Storm sewers -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Marine ecology -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Environmental management -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Environmental risk assessment -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Community development -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Sewage disposal -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay
- Description: It is projected that by 2025 three-quarters of the world’s population will live in the coastal zone. This is an alarming statistic, with a consequently significant impact on small coastal towns and the adjacent marine environments. Developing communities within the coastal zone of South Africa have proved to be a significant pollution source of storm water. Studies have shown that storm water that is deposited in the ocean will be trapped in the near shore marine environment causing poor seawater quality over a large distance. Furthermore, this can pose a significant threat to the health of recreational users and important marine ecosystems. In Jeffreys Bay storm water quality is thought to pose a threat to the maintenance of the international Blue Flag status for its beach. The aim of the current project was to investigate the main sources of storm water and subsequent marine pollution at Jeffreys Bay and to develop an appropriate management strategy using the integrated environmental management framework. In order to achieve this objective, it was also necessary to determine the current quality of water at various points within the catchment and near shore marine environment. Even though the storm water was found to be severely contaminated no evidence existed for a negative impact on the marine environment. None the less, a precautionary approach was adopted and a risk assessment employed in order to consider potential impacts on the marine and aquatic environment, human health and socio-economic welfare within the town. Significant sources of storm water contamination included grey water, domestic solid waste disposal and informal ablution. These significant aspects were investigated further and it was found that solid waste management in the catchment was poor with significant quantities of waste, primarily (76%) from domestic sources, being disposed of illegally. A study of sanitation management showed inadequacies where up to 58% of the residents from the informal settlements disposed of their grey water into open spaces. The ratio of residents to toilets in these areas was 28:1, therefore supporting the outcome of the risk assessment. Due to the fact that all the significant aspects were related to anthropogenic waste, an integrated waste management plan (IWMP) was developed that would not only facilitate the reduction of pollution of storm water, but would also allow for sustainable community-based development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Seebach, Rudi Dieter
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Marine pollution -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Storm sewers -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Marine ecology -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Environmental management -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Environmental risk assessment -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Community development -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Sewage disposal -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005287 , Marine pollution -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Storm sewers -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Marine ecology -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Environmental management -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Environmental risk assessment -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Community development -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay , Sewage disposal -- South Africa -- Jeffreys Bay
- Description: It is projected that by 2025 three-quarters of the world’s population will live in the coastal zone. This is an alarming statistic, with a consequently significant impact on small coastal towns and the adjacent marine environments. Developing communities within the coastal zone of South Africa have proved to be a significant pollution source of storm water. Studies have shown that storm water that is deposited in the ocean will be trapped in the near shore marine environment causing poor seawater quality over a large distance. Furthermore, this can pose a significant threat to the health of recreational users and important marine ecosystems. In Jeffreys Bay storm water quality is thought to pose a threat to the maintenance of the international Blue Flag status for its beach. The aim of the current project was to investigate the main sources of storm water and subsequent marine pollution at Jeffreys Bay and to develop an appropriate management strategy using the integrated environmental management framework. In order to achieve this objective, it was also necessary to determine the current quality of water at various points within the catchment and near shore marine environment. Even though the storm water was found to be severely contaminated no evidence existed for a negative impact on the marine environment. None the less, a precautionary approach was adopted and a risk assessment employed in order to consider potential impacts on the marine and aquatic environment, human health and socio-economic welfare within the town. Significant sources of storm water contamination included grey water, domestic solid waste disposal and informal ablution. These significant aspects were investigated further and it was found that solid waste management in the catchment was poor with significant quantities of waste, primarily (76%) from domestic sources, being disposed of illegally. A study of sanitation management showed inadequacies where up to 58% of the residents from the informal settlements disposed of their grey water into open spaces. The ratio of residents to toilets in these areas was 28:1, therefore supporting the outcome of the risk assessment. Due to the fact that all the significant aspects were related to anthropogenic waste, an integrated waste management plan (IWMP) was developed that would not only facilitate the reduction of pollution of storm water, but would also allow for sustainable community-based development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The significance of the local trade in natural resource products for livelihoods and poverty alleviation in South Africa
- Authors: Shackleton, Sheona E
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa Rural poor -- South Africa Natural resources -- South Africa Selling -- Handicraft South Africa -- Commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4776 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011731
- Description: What role can the commercialisation of natural resource products play in the efforts to reduce poverty and vulnerability and how can this be enhanced? With poverty alleviation at the top of the global development agenda, this is a question posed by many scholars, practitioners, donor agencies and government departments operating at the environment-development interface. However, recent commentary on this issue is mixed and ambiguous, with some observers being quite optimistic regarding the potential of these products, while others hold a counter view. This thesis explores the livelihood contributions and poverty alleviation potential of four products traded locally in the Bushbuckridge municipality, South Africa; namely traditional brooms, reed mats, woodcraft and a beer made from the fruits of Sclerocarya birrea. A common approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, was used to investigate the harvesting, processing and marketing arrangements, sustainability and livelihood contributions of each product. The results illustrate that any inference regarding the potential of the trade to alleviate poverty depends on how poverty is defined and interpreted, and on whether the role of these products is assessed from a holistic livelihood perspective that includes notions of vulnerability, alternatives and choice, diversification and the needs of rural producers themselves. Overall, the products studied were key in enhancing the livelihood security of the poorest members of society, forming an important safety net and assisting in raising household incomes to levels equivalent to the wider population, but generally were unlikely, on their own, to provide a route out of poverty. However, there were notable exceptions, with marked variation evident both within and across products. Incomes often surpassed local wage rates, and a minority of producers were obtaining returns equivalent to or greater than the official minimum wage. Other benefits, such as the opportunity to work from home or to diversify the livelihood portfolio, were also crucial, with the trade representing different livelihood strategies for different households. When viewed within the context of rising unemployment and HIV/AIDS these findings assume greater significance. While the trades were complex and growth limited, livelihood benefits could be improved on a sustainable basis if the sector was given the attention and support it deserves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Shackleton, Sheona E
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa Rural poor -- South Africa Natural resources -- South Africa Selling -- Handicraft South Africa -- Commerce
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4776 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011731
- Description: What role can the commercialisation of natural resource products play in the efforts to reduce poverty and vulnerability and how can this be enhanced? With poverty alleviation at the top of the global development agenda, this is a question posed by many scholars, practitioners, donor agencies and government departments operating at the environment-development interface. However, recent commentary on this issue is mixed and ambiguous, with some observers being quite optimistic regarding the potential of these products, while others hold a counter view. This thesis explores the livelihood contributions and poverty alleviation potential of four products traded locally in the Bushbuckridge municipality, South Africa; namely traditional brooms, reed mats, woodcraft and a beer made from the fruits of Sclerocarya birrea. A common approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, was used to investigate the harvesting, processing and marketing arrangements, sustainability and livelihood contributions of each product. The results illustrate that any inference regarding the potential of the trade to alleviate poverty depends on how poverty is defined and interpreted, and on whether the role of these products is assessed from a holistic livelihood perspective that includes notions of vulnerability, alternatives and choice, diversification and the needs of rural producers themselves. Overall, the products studied were key in enhancing the livelihood security of the poorest members of society, forming an important safety net and assisting in raising household incomes to levels equivalent to the wider population, but generally were unlikely, on their own, to provide a route out of poverty. However, there were notable exceptions, with marked variation evident both within and across products. Incomes often surpassed local wage rates, and a minority of producers were obtaining returns equivalent to or greater than the official minimum wage. Other benefits, such as the opportunity to work from home or to diversify the livelihood portfolio, were also crucial, with the trade representing different livelihood strategies for different households. When viewed within the context of rising unemployment and HIV/AIDS these findings assume greater significance. While the trades were complex and growth limited, livelihood benefits could be improved on a sustainable basis if the sector was given the attention and support it deserves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Institutional change and ecosystem dynamics in the communal areas around Mt Coke State Forest, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Cundill, Georgina
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4746 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006959 , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Through a combination of theoretical discussion and case study analysis from two villages in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, this thesis explores the relationship between institutional change and ecosystem dynamics through a multi-scale approach that combines local and scientific knowledge. Several conceptual approaches were combined in this study. These included; the Resilience perspective, the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods approach, the Millennium Assessment framework and principles, and the Environmental Entitlements approach. Various participatory research techniques were employed which combined with GIS technologies, existing data sets, and historical records. Common pool resource areas are social spaces, where local values attached to resources are institutionally mediated, politically nuanced, economically interpreted and historically situated. Political driving forces at various scales have played a disproportionate role in local level institutional functioning in the case study area. In particular, inappropriate state-lead interventions into land use planning have weakened local level institutions, and have reduced the ability of the linked social-ecological system to cope with change and uncertainty. People and ecosystems become more vulnerable when driving forces such as political upheaval, economic depression and drought over-lap. However, rural people are not mere spectators in the face of these driving forces; they respond both reactively and proactively to ensure resilience to change and uncertainty. Ecosystems at Mt Coke play a key role during times of crisis in rural livelihoods. These ecosystems have undergone various short-term cyclical changes largely in response to rainfall fluctuations, and some longer-term changes linked to political events and trends that have affected management practices and local institutions over time. Orthodox ecological interpretations of ecosystem change appear to ignore four key factors identified in this study: 1) the role of institutions in shaping access to resources, 2) the demand for resources in rural livelihoods, 3) the dynamic interaction between social and natural systems, and 4) the interaction between social and natural systems across scales of analysis. The future of common pool resource management lies in the combination of local and scientific knowledge through an adaptive management approach that encourages learning and adaptation in local level institutional structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Cundill, Georgina
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4746 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006959 , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- Management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Through a combination of theoretical discussion and case study analysis from two villages in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, this thesis explores the relationship between institutional change and ecosystem dynamics through a multi-scale approach that combines local and scientific knowledge. Several conceptual approaches were combined in this study. These included; the Resilience perspective, the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods approach, the Millennium Assessment framework and principles, and the Environmental Entitlements approach. Various participatory research techniques were employed which combined with GIS technologies, existing data sets, and historical records. Common pool resource areas are social spaces, where local values attached to resources are institutionally mediated, politically nuanced, economically interpreted and historically situated. Political driving forces at various scales have played a disproportionate role in local level institutional functioning in the case study area. In particular, inappropriate state-lead interventions into land use planning have weakened local level institutions, and have reduced the ability of the linked social-ecological system to cope with change and uncertainty. People and ecosystems become more vulnerable when driving forces such as political upheaval, economic depression and drought over-lap. However, rural people are not mere spectators in the face of these driving forces; they respond both reactively and proactively to ensure resilience to change and uncertainty. Ecosystems at Mt Coke play a key role during times of crisis in rural livelihoods. These ecosystems have undergone various short-term cyclical changes largely in response to rainfall fluctuations, and some longer-term changes linked to political events and trends that have affected management practices and local institutions over time. Orthodox ecological interpretations of ecosystem change appear to ignore four key factors identified in this study: 1) the role of institutions in shaping access to resources, 2) the demand for resources in rural livelihoods, 3) the dynamic interaction between social and natural systems, and 4) the interaction between social and natural systems across scales of analysis. The future of common pool resource management lies in the combination of local and scientific knowledge through an adaptive management approach that encourages learning and adaptation in local level institutional structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The role of acute toxicity data for South African freshwater macroinvertebrates in the derivation of water quality guidelines for salinity
- Authors: Browne, Samantha
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa , Aquatic ecology -- South Africa , Ecosystem management -- South Africa , Freshwater invertebrates -- South Africa -- Ecology , Water -- Toxicology -- South Africa , Water quality biological assessment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006173 , Water-supply -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa , Aquatic ecology -- South Africa , Ecosystem management -- South Africa , Freshwater invertebrates -- South Africa -- Ecology , Water -- Toxicology -- South Africa , Water quality biological assessment
- Description: Water resources are under ever-increasing pressure to meet the demands of various water users both nationally and internationally. The process of anthropogenically-induced salinisation serves to exacerbate this pressure by limiting the quantity and quality of water available for future use. Water quality guidelines provide the numerical goals which water resource managers can use to adequately manage and protect aquatic ecosystems. Various methods which have been developed and used internationally to derive such guidelines are discussed. Acute toxicity tests were conducted using two inorganic salts, NaCl and Na₂SO₄. Field collected, indigenous, freshwater macroinvertebrates were used as tests organisms. Data generated from these tests contributed to the expansion of the currently limited toxicological database of response data for indigenous organisms and the suitability of using such organisms for future testing was discussed. Salt sensitivities of indigenous freshwater invertebrates were compared those of species sourced from an international toxicological database and were found to have similar ranges of tolerances to NaCl and Na₂SO₄. Species sensitivity distributions (SSDs), a method of data extrapolation, were derived using different types of toxicological data, and hence different guideline values or protective concentrations were derived. These concentrations were equated to boundary values for South Africa’s ecological Reserve categories, which are used to describe degrees of health for aquatic ecosystems. Provisional results suggest that using only acute toxicity data in guideline derivation provides ecosystem protection that is under-protective. Chronic toxicity data, which include endpoints other than mortality, provide the most realistic environmental protection but lack data confidence due to small sample sizes (acute tests are more readily conducted than chronic tests). The potential contribution of sub-chronic data to guideline derivation is highlighted as these data are more readily extrapolated to chronic endpoints than acute data and sub-chronic tests are not as complex and demanding to conduct as chronic tests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Browne, Samantha
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa , Aquatic ecology -- South Africa , Ecosystem management -- South Africa , Freshwater invertebrates -- South Africa -- Ecology , Water -- Toxicology -- South Africa , Water quality biological assessment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006173 , Water-supply -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa , Aquatic ecology -- South Africa , Ecosystem management -- South Africa , Freshwater invertebrates -- South Africa -- Ecology , Water -- Toxicology -- South Africa , Water quality biological assessment
- Description: Water resources are under ever-increasing pressure to meet the demands of various water users both nationally and internationally. The process of anthropogenically-induced salinisation serves to exacerbate this pressure by limiting the quantity and quality of water available for future use. Water quality guidelines provide the numerical goals which water resource managers can use to adequately manage and protect aquatic ecosystems. Various methods which have been developed and used internationally to derive such guidelines are discussed. Acute toxicity tests were conducted using two inorganic salts, NaCl and Na₂SO₄. Field collected, indigenous, freshwater macroinvertebrates were used as tests organisms. Data generated from these tests contributed to the expansion of the currently limited toxicological database of response data for indigenous organisms and the suitability of using such organisms for future testing was discussed. Salt sensitivities of indigenous freshwater invertebrates were compared those of species sourced from an international toxicological database and were found to have similar ranges of tolerances to NaCl and Na₂SO₄. Species sensitivity distributions (SSDs), a method of data extrapolation, were derived using different types of toxicological data, and hence different guideline values or protective concentrations were derived. These concentrations were equated to boundary values for South Africa’s ecological Reserve categories, which are used to describe degrees of health for aquatic ecosystems. Provisional results suggest that using only acute toxicity data in guideline derivation provides ecosystem protection that is under-protective. Chronic toxicity data, which include endpoints other than mortality, provide the most realistic environmental protection but lack data confidence due to small sample sizes (acute tests are more readily conducted than chronic tests). The potential contribution of sub-chronic data to guideline derivation is highlighted as these data are more readily extrapolated to chronic endpoints than acute data and sub-chronic tests are not as complex and demanding to conduct as chronic tests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
The role of anthropogenic disturbance in the creation of a socio-ecological landscape
- Authors: Fox, Helen Elizabeth
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Human ecology -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Land use -- Environmental aspects-- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Landscapes -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Landscape ecology -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Vegetation and climate -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Xhosa (African people) -- Folklore , Kat River Valley (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008061 , Human ecology -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Land use -- Environmental aspects-- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Landscapes -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Landscape ecology -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Vegetation and climate -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Xhosa (African people) -- Folklore , Kat River Valley (South Africa)
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to examine the role of anthropogenic disturbance in the creation of a socio-ecological landscape. Three key questions were answered: what impact has past anthropogenic disturbance had on present vegetative characteristics; what value did this disturbed landscape have to local people; how did the local peoples' worldviews and eco-cosmologies influence how they perceived, valued and managed their landscape? Research was based in a rural, predominantly amaXhosa village in the Kat River valley, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Four major landscape components characterised the environment, namely dense forests, former grazing lands, abandoned fields and old settlements. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted, consisting of a vegetation and soil survey and social science methods including semistructured interviews, focus groups, transect walks and participant observation. The key finding was that anthropogenic disturbance is necessary to enhance the potential of the area to support human habitation. However, anthropogenic disturbance can have positive or negative effects for both local people and the environment. An intermediate level of disturbance is a key factor leading to a resilient socio-ecological system. Various anthropogenic disturbances have had significant affects on vegetation characteristics in terms of species richness, and a change in vegetation composition and species heights. Of the three anthropogenic landscapes examined, former grazing lands were the least intensively disturbed. They were also more species rich and structurally diverse than areas that were under agricultural production or used as a settlement. Dense forests, although the least desirable landscape to local people were, together with sacred pools, sources of ecosystem renewal and played a critical role during times of disturbance. Anthropogenic disturbance has added value to local people's livelihoods; this disturbance has resulted in a patchy landscape that supplies a wide variety of resources to local people. Local people are dependent on their environment for their basic needs; this has encouraged sustainable management practices. The local AmaXhosa still retain many elements of their traditional worldview, which has many characteristics of Animism. The environment is an integral component of their belief system and certain sites and species have significant cultural value and are protected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Fox, Helen Elizabeth
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Human ecology -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Land use -- Environmental aspects-- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Landscapes -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Landscape ecology -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Vegetation and climate -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Xhosa (African people) -- Folklore , Kat River Valley (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008061 , Human ecology -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Land use -- Environmental aspects-- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Landscapes -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Landscape ecology -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Vegetation and climate -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Xhosa (African people) -- Folklore , Kat River Valley (South Africa)
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to examine the role of anthropogenic disturbance in the creation of a socio-ecological landscape. Three key questions were answered: what impact has past anthropogenic disturbance had on present vegetative characteristics; what value did this disturbed landscape have to local people; how did the local peoples' worldviews and eco-cosmologies influence how they perceived, valued and managed their landscape? Research was based in a rural, predominantly amaXhosa village in the Kat River valley, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Four major landscape components characterised the environment, namely dense forests, former grazing lands, abandoned fields and old settlements. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted, consisting of a vegetation and soil survey and social science methods including semistructured interviews, focus groups, transect walks and participant observation. The key finding was that anthropogenic disturbance is necessary to enhance the potential of the area to support human habitation. However, anthropogenic disturbance can have positive or negative effects for both local people and the environment. An intermediate level of disturbance is a key factor leading to a resilient socio-ecological system. Various anthropogenic disturbances have had significant affects on vegetation characteristics in terms of species richness, and a change in vegetation composition and species heights. Of the three anthropogenic landscapes examined, former grazing lands were the least intensively disturbed. They were also more species rich and structurally diverse than areas that were under agricultural production or used as a settlement. Dense forests, although the least desirable landscape to local people were, together with sacred pools, sources of ecosystem renewal and played a critical role during times of disturbance. Anthropogenic disturbance has added value to local people's livelihoods; this disturbance has resulted in a patchy landscape that supplies a wide variety of resources to local people. Local people are dependent on their environment for their basic needs; this has encouraged sustainable management practices. The local AmaXhosa still retain many elements of their traditional worldview, which has many characteristics of Animism. The environment is an integral component of their belief system and certain sites and species have significant cultural value and are protected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Changes in energy use patterns in the Bushbuckridge Lowveld of the Limpopo Province, South Africa: eleven years on
- Authors: Madubansi, Mainza
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Energy consumption -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007139 , Energy consumption -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Description: This research reports on the energy transition that has taken place in the Bushbuckridge district between 1991 and 2002. It is a follow up to a similar study that was done in 1991 investigating a number of aspects of energy use. It uses the 1991 study as a baseline and aims to explore how the passage of time, growth of the local population and changes in incomes and the availability of fuels have affected the patterns of fuel use in the region in the past eleven years. A structured interview approach was used for most aspects of the study. The interview schedule included sections on types, amounts and reasons for use and non-use of 13 different energy sources as well as data on income levels, household size and other economic parameters. Analysis of the consumption patterns of the different fuel types revealed that between the two survey periods, households in the sample settlements went through some pronounced changes in patterns of fuel use, particularly those that had acquired electricity. The introduction of electricity in the region had certainly played a major role in spurring the energy transition. Fuels that were previously used for lighting, powering entertainment appliances and refrigeration had been displaced by electricity. In terms of cooking and other thermal application, however, the vast majority of households in all the sample settlements continued using fuelwood and complemented it to a lesser extent with paraffin and electricity. In both surveys, the use or non-use of available fuels in the region was influenced by several factors. Common reasons for non-use of certain fuel types included expense, lack of appliances, the risk involved in using such fuels and the preference for other fuels. Reasons for use were mainly related to the low cost of the fuel and the fuel’s ability to meet particular end uses. Although incomes in the region had increased between 1991 and 2002, they were still below the poverty line. Activities from which households obtained their income remained the same. Old age pension, migrant wages and the informal sector remained the largest contributors of income to most households. Other indicators of relative wealth and poverty, like ownership of vehicles, bicycles and beds remained the same.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Madubansi, Mainza
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Energy consumption -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007139 , Energy consumption -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Description: This research reports on the energy transition that has taken place in the Bushbuckridge district between 1991 and 2002. It is a follow up to a similar study that was done in 1991 investigating a number of aspects of energy use. It uses the 1991 study as a baseline and aims to explore how the passage of time, growth of the local population and changes in incomes and the availability of fuels have affected the patterns of fuel use in the region in the past eleven years. A structured interview approach was used for most aspects of the study. The interview schedule included sections on types, amounts and reasons for use and non-use of 13 different energy sources as well as data on income levels, household size and other economic parameters. Analysis of the consumption patterns of the different fuel types revealed that between the two survey periods, households in the sample settlements went through some pronounced changes in patterns of fuel use, particularly those that had acquired electricity. The introduction of electricity in the region had certainly played a major role in spurring the energy transition. Fuels that were previously used for lighting, powering entertainment appliances and refrigeration had been displaced by electricity. In terms of cooking and other thermal application, however, the vast majority of households in all the sample settlements continued using fuelwood and complemented it to a lesser extent with paraffin and electricity. In both surveys, the use or non-use of available fuels in the region was influenced by several factors. Common reasons for non-use of certain fuel types included expense, lack of appliances, the risk involved in using such fuels and the preference for other fuels. Reasons for use were mainly related to the low cost of the fuel and the fuel’s ability to meet particular end uses. Although incomes in the region had increased between 1991 and 2002, they were still below the poverty line. Activities from which households obtained their income remained the same. Old age pension, migrant wages and the informal sector remained the largest contributors of income to most households. Other indicators of relative wealth and poverty, like ownership of vehicles, bicycles and beds remained the same.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Rural livelihoods at Dwesa/Cwebe: poverty, development and natural resource use on the Wild Coast, South Africa
- Authors: Timmermans, Herman Gerald
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007174 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This thesis uses the sustainable rural livelihoods framework to investigate the livelihoods of communities residing adjacent to a remote protected area on the Wild Coast. The communities living in the area are among the poorest in South Africa and are largely dependent on migrant remittances and state welfare grants for their survival. Soon after South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, the communities lodged a land claim against the protected area on the basis of past removals. In 2001, their land rights to the protected area were restored, opening up new avenues for the development of the area. It is argued that livelihood systems in the area are complex, varied and dynamic, and that for development to be sustainable, it needs to be informed by a thorough understanding of the many factors that shape the context in which livelihoods are generated. The research is based primarily on 'in-depth' micro-studies of two villages in the area - Ntubeni and Cwebe. It includes a detailed assessment of the extent and distribution of poverty and the various factors that make households vulnerable to livelihood shocks. The role of the rich and diverse natural resource base, the property rights associated with it, and the under-development of infrastructure and services in the area, are discussed in relation to livelihood prospects. A systems approach is used to examine the various ways in which livestock husbandry, cropping, natural resource use, employment and welfare dependence interact. Finally, the thesis examines in some detail the distribution of household assets, livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes between the two villages, and between households in different income groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Timmermans, Herman Gerald
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4767 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007174 , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Income distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Household surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This thesis uses the sustainable rural livelihoods framework to investigate the livelihoods of communities residing adjacent to a remote protected area on the Wild Coast. The communities living in the area are among the poorest in South Africa and are largely dependent on migrant remittances and state welfare grants for their survival. Soon after South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, the communities lodged a land claim against the protected area on the basis of past removals. In 2001, their land rights to the protected area were restored, opening up new avenues for the development of the area. It is argued that livelihood systems in the area are complex, varied and dynamic, and that for development to be sustainable, it needs to be informed by a thorough understanding of the many factors that shape the context in which livelihoods are generated. The research is based primarily on 'in-depth' micro-studies of two villages in the area - Ntubeni and Cwebe. It includes a detailed assessment of the extent and distribution of poverty and the various factors that make households vulnerable to livelihood shocks. The role of the rich and diverse natural resource base, the property rights associated with it, and the under-development of infrastructure and services in the area, are discussed in relation to livelihood prospects. A systems approach is used to examine the various ways in which livestock husbandry, cropping, natural resource use, employment and welfare dependence interact. Finally, the thesis examines in some detail the distribution of household assets, livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes between the two villages, and between households in different income groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Towards sustainable utilisation of the fishery resources of the Kowie Estuary, South Africa
- Authors: Nsubuga, Yvonne Nakalo
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Estuarine fisheries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Kowie Estuary , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Kowie Estuary
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4761 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007154 , Estuarine fisheries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Kowie Estuary , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Kowie Estuary
- Description: The annual biomass of fish caught from estuaries in South Africa is currently estimated at over 24,800 tons. These estuarine fishes are caught by over 73,000 fishers, most of them recreational. Annual income derived from South Africa’s total estuarine fishery was worth approximately R430,000,000 in 1997. There is increasing concern that unless our estuarine fisheries are effectively managed, we will not be able to sustain these benefits into the future. Two factors that contribute to inadequate management of the estuarine fisheries in South Africa are a lack of data on which to base management decisions, and the lack of indicators by which to assess trends towards sustainability. The main aims of this study were to provide a description of the Kowie estuary fishery, identify suitable indicators of sustainability for this fishery, and assess its sustainability. Boat-based and shore-based roving creel surveys were carried out on the Kowie estuary between July 2000 and June 2001; 1,091 interviews were conducted with linefishers, and 277 interviews with bait collectors. In the boat-based interviews, data were collected on fisher demographics, fishing site, fishing method, choice of bait, fishing duration and catch statistics. In the shore-based surveys, additional data were collected from shore-based linefishers and bait collectors on their perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of fishery regulations. Total annual fishing effort on the Kowie estuary was estimated at 30,952 angler hours (SD=154); 84% of it recreational, and the rest subsistence. Most fishing occurred during December and January, and decreased during winter, especially June and July. The annual yield of fish from the estuary was estimated at 16,240 fish (SD=667) or 5.99 tons (SD=0.81). By number, recreational anglers caught 69% of the annual catch. Three species dominated the catch by number: Rhabdosargus holubi (62%), Pomadasys commersonnii (17%) and Argyrosomus japonicus (7%). By mass, the dominant species caught were Argyrosomus japonicus (60%) and Pomadasys commersonnii (19%). Overall catch rate on the estuary was 0.57 fish.ang.⁻¹h⁻¹ (SD=0.24), or 0.298 kg ang.⁻¹h⁻¹ (SD=0.31). Overall catch rate by number was highest in the subsistence sector at 1.13 fish.ang.⁻¹h⁻¹(SD=0.70), while the boat-based recreational sector recorded the highest overall catch rate by mass (0.427 kg.ang.⁻¹h⁻¹, SD=0.625). Argyrosomus japonicus had the highest overall catch rate by mass on the estuary (0.496 kg ang.⁻¹h⁻¹), and Rhabdosargus holubi the highest overall catch rate by number (1.233 fish.ang.⁻¹h⁻¹). Only 19% of the catch of R. holubi was above the minimum legal size, while the estimates for P. commersonnii and A. japonicus were 21% and 25%, respectively. The annual number of bait collecting outings on the estuary was estimated at 2,889, of which 75% were subsistence. The highest numbers of bait collecting outings were recorded in December and April. The Bay of Biscay was the most popular site for bait collecting. A total of five invertebrate species were collected from the estuary to be used as bait, of which the mud prawn Upogebia africana was the dominant species. Total annual number of mud prawns collected from the estuary was estimated at 260,648; of which 41% was collected by subsistence bait collectors. Thirteen indicators were selected to assess sustainability in three fishery sectors on the Kowie estuary: namely, the shore-based recreational linefishery, the subsistence linefishery and the subsistence bait fishery. Social sustainability was evaluated on the basis of the use fishery resources to fulfil Maslow's basic human needs of food and employment, safety and security, affiliation, self-esteem and selfactualisation. Indicators of ecosystem sustainability assessed the productivity, diversity, disturbance and degree of water quality in the estuary. Institutional sustainability was assessed on the basis that management systems in the fishery should be results-oriented, consent-based, truth-seeking and adaptable. Data on indicator performance was collected during the shore-based roving creel survey, and from published literature. Arbitrarily set reference points were used to assess indicator performance, which was graded on a scale from 1 (indicating minimum probability of sustainability) to 4 (indicating maximum probability of sustainability). Sustainability was illustrated with the aid of amoeba plots. Overall sustainability was low in all three fishery sectors investigated. Nine of the 13 indicators in the shore-based recreational fishery performed poorly, while 11 of 13 in the subsistence line fishery, and 10 of 13 in the subsistence bait fishery, performed poorly. In all three fishery sectors all four selected indicators of institutional sustainability performed poorly. The probability of social sustainability was higher in the shore-based recreational line fishery, where the performance of two of the five selected indicators was very good. The probability of ecological sustainability was lowest in the shore-based recreational linefishery, while in the subsistence linefishery only one selected indicator performed very well. Recommendations made towards assessing sustainability in small-scale estuarine fisheries include the formulation of national policy for assessing sustainability in fisheries, the involvement of fishers in the assessment process, use of fisher perceptions where data gaps exist, and the use of research results to guide future management decisions. Management changes recommended for the Kowie estuary fishery include the formulation of an effective and integrated management plan, identification of the key stakeholders in the fishery, inclusion of fishers in management, the protection of the estuary’s Zostera capensis beds, and the establishment of a programme to increase research and monitoring in the fishery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Nsubuga, Yvonne Nakalo
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Estuarine fisheries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Kowie Estuary , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Kowie Estuary
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4761 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007154 , Estuarine fisheries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Kowie Estuary , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Kowie Estuary
- Description: The annual biomass of fish caught from estuaries in South Africa is currently estimated at over 24,800 tons. These estuarine fishes are caught by over 73,000 fishers, most of them recreational. Annual income derived from South Africa’s total estuarine fishery was worth approximately R430,000,000 in 1997. There is increasing concern that unless our estuarine fisheries are effectively managed, we will not be able to sustain these benefits into the future. Two factors that contribute to inadequate management of the estuarine fisheries in South Africa are a lack of data on which to base management decisions, and the lack of indicators by which to assess trends towards sustainability. The main aims of this study were to provide a description of the Kowie estuary fishery, identify suitable indicators of sustainability for this fishery, and assess its sustainability. Boat-based and shore-based roving creel surveys were carried out on the Kowie estuary between July 2000 and June 2001; 1,091 interviews were conducted with linefishers, and 277 interviews with bait collectors. In the boat-based interviews, data were collected on fisher demographics, fishing site, fishing method, choice of bait, fishing duration and catch statistics. In the shore-based surveys, additional data were collected from shore-based linefishers and bait collectors on their perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of fishery regulations. Total annual fishing effort on the Kowie estuary was estimated at 30,952 angler hours (SD=154); 84% of it recreational, and the rest subsistence. Most fishing occurred during December and January, and decreased during winter, especially June and July. The annual yield of fish from the estuary was estimated at 16,240 fish (SD=667) or 5.99 tons (SD=0.81). By number, recreational anglers caught 69% of the annual catch. Three species dominated the catch by number: Rhabdosargus holubi (62%), Pomadasys commersonnii (17%) and Argyrosomus japonicus (7%). By mass, the dominant species caught were Argyrosomus japonicus (60%) and Pomadasys commersonnii (19%). Overall catch rate on the estuary was 0.57 fish.ang.⁻¹h⁻¹ (SD=0.24), or 0.298 kg ang.⁻¹h⁻¹ (SD=0.31). Overall catch rate by number was highest in the subsistence sector at 1.13 fish.ang.⁻¹h⁻¹(SD=0.70), while the boat-based recreational sector recorded the highest overall catch rate by mass (0.427 kg.ang.⁻¹h⁻¹, SD=0.625). Argyrosomus japonicus had the highest overall catch rate by mass on the estuary (0.496 kg ang.⁻¹h⁻¹), and Rhabdosargus holubi the highest overall catch rate by number (1.233 fish.ang.⁻¹h⁻¹). Only 19% of the catch of R. holubi was above the minimum legal size, while the estimates for P. commersonnii and A. japonicus were 21% and 25%, respectively. The annual number of bait collecting outings on the estuary was estimated at 2,889, of which 75% were subsistence. The highest numbers of bait collecting outings were recorded in December and April. The Bay of Biscay was the most popular site for bait collecting. A total of five invertebrate species were collected from the estuary to be used as bait, of which the mud prawn Upogebia africana was the dominant species. Total annual number of mud prawns collected from the estuary was estimated at 260,648; of which 41% was collected by subsistence bait collectors. Thirteen indicators were selected to assess sustainability in three fishery sectors on the Kowie estuary: namely, the shore-based recreational linefishery, the subsistence linefishery and the subsistence bait fishery. Social sustainability was evaluated on the basis of the use fishery resources to fulfil Maslow's basic human needs of food and employment, safety and security, affiliation, self-esteem and selfactualisation. Indicators of ecosystem sustainability assessed the productivity, diversity, disturbance and degree of water quality in the estuary. Institutional sustainability was assessed on the basis that management systems in the fishery should be results-oriented, consent-based, truth-seeking and adaptable. Data on indicator performance was collected during the shore-based roving creel survey, and from published literature. Arbitrarily set reference points were used to assess indicator performance, which was graded on a scale from 1 (indicating minimum probability of sustainability) to 4 (indicating maximum probability of sustainability). Sustainability was illustrated with the aid of amoeba plots. Overall sustainability was low in all three fishery sectors investigated. Nine of the 13 indicators in the shore-based recreational fishery performed poorly, while 11 of 13 in the subsistence line fishery, and 10 of 13 in the subsistence bait fishery, performed poorly. In all three fishery sectors all four selected indicators of institutional sustainability performed poorly. The probability of social sustainability was higher in the shore-based recreational line fishery, where the performance of two of the five selected indicators was very good. The probability of ecological sustainability was lowest in the shore-based recreational linefishery, while in the subsistence linefishery only one selected indicator performed very well. Recommendations made towards assessing sustainability in small-scale estuarine fisheries include the formulation of national policy for assessing sustainability in fisheries, the involvement of fishers in the assessment process, use of fisher perceptions where data gaps exist, and the use of research results to guide future management decisions. Management changes recommended for the Kowie estuary fishery include the formulation of an effective and integrated management plan, identification of the key stakeholders in the fishery, inclusion of fishers in management, the protection of the estuary’s Zostera capensis beds, and the establishment of a programme to increase research and monitoring in the fishery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The influence of structure, density and direct use benefits on the harvesting of trees in the rural village of Pikoi, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Motinyane, Teboho R
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Deforestation -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Deforestation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fuelwood consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007705 , Deforestation -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Deforestation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fuelwood consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The people of Pikoli in the Peddie district of the Eastern Cape are mostly unemployed and earn most of their income from old-age allowances. The place is remote and 'modern' amenities such as paraffin and petroleum gas are expensive. Electricity and transport are unavailable. There is heavy reliance on woody plants for fuel and for materials for construction and fencing and to some extent medicinal and ritual uses. Indigenous trees in this rural area are threatened by over-utilisation and the absence of clear government management policies. The over-utilisation of these resources is leading to deforestation. It was proposed at the beginning of this study that people who harvest trees cause similar results to the piosphere effect caused by the herbivores on the rangeland. Ecological-economic analysis was performed to find a common ground between the people's income and needs so that effective sustainable management strategies can be developed. A combination of semi-structured interviews, direct observations and ecological surveys were used to gather information about: Tree species used, and for what purpose in Pikoli; Individual tree species preference by inhabitants; Change in tree density in response to changes in utilisation intensity at varying distances away from the village; The local direct use benefits inhabitants derive from utilising indigenous tree resources. The study showed that the people of Pikoli use a variety of 23 indigenous trees and that they have marked preferences regarding the tree species they use for fuelwood and construction purposes. Although Ptaeroxylon obliquum is a highly preferred species for fuelwood and construction, its popularity can also be linked to its high relative abundance in this area. Other species such Maytenus undata and Pappea capensis are also highly preferred although they are harvested at much greater distances from thecentre of the village. Change in individual tree density in response to changes in utilisation intensity at varying distances away from the village showed clearly that a piosphere effect also applies to human harvesting. The average number of individual trees closer (1 200 m) to the village centre was 2 trees per 100 m², and their numbers increase to approximately 35 trees per 100 m² at a distance of about 3 000 m from the village centre. The study reports on the direct use benefits derived by the people of Pikoli from harvesting tree resources. The average total net value of trees harvested for fuelwood was R4089.09 (US$ 359.01) per household per annum. The value of tree resources harvested represents a large percentage of average households' annual income. Therefore, the economic benefits households derive from utilising tree resources are high. Indigenous tree resource use in this rural village seems to be unsustainable and the inhabitants seem to be aware of it. However, they have few alternatives. Their economic conditions do not allow them to afford alternative resources available in the formal market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Motinyane, Teboho R
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Deforestation -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Deforestation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fuelwood consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007705 , Deforestation -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Deforestation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fuelwood consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The people of Pikoli in the Peddie district of the Eastern Cape are mostly unemployed and earn most of their income from old-age allowances. The place is remote and 'modern' amenities such as paraffin and petroleum gas are expensive. Electricity and transport are unavailable. There is heavy reliance on woody plants for fuel and for materials for construction and fencing and to some extent medicinal and ritual uses. Indigenous trees in this rural area are threatened by over-utilisation and the absence of clear government management policies. The over-utilisation of these resources is leading to deforestation. It was proposed at the beginning of this study that people who harvest trees cause similar results to the piosphere effect caused by the herbivores on the rangeland. Ecological-economic analysis was performed to find a common ground between the people's income and needs so that effective sustainable management strategies can be developed. A combination of semi-structured interviews, direct observations and ecological surveys were used to gather information about: Tree species used, and for what purpose in Pikoli; Individual tree species preference by inhabitants; Change in tree density in response to changes in utilisation intensity at varying distances away from the village; The local direct use benefits inhabitants derive from utilising indigenous tree resources. The study showed that the people of Pikoli use a variety of 23 indigenous trees and that they have marked preferences regarding the tree species they use for fuelwood and construction purposes. Although Ptaeroxylon obliquum is a highly preferred species for fuelwood and construction, its popularity can also be linked to its high relative abundance in this area. Other species such Maytenus undata and Pappea capensis are also highly preferred although they are harvested at much greater distances from thecentre of the village. Change in individual tree density in response to changes in utilisation intensity at varying distances away from the village showed clearly that a piosphere effect also applies to human harvesting. The average number of individual trees closer (1 200 m) to the village centre was 2 trees per 100 m², and their numbers increase to approximately 35 trees per 100 m² at a distance of about 3 000 m from the village centre. The study reports on the direct use benefits derived by the people of Pikoli from harvesting tree resources. The average total net value of trees harvested for fuelwood was R4089.09 (US$ 359.01) per household per annum. The value of tree resources harvested represents a large percentage of average households' annual income. Therefore, the economic benefits households derive from utilising tree resources are high. Indigenous tree resource use in this rural village seems to be unsustainable and the inhabitants seem to be aware of it. However, they have few alternatives. Their economic conditions do not allow them to afford alternative resources available in the formal market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002