Local and national stakeholders collaborate to take on Prosopis invasions with biological control and biomass use in South Africa

Ivey, Philip; Van Staden, Gretha; Harding, Graham; Oosthuizen, Dirk; Hoft, Elmarie; Van Staden, Philip; Anthonissen, Eben; Weaver, Kim; Hill, Martin P; Shackleton, Ross

Title: Local and national stakeholders collaborate to take on Prosopis invasions with biological control and biomass use in South Africa
Creator: Ivey, Philip
Creator: Van Staden, Gretha
Creator: Harding, Graham
Creator: Oosthuizen, Dirk
Creator: Hoft, Elmarie
Creator: Van Staden, Philip
Creator: Anthonissen, Eben
Creator: Weaver, Kim
Creator: Hill, Martin P
Creator: Shackleton, Ross
Subject: To be catalogued
Date Issued: 2024
Date: 2024
Type: text
Type: article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/480506
Identifier: vital:78450
Identifier: https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-sajsci-v120-n9-a20
Description: Research that directs the way stakeholders act and how they collaborate is essential when addressing complex environmental challenges in the field of sustainability science. For example, researchers attempting to manage Prosopis invasions through biological control in South Africa have historically faced challenges from stakeholders. In this study, we illustrate the impor tance of stakeholder engagement and social learning by outlining the collaborative effor ts of various stakeholders to promote effective, integrative and sustainable management of Prosopis invasions in the Nor thern Cape, South Africa. Through a community of practice approach, stakeholders worked together over the past half-decade in an attempt to develop a National Strategy for Prosopis management and improve its control. This strategy aimed not only to emphasise the need for integration of biomass use (aimed at offsetting the costs of mechanical clearing and necessary herbicide use) but also to underscore the significance of biocontrol alongside other management approaches. Stakeholders also identified that adequate farm-scale planning is necessary to provide a sense of purpose and assist in monitoring of progress. We worked alongside land managers and exper ts to develop such plans. The engagement of local champions played a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and learning among stakeholders, emphasising the significance of inclusive approaches in addressing complex sustainability challenges. In addition, we gained an understanding of how to develop the community of practice to enhance collaboration that ensures the implementation of plans to better manage Prosopis. Our findings underscore the necessity of meaningful stakeholder engagement and collaboration in effective invasive species management. By promoting understanding and involvement of diverse stakeholders, initiatives can have a greater impact in addressing broader sustainability issues.
Format: 8 pages
Format: pdf
Language: English
Relation: South African Journal of Science
Relation: Ivey, P., Van Staden, G., Harding, G., Oosthuizen, D., Hoft, E., Van Staden, P., Anthonissen, E., Weaver, K., Hill, M. and Shackleton, R., 2024. Local and national stakeholders collaborate to take on Prosopis invasions with biological control and biomass use in South Africa. South African Journal of Science, 120(9/10)
Relation: South African Journal of Science volume 120 number 9-10 1 8 2024 1996-7489
Rights: Publisher
Rights: Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Sabinet Terms and Conditions Statement (https://www.sabinet.co.za/terms-conditions)

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Weaver, Kim Nicole (Ms)

Ivey, Philip

RU DST/NRF SARChI for Insects in Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystems

Hill, Martin Patrick (Distinguished Professor)

SDG 15. Life On Land

RU Department of Zoology and Entomology

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