Conceptualizing the socio-cultural impacts of marine plastic pollution on human well-being–a perspective
- Yose, Papama, Thondhlana, Gladman, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Yose, Papama , Thondhlana, Gladman , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471196 , vital:77428 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115285
- Description: Marine plastic pollution is one of the major environmental problems globally, with adverse impacts on human well-being but socio-cultural impacts remain poorly conceptualized and little understudied. This perspective paper argues for a more nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural dimensions of impacts beyond direct and quantitatively measured impacts. The paper provides a working definition of and a conceptual framework for categorizing the socio-cultural impacts of marine plastic pollution. It also highlights three dimensions of socio-cultural impacts (lifestyle, mental health, and cultural and heritage impacts), and characterizes and suggests ways socio-cultural impacts can be assessed and recognized. The paper is meant to provoke productive debate and policy and management options for addressing the impacts of marine plastic pollution in socially meaningful and equitable ways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Yose, Papama , Thondhlana, Gladman , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471196 , vital:77428 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115285
- Description: Marine plastic pollution is one of the major environmental problems globally, with adverse impacts on human well-being but socio-cultural impacts remain poorly conceptualized and little understudied. This perspective paper argues for a more nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural dimensions of impacts beyond direct and quantitatively measured impacts. The paper provides a working definition of and a conceptual framework for categorizing the socio-cultural impacts of marine plastic pollution. It also highlights three dimensions of socio-cultural impacts (lifestyle, mental health, and cultural and heritage impacts), and characterizes and suggests ways socio-cultural impacts can be assessed and recognized. The paper is meant to provoke productive debate and policy and management options for addressing the impacts of marine plastic pollution in socially meaningful and equitable ways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Farming households’ food demand in South West Nigeria: An application of Substitution Elasticity Demand System (SEDS)
- Egbetokun, Olugbenga A, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Egbetokun, Olugbenga A , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471490 , vital:77458 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-aref_v15_n1_a4
- Description: Food constitutes a key component of a number of fundamental welfare dimensions, such as food security, nutrition and health. It makes up the largest share of total household expenditure in low-income countries, accounting on average for about 50% of the households’ budgets. Most demand analysis use existing models, but this study applied a new model – SEDS to analyse food demand among farming households in South West Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed study to select 342 respondents. Primary data was collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. Data collected include information on a number of different food groups consumed by households, socioeconomic characteristics, demographic factors and income. The analytical techniques used were descriptive analysis and the Substitution Elasticity Demand System (SEDS). The result of SEDS shows that own price elasticities were less than 1 except for root and tuber, and fats and oil. It was found that cereals, legumes, fruit and vegetables and animal protein were price inelastic, i.e. necessities, and roots and tubers and fats and oils were price elastic, i.e. luxury goods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Egbetokun, Olugbenga A , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471490 , vital:77458 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-aref_v15_n1_a4
- Description: Food constitutes a key component of a number of fundamental welfare dimensions, such as food security, nutrition and health. It makes up the largest share of total household expenditure in low-income countries, accounting on average for about 50% of the households’ budgets. Most demand analysis use existing models, but this study applied a new model – SEDS to analyse food demand among farming households in South West Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed study to select 342 respondents. Primary data was collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. Data collected include information on a number of different food groups consumed by households, socioeconomic characteristics, demographic factors and income. The analytical techniques used were descriptive analysis and the Substitution Elasticity Demand System (SEDS). The result of SEDS shows that own price elasticities were less than 1 except for root and tuber, and fats and oil. It was found that cereals, legumes, fruit and vegetables and animal protein were price inelastic, i.e. necessities, and roots and tubers and fats and oils were price elastic, i.e. luxury goods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Water Footprint and Economic Productivity of Potato Production in South Africa
- Egbetokun, Olugbenga A, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Egbetokun, Olugbenga A , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/473093 , vital:77605 , https://doi.org/10.51847/IfamMEMliR
- Description: An alarming four billion individuals worldwide grapple with acute water scarcity. Notably, South Africa, nestled amongst the world's most parched lands, suffers from severe freshwater limitations, ranking 30th in scarcity indices. Introduced in 2003, the" water footprint" framework offers a valuable technique for measuring water utilization in production systems. The WF is composed of three colors: green, blue, and grey. The present study aimed to investigate the water footprint and economic productivity of potato production in South Africa. Data on potato production, price, and weather data from 2006 to 2015 were obtained from the Potatoes South Africa (PSA), Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) databases. Analysis of staple water use, evapotranspiration, and irrigation schemes for crop production was carried out using CROPWAT 8.0 software as well as physical, land, and economic water productivities. Across South African provinces, the water footprint of potato production-encompassing green, blue, and grey components-outstrips global averages, exhibiting notable provincial discrepancies. The result shows that there is a need for more efficient water use across the provinces. PWP was highest in Northern Cape (3.08 t/m 3) and lowest in Gauteng (1.99 t/m 3). EWP was highest in the Northern Cape (1.0) and lowest in Gauteng (0.65 US $/m 3) depicting the high cost of water use per m 3 in potato production. ELP, however, was highest in the North West and lowest in the Free State. The scenario could be improved upon by efficient irrigation water use and the application of a minimum level of fertilizer in a bid to ameliorate blue and grey water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Egbetokun, Olugbenga A , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/473093 , vital:77605 , https://doi.org/10.51847/IfamMEMliR
- Description: An alarming four billion individuals worldwide grapple with acute water scarcity. Notably, South Africa, nestled amongst the world's most parched lands, suffers from severe freshwater limitations, ranking 30th in scarcity indices. Introduced in 2003, the" water footprint" framework offers a valuable technique for measuring water utilization in production systems. The WF is composed of three colors: green, blue, and grey. The present study aimed to investigate the water footprint and economic productivity of potato production in South Africa. Data on potato production, price, and weather data from 2006 to 2015 were obtained from the Potatoes South Africa (PSA), Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) databases. Analysis of staple water use, evapotranspiration, and irrigation schemes for crop production was carried out using CROPWAT 8.0 software as well as physical, land, and economic water productivities. Across South African provinces, the water footprint of potato production-encompassing green, blue, and grey components-outstrips global averages, exhibiting notable provincial discrepancies. The result shows that there is a need for more efficient water use across the provinces. PWP was highest in Northern Cape (3.08 t/m 3) and lowest in Gauteng (1.99 t/m 3). EWP was highest in the Northern Cape (1.0) and lowest in Gauteng (0.65 US $/m 3) depicting the high cost of water use per m 3 in potato production. ELP, however, was highest in the North West and lowest in the Free State. The scenario could be improved upon by efficient irrigation water use and the application of a minimum level of fertilizer in a bid to ameliorate blue and grey water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Rural Households’ Perceptions of Rosehip and the Role It Plays in Rural Livelihoods in Lesotho
- Makhorole, Thato, Fraser, Gavin C G, Phakathi, Sandile
- Authors: Makhorole, Thato , Fraser, Gavin C G , Phakathi, Sandile
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/472802 , vital:77574 , https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1811407/v1
- Description: Despite the amount of research on the perceived negative impacts of invasive alien species, they remain integral to the rural communities due to their numerous livelihoods uses. More research is required, focusing on the impacts of invasive alien species on the livelihoods of rural communities. This paper investigates the community perceptions of rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa) in Lesotho and its contribution to rural communities. A sample of 160 participants was chosen using simple random sampling. Descriptive, Principal component analysis and the probit model were used to analyse the results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Makhorole, Thato , Fraser, Gavin C G , Phakathi, Sandile
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/472802 , vital:77574 , https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1811407/v1
- Description: Despite the amount of research on the perceived negative impacts of invasive alien species, they remain integral to the rural communities due to their numerous livelihoods uses. More research is required, focusing on the impacts of invasive alien species on the livelihoods of rural communities. This paper investigates the community perceptions of rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa) in Lesotho and its contribution to rural communities. A sample of 160 participants was chosen using simple random sampling. Descriptive, Principal component analysis and the probit model were used to analyse the results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Shielding rural migrants from unemployment-induced poverty: The informal prickly pear market
- Ntsonge, Sinazo, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Ntsonge, Sinazo , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/472822 , vital:77576 , DOI: 10.31901/24566608.2021/74.1-3.3308
- Description: This study highlighted the role that an informal market plays in shielding unemployed rural migrants in urban areas from unemployment-induced poverty using the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) informal Prickly Pear Market as a case study. The purpose of this study was to show how earnings from self-employment or informal employment can be effective in reducing poverty. The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework was used as the theoretical basis for unpacking the household socioeconomic factors that influenced the informal prickly pear marketers’ decision to engage in the market. The study found that despite the prickly pear’s short-term availability, the income was channelled towards school supplies and sustained households during the month in addition to social grants, especially after the grant income had finished. The study aimed to revive interest in the Opuntia ficus-indica species, as one of the ways by which poverty can be reduced in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Ntsonge, Sinazo , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/472822 , vital:77576 , DOI: 10.31901/24566608.2021/74.1-3.3308
- Description: This study highlighted the role that an informal market plays in shielding unemployed rural migrants in urban areas from unemployment-induced poverty using the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) informal Prickly Pear Market as a case study. The purpose of this study was to show how earnings from self-employment or informal employment can be effective in reducing poverty. The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework was used as the theoretical basis for unpacking the household socioeconomic factors that influenced the informal prickly pear marketers’ decision to engage in the market. The study found that despite the prickly pear’s short-term availability, the income was channelled towards school supplies and sustained households during the month in addition to social grants, especially after the grant income had finished. The study aimed to revive interest in the Opuntia ficus-indica species, as one of the ways by which poverty can be reduced in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Economic evaluation of chemical and biological control of four aquatic weeds in South Africa
- Maluleke, Mary, Fraser, Gavin C G, Hill, Martin P
- Authors: Maluleke, Mary , Fraser, Gavin C G , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453170 , vital:75228 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2021.1900783"
- Description: Invasive alien plants (IAPs) pose a threat to biodiversity and the economy of the countries they invade. In South Africa, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Natural Resources Management Programmes, previously The Working for Water Programme (WfW) is tasked with controlling IAPs in a way that protects the environment, as well as producing maximum return to society through poverty alleviation. Biological control is one of the management tools used to control IAPs in South Africa. Four aquatic weeds, Pista stratiotes, Salvinia molesta, Azolla filiculoides and Myriophyllum aquaticum, are under complete biological control in South Africa. However, in the absence of biological agents, the WfW programme would have used herbicides to control these weeds. This paper presents a retrospective analysis of the relative herbicide cost-saving associated with the use of biological control instead of chemical control. The study used cost benefit analysis (CBA) framework with an 8% discount rate. The estimated cost of the biological control on all four aquatic weeds was about R7.8 million, while the estimated cost of chemical control to achieve the same level of control varied between R150 million and R1 billion, depending on the method of application and number of follow up operations. Benefit to cost ratios varied between 90:1 and 631:1, again depending on method of application and number of follow up sprays. The results remained robust under a 5% and 10% sensitivity test and show that biological control is the most cost-effective management option for aquatic weeds in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Maluleke, Mary , Fraser, Gavin C G , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453170 , vital:75228 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2021.1900783"
- Description: Invasive alien plants (IAPs) pose a threat to biodiversity and the economy of the countries they invade. In South Africa, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Natural Resources Management Programmes, previously The Working for Water Programme (WfW) is tasked with controlling IAPs in a way that protects the environment, as well as producing maximum return to society through poverty alleviation. Biological control is one of the management tools used to control IAPs in South Africa. Four aquatic weeds, Pista stratiotes, Salvinia molesta, Azolla filiculoides and Myriophyllum aquaticum, are under complete biological control in South Africa. However, in the absence of biological agents, the WfW programme would have used herbicides to control these weeds. This paper presents a retrospective analysis of the relative herbicide cost-saving associated with the use of biological control instead of chemical control. The study used cost benefit analysis (CBA) framework with an 8% discount rate. The estimated cost of the biological control on all four aquatic weeds was about R7.8 million, while the estimated cost of chemical control to achieve the same level of control varied between R150 million and R1 billion, depending on the method of application and number of follow up operations. Benefit to cost ratios varied between 90:1 and 631:1, again depending on method of application and number of follow up sprays. The results remained robust under a 5% and 10% sensitivity test and show that biological control is the most cost-effective management option for aquatic weeds in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Farmer-led institutional innovations in managing smallholder irrigation schemes in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces, South Africa
- Phakathi, Sandile, Sinyolo, Sikhulumile, Marire, Juniours, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Phakathi, Sandile , Sinyolo, Sikhulumile , Marire, Juniours , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471478 , vital:77457 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2021.106780
- Description: Farmer-led institutional innovations have been touted as the key to improving the management of water resources in irrigation schemes. However, little is known about them in South Africa. This study documents institutional innovations by 28 farmer groups located on four irrigation schemes in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces, South Africa. Induced institutional innovation theory, Ostrom’s eight design principles, and thematic analysis of interview transcripts were used to analyse the data. The study results show that 21 groups engaged in institutional innovations, indicating high levels of farmer-led innovative activity among these irrigators. Examples of innovations include, among others, the introduction of a secret voting system to improve participation of marginalised people in decision-making processes, designing daily rotation rosters to reduce conflicts, as well as using an attendance register for participation in group activities, and rewarding members according to their participation levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Phakathi, Sandile , Sinyolo, Sikhulumile , Marire, Juniours , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471478 , vital:77457 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2021.106780
- Description: Farmer-led institutional innovations have been touted as the key to improving the management of water resources in irrigation schemes. However, little is known about them in South Africa. This study documents institutional innovations by 28 farmer groups located on four irrigation schemes in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces, South Africa. Induced institutional innovation theory, Ostrom’s eight design principles, and thematic analysis of interview transcripts were used to analyse the data. The study results show that 21 groups engaged in institutional innovations, indicating high levels of farmer-led innovative activity among these irrigators. Examples of innovations include, among others, the introduction of a secret voting system to improve participation of marginalised people in decision-making processes, designing daily rotation rosters to reduce conflicts, as well as using an attendance register for participation in group activities, and rewarding members according to their participation levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Heterogeneous welfare effects of farmer groups in smallholder irrigation schemes in South Africa
- Phakathi, Sandile, Sinyolo, Sikhulumile, Fraser, Gavin C G, Marire, Juniours
- Authors: Phakathi, Sandile , Sinyolo, Sikhulumile , Fraser, Gavin C G , Marire, Juniours
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/472611 , vital:77554 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2021.106780
- Description: This paper analyses the heterogeneous effects of membership of a farmer group on access to water, use of inorganic fertiliser, household incomes, and farm asset holdings. A sample of 401 irrigators in South Africa was analysed using propensity score matching. The study found that group membership had a positive effect on all four outcomes. Group members had an extra four days of access to water in a month, and applied at least 130 kg/ha more inorganic fertiliser, than non-group members. Group members had a higher household income per capita and more assets than nongroup members. However, the result revealed a heterogeneous effect among group members, with the benefits varying according to members’ socio-economic characteristics as well as internal group dynamics. The government and private donors should continue to promote the formation and organisation of farmers into groups. The role of group membership in farming outcomes can be enhanced if smaller groups are promoted. It is also crucial that strategies for promoting trust, reciprocity and group commitment be implemented for better group outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Phakathi, Sandile , Sinyolo, Sikhulumile , Fraser, Gavin C G , Marire, Juniours
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/472611 , vital:77554 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2021.106780
- Description: This paper analyses the heterogeneous effects of membership of a farmer group on access to water, use of inorganic fertiliser, household incomes, and farm asset holdings. A sample of 401 irrigators in South Africa was analysed using propensity score matching. The study found that group membership had a positive effect on all four outcomes. Group members had an extra four days of access to water in a month, and applied at least 130 kg/ha more inorganic fertiliser, than non-group members. Group members had a higher household income per capita and more assets than nongroup members. However, the result revealed a heterogeneous effect among group members, with the benefits varying according to members’ socio-economic characteristics as well as internal group dynamics. The government and private donors should continue to promote the formation and organisation of farmers into groups. The role of group membership in farming outcomes can be enhanced if smaller groups are promoted. It is also crucial that strategies for promoting trust, reciprocity and group commitment be implemented for better group outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Skill and Earnings Amongst Golfers on the Southern‐African Sunshine Tour
- Botha, Ferdi, Fraser, Gavin C G, Rhoads, Thomas A
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Fraser, Gavin C G , Rhoads, Thomas A
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/473021 , vital:77599 , https://doi.org/10.1111/saje.12269
- Description: This paper estimates the determinants of the success of golfers on the Southern‐African Sunshine Tour. Using a simultaneous‐quantile regression approach and real earnings per tournament as a measure of success, a higher greens‐in‐regulation percentage and a lower number of putts per greens‐in‐regulation are associated with higher earnings. Calculations of the value of the marginal product of key golfer skills suggest a dynamic human capital acquisition process for many Sunshine Tour golfers at the earliest stages of their professional golf career.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Fraser, Gavin C G , Rhoads, Thomas A
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/473021 , vital:77599 , https://doi.org/10.1111/saje.12269
- Description: This paper estimates the determinants of the success of golfers on the Southern‐African Sunshine Tour. Using a simultaneous‐quantile regression approach and real earnings per tournament as a measure of success, a higher greens‐in‐regulation percentage and a lower number of putts per greens‐in‐regulation are associated with higher earnings. Calculations of the value of the marginal product of key golfer skills suggest a dynamic human capital acquisition process for many Sunshine Tour golfers at the earliest stages of their professional golf career.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Factors influencing food consumption diversity among farming households in selected states in southwestern Nigeria
- Egbetokun, Olugbenga A, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Egbetokun, Olugbenga A , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471346 , vital:77444 , https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajfand/article/view/206465
- Description: The dietary practices of households have significant repercussions on the quality of life of its members. Dietary practice generally shows the types and variety of food intake and is extremely reliant on the socio-demographic characteristics. Dietary diversity has been positively associated with the four pillars of food security and all dietary guidelines propose consuming a large variety of foods, across and within major food groups. This paper focuses on the influence of socioeconomic factors on household-level food consumption diversity (FCD) in Nigeria. Since the majority of Nigerians (70 per cent) live in rural areas, an analysis of the food and nutrition security status of rural dwellers will provide a clear picture of what needs to be done to assure food security. A multistage sampling technique was employed for the selection of respondents from a random sample of households proportionate to the size of three states in the south-western agricultural zone of Nigeria, and primary data were collected using an interview guide. The analytical tools used were descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, mean food consumption diversity index and multinomial logit regression model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Egbetokun, Olugbenga A , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471346 , vital:77444 , https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajfand/article/view/206465
- Description: The dietary practices of households have significant repercussions on the quality of life of its members. Dietary practice generally shows the types and variety of food intake and is extremely reliant on the socio-demographic characteristics. Dietary diversity has been positively associated with the four pillars of food security and all dietary guidelines propose consuming a large variety of foods, across and within major food groups. This paper focuses on the influence of socioeconomic factors on household-level food consumption diversity (FCD) in Nigeria. Since the majority of Nigerians (70 per cent) live in rural areas, an analysis of the food and nutrition security status of rural dwellers will provide a clear picture of what needs to be done to assure food security. A multistage sampling technique was employed for the selection of respondents from a random sample of households proportionate to the size of three states in the south-western agricultural zone of Nigeria, and primary data were collected using an interview guide. The analytical tools used were descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, mean food consumption diversity index and multinomial logit regression model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The economic implications of Robinia pseudoacacia L.(black locust) on agricultural production in South Africa
- Humphrey, Luke, Fraser, Gavin C G, Martin, Grant D
- Authors: Humphrey, Luke , Fraser, Gavin C G , Martin, Grant D
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/473032 , vital:77600 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1683ee557e
- Description: Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) is an invasive deciduous, broadleaved tree that has the potential to be widely distributed across South Africa. It has invaded all nine South African provinces. The potential economic impact of R. pseudoacacia on agricultural production stems from the tree’s ability to reduce the carrying capacity for livestock. This study estimated the potential economic implications of R. pseudoacacia on agricultural production in South Africa, specifically the livestock sector. R. pseudoacacia’s potential distribution was calculated by using a maximum-entropy predictive habitat model, MaxEnt. The distribution of livestock, based on grazing capacity (ha/large stock unit) in South Africa, was then determined. The potential direct economic impacts were estimated by assessing the impact of the potential distribution of R. pseudoacacia on the carrying capacity for livestock. The results showed that an infestation of R. pseudoacacia has the potential to reduce the total gross margin in the livestock sector by between approximately R135 million and R674 million, dependent on the level of invasion. The potential levels of foregone income and business activity found in this study reaffirm the need to devote resources to develop a viable, economical and effective control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Humphrey, Luke , Fraser, Gavin C G , Martin, Grant D
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/473032 , vital:77600 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1683ee557e
- Description: Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) is an invasive deciduous, broadleaved tree that has the potential to be widely distributed across South Africa. It has invaded all nine South African provinces. The potential economic impact of R. pseudoacacia on agricultural production stems from the tree’s ability to reduce the carrying capacity for livestock. This study estimated the potential economic implications of R. pseudoacacia on agricultural production in South Africa, specifically the livestock sector. R. pseudoacacia’s potential distribution was calculated by using a maximum-entropy predictive habitat model, MaxEnt. The distribution of livestock, based on grazing capacity (ha/large stock unit) in South Africa, was then determined. The potential direct economic impacts were estimated by assessing the impact of the potential distribution of R. pseudoacacia on the carrying capacity for livestock. The results showed that an infestation of R. pseudoacacia has the potential to reduce the total gross margin in the livestock sector by between approximately R135 million and R674 million, dependent on the level of invasion. The potential levels of foregone income and business activity found in this study reaffirm the need to devote resources to develop a viable, economical and effective control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An ecosystem service value chain analysis framework: a conceptual paper
- Rawlins, Jonathan M, De Lange, Willem J, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Rawlins, Jonathan M , De Lange, Willem J , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69321 , vital:29499 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2017.12.023
- Description: Modern day societies and economies are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the continued erosion of the stocks and flows of essential ecosystem services. Thus, the management of complex socio-economic systems to effectively provide these essential services has become a global priority policy and academic research area. Understanding how underlying processes and functions contribute towards the provision of final ecosystem services can facilitate improved dissemination of credible, legitimate and salient information to decision-makers. This paper presents an ecosystem service value chain analysis framework that applies basic system dynamics modelling in the form of causal loop diagrams to facilitate an alternative analysis of ecosystem service value chains. A scoping application of the framework is applied to a case study for flood attenuation services in the Baviaanskloof catchment in South Africa. The framework enables the identification of forward linkages and ripple effects in individual value chains of final ecosystem services as well as the identification and assessment of challenges and opportunities within individual causal pathways. Ultimately, providing the potential to advance strategies for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of final ecosystem service provision.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Rawlins, Jonathan M , De Lange, Willem J , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69321 , vital:29499 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2017.12.023
- Description: Modern day societies and economies are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the continued erosion of the stocks and flows of essential ecosystem services. Thus, the management of complex socio-economic systems to effectively provide these essential services has become a global priority policy and academic research area. Understanding how underlying processes and functions contribute towards the provision of final ecosystem services can facilitate improved dissemination of credible, legitimate and salient information to decision-makers. This paper presents an ecosystem service value chain analysis framework that applies basic system dynamics modelling in the form of causal loop diagrams to facilitate an alternative analysis of ecosystem service value chains. A scoping application of the framework is applied to a case study for flood attenuation services in the Baviaanskloof catchment in South Africa. The framework enables the identification of forward linkages and ripple effects in individual value chains of final ecosystem services as well as the identification and assessment of challenges and opportunities within individual causal pathways. Ultimately, providing the potential to advance strategies for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of final ecosystem service provision.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
An investigation of multidimensional energy poverty among South African low‐income households
- Olawumi Israel-Akinbo, Sylvia, Snowball, Jeanette D, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Olawumi Israel-Akinbo, Sylvia , Snowball, Jeanette D , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471097 , vital:77418 , https://doi.org/10.1111/saje.12207
- Description: This paper empirically assesses multidimensional energy poverty for low‐income households in South Africa using the four waves of the National Income Dynamics Study. The study adopts the Nussbaumer et al. (Measuring Energy Poverty, 2011) methodology, the multidimensional energy poverty index (MEPI), to estimate energy poverty on 10,801 low‐income households. The results indicate that low‐income households in rural areas are more energy deprived than those in the urban areas. The MEPI score across the years in low‐income urban and rural households depicts a moderate state of energy poverty. Furthermore, low‐income households in both the urban and the rural areas are mostly deprived in the dimension of heating fuel. The study recommends that suitable measures to combat energy poverty be rural–urban specific.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Olawumi Israel-Akinbo, Sylvia , Snowball, Jeanette D , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471097 , vital:77418 , https://doi.org/10.1111/saje.12207
- Description: This paper empirically assesses multidimensional energy poverty for low‐income households in South Africa using the four waves of the National Income Dynamics Study. The study adopts the Nussbaumer et al. (Measuring Energy Poverty, 2011) methodology, the multidimensional energy poverty index (MEPI), to estimate energy poverty on 10,801 low‐income households. The results indicate that low‐income households in rural areas are more energy deprived than those in the urban areas. The MEPI score across the years in low‐income urban and rural households depicts a moderate state of energy poverty. Furthermore, low‐income households in both the urban and the rural areas are mostly deprived in the dimension of heating fuel. The study recommends that suitable measures to combat energy poverty be rural–urban specific.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Economic evaluation of wetland restoration: a systematic review of the literature
- Browne, Michelle, Fraser, Gavin C G, Snowball, Jeanette D
- Authors: Browne, Michelle , Fraser, Gavin C G , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471292 , vital:77438 , https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12889
- Description: Evaluating the outcomes of wetland restoration projects is critical to improve practice and justify further investment in wetland restoration. We conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the current state of knowledge on the economic valuation of the outcomes of wetland restoration. We assessed the economic methods applied, the attributes valued, and the timing of the evaluation in relation to the age of restoration along with publication trends. Research on the topic is increasing, but studies from Africa and South America are lacking. A diverse cross‐disciplinary interest is notable, yet collaborations between disciplines are less frequent. Of particular concern is that only a third of the studies were undertaken postrestoration, and even fewer for restorations older than 10 years. Gaps in the knowledge base mean that our present understanding of the value achieved through wetland restoration is tentative. The need for postrestoration site‐specific valuation efforts remains large both to justify further investment and to improve confidence in predictive and value transfer approaches as practical tools to inform decision‐making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Browne, Michelle , Fraser, Gavin C G , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471292 , vital:77438 , https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12889
- Description: Evaluating the outcomes of wetland restoration projects is critical to improve practice and justify further investment in wetland restoration. We conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the current state of knowledge on the economic valuation of the outcomes of wetland restoration. We assessed the economic methods applied, the attributes valued, and the timing of the evaluation in relation to the age of restoration along with publication trends. Research on the topic is increasing, but studies from Africa and South America are lacking. A diverse cross‐disciplinary interest is notable, yet collaborations between disciplines are less frequent. Of particular concern is that only a third of the studies were undertaken postrestoration, and even fewer for restorations older than 10 years. Gaps in the knowledge base mean that our present understanding of the value achieved through wetland restoration is tentative. The need for postrestoration site‐specific valuation efforts remains large both to justify further investment and to improve confidence in predictive and value transfer approaches as practical tools to inform decision‐making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The energy transition patterns of low-income households in South Africa: an evaluation of energy programme and policy
- Israel-Akinbo, Sylvia O, Snowball, Jeanette D, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Israel-Akinbo, Sylvia O , Snowball, Jeanette D , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69397 , vital:29518 , https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2018/v29i3a3310
- Description: The transition to modern energy carriers like electricity is an important way to achieve to eradicate energy poverty. This study investigated energy transition patterns and trends in low-income South African households. The marginal effects of the different determinants on the probability of choosing a specific energy carrier were computed and the influence of some endogenous characteristics in transitioning to modern energy carriers was explored. It was found that energy ladder behaviour exists for cooking while energy stacking was most likely for space heating and the pattern for lighting tended towards energy stacking. Dwelling type, household size and geographical location were among the key determinants of the energy transition pattern. Policies to reduce energy poverty need a multi-pronged approach and not only a focus on electricity access.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Israel-Akinbo, Sylvia O , Snowball, Jeanette D , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69397 , vital:29518 , https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3051/2018/v29i3a3310
- Description: The transition to modern energy carriers like electricity is an important way to achieve to eradicate energy poverty. This study investigated energy transition patterns and trends in low-income South African households. The marginal effects of the different determinants on the probability of choosing a specific energy carrier were computed and the influence of some endogenous characteristics in transitioning to modern energy carriers was explored. It was found that energy ladder behaviour exists for cooking while energy stacking was most likely for space heating and the pattern for lighting tended towards energy stacking. Dwelling type, household size and geographical location were among the key determinants of the energy transition pattern. Policies to reduce energy poverty need a multi-pronged approach and not only a focus on electricity access.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Assessing aquatic ecosystem services value chains and markets in South Africa: some case studies
- De Lange, Willem J, Rawlins, Jonathan M, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: De Lange, Willem J , Rawlins, Jonathan M , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471128 , vital:77421 , ISBN 978-1-4312-0923-1
- Description: We still have a limited understanding of the value chains, markets and the actual economic value of ecosystem services from aquat-ic ecosystems. Different studies have developed various ap-proaches for determining the economic value of these benefits, and of the associated natural capital. Most confirm that the value of aquatic ecosystems lies in the sustained nett benefits derived from the many ecosystem services they supply; including various ecological functions, products for direct and indirect human con-sumption, energy, aesthetic and recreational benefits, and assimi-lative capacity of the residues of human activities. However, the geographic, cultural and economic differences between countries or nations have resulted in different views that affect the market potential of ecosystem services from aquatic ecosystems. This study focused on identifying key ecosystem services and their forward linkages, understanding how to improve market access to such services, and creating or improving the value chains in the South African context. The research is intended to help identify opportunities for improvements that benefit society more broadly. It is anticipated that the study will be useful to land use planners, designers of infrastructure and town planners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: De Lange, Willem J , Rawlins, Jonathan M , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/471128 , vital:77421 , ISBN 978-1-4312-0923-1
- Description: We still have a limited understanding of the value chains, markets and the actual economic value of ecosystem services from aquat-ic ecosystems. Different studies have developed various ap-proaches for determining the economic value of these benefits, and of the associated natural capital. Most confirm that the value of aquatic ecosystems lies in the sustained nett benefits derived from the many ecosystem services they supply; including various ecological functions, products for direct and indirect human con-sumption, energy, aesthetic and recreational benefits, and assimi-lative capacity of the residues of human activities. However, the geographic, cultural and economic differences between countries or nations have resulted in different views that affect the market potential of ecosystem services from aquatic ecosystems. This study focused on identifying key ecosystem services and their forward linkages, understanding how to improve market access to such services, and creating or improving the value chains in the South African context. The research is intended to help identify opportunities for improvements that benefit society more broadly. It is anticipated that the study will be useful to land use planners, designers of infrastructure and town planners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Quantifying the economic water savings benefit of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) control in the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme
- Arp, Reinhardt S, Fraser, Gavin C G, Hill, Martin P
- Authors: Arp, Reinhardt S , Fraser, Gavin C G , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/472762 , vital:77570 , https://www.ajol.info/index.php/wsa/article/view/150822
- Description: Global freshwater resources are threatened by an ever-growing population and continued economic development, highlighting the need for sustainable water management. Sustainable management must include the control of any additional factors that may aggravate water scarcity, such as invasive alien plants. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), one of the world’s most destructive invasive plants, presents a direct threat to economically productive water resources. Through high levels of evapotranspiration, water hyacinth leads to substantial water losses that could otherwise be used more productively, thereby creating an externality on water-dependent industries, such as irrigation-fed agriculture. This study provides an economic valuation of the water-saving benefit of water hyacinth control, using Warrenton Weir on the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme as a case study. A Residual Value Method was employed to estimate the average production value of irrigation water, based on water’s relative proportion of total costs (TC), to serve as a proxy for the value of water lost via evapotranspiration by water hyacinth. Three evapotranspiration to evaporation ratios, derived from the literature, at three levels of invasion (100; 50 and 25% cover), were used to estimate the annual water loss at Warrenton Weir. The average production value of irrigation water was estimated to be R38.71/m3, which translated into an annual benefit of between R54 million and R1.18 billion. These results highlight the need for invasive plant control, particularly in economically productive water resources. An alien plant control policy should prioritise invasions of this nature, as they present significant costs to the economy and threaten the sustainability of freshwater resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Arp, Reinhardt S , Fraser, Gavin C G , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/472762 , vital:77570 , https://www.ajol.info/index.php/wsa/article/view/150822
- Description: Global freshwater resources are threatened by an ever-growing population and continued economic development, highlighting the need for sustainable water management. Sustainable management must include the control of any additional factors that may aggravate water scarcity, such as invasive alien plants. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), one of the world’s most destructive invasive plants, presents a direct threat to economically productive water resources. Through high levels of evapotranspiration, water hyacinth leads to substantial water losses that could otherwise be used more productively, thereby creating an externality on water-dependent industries, such as irrigation-fed agriculture. This study provides an economic valuation of the water-saving benefit of water hyacinth control, using Warrenton Weir on the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme as a case study. A Residual Value Method was employed to estimate the average production value of irrigation water, based on water’s relative proportion of total costs (TC), to serve as a proxy for the value of water lost via evapotranspiration by water hyacinth. Three evapotranspiration to evaporation ratios, derived from the literature, at three levels of invasion (100; 50 and 25% cover), were used to estimate the annual water loss at Warrenton Weir. The average production value of irrigation water was estimated to be R38.71/m3, which translated into an annual benefit of between R54 million and R1.18 billion. These results highlight the need for invasive plant control, particularly in economically productive water resources. An alien plant control policy should prioritise invasions of this nature, as they present significant costs to the economy and threaten the sustainability of freshwater resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The impact of citrus hawking on the livelihoods of the Fort Beaufort community
- Westwood, Timothy, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Westwood, Timothy , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/473043 , vital:77601
- Description: This article assesses the impact of citrus hawking on the livelihoods of those involved in the citrus hawking informal business in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Data for this study were collected from interviews with seven hawkers and the citrus packshed, Kat River Citrus Co-operative. It is shown that citrus hawking provides the participants with an income as more than half of them were unemployed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Westwood, Timothy , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/473043 , vital:77601
- Description: This article assesses the impact of citrus hawking on the livelihoods of those involved in the citrus hawking informal business in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Data for this study were collected from interviews with seven hawkers and the citrus packshed, Kat River Citrus Co-operative. It is shown that citrus hawking provides the participants with an income as more than half of them were unemployed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
2010 FIFA World Cup stadium investment: Does the post-event usage justify the expenditure?
- Humphrey, Luke, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Humphrey, Luke , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/470954 , vital:77403 , https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aref/article/view/162154
- Description: This paper provides an ex-post analysis of the utilisation of the stadiums that were built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The South African government invested approximately US $1.57 billion and US $523 million into the development of new stadiums and upgrades to existing stadiums, respectively. This paper determines whether the substantial investments into the stadiums’ infrastructure are justified by the utilisation of the stadiums after the 2010 FIFA World Cup event. A utilisation rate and a stadium usage index were used to analyse the utilisation benefits derived from the stadiums. Generally, the results suggest that there has been a significant decline in the utilisation of stadiums following the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, the results indicate that the exorbitant costs of the stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup were significant in relation to the underutilisation of the stadiums in the wake of the event. The 2010 FIFA World Cup has left the country with an expenditure legacy of an oversupply of stadiums, thus making some of the stadiums unsustainable. The results of this study appear to be in line with existing empirical research, which suggests that stadiums tend be underutilised and pose a financial burden for a host nation, subsequent to a mega-event.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Humphrey, Luke , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/470954 , vital:77403 , https://www.ajol.info/index.php/aref/article/view/162154
- Description: This paper provides an ex-post analysis of the utilisation of the stadiums that were built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The South African government invested approximately US $1.57 billion and US $523 million into the development of new stadiums and upgrades to existing stadiums, respectively. This paper determines whether the substantial investments into the stadiums’ infrastructure are justified by the utilisation of the stadiums after the 2010 FIFA World Cup event. A utilisation rate and a stadium usage index were used to analyse the utilisation benefits derived from the stadiums. Generally, the results suggest that there has been a significant decline in the utilisation of stadiums following the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, the results indicate that the exorbitant costs of the stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup were significant in relation to the underutilisation of the stadiums in the wake of the event. The 2010 FIFA World Cup has left the country with an expenditure legacy of an oversupply of stadiums, thus making some of the stadiums unsustainable. The results of this study appear to be in line with existing empirical research, which suggests that stadiums tend be underutilised and pose a financial burden for a host nation, subsequent to a mega-event.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Economic evaluation of water loss saving due to the biological control of water hyacinth at New Year’s Dam, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Fraser, Gavin C G, Hill, Martin P, Martin, J A
- Authors: Fraser, Gavin C G , Hill, Martin P , Martin, J A
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69341 , vital:29502 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2016.1151765
- Description: Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes is considered the most damaging aquatic weed in the world. However, few studies have quantified the impact of this weed economically and ecologically, and even fewer studies have quantified the benefits of its control. This paper focuses on water loss saving as the benefit derived from biological control of this plant between 1990 and 2013 at New Year’s Dam, Alicedale, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Estimates of water loss due to evapotranspiration from water hyacinth vary significantly; therefore, the study used three different rates, high, medium and low. A conservative raw agriculture value of R 0.26 per m3 was used to calculate the benefits derived by the water saved. The present benefit and cost values were determined using 10% and 5% discount rates. The benefit/cost ratio at the low evapotranspiration rate was less than one, implying that biological control was not economically viable but, at the higher evapotranspiration rates, the return justified the costs of biological control. However, at the marginal value product of water, the inclusion of the costs of damage to infrastructure, or the adverse effects of water hyacinth on biodiversity, would justify the use of biological control, even at the low transpiration rate.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fraser, Gavin C G , Hill, Martin P , Martin, J A
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69341 , vital:29502 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2016.1151765
- Description: Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes is considered the most damaging aquatic weed in the world. However, few studies have quantified the impact of this weed economically and ecologically, and even fewer studies have quantified the benefits of its control. This paper focuses on water loss saving as the benefit derived from biological control of this plant between 1990 and 2013 at New Year’s Dam, Alicedale, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Estimates of water loss due to evapotranspiration from water hyacinth vary significantly; therefore, the study used three different rates, high, medium and low. A conservative raw agriculture value of R 0.26 per m3 was used to calculate the benefits derived by the water saved. The present benefit and cost values were determined using 10% and 5% discount rates. The benefit/cost ratio at the low evapotranspiration rate was less than one, implying that biological control was not economically viable but, at the higher evapotranspiration rates, the return justified the costs of biological control. However, at the marginal value product of water, the inclusion of the costs of damage to infrastructure, or the adverse effects of water hyacinth on biodiversity, would justify the use of biological control, even at the low transpiration rate.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016