Poverty alleviation through the development of subsistence harvesters at Ngqushwa Municipality
- Authors: Sunduza, Nosipho Gloria
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Subsistence farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9228 , vital:26481
- Description: The broad objective of the study was poverty alleviation through the development of subsistence harvesters at Ngqushwa Municipality. The research objectives were to explore - ways of advancing from being subsistence level producers, opportunities available to these harvesters, if they, (subsistence harvesters), want to be commercialized and what actions do they need to take to become successful businesses. The study was conducted in the the coastal area of Ngqushwa Municipality. The researcher conducted face-to-face interviews with 2 key informants. The respondents provided information on the marine species harvested by the subsistence harvesters of the Ngqushwa Municipality and the type of tools they use for harvesting. They mentioned how subsistence harvesters could advance from subsistence level to producers, about opportunities available to these harvesters, and what actions they need to take if they want to become successful businesses. The key informants also informed the researcher that subsistence harvesters are now classified as Small Scale Fisheries and informed about villages that engage in subsistence harvesting within the Ngqushwa Municipality area. 15 subsistence harvesters were randomly sampled in Polar Park, Qolweni, Gcinisa and Wesley villages which fall under the Ngqushwa Municipality. These harvesters shared their willingness to move from subsistence to commercial fisheries. The use of storytelling interviews (4 subsistence), was also used by the researcher to get more information about their experiences and challenges. The survey was conducted over 7 days. One day in June, 2016 and 6 days in September, 2016. The total number of people interviewed was 21, made up of 2 key informants, 15 subsistence and 4 story telling interviews. The results showed that the community of subsistence harvesters is very discontented because they do not benefit from the sea and the marine resources although they live near the ocean. They also believe that in 22 years of democracy there is no way forward from the government. They are irate as they have witnessed the top down management style from the government. The current subsistence harvesters have little or no formal school education, (23% with no formal schooling at all, 23% with high school education between grades 8 - 12). Without the educational and skills programs from the government the subsistence harvesters will not be able to grow and create further employment opportunities for the rest of the community of Ngqushwa Municipality. The following recommendations have suggested that co-management must come from the community. It must not be people from parliament who do not feel the pain the communities are suffering. The top down approach should stop and a bottom up approach should be implemented, which will allow decisions to be made by the communities involved in harvesting. The government only needs to monitor. They (Government), have good policies, but are they are not monitored. The harvesters need training from the government. There is a need for the formulation of a development forum with learned people, churches, community leaders, young people, women, disabled, and the fishing community all represented. There is also need of support in terms of equipment, boats and education. The government needs to conduct training on fisheries and business management and provide financial support and assistance with business plans.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Stable isotopes dynamics of macrophytes along Umtata River in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Authors: Mzamo, Sanele Caleb
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Stable isotopes -- Macrophytes , South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:18485 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007205
- Description: The decline of freshwater ecosystems, generally result from land use activities in the river catchment and is of great concern worldwide. This study was conducted along Umtata River in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa between May 2010 and April 2011. The study was aimed at identifying macrophytes families (to species level) and determining the stable isotope signatures (C:N ratios, δ13C and δ15N) and to relate their isotopic signatures to the land use activities along the river catchment. Analysis of variance was performed to test the effect of sites and sampling period on the C:N ratios, δ13C and δ15N signatures. There were 16 macrophyte families represented by 26 species recorded along the river. There was only a significant difference in sites and sampling period in δ15N (p< 0.05). The highest C:N ratios value (30.75±9.65‰) was recorded in the upper reaches while the lowest value (6.10±2.35‰) occurred in the lower reaches. The δ13C values varied throughout the length of the river with highest values (-19.63±5.44‰) obtained in the middle reaches. Spatial variation was evident in δ15N throughout the length of the river and showed increase from the upper reaches to middle reaches and decreased towards lower reaches. The δ15N ranged from 3.92±2.43‰ in the upper reaches to 10.02±4.56‰ in the middle reaches. Temporal variation in δ15N was also evident throughout the sampling period with highest peak in May (9.77± 4.49‰) and lowest in February (0.50±2.49‰) respectively. The highest values of isotope signatures at spatial level demonstrated the true reflection of urban development, sewage discharge and agricultural activities taking place along the river system. Continued monitoring is recommended that may ultimately come up with a better management options for the communities living within the study area, and also to better enhanced land utilization.
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- Date Issued: 2013