Socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of in-field rainwater harvesting technololgy for enhancing household food security by small holder farmers in the Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
- Shange, Nomfundo Sinethemba Queen
- Authors: Shange, Nomfundo Sinethemba Queen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/734 , vital:26492 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infield rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technology has been used in arid and semi-arid parts of the world and promising results have been achieved in terms of increasing yield. The main aim of this study was to identify socio-economic factors determining the adoption of IRWH technology for enhancing household food security by smallholder farmers. The specific objectives were to assess the level of adoption of IRWH technology using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency and percentages). To determine socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology, the binary logistic regression mode l was used. To determine whether adopters of IRWH technology are more food secure than non-adopters, the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used as a measure for household food security. For the same objective, to determine socio-economic factors that influence household food security, the binary logistic regression model was also used and adoption of IRWH technology became an independent variable. The study was conducted in Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages in Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province (EC). The unit of analysis was the individual smallholder farmers practicing agriculture. The availability (accidental) and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 34, 23, 63 respondents from Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages respectively. Since they are non-random, these sampling methods are problematic because of sampling errors. Overall, a sample size of 120 smallholder farmers was targeted for the interviews. Primary and secondary data collected was coded and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results were presented using graphs, pie charts and tables (including cross-tables). The descriptive results showed that adoption status of IRWH technology was low in these areas, with 79% not adopting the technology. Food insecurity was high amongst the non-adopters with 86%. On the basis of descriptive analysis it can be concluded that any change in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of adopting IRWH technology and household food security. The results from the logistic regression model for the incidence of adoption revealed that 6 out of 16 variables were significant, three at 1% (access to extension services, access to information and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); one at 5% (access to market) and two at 10% (access to hired labour and farm income). For the incidence of household food security, out of 17 variables, 6 were significant, three at 1% (adoption of the IRWH technology, access to extension services and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); two at 5% (access to hired labour and household income) and one at 10% (household size). The empirical findings of this study indicate that there are socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology and household food security amongst smallholder farmers. This study recommends that the government should provide extension officers and research stations with the capacity, support and physical means to expose smallholder farmers to the IRWH technology through demonstrations and trainings. The government can also introduce agricultural finance institutions in rural areas to assist the rural smallholder farmers to increase their access to credit. Further, it is recommended that smallholder farmers can expand to the communal croplands in order to gain more land size and work as a co-operative or as an association to ease labour constraints.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shange, Nomfundo Sinethemba Queen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/734 , vital:26492 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water harvesting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infield rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technology has been used in arid and semi-arid parts of the world and promising results have been achieved in terms of increasing yield. The main aim of this study was to identify socio-economic factors determining the adoption of IRWH technology for enhancing household food security by smallholder farmers. The specific objectives were to assess the level of adoption of IRWH technology using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency and percentages). To determine socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology, the binary logistic regression mode l was used. To determine whether adopters of IRWH technology are more food secure than non-adopters, the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used as a measure for household food security. For the same objective, to determine socio-economic factors that influence household food security, the binary logistic regression model was also used and adoption of IRWH technology became an independent variable. The study was conducted in Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages in Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province (EC). The unit of analysis was the individual smallholder farmers practicing agriculture. The availability (accidental) and snowball sampling techniques were used to select 34, 23, 63 respondents from Khayalethu, Guquka and Krwakrwa villages respectively. Since they are non-random, these sampling methods are problematic because of sampling errors. Overall, a sample size of 120 smallholder farmers was targeted for the interviews. Primary and secondary data collected was coded and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results were presented using graphs, pie charts and tables (including cross-tables). The descriptive results showed that adoption status of IRWH technology was low in these areas, with 79% not adopting the technology. Food insecurity was high amongst the non-adopters with 86%. On the basis of descriptive analysis it can be concluded that any change in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of adopting IRWH technology and household food security. The results from the logistic regression model for the incidence of adoption revealed that 6 out of 16 variables were significant, three at 1% (access to extension services, access to information and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); one at 5% (access to market) and two at 10% (access to hired labour and farm income). For the incidence of household food security, out of 17 variables, 6 were significant, three at 1% (adoption of the IRWH technology, access to extension services and farmers’ perception towards the IRWH technology); two at 5% (access to hired labour and household income) and one at 10% (household size). The empirical findings of this study indicate that there are socio-economic factors influencing adoption of IRWH technology and household food security amongst smallholder farmers. This study recommends that the government should provide extension officers and research stations with the capacity, support and physical means to expose smallholder farmers to the IRWH technology through demonstrations and trainings. The government can also introduce agricultural finance institutions in rural areas to assist the rural smallholder farmers to increase their access to credit. Further, it is recommended that smallholder farmers can expand to the communal croplands in order to gain more land size and work as a co-operative or as an association to ease labour constraints.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Communication practices of NGOs in poverty alleviation programmes in rural communities of Zimbabwe: the case of Deutsche Welthungerhilfe German Agro Action (GAA) in Gowke South Rural District
- Authors: Tasaranago, Collet
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Deutsche Welthungerhilfe , Poverty -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations , Communication in economic development , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Midlands Province (Zimbabwe)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Com)
- Identifier: vital:11366 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006028 , Deutsche Welthungerhilfe , Poverty -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations , Communication in economic development , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Midlands Province (Zimbabwe)
- Description: The aim of this study was to analyse the communication practices of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in their poverty alleviation programmes, using Deutsche Weltihungerhilfe German Agro Action (GAA) in Gokwe South Rural District, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe as a case study. The study was based on the premise that effective communication is essential for successful poverty alleviation programmes. Communication facilitates the diffusion of innovations and encourages active participation by local people in programmes. It is also clear that despite several attempts to end the social malaise, poverty still persists. While several factors such as corruption, misappropriation of funds and misdirection of programs are not innocuous considering the failures of poverty alleviation programmes, communication is an indispensible tool to their success. It therefore becomes imperative that the communication practices be evaluated to identify the missing links. It is evident that by so doing, going forward, NGOs can effectively communicate with the local people and advances towards poverty alleviation can be realised. To this end, third world countries amongst them Zimbabwe and particularly rural communities, Gokwe included continue to suffer from poverty despite a number of programmes to address the pandemic by NGOs. The study was guided by the tenets of the Diffusion of innovations and Participatory development communication theories. These theories were considered the most applicable in terms of the research subject. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods and it was carried out in four of the wards in the district. The research methods were applied to solicit information from the rural people on how communication took place between the organisation and the community. The study found out that GAA used mainly the Indigenous Communication Systems (ICSs) in form of meetings and interpersonal face-toface communication modes. Names of projects were also fairly used for communication. The Modern Communication Systems (MCSs) used were cell phones and letters. GAA used local Page v languages mainly Shona and Ndebele and was flexible with the use of the indigenous languages. English language was also used for communication. The communication modes as well as the languages used were effective. The research also analysed and evaluated the communication practices by GAA. The study found out that the organisation effectively used the communication modes which were available for use but there were limitations in terms of access to other communication modes, especially the modern mediums due to poor infrastructure, state monopolisation of the mass media industry using regulations and fear of political persecution. The modern communication modes which GAA did not have access to could facilitate the diffusion of innovations and provide adequate information for active participation by the rural people in poverty alleviation programmes. The study also found out that only one person had heard about GAA through radio and no-one heard about GAA through the television, magazine or newspaper. The orgnanisation did not use these forms of mass media. In addition, the integration of ICSs and MCSs would provide an effective feedback system in Gokwe South Rural District. The researcher suggested the Tilled Communication Field approach whereby every stakeholder is required to make sure that the ICSs and MCSs are available for use by anyone at anytime for development purposes. There is need to give everyone adequate opportunity to use all the communication systems and users are advised to use communication for positive purposes, poverty alleviation included.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Tasaranago, Collet
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Deutsche Welthungerhilfe , Poverty -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations , Communication in economic development , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Midlands Province (Zimbabwe)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Com)
- Identifier: vital:11366 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006028 , Deutsche Welthungerhilfe , Poverty -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations , Communication in economic development , Poverty -- Zimbabwe , Midlands Province (Zimbabwe)
- Description: The aim of this study was to analyse the communication practices of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in their poverty alleviation programmes, using Deutsche Weltihungerhilfe German Agro Action (GAA) in Gokwe South Rural District, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe as a case study. The study was based on the premise that effective communication is essential for successful poverty alleviation programmes. Communication facilitates the diffusion of innovations and encourages active participation by local people in programmes. It is also clear that despite several attempts to end the social malaise, poverty still persists. While several factors such as corruption, misappropriation of funds and misdirection of programs are not innocuous considering the failures of poverty alleviation programmes, communication is an indispensible tool to their success. It therefore becomes imperative that the communication practices be evaluated to identify the missing links. It is evident that by so doing, going forward, NGOs can effectively communicate with the local people and advances towards poverty alleviation can be realised. To this end, third world countries amongst them Zimbabwe and particularly rural communities, Gokwe included continue to suffer from poverty despite a number of programmes to address the pandemic by NGOs. The study was guided by the tenets of the Diffusion of innovations and Participatory development communication theories. These theories were considered the most applicable in terms of the research subject. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods and it was carried out in four of the wards in the district. The research methods were applied to solicit information from the rural people on how communication took place between the organisation and the community. The study found out that GAA used mainly the Indigenous Communication Systems (ICSs) in form of meetings and interpersonal face-toface communication modes. Names of projects were also fairly used for communication. The Modern Communication Systems (MCSs) used were cell phones and letters. GAA used local Page v languages mainly Shona and Ndebele and was flexible with the use of the indigenous languages. English language was also used for communication. The communication modes as well as the languages used were effective. The research also analysed and evaluated the communication practices by GAA. The study found out that the organisation effectively used the communication modes which were available for use but there were limitations in terms of access to other communication modes, especially the modern mediums due to poor infrastructure, state monopolisation of the mass media industry using regulations and fear of political persecution. The modern communication modes which GAA did not have access to could facilitate the diffusion of innovations and provide adequate information for active participation by the rural people in poverty alleviation programmes. The study also found out that only one person had heard about GAA through radio and no-one heard about GAA through the television, magazine or newspaper. The orgnanisation did not use these forms of mass media. In addition, the integration of ICSs and MCSs would provide an effective feedback system in Gokwe South Rural District. The researcher suggested the Tilled Communication Field approach whereby every stakeholder is required to make sure that the ICSs and MCSs are available for use by anyone at anytime for development purposes. There is need to give everyone adequate opportunity to use all the communication systems and users are advised to use communication for positive purposes, poverty alleviation included.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Adoption and sustained use of M-Commerce to improve efficacy of construction SMMEs
- Authors: Williams, Zenande
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/528 , Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Description: E-commerce has been said to bring value to businesses by improving business efficiency and effectiveness and thus providing business with a competitive advantage through the potential benefits that it offers (Cloete, Courtney & Fintz, 2002). However, despite the potential benefits that e-commerce can offer, the adoption of B2C e-commerce in South African construction SMMEs is low and this is due to the challenges associated with e-commerce (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi & Seleka, 2007; Love & Irani, 2004; Anumba & Ruikar, 2002). These e-commerce challenges include: high implementation costs, lack or poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, low use of e-commerce by suppliers and consumers, lack of access to e-commerce, computer illiteracy, deficiency in understanding the potential benefits of e-commerce and security concerns (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi, & Seleka, 2007; Mensah, Bahta, & Mhlanga, 2005; Cloete, Courtney, & Fintz, 2002). Therefore, due to these e-commerce challenges, construction SMMEs do not exploit the business advantages that e-commerce offers. In order to assist South African construction SMMEs in their efforts to improve their business effectiveness and efficiency through commercial technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Williams, Zenande
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/528 , Construction industry , Mobile commerce , Small business , Computer-assisted instruction , Interactive videos
- Description: E-commerce has been said to bring value to businesses by improving business efficiency and effectiveness and thus providing business with a competitive advantage through the potential benefits that it offers (Cloete, Courtney & Fintz, 2002). However, despite the potential benefits that e-commerce can offer, the adoption of B2C e-commerce in South African construction SMMEs is low and this is due to the challenges associated with e-commerce (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi & Seleka, 2007; Love & Irani, 2004; Anumba & Ruikar, 2002). These e-commerce challenges include: high implementation costs, lack or poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, low use of e-commerce by suppliers and consumers, lack of access to e-commerce, computer illiteracy, deficiency in understanding the potential benefits of e-commerce and security concerns (Vaithanathan, 2010; Uzoka, Shemi, & Seleka, 2007; Mensah, Bahta, & Mhlanga, 2005; Cloete, Courtney, & Fintz, 2002). Therefore, due to these e-commerce challenges, construction SMMEs do not exploit the business advantages that e-commerce offers. In order to assist South African construction SMMEs in their efforts to improve their business effectiveness and efficiency through commercial technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Development of an M-Payment system prototype for a marginalized region (Dwesa case study)
- Authors: Mpofu, Handsome C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11387 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/458 , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Wireless technologies, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), are making it easier to provide the much needed telecommunications infrastructure in marginalized areas worldwide. These technologies enable the rapid deployment of network services as well as their redistribution throughout these marginalized areas. The ability to bring Internet connectivity to previously underserviced and marginalized areas has the potential to leap-frog socio-economic development and improve participation in the global knowledge economy. This study investigated how wireless access technologies, such as WiMAX and WiFi, can be integrated and used to deliver ubiquitous distributed Internet connectivity with increased capillarity in rural areas. The research was undertaken within an ICT for Development (ICT4D) intervention called Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) which is based in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The research further eliminated the accessibility constraints associated with long distances and remoteness from the Digital Access Nodes (DANs) and provided increased penetration in the network in contrast to the traditional Telecentre model which has been used extensively in ICT4D interventions. This was achieved by deploying WiFi hotspots around the DANs and extending the existing SLL WiMAX backbone to increase the network footprint to neighboring communities. The technical result of the research has been the provision of increased capillarity on the network and service redistribution throughout the entire Dwesa community. Consequently, this has given local community members an opportunity to access network services easily and ubiquitously. Finally, the research investigated and presented the benefits of such wireless network deployment configurations on ICT4D activities in marginalized areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mpofu, Handsome C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11387 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/458 , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Digital divide -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Home banking services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Wireless technologies, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), are making it easier to provide the much needed telecommunications infrastructure in marginalized areas worldwide. These technologies enable the rapid deployment of network services as well as their redistribution throughout these marginalized areas. The ability to bring Internet connectivity to previously underserviced and marginalized areas has the potential to leap-frog socio-economic development and improve participation in the global knowledge economy. This study investigated how wireless access technologies, such as WiMAX and WiFi, can be integrated and used to deliver ubiquitous distributed Internet connectivity with increased capillarity in rural areas. The research was undertaken within an ICT for Development (ICT4D) intervention called Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) which is based in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The research further eliminated the accessibility constraints associated with long distances and remoteness from the Digital Access Nodes (DANs) and provided increased penetration in the network in contrast to the traditional Telecentre model which has been used extensively in ICT4D interventions. This was achieved by deploying WiFi hotspots around the DANs and extending the existing SLL WiMAX backbone to increase the network footprint to neighboring communities. The technical result of the research has been the provision of increased capillarity on the network and service redistribution throughout the entire Dwesa community. Consequently, this has given local community members an opportunity to access network services easily and ubiquitously. Finally, the research investigated and presented the benefits of such wireless network deployment configurations on ICT4D activities in marginalized areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Neotectonics and its applications for the exploration of groundwater in the fractured Karoo aquifers in the Eastern Cape,South Africa
- Authors: Madi, Kakaba
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- supply engineering -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Prospecting -- Geophysical methods , Groundwater -- Research -- Methodology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11523 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/362 , Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- supply engineering -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Prospecting -- Geophysical methods , Groundwater -- Research -- Methodology
- Description: This study is part of an NRF sponsored research project entitled “Neotectonics and its applications for the exploration of groundwater in the fractured Karoo aquifers in the Eastern Cape” under the NRF Niche area of Water Resources Management and Sustainable Development in the Eastern Cape Province. The identification of relatively highly productive wells in the Karoo fractured aquifers is extremely difficult. This study aims to identify neotectonic zones and lower stress fields, and apply the results to groundwater exploration in the Eastern Cape Province. The methodologies adopted in this study include: a comprehensive literature review, extensive field mapping and investigation such as road cuts, sampling for laboratory studies, examination of seismic data, study of hot and ordinary springs, and interpretation of aerial photography and satellite images. Three main neotectonic belts were identified in the Eastern Cape (southern neotectonic belt, northern neotectonic belt and eastern neotectonic belt) based on literature review and field interpretations. The southern neotectonic belt (from the Cape Fold Belt to the lower Beaufort Group boundary) is characterized by the reactivation of the Coega-Bavianskloof and Sauer faults, the presence of a hot spring near Fort Beaufort, the slickenlines and discrete slickenlines and specifically the seismic events that were recorded in the Eastern Cape from 1850 to 2007. In this southern neotectonic belt the remote sensing has also revealed the presence of the Fort Beaufort fracture, the quartz veins seen in some dolerites and the different vegetation types along it may indicate that this fracture is possibly a fault; moreover the Quaternary sediments and weathered dolerites indicate that the Fort iii Beaufort fracture is characterized by groundwater circulation and accordingly is a good target for groundwater exploration, this fracture is a post-Karoo structure and possibly a neotectonic feature. In addition, the kaolin deposit, chiefly developed in the Dwyka tillite near Grahamstown is clearly controlled by neotectonic fracture zones. The northern neotectonic belt near the country of Lesotho is marked by the presence of the Senqu seismotectonic regime and hot springs. The Quaternary Amatole-Swaziland (formerly Ciskei-Swaziland) axis of uplift makes the eastern part of the province the third neotectonic zone, the asymmetric meanders of the Mbashe river in the vicinity of Qunu near Mthatha derived possibly from this Quaternary uplift; this asymmetric feature of meanders implies that the river has tried to maintain stability of its valley where tilting occurred. Within these neotectonic belts the central part of the Eastern Cape may be considered a static and inactive belt. A northwesterly trend for the maximum principal compresssional stress predominates in the Eastern Cape and is correlated with the present major structural control of the province. The current stress regime determination was derived from faults, joints and quartz veins only on kaolin deposits. Systematic joints reflect regional tectonic stress trajectories at the time of fracturing. Discharge rates of groundwater from boreholes as provided by the Department of Water and Forestry were used to confirm and predict water exploration targets. The region of Tabankulu (near Kwazulu Natal) in the northern neotectonic belt has remarkable discharge rates of groundwater (11.1 l/s, 4.65 l/s, 6.49 l/s, 42 l/s). The region of Mthatha, nearly surrounding the Amatole-Swaziland axis (former Ciskei-Swaziland iv axis) of uplift which might have generated some new faults, has a number of springs. These two regions should serve as case studies for future research. Apart from these two regions, two others regions can be considered as case studies for future groundwater exploration targets: the Bath Farm hot spring near the Fort Beaufort neotectonic fault and the vicinity of what is known as the Fort Beaufort fracture near Teba and Cimezile villages 20km north west of Fort Beaufort. It is concluded that the study of neotectonics and stress fields may be a useful tool for groundwater exploration in the Karoo fractured aquifers in the Eastern Cape, and in similar regions elsewhere in South Africa and in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Madi, Kakaba
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- supply engineering -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Prospecting -- Geophysical methods , Groundwater -- Research -- Methodology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11523 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/362 , Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- supply engineering -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Prospecting -- Geophysical methods , Groundwater -- Research -- Methodology
- Description: This study is part of an NRF sponsored research project entitled “Neotectonics and its applications for the exploration of groundwater in the fractured Karoo aquifers in the Eastern Cape” under the NRF Niche area of Water Resources Management and Sustainable Development in the Eastern Cape Province. The identification of relatively highly productive wells in the Karoo fractured aquifers is extremely difficult. This study aims to identify neotectonic zones and lower stress fields, and apply the results to groundwater exploration in the Eastern Cape Province. The methodologies adopted in this study include: a comprehensive literature review, extensive field mapping and investigation such as road cuts, sampling for laboratory studies, examination of seismic data, study of hot and ordinary springs, and interpretation of aerial photography and satellite images. Three main neotectonic belts were identified in the Eastern Cape (southern neotectonic belt, northern neotectonic belt and eastern neotectonic belt) based on literature review and field interpretations. The southern neotectonic belt (from the Cape Fold Belt to the lower Beaufort Group boundary) is characterized by the reactivation of the Coega-Bavianskloof and Sauer faults, the presence of a hot spring near Fort Beaufort, the slickenlines and discrete slickenlines and specifically the seismic events that were recorded in the Eastern Cape from 1850 to 2007. In this southern neotectonic belt the remote sensing has also revealed the presence of the Fort Beaufort fracture, the quartz veins seen in some dolerites and the different vegetation types along it may indicate that this fracture is possibly a fault; moreover the Quaternary sediments and weathered dolerites indicate that the Fort iii Beaufort fracture is characterized by groundwater circulation and accordingly is a good target for groundwater exploration, this fracture is a post-Karoo structure and possibly a neotectonic feature. In addition, the kaolin deposit, chiefly developed in the Dwyka tillite near Grahamstown is clearly controlled by neotectonic fracture zones. The northern neotectonic belt near the country of Lesotho is marked by the presence of the Senqu seismotectonic regime and hot springs. The Quaternary Amatole-Swaziland (formerly Ciskei-Swaziland) axis of uplift makes the eastern part of the province the third neotectonic zone, the asymmetric meanders of the Mbashe river in the vicinity of Qunu near Mthatha derived possibly from this Quaternary uplift; this asymmetric feature of meanders implies that the river has tried to maintain stability of its valley where tilting occurred. Within these neotectonic belts the central part of the Eastern Cape may be considered a static and inactive belt. A northwesterly trend for the maximum principal compresssional stress predominates in the Eastern Cape and is correlated with the present major structural control of the province. The current stress regime determination was derived from faults, joints and quartz veins only on kaolin deposits. Systematic joints reflect regional tectonic stress trajectories at the time of fracturing. Discharge rates of groundwater from boreholes as provided by the Department of Water and Forestry were used to confirm and predict water exploration targets. The region of Tabankulu (near Kwazulu Natal) in the northern neotectonic belt has remarkable discharge rates of groundwater (11.1 l/s, 4.65 l/s, 6.49 l/s, 42 l/s). The region of Mthatha, nearly surrounding the Amatole-Swaziland axis (former Ciskei-Swaziland iv axis) of uplift which might have generated some new faults, has a number of springs. These two regions should serve as case studies for future research. Apart from these two regions, two others regions can be considered as case studies for future groundwater exploration targets: the Bath Farm hot spring near the Fort Beaufort neotectonic fault and the vicinity of what is known as the Fort Beaufort fracture near Teba and Cimezile villages 20km north west of Fort Beaufort. It is concluded that the study of neotectonics and stress fields may be a useful tool for groundwater exploration in the Karoo fractured aquifers in the Eastern Cape, and in similar regions elsewhere in South Africa and in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Population biology and aspects of the socio-spatial organisation of the woodland dormouse Graphiurus Murinus (Desmaret, 1822) in the Great Fish River Reserve, South Africa
- Madikiza, Zimkitha Josephine Kimberly
- Authors: Madikiza, Zimkitha Josephine Kimberly
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dormice , Mice , Muridae , Spatial behavior , Territoriality (Zoology) , Crowding stress
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/443 , Dormice , Mice , Muridae , Spatial behavior , Territoriality (Zoology) , Crowding stress
- Description: The population biology and socio-spatial organisation of the woodland dormouse, Graphiurus murinus (Desmarest, 1822), was investigated in a riverine forest at the Great Fish River Reserve (GFRR), South Africa. Data were collected by means of a monthly live trapping and nestbox monitoring programme. Between February 2006 and June 2007, 75 woodland dormice were trapped and/or found in nestboxes and marked: these were 39 adults (13 males, 21 females, five undetermined) and 36 juveniles (five males, 14 females, 17 undetermined). The population showed a steady increase from June 2006–November 2006 and a peak in December 2006–January 2007 as a result of the influx of juveniles. The minimum number of dormice known to be alive (MNA) varied between 40 in December 2006– January 2007 (summer), and a low of three in June 2007 (winter). The range in population density was therefore between 1.2 and 16 dormice per ha. Winter mortality and/or spring dispersal accounted for the disappearance of 55 percent of juveniles. The overall annual adult:juvenile ratio was 1.08. The overall sex ratio was 1.94 female per one male. In females, reproductive activity was observed from September 2006 to end January 2007. The pattern observed in males was similar, as dormice with descended testes were exclusively found from October to end January. Females gave birth during the second half of October to beginning of February. Litters (n = 11) consisted of an average (± SD) 3.73 ± 0.47 young. Over the study period, 27 dormice were trapped or found in nestboxes more than eight times, thus allowing me to estimate their home range size and the spatial overlap between these individuals. On average, dormouse home range size was 2,514 m2 (range: 319 – 4,863 m2). No difference was recorded between one-year old adults and older adults, or between all adults and juveniles. However, adult male dormice (3,989 m2, n = 5) had home ranges almost twice as large as females (2,091 m2, n = 9). No similar trend was found in juveniles. Intrasexual home range overlap was on average 62 percent in adult males, and 26 percent in adult females. However, females overlapped with more neighbouring female home ranges than did males with neighbouring male home ranges, so that, as for males, only small parts of female home ranges were really exclusive. On average, males overlapped a larger Abstract Ecology of woodland dormice M.Sc. Thesis 16 proportion (48 percent) of female home ranges than did females with neighbouring male home ranges (27 percent). In addition, males overlapped with significantly more female home ranges (7.8) than did females with male home ranges (4.9). Trapping success and nestbox data agree with the socio-ecological model. Females showed increased mobility during summer, more likely to find suitable nesting sites, and food for milk production during the reproductive season. The use of nestboxes, however, was constant throughout the year. In males, both the trapping success and nestbox use were higher during the mating season (spring), when an increased mobility and occupation of nestboxes probably increased the chances to locate and mate with (a) receptive female(s). Hence, food and (artificial) nest sites may constitute an important resource for females, whereas females seem to represent the main resource for males. Although food availability was not determined, a comparison of female and male distribution patterns provided interesting information on the mating system of woodland dormice. In GFRR, the dispersion pattern of female woodland dormice was “rather” clumped, i.e. females were non-territorial. As some females showed a dyadic intrasexual overlap of up to 90 percent, and population density was very high at the study site, this may indicate that food was very abundant and/or renewed rapidly. Based on the wide range of birth dates observed during the study period, females clearly come into oestrus at different times. In such circumstances (asynchronous sexual receptivity in females), the Female in Space and Time Hypothesis (Ims 1987a) predicts that males will be non-territorial and promiscuous. Live-trapping, nestbox use and home range data indeed suggested that male woodland dormice do not defend territories, but search for and aggregate around receptive females during the mating season.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Madikiza, Zimkitha Josephine Kimberly
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dormice , Mice , Muridae , Spatial behavior , Territoriality (Zoology) , Crowding stress
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Zoology)
- Identifier: vital:11788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/443 , Dormice , Mice , Muridae , Spatial behavior , Territoriality (Zoology) , Crowding stress
- Description: The population biology and socio-spatial organisation of the woodland dormouse, Graphiurus murinus (Desmarest, 1822), was investigated in a riverine forest at the Great Fish River Reserve (GFRR), South Africa. Data were collected by means of a monthly live trapping and nestbox monitoring programme. Between February 2006 and June 2007, 75 woodland dormice were trapped and/or found in nestboxes and marked: these were 39 adults (13 males, 21 females, five undetermined) and 36 juveniles (five males, 14 females, 17 undetermined). The population showed a steady increase from June 2006–November 2006 and a peak in December 2006–January 2007 as a result of the influx of juveniles. The minimum number of dormice known to be alive (MNA) varied between 40 in December 2006– January 2007 (summer), and a low of three in June 2007 (winter). The range in population density was therefore between 1.2 and 16 dormice per ha. Winter mortality and/or spring dispersal accounted for the disappearance of 55 percent of juveniles. The overall annual adult:juvenile ratio was 1.08. The overall sex ratio was 1.94 female per one male. In females, reproductive activity was observed from September 2006 to end January 2007. The pattern observed in males was similar, as dormice with descended testes were exclusively found from October to end January. Females gave birth during the second half of October to beginning of February. Litters (n = 11) consisted of an average (± SD) 3.73 ± 0.47 young. Over the study period, 27 dormice were trapped or found in nestboxes more than eight times, thus allowing me to estimate their home range size and the spatial overlap between these individuals. On average, dormouse home range size was 2,514 m2 (range: 319 – 4,863 m2). No difference was recorded between one-year old adults and older adults, or between all adults and juveniles. However, adult male dormice (3,989 m2, n = 5) had home ranges almost twice as large as females (2,091 m2, n = 9). No similar trend was found in juveniles. Intrasexual home range overlap was on average 62 percent in adult males, and 26 percent in adult females. However, females overlapped with more neighbouring female home ranges than did males with neighbouring male home ranges, so that, as for males, only small parts of female home ranges were really exclusive. On average, males overlapped a larger Abstract Ecology of woodland dormice M.Sc. Thesis 16 proportion (48 percent) of female home ranges than did females with neighbouring male home ranges (27 percent). In addition, males overlapped with significantly more female home ranges (7.8) than did females with male home ranges (4.9). Trapping success and nestbox data agree with the socio-ecological model. Females showed increased mobility during summer, more likely to find suitable nesting sites, and food for milk production during the reproductive season. The use of nestboxes, however, was constant throughout the year. In males, both the trapping success and nestbox use were higher during the mating season (spring), when an increased mobility and occupation of nestboxes probably increased the chances to locate and mate with (a) receptive female(s). Hence, food and (artificial) nest sites may constitute an important resource for females, whereas females seem to represent the main resource for males. Although food availability was not determined, a comparison of female and male distribution patterns provided interesting information on the mating system of woodland dormice. In GFRR, the dispersion pattern of female woodland dormice was “rather” clumped, i.e. females were non-territorial. As some females showed a dyadic intrasexual overlap of up to 90 percent, and population density was very high at the study site, this may indicate that food was very abundant and/or renewed rapidly. Based on the wide range of birth dates observed during the study period, females clearly come into oestrus at different times. In such circumstances (asynchronous sexual receptivity in females), the Female in Space and Time Hypothesis (Ims 1987a) predicts that males will be non-territorial and promiscuous. Live-trapping, nestbox use and home range data indeed suggested that male woodland dormice do not defend territories, but search for and aggregate around receptive females during the mating season.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
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