A sample survey of farming types in the divisions of Albany and Bathurst
- Authors: Davies, R J
- Date: 1955
- Subjects: Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4885 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014733
- Description: [From Introduction]. It is the purpose of this thesis to examine some of the broad relationships which exist between different land use types and farming practises on the one hand and the geographical environment on the other. The enquiry is confined to the study of a number of farm units which have been selected within the area enclosed by the District of Albany and Bathurst situated in the south-East coastal belt of the Cape Province. The procedure adapted conforms broadly to that of a project carried out in South America by R.S. Platt of the University of Chicago and embodied in hls book "Latin America, Countryside and United Regions." Platt's project, he notes, consists of a collection of "small field studies in a frame of complex generalisations." It does not aim to give a complete geographical account of the regions he selected for investigation, but is an attempt to enlarge geograpical understanding of the respective areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1955
- Authors: Davies, R J
- Date: 1955
- Subjects: Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4885 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1014733
- Description: [From Introduction]. It is the purpose of this thesis to examine some of the broad relationships which exist between different land use types and farming practises on the one hand and the geographical environment on the other. The enquiry is confined to the study of a number of farm units which have been selected within the area enclosed by the District of Albany and Bathurst situated in the south-East coastal belt of the Cape Province. The procedure adapted conforms broadly to that of a project carried out in South America by R.S. Platt of the University of Chicago and embodied in hls book "Latin America, Countryside and United Regions." Platt's project, he notes, consists of a collection of "small field studies in a frame of complex generalisations." It does not aim to give a complete geographical account of the regions he selected for investigation, but is an attempt to enlarge geograpical understanding of the respective areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1955
A situational analysis on the public participation processes in integrated water resources management in the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Naidoo, Merle
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South Africa. Dept. of Water Affairs and Forestry , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water quality management -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Rural development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4854 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005530 , South Africa. Dept. of Water Affairs and Forestry , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water quality management -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Rural development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Description: Public participation in water management processes is one of the internationally recognised and adopted principles of Integrated Water Resource Management. The South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry aims to facilitate the decentralisation of water management powers to the local community level via the establishment of regional and local water management institutions, namely Catchment Management Agencies, Water User Associations and Catchment Forums. The National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998) acknowledges that the discriminatory laws and practices of the past have prevented equal access to water and the use of water resources. The contribution of water management institutions to social and economic development, in particular poverty eradication and food security, is mentioned in the water act. The participation of poor rural communities living in the Kat valley, an area where an elite minority reap the benefits of water use for agriculture, is the focus of this research. Their participation, perceptions and experiences are documented and explored to determine how the promulgation of post-apartheid water policy and legislation has affected their access to water. The results of this research are based on data collected from several methods including surveys, workshops and observation. Analysis of these data revealed the complicated and stagnant nature of participation from Kat valley rural communities in local water management initiatives and organisations. Existing water management organisations were not successful in stimulating poor people’s participation as they were unable to address their primary concerns, namely a secure source of potable water, employment and access to water for agricultural purposes. This thesis asserts that the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, as the custodian of South Africa’s water resources, has not taken on a supportive, accountable role in assisting marginalised communities with improving their access to water for domestic purposes and securing access to water rights for productive use. This, in turn, has led to dissatisfaction among these communities and a wariness of participatory activities that focus mainly on raising environmental awareness. The establishment of effective accountability relationships among all stakeholders, pro-poor water management structures and initiatives, as well as integrated and co-operative management of natural resources, are needed to revitalise the present participation of poor communities living in rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Naidoo, Merle
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South Africa. Dept. of Water Affairs and Forestry , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water quality management -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Rural development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4854 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005530 , South Africa. Dept. of Water Affairs and Forestry , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water quality management -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Rural development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Description: Public participation in water management processes is one of the internationally recognised and adopted principles of Integrated Water Resource Management. The South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry aims to facilitate the decentralisation of water management powers to the local community level via the establishment of regional and local water management institutions, namely Catchment Management Agencies, Water User Associations and Catchment Forums. The National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998) acknowledges that the discriminatory laws and practices of the past have prevented equal access to water and the use of water resources. The contribution of water management institutions to social and economic development, in particular poverty eradication and food security, is mentioned in the water act. The participation of poor rural communities living in the Kat valley, an area where an elite minority reap the benefits of water use for agriculture, is the focus of this research. Their participation, perceptions and experiences are documented and explored to determine how the promulgation of post-apartheid water policy and legislation has affected their access to water. The results of this research are based on data collected from several methods including surveys, workshops and observation. Analysis of these data revealed the complicated and stagnant nature of participation from Kat valley rural communities in local water management initiatives and organisations. Existing water management organisations were not successful in stimulating poor people’s participation as they were unable to address their primary concerns, namely a secure source of potable water, employment and access to water for agricultural purposes. This thesis asserts that the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, as the custodian of South Africa’s water resources, has not taken on a supportive, accountable role in assisting marginalised communities with improving their access to water for domestic purposes and securing access to water rights for productive use. This, in turn, has led to dissatisfaction among these communities and a wariness of participatory activities that focus mainly on raising environmental awareness. The establishment of effective accountability relationships among all stakeholders, pro-poor water management structures and initiatives, as well as integrated and co-operative management of natural resources, are needed to revitalise the present participation of poor communities living in rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Active Layer Dynamics at Four Borehole Sites in Western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
- Authors: Kotzé, Camilla
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021295
- Description: Permafrost and active layer dynamics in the Antarctic play an important role within terrestrial landscapes and ecosystems and as a climate change indicator. However, they remain less thoroughly researched than their Northern-Hemispheric counterpart. Despite advancements made by ANTPAS on the permafrost and active layer monitoring network in the Antarctic, observational gaps still exist. Western Dronning Maud Land (WDML) has been identified as one of these gaps, necessitating further research on permafrost dynamics and the influence of climate parameters thereon. Such elucidation is critical to both the cryospheric and life sciences. Variations in the surface climate of Antarctica can be seen as a result of inter-annual variations in atmospheric circulation, enhancing permafrost degradation and active layer thickening which directly affects soil processes, such as sorting and cryoturbation. Ground temperatures from four permafrost boreholes from WDML were analysed from 2007 to 2014. The study sites exhibit seasonal freezing, periglacial landforms, and altitudinal variation, ranging between ca. 450masl to ca. 1300masl. Using ground thermal regime and regional climate data, the spatial and temporal variability of the active layer in the Ahlmannryggen and Jutulsessen areas of WDML were characterised. 137 Cs tracing has revealed that the active layer and associated landforms have been active over the past half century. Further results show that active layer depths at each site vary inter-annually and are particularly influenced by snow cover, altitude and distance to the ice-shelf. Moreover, a correlation between the SAO (Semi-Annual Oscillation) and measured ground temperatures was found, principally during the transitional season of the SAO in May and September. The relationship between climate and ground thermal regimes, especially the influence of teleconnections thereon, is essential to improving the understanding of permafrost dynamics and landform morphology in continental Antarctica.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kotzé, Camilla
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021295
- Description: Permafrost and active layer dynamics in the Antarctic play an important role within terrestrial landscapes and ecosystems and as a climate change indicator. However, they remain less thoroughly researched than their Northern-Hemispheric counterpart. Despite advancements made by ANTPAS on the permafrost and active layer monitoring network in the Antarctic, observational gaps still exist. Western Dronning Maud Land (WDML) has been identified as one of these gaps, necessitating further research on permafrost dynamics and the influence of climate parameters thereon. Such elucidation is critical to both the cryospheric and life sciences. Variations in the surface climate of Antarctica can be seen as a result of inter-annual variations in atmospheric circulation, enhancing permafrost degradation and active layer thickening which directly affects soil processes, such as sorting and cryoturbation. Ground temperatures from four permafrost boreholes from WDML were analysed from 2007 to 2014. The study sites exhibit seasonal freezing, periglacial landforms, and altitudinal variation, ranging between ca. 450masl to ca. 1300masl. Using ground thermal regime and regional climate data, the spatial and temporal variability of the active layer in the Ahlmannryggen and Jutulsessen areas of WDML were characterised. 137 Cs tracing has revealed that the active layer and associated landforms have been active over the past half century. Further results show that active layer depths at each site vary inter-annually and are particularly influenced by snow cover, altitude and distance to the ice-shelf. Moreover, a correlation between the SAO (Semi-Annual Oscillation) and measured ground temperatures was found, principally during the transitional season of the SAO in May and September. The relationship between climate and ground thermal regimes, especially the influence of teleconnections thereon, is essential to improving the understanding of permafrost dynamics and landform morphology in continental Antarctica.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An analysis of flood activity over the past century based on the sedimentary deposits in the Mfolozi floodplain
- Authors: Mbao, Chabala
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Floodplain morphology -- South Africa -- Mfolozi River , Floodplains -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Sedimentation and deposition -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Floods -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal -- Measurement , Hydrology -- Research -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Stream measurements -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/53711 , vital:26312
- Description: Floods are natural phenomena that are of widespread interest to the scientific community, particularly in the context of understanding the impact of climate change as well as changing land use patterns and the security of infrastructure such as towns and roads. In northern KwaZulu-Natal, large flood events have been a reoccurring feature over the past century. The geographical position and extent of the region means that is affected by both inland and coastal weather phenomena, each with the potential to cause large flood events. While information pertaining to large floods in the region in the form of flow data is readily available, flow data is often incomplete and limited in terms of how far back in time the records extend. The Mfolozi River floodplain itself also houses a record of flood activity in the region in the form of sedimentary deposits, which have the potential to reveal flood activity over a much longer timescale, even when monitoring of flood activity in the region was not present. Establishing a link between the hydrological and sedimentary features of floods may be useful in establishing a record of flood activity extending beyond the limits of historical records. The aim of this project was to construct a record of major flood events on the Mfolozi River floodplain over the last century and determine their source. The first objective involved establishing the history of flood events in the Mfolozi River catchment utilising hydrological data recorded throughout the catchment. Thirty nine different large floods (defined as being over 800 m3.s-1) were recorded on the floodplain over the past century. The data also highlighted differences in the extent of known coastal and inland systems (tropical cyclones and cut-off lows respectively), allowing for inferences to be made about the area of the catchment most likely affected by each event; some flood events were identified as having mostly affected the upper reaches of the catchment, while others mostly affected the lower reaches, closer to the coast. The second objective was to identify the various physical, mineralogical and geochemical features of the sediment deposited on the Mfolozi floodplain. Multiple individual flood deposits were identified in the sedimentary record, with sediment tracing analysis providing insight into the source of the deposits within the catchment; no traces of igneous or metamorphic material could be found within the sediment. The source rocks were identified as mostly quartzite, with minor shale and sandstone deposits as well. This put the source of the sediment in the upper to middle reaches of the catchment. The sedimentary analysis was combined with the hydrological records to establish a chronology of flood events extending back to the 1960's. Unfortunately, this record could not be extended further due to the limited amount of sediment collected as well the limits of readily available analytical techniques; radionuclide dating methods were unsuccessful due to the low amounts of fallout radionuclides present in the sediment. The study has however successfully established a history of flood events in the region, as well as providing a link between the hydrological and sedimentary features of flood events that could potentially be useful for current and future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mbao, Chabala
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Floodplain morphology -- South Africa -- Mfolozi River , Floodplains -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Sedimentation and deposition -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Floods -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal -- Measurement , Hydrology -- Research -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal , Stream measurements -- South Africa -- Kwazulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/53711 , vital:26312
- Description: Floods are natural phenomena that are of widespread interest to the scientific community, particularly in the context of understanding the impact of climate change as well as changing land use patterns and the security of infrastructure such as towns and roads. In northern KwaZulu-Natal, large flood events have been a reoccurring feature over the past century. The geographical position and extent of the region means that is affected by both inland and coastal weather phenomena, each with the potential to cause large flood events. While information pertaining to large floods in the region in the form of flow data is readily available, flow data is often incomplete and limited in terms of how far back in time the records extend. The Mfolozi River floodplain itself also houses a record of flood activity in the region in the form of sedimentary deposits, which have the potential to reveal flood activity over a much longer timescale, even when monitoring of flood activity in the region was not present. Establishing a link between the hydrological and sedimentary features of floods may be useful in establishing a record of flood activity extending beyond the limits of historical records. The aim of this project was to construct a record of major flood events on the Mfolozi River floodplain over the last century and determine their source. The first objective involved establishing the history of flood events in the Mfolozi River catchment utilising hydrological data recorded throughout the catchment. Thirty nine different large floods (defined as being over 800 m3.s-1) were recorded on the floodplain over the past century. The data also highlighted differences in the extent of known coastal and inland systems (tropical cyclones and cut-off lows respectively), allowing for inferences to be made about the area of the catchment most likely affected by each event; some flood events were identified as having mostly affected the upper reaches of the catchment, while others mostly affected the lower reaches, closer to the coast. The second objective was to identify the various physical, mineralogical and geochemical features of the sediment deposited on the Mfolozi floodplain. Multiple individual flood deposits were identified in the sedimentary record, with sediment tracing analysis providing insight into the source of the deposits within the catchment; no traces of igneous or metamorphic material could be found within the sediment. The source rocks were identified as mostly quartzite, with minor shale and sandstone deposits as well. This put the source of the sediment in the upper to middle reaches of the catchment. The sedimentary analysis was combined with the hydrological records to establish a chronology of flood events extending back to the 1960's. Unfortunately, this record could not be extended further due to the limited amount of sediment collected as well the limits of readily available analytical techniques; radionuclide dating methods were unsuccessful due to the low amounts of fallout radionuclides present in the sediment. The study has however successfully established a history of flood events in the region, as well as providing a link between the hydrological and sedimentary features of flood events that could potentially be useful for current and future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An analysis of local level development in South Africa: a case study of Uitenhage
- Authors: Meyer, Sarah
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Uitenhage -- Case studies Economic development -- South Africa -- Case studies Municipal corporations -- South Africa -- Case studies Community development -- South Africa -- Case studies Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Case studies Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4813 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005487
- Description: Development backlogs, in terms of unemployment and poverty, plague many developing countries. Countries have established and implemented various policies and plans to address these challenges. In response to these development backlogs, South Africa has instituted the notion of decentralisation and developmental local government, whereby local governments are largely responsible for initiating and facilitating development in the area under their jurisdiction. Furthermore, the potential role the private sector can play in development is being increasingly recognised by government, politicians, academics and developers alike. Uitenhage has a strong corporate presence and therefore this sector has the potential to contribute towards development in the town. However the concept of using corporate social responsibility (CSR) to promote development in South Africa is relatively new and, as will be revealed in the case study, definitions and underlying motivation for undertaking CSR vary. Local Economic Development (LED) and, more recently, CSR, have been recognised as major drivers of development and are being implemented throughout the country. As this thesis illustrates, they often merge and can work hand-in-hand to promote local development. Although the private sector, through CSR has the potential to contribute to development, they often do not have the available human resources to implement development initiatives. As is evident in the case study, partnerships between the private and public sectors often emerge as a result. Development institutions play a key role in development and often assist in bridging the gap between citizens, the state and the market. The development institutions in Uitenhage often act as instigators and facilitators on behalf of the larger corporations. The case study in Uitenhage, is a locality where there is a strong automotive industrial cluster and several major firms which are active in the development process. Furthermore, development institutions are committed to the socio-economic development of the town and the promotion of small micro medium enterprises (SMMEs), through various support services. The development institutions, often in partnership with the local government and the public sector, have initiated various local developmental projects in the town, of which three will be discussed in the case study. In this thesis, case study research reveals that corporations often do not meet their potential developmental role and their CSR actions are often considered as ‘window-dressing’ aimed at boosting their corporate image. Similarly, with regard to the development institutions, their development and job creation results look impressive at first glance, but further investigation reveals a collapse of a large number of projects. Despite the potential of LED and CSR to be major drivers of local development, there are still a number of hindering factors, which will be revealed in this thesis and lessons to be learnt which can help to inform future local development projects
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Meyer, Sarah
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Uitenhage -- Case studies Economic development -- South Africa -- Case studies Municipal corporations -- South Africa -- Case studies Community development -- South Africa -- Case studies Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Case studies Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4813 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005487
- Description: Development backlogs, in terms of unemployment and poverty, plague many developing countries. Countries have established and implemented various policies and plans to address these challenges. In response to these development backlogs, South Africa has instituted the notion of decentralisation and developmental local government, whereby local governments are largely responsible for initiating and facilitating development in the area under their jurisdiction. Furthermore, the potential role the private sector can play in development is being increasingly recognised by government, politicians, academics and developers alike. Uitenhage has a strong corporate presence and therefore this sector has the potential to contribute towards development in the town. However the concept of using corporate social responsibility (CSR) to promote development in South Africa is relatively new and, as will be revealed in the case study, definitions and underlying motivation for undertaking CSR vary. Local Economic Development (LED) and, more recently, CSR, have been recognised as major drivers of development and are being implemented throughout the country. As this thesis illustrates, they often merge and can work hand-in-hand to promote local development. Although the private sector, through CSR has the potential to contribute to development, they often do not have the available human resources to implement development initiatives. As is evident in the case study, partnerships between the private and public sectors often emerge as a result. Development institutions play a key role in development and often assist in bridging the gap between citizens, the state and the market. The development institutions in Uitenhage often act as instigators and facilitators on behalf of the larger corporations. The case study in Uitenhage, is a locality where there is a strong automotive industrial cluster and several major firms which are active in the development process. Furthermore, development institutions are committed to the socio-economic development of the town and the promotion of small micro medium enterprises (SMMEs), through various support services. The development institutions, often in partnership with the local government and the public sector, have initiated various local developmental projects in the town, of which three will be discussed in the case study. In this thesis, case study research reveals that corporations often do not meet their potential developmental role and their CSR actions are often considered as ‘window-dressing’ aimed at boosting their corporate image. Similarly, with regard to the development institutions, their development and job creation results look impressive at first glance, but further investigation reveals a collapse of a large number of projects. Despite the potential of LED and CSR to be major drivers of local development, there are still a number of hindering factors, which will be revealed in this thesis and lessons to be learnt which can help to inform future local development projects
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An application of the natural area concept to East London apartment areas
- Authors: Brehmer, D A E
- Date: 1975
- Subjects: Natural areas -- South Africa -- East London , Apartment houses -- South Africa -- East London , Urban ecology (Sociology) -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4872 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009694 , Natural areas -- South Africa -- East London , Apartment houses -- South Africa -- East London , Urban ecology (Sociology) -- South Africa -- East London
- Description: The world is faced with a population explosion, and cities are becoming ever larger. The world population will grow from its present 3500 million to more than 7 000 million by the year 2 000. The majority of cities are thus faced with the problem of housing vast numbers of people living in single family dwellings forming low density urban sprawl. Conditions are no different in South Africa where the present white population of about four million is expected to grow to between six and seven million by the year 2000. The present housing requirement (1970-75) for Whites, based on low and high population projections, is 32 732 and 40 150 houses respectively. From 1995-2000 the figures will have risen to 42 742 and 65 580 respectively. At that rate sprawl here will reach alarming proportions unless it can be curtailed by higher density housing. As the population trend does not seem likely to be reversed the problem lies in how to provide housing for an escalating population but at the same time to reduce urban sprawl and provide satisfactory living conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1975
- Authors: Brehmer, D A E
- Date: 1975
- Subjects: Natural areas -- South Africa -- East London , Apartment houses -- South Africa -- East London , Urban ecology (Sociology) -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4872 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009694 , Natural areas -- South Africa -- East London , Apartment houses -- South Africa -- East London , Urban ecology (Sociology) -- South Africa -- East London
- Description: The world is faced with a population explosion, and cities are becoming ever larger. The world population will grow from its present 3500 million to more than 7 000 million by the year 2 000. The majority of cities are thus faced with the problem of housing vast numbers of people living in single family dwellings forming low density urban sprawl. Conditions are no different in South Africa where the present white population of about four million is expected to grow to between six and seven million by the year 2000. The present housing requirement (1970-75) for Whites, based on low and high population projections, is 32 732 and 40 150 houses respectively. From 1995-2000 the figures will have risen to 42 742 and 65 580 respectively. At that rate sprawl here will reach alarming proportions unless it can be curtailed by higher density housing. As the population trend does not seem likely to be reversed the problem lies in how to provide housing for an escalating population but at the same time to reduce urban sprawl and provide satisfactory living conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1975
An appraisal of the impact of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme on land use practices, livelihoods and the natural environment at three study areas in Kadoma District, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chigumira, Easther C
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005489 , Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This research appraises the impact of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at three resettled communities in Kadoma District, Zimbabwe. In particular it assesses the livelihood practices of land recipients and their effects on the natural environment. Two of the communities, Lanteglos and CC Molina were resettled under the A1 villagised and self-contained settlement scheme and are found in the Natural Farming Region III. Pamene, the third community, was resettled under the A2 small-scale commercial settlement scheme and is found in the Natural Farming Region IIb. Multiple research methods including household surveys, interviews, observations, reviews of literature and map construction through the use of Geographic Information Systems, allowed for the collection of empirical, descriptive, and spatial data to provide for the appraisal. The land use practices included dry land crop production, livestock rearing, vegetable gardening and exploitation of the natural environment for a variety of purposes. Farming was mostly subsistence with the use of traditional equipment by all three communities. Tenure was perceived to be insecure by beneficiaries and although a variety of papers to show ownership were held, none provided for leasing or freehold tenure. Despite acquiring natural capital from the resettlement process, the findings of this research show low levels of financial, physical and social capital amongst beneficiaries. Moreover climatic variability, the declining macro-economic and unstable political environment and little support from government have adversely affected the livelihoods of beneficiaries. The implication of all this has been a reduction in livelihoods that are based solely on agricultural production, leading to off-farm practices primarily exploiting the natural environment. The long term effect would be increased degradation of the environment, leading to reduced arable and grazing land, and thereby hindering sustainable livelihoods from farming. Recommendations are proposed based on this research’s findings being typical in Zimbabwe. Central to this is the need for government to revise its present land policy and, provide for a comprehensive and holistic land policy that should be based on the vision of how agriculture should evolve in Zimbabwe
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Chigumira, Easther C
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005489 , Land reform -- Zimbabwe , Land tenure -- Zimbabwe , Land settlement -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Land use -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions , Natural resources -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Large -- Zimbabwe , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe
- Description: This research appraises the impact of the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at three resettled communities in Kadoma District, Zimbabwe. In particular it assesses the livelihood practices of land recipients and their effects on the natural environment. Two of the communities, Lanteglos and CC Molina were resettled under the A1 villagised and self-contained settlement scheme and are found in the Natural Farming Region III. Pamene, the third community, was resettled under the A2 small-scale commercial settlement scheme and is found in the Natural Farming Region IIb. Multiple research methods including household surveys, interviews, observations, reviews of literature and map construction through the use of Geographic Information Systems, allowed for the collection of empirical, descriptive, and spatial data to provide for the appraisal. The land use practices included dry land crop production, livestock rearing, vegetable gardening and exploitation of the natural environment for a variety of purposes. Farming was mostly subsistence with the use of traditional equipment by all three communities. Tenure was perceived to be insecure by beneficiaries and although a variety of papers to show ownership were held, none provided for leasing or freehold tenure. Despite acquiring natural capital from the resettlement process, the findings of this research show low levels of financial, physical and social capital amongst beneficiaries. Moreover climatic variability, the declining macro-economic and unstable political environment and little support from government have adversely affected the livelihoods of beneficiaries. The implication of all this has been a reduction in livelihoods that are based solely on agricultural production, leading to off-farm practices primarily exploiting the natural environment. The long term effect would be increased degradation of the environment, leading to reduced arable and grazing land, and thereby hindering sustainable livelihoods from farming. Recommendations are proposed based on this research’s findings being typical in Zimbabwe. Central to this is the need for government to revise its present land policy and, provide for a comprehensive and holistic land policy that should be based on the vision of how agriculture should evolve in Zimbabwe
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
An appraisal of the production and utility of digital atlases in Africa: a case study of Swaziland
- Authors: Pettit, Louise Manda
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Swaziland Atlases , Digital mapping , Geographic information systems , Cartography -- Data processing , Cartography -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005490 , Swaziland Atlases , Digital mapping , Geographic information systems , Cartography -- Data processing , Cartography -- Africa
- Description: This research will appraise the production and utility of digital atlases in an African context, using personal experience gained through the production of a digital atlas for Swaziland, the opinions obtained from other producers of African digital atlases and relevant literature. Since the 1950s, decision makers and researchers have viewed information as a powerful contributor to national development. Over the past thirty years, developed countries have increased the efficient collation and dissemination of geographic information through the utilization of the digital environment. The development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has increased the range of applications attainable in digital mapping projects. Applications have ranged from resource inventories to the monitoring of environmental degradation, crime patterns and service provision. The patchy history of data collection, analysis and mapping in Africa, has had a limiting effect on the ability of countries to identify, plan and control their resources efficiently. Despite the desire to automate the mapping process and reap some of the planning benefits evident in the developed world, Africa has not succeeded in mobilising full technological potential. Political instability, poor infrastructure, the absence of national policy guidelines, and a lack of skilled manpower are some of the issues which have limited utilization. Despite many of the hurdles faced by African countries, automated mapping and analysis technologies are still being pursued. The role of computers in the utilisation of data has become apparent through several means, one of which is the digital atlas. Analytical functions in many of these products allow situation modelling and provide superior graphic displays in comparison to their paper counterparts. Several African countries have embarked on the development of national digital databases and in some cases have produced digital national atlases. The potential to improve resource utilization, service provision and land use planning using these atlases, does exist. The production and utility of these atlases in an African context, however, needs closer assessment. "Computers don't clothe, don't cure, don't feed. Their power begins and ends with information. Their usefulness is therefore strictly linked to the ffectiveness of the information" (Gardner,1993:16).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Pettit, Louise Manda
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Swaziland Atlases , Digital mapping , Geographic information systems , Cartography -- Data processing , Cartography -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005490 , Swaziland Atlases , Digital mapping , Geographic information systems , Cartography -- Data processing , Cartography -- Africa
- Description: This research will appraise the production and utility of digital atlases in an African context, using personal experience gained through the production of a digital atlas for Swaziland, the opinions obtained from other producers of African digital atlases and relevant literature. Since the 1950s, decision makers and researchers have viewed information as a powerful contributor to national development. Over the past thirty years, developed countries have increased the efficient collation and dissemination of geographic information through the utilization of the digital environment. The development of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has increased the range of applications attainable in digital mapping projects. Applications have ranged from resource inventories to the monitoring of environmental degradation, crime patterns and service provision. The patchy history of data collection, analysis and mapping in Africa, has had a limiting effect on the ability of countries to identify, plan and control their resources efficiently. Despite the desire to automate the mapping process and reap some of the planning benefits evident in the developed world, Africa has not succeeded in mobilising full technological potential. Political instability, poor infrastructure, the absence of national policy guidelines, and a lack of skilled manpower are some of the issues which have limited utilization. Despite many of the hurdles faced by African countries, automated mapping and analysis technologies are still being pursued. The role of computers in the utilisation of data has become apparent through several means, one of which is the digital atlas. Analytical functions in many of these products allow situation modelling and provide superior graphic displays in comparison to their paper counterparts. Several African countries have embarked on the development of national digital databases and in some cases have produced digital national atlases. The potential to improve resource utilization, service provision and land use planning using these atlases, does exist. The production and utility of these atlases in an African context, however, needs closer assessment. "Computers don't clothe, don't cure, don't feed. Their power begins and ends with information. Their usefulness is therefore strictly linked to the ffectiveness of the information" (Gardner,1993:16).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
An assessment of employment opportunities created by the Keiskamma Irrigation Scheme
- Authors: Nightingale, Fiona Mary
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa --Ciskei , Job creation -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Irrigation -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Black people -- Employment -- South Africa -- Ciskei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006912 , Economic development projects -- South Africa --Ciskei , Job creation -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Irrigation -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Black people -- Employment -- South Africa -- Ciskei
- Description: Preface: "The need for development as observed today is a problem peculiar to the 20th century. The current situation is characterised by the fact that there are no more empty places on the earth, while our use of dwindling resources is curbed by environmental constraint." (Mouly and Costa, 1974, 155). The need for development is not equally felt by all nations as disparities in income and standards of living on a national basis have dissected the world into developed and underdeveloped countries. Disparities also exist within nations. These divisions are not simply determined nor are the terms related to development clearly defined - a matter that will be discussed in Chapter Two. Impetus to developing underdeveloped countries may be provided by various means, such as a general injection of capital or by more specific development projects. The purpose of these projects is to initiate changes that are intended to promote rapid development of an area. An interest has been shown by Geographers in the ability of these projects to stimulate economic growth in surrounding areas (Silberfein, 1976). The resulting success of development projects is closely related, if not determined, in large measure, by the aims. In view of the need for the aims of development projects to be successfully fulfilled, research into what constitute constructive developmental aims would be beneficial. Previous studies have revealed problems encountered with conflicting aims and objectives (Mountjoy, 1971); poorly defined aims (de Wilde, 1967); and inadequate groundwork prior to initiating the project (Berry, 1976). It is the intention of the study to examine the impact made by a development project in an underdeveloped area, and thereby assess the extent to which the development aims have been carried out. In order to carry out an examination of a development project in an underdeveloped area, an area in need of development had to be selected; a project within the area chosen for study; and the particular aim of the project examined. The Ciskei, a Homeland in South Africa, was chosen as a suitable area for study. A number of factors contribute towards it being an area in need of development, particularly as the Ciskei is a small country and dependent on South Africa, which is explained in the overview of the Ciskei in Chapter One. Three characteristics of underdevelopment noted by Seers (1972) are poverty, inequality and underemployment. Of these three factors it was decided to focus on unemployment as the indication of the extent to which development has taken place. The reduction of unemployment was one of the aims of the Keiskammahoek Irrigation Scheme, the project chosen for study. The overview concludes with a presentation of the Keiskamma Irrigation Scheme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
- Authors: Nightingale, Fiona Mary
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa --Ciskei , Job creation -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Irrigation -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Black people -- Employment -- South Africa -- Ciskei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006912 , Economic development projects -- South Africa --Ciskei , Job creation -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Irrigation -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Black people -- Employment -- South Africa -- Ciskei
- Description: Preface: "The need for development as observed today is a problem peculiar to the 20th century. The current situation is characterised by the fact that there are no more empty places on the earth, while our use of dwindling resources is curbed by environmental constraint." (Mouly and Costa, 1974, 155). The need for development is not equally felt by all nations as disparities in income and standards of living on a national basis have dissected the world into developed and underdeveloped countries. Disparities also exist within nations. These divisions are not simply determined nor are the terms related to development clearly defined - a matter that will be discussed in Chapter Two. Impetus to developing underdeveloped countries may be provided by various means, such as a general injection of capital or by more specific development projects. The purpose of these projects is to initiate changes that are intended to promote rapid development of an area. An interest has been shown by Geographers in the ability of these projects to stimulate economic growth in surrounding areas (Silberfein, 1976). The resulting success of development projects is closely related, if not determined, in large measure, by the aims. In view of the need for the aims of development projects to be successfully fulfilled, research into what constitute constructive developmental aims would be beneficial. Previous studies have revealed problems encountered with conflicting aims and objectives (Mountjoy, 1971); poorly defined aims (de Wilde, 1967); and inadequate groundwork prior to initiating the project (Berry, 1976). It is the intention of the study to examine the impact made by a development project in an underdeveloped area, and thereby assess the extent to which the development aims have been carried out. In order to carry out an examination of a development project in an underdeveloped area, an area in need of development had to be selected; a project within the area chosen for study; and the particular aim of the project examined. The Ciskei, a Homeland in South Africa, was chosen as a suitable area for study. A number of factors contribute towards it being an area in need of development, particularly as the Ciskei is a small country and dependent on South Africa, which is explained in the overview of the Ciskei in Chapter One. Three characteristics of underdevelopment noted by Seers (1972) are poverty, inequality and underemployment. Of these three factors it was decided to focus on unemployment as the indication of the extent to which development has taken place. The reduction of unemployment was one of the aims of the Keiskammahoek Irrigation Scheme, the project chosen for study. The overview concludes with a presentation of the Keiskamma Irrigation Scheme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
An assessment of hawking activities in Fingo Village, Grahamstown
- Authors: Davidson, Jean Hazell
- Date: 1986
- Subjects: Peddlers -- South Africa , Informal sector (Economics) -- Grahamstown (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4819 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005493 , Peddlers -- South Africa , Informal sector (Economics) -- Grahamstown (South Africa)
- Description: A number of issues in the thesis need to be clarified and will be discussed individually below. The term Third World, which is used in the thesis to describe developing countries in a disadvantageous economic position in relation to developed countries, is unsatisfactory. It is a collective term which combines countries with dissimilar cultures, ideologies and future prospects into one category (De Souza & Porter, 1974). Debate continues whether South Africa can be classified as a First or Third World country (Fair, 1982). Rogerson & Beavon (1980) indicate that South Africa can be described as dichotomous because it reflects characteristics of both First and Third World countries. In comparison De Souza & Porter (1974,1) include South Africa among the Third World countries, because four-fifths of the people have an income that is six times less than the income of the other fifth, and they live in a condition of underdevelopment. Conditions in Fingo Village resemble those described by De Souza & Porter (1974) and hence the results of the Fingo Village survey are compared with similar studies, elsewhere in the Third World. However, it would be naive to assume that Fingo Village is unaffected by development within the core regions of South Africa, which in many instances epitomize the First World. The term informal sector, used throughout the thesis, is also unsatisfactory, and debate continues as theorists attempt to find a more appropriate term. Santos (1979) indicates that the term informal sector is contentious, by placing it in single quotation marks. From the literature survey it emerged that the majority of authors did not follow Santos' convention (1979) and thus it seemed acceptable to use the term, informal sector, without placing it in single quotation marks. Chapter Two deals in-depth with the problem of defining the informal sector, and a working definition for the Fingo Village survey is presented in section 2.4.1. The informal sector embraces a wide diversity of economic activities. Due to the limited time and funds available, it was decided to isolate one aspect of this sector, namely, hawking. Sections 2.3 and 2.7 of Chapter Two indicate that hawking is an exemplary informal sector activity. All the different hawking types could not be given close attention and therefore, for practical purposes, it was decided to select one facet of hawking, namely, fruit and vegetable hawkers. Mobile fruit and vegetable hawkers were excluded from the study as it was impossible, during the mapping survey, to isolate a specific hawking site for each mobile hawker. Furthermore, a mobile hawker could easily be enumerated on more than one occasion, and hence a margin of error would automatically occur in the study. This was another reason for excluding mobile hawkers from the study and merely focusing upon static and semi-static fruit and vegetable hawkers. It is difficult to collect comprehensive quantitative data on informal sector activities (Preston-Whyte et al, 1984). The interviewer has to gain the confidence and trust of the subjects. The interviewer for the Fingo Village survey was a well known local personality and a man of some standing in the Black community. Daniel Sandi was the Secretary, of the Grahamstown Association (GRACA), which was reputed to have the support of the majority of the Black residents in Grahamstown until it was banned under the State of Emergency in July 1985. Daniel Sandi was also known for his contribution in literary circles as an epic poet. His previous experience conducting socio-economic surveys, as a researcher for the Border Council of Churches and as the Teba Research Assistant for the Institute of Social and Economic Research, Rhodes University, was also helpful. Sporadic unrest in the study area, from September 1984 and throughout 1985, prevented further fieldwork from being conducted in Fingo Village.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1986
- Authors: Davidson, Jean Hazell
- Date: 1986
- Subjects: Peddlers -- South Africa , Informal sector (Economics) -- Grahamstown (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4819 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005493 , Peddlers -- South Africa , Informal sector (Economics) -- Grahamstown (South Africa)
- Description: A number of issues in the thesis need to be clarified and will be discussed individually below. The term Third World, which is used in the thesis to describe developing countries in a disadvantageous economic position in relation to developed countries, is unsatisfactory. It is a collective term which combines countries with dissimilar cultures, ideologies and future prospects into one category (De Souza & Porter, 1974). Debate continues whether South Africa can be classified as a First or Third World country (Fair, 1982). Rogerson & Beavon (1980) indicate that South Africa can be described as dichotomous because it reflects characteristics of both First and Third World countries. In comparison De Souza & Porter (1974,1) include South Africa among the Third World countries, because four-fifths of the people have an income that is six times less than the income of the other fifth, and they live in a condition of underdevelopment. Conditions in Fingo Village resemble those described by De Souza & Porter (1974) and hence the results of the Fingo Village survey are compared with similar studies, elsewhere in the Third World. However, it would be naive to assume that Fingo Village is unaffected by development within the core regions of South Africa, which in many instances epitomize the First World. The term informal sector, used throughout the thesis, is also unsatisfactory, and debate continues as theorists attempt to find a more appropriate term. Santos (1979) indicates that the term informal sector is contentious, by placing it in single quotation marks. From the literature survey it emerged that the majority of authors did not follow Santos' convention (1979) and thus it seemed acceptable to use the term, informal sector, without placing it in single quotation marks. Chapter Two deals in-depth with the problem of defining the informal sector, and a working definition for the Fingo Village survey is presented in section 2.4.1. The informal sector embraces a wide diversity of economic activities. Due to the limited time and funds available, it was decided to isolate one aspect of this sector, namely, hawking. Sections 2.3 and 2.7 of Chapter Two indicate that hawking is an exemplary informal sector activity. All the different hawking types could not be given close attention and therefore, for practical purposes, it was decided to select one facet of hawking, namely, fruit and vegetable hawkers. Mobile fruit and vegetable hawkers were excluded from the study as it was impossible, during the mapping survey, to isolate a specific hawking site for each mobile hawker. Furthermore, a mobile hawker could easily be enumerated on more than one occasion, and hence a margin of error would automatically occur in the study. This was another reason for excluding mobile hawkers from the study and merely focusing upon static and semi-static fruit and vegetable hawkers. It is difficult to collect comprehensive quantitative data on informal sector activities (Preston-Whyte et al, 1984). The interviewer has to gain the confidence and trust of the subjects. The interviewer for the Fingo Village survey was a well known local personality and a man of some standing in the Black community. Daniel Sandi was the Secretary, of the Grahamstown Association (GRACA), which was reputed to have the support of the majority of the Black residents in Grahamstown until it was banned under the State of Emergency in July 1985. Daniel Sandi was also known for his contribution in literary circles as an epic poet. His previous experience conducting socio-economic surveys, as a researcher for the Border Council of Churches and as the Teba Research Assistant for the Institute of Social and Economic Research, Rhodes University, was also helpful. Sporadic unrest in the study area, from September 1984 and throughout 1985, prevented further fieldwork from being conducted in Fingo Village.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1986
An assessment of the companion modelling approach in a context of negotiating water allocation strategies : the case of the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Gumede, Felicity Hlengiwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005494 , Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Description: This Masters research took place in the Kat River Valley in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Kat River Valley is a semi-rural catchment that covers an area of approximately 1700km² and is characterized by a complicated history of dispossession and resettlement. Farming is the main activity that is practiced in the area. This includes the farming of citrus at a commercial scale, rangeland stock farming and small-scale vegetable farming. The economy of the catchment is enhanced mostly by commercial citrus farming, which consumes by far the largest amount of water in the river through irrigation. Water allocation is a burning issue among water users in the catchment and needs to be negotiated taking into consideration social, economic and environment impacts. The aim of this study is to describe, discuss and evaluate the Companion Modelling (ComMod) approach, which used a simulation model and a role-playing game related to the model in order to facilitate and develop negotiating skills as well as build capacity in decision-making amongst local stakeholders for water resource management in the Kat River Valley. The ComMod approach, developed by a group of Companion Modellers, is a community-based science approach that emerged in the 1990s. The ComMod approach is used in order to facilitate collective learning, negotiation and institutional innovation in dealing with resource management complexities faced by rural communities. Through ComMod, the model (KatAWARE) and its related role-playing game was developed by having the contact with local stakeholders. The information to feed the model and the role-playing game came from informal interviews, surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), workshops and focus groups. The use of workshops in the implementation of ComMod was a success. Results show that (1) new knowledge was acquired, which allowed stakeholders to have a broad understanding of a catchment system. (2) Awareness was created about complex systems and enabled stakeholders to see an individual action into to the broader system. (3) Strong interrelationships were fostered amongst different water users, which allowed stakeholders to share their view points. The ComMod process was however associated with a number of limitations, many of which resulted from the constraints that were imposed by the socio-economic background of the study area. Nevertheless, the outcome of the study shows that the ComMod process was useful in helping the Kat River Water Users Association (KRWUA) stakeholders develop negotiating skills regarding water allocation strategies for the development of the Catchment Management Plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Gumede, Felicity Hlengiwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005494 , Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Description: This Masters research took place in the Kat River Valley in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Kat River Valley is a semi-rural catchment that covers an area of approximately 1700km² and is characterized by a complicated history of dispossession and resettlement. Farming is the main activity that is practiced in the area. This includes the farming of citrus at a commercial scale, rangeland stock farming and small-scale vegetable farming. The economy of the catchment is enhanced mostly by commercial citrus farming, which consumes by far the largest amount of water in the river through irrigation. Water allocation is a burning issue among water users in the catchment and needs to be negotiated taking into consideration social, economic and environment impacts. The aim of this study is to describe, discuss and evaluate the Companion Modelling (ComMod) approach, which used a simulation model and a role-playing game related to the model in order to facilitate and develop negotiating skills as well as build capacity in decision-making amongst local stakeholders for water resource management in the Kat River Valley. The ComMod approach, developed by a group of Companion Modellers, is a community-based science approach that emerged in the 1990s. The ComMod approach is used in order to facilitate collective learning, negotiation and institutional innovation in dealing with resource management complexities faced by rural communities. Through ComMod, the model (KatAWARE) and its related role-playing game was developed by having the contact with local stakeholders. The information to feed the model and the role-playing game came from informal interviews, surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), workshops and focus groups. The use of workshops in the implementation of ComMod was a success. Results show that (1) new knowledge was acquired, which allowed stakeholders to have a broad understanding of a catchment system. (2) Awareness was created about complex systems and enabled stakeholders to see an individual action into to the broader system. (3) Strong interrelationships were fostered amongst different water users, which allowed stakeholders to share their view points. The ComMod process was however associated with a number of limitations, many of which resulted from the constraints that were imposed by the socio-economic background of the study area. Nevertheless, the outcome of the study shows that the ComMod process was useful in helping the Kat River Water Users Association (KRWUA) stakeholders develop negotiating skills regarding water allocation strategies for the development of the Catchment Management Plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An assessment of the effectiveness of the Crossways Farm Village constructed wetland in the treatment of domestic wastewater
- Authors: Silbernagl, Ryan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Crossways Farm Village FWS wetland (South Africa)-- Management , Sewage -- Purification -- South Africa , Wetland management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145011 , vital:38400
- Description: A mass balance study was conducted comparing inflowing and outflowing solute loads in order to calculate the treatment efficiency of a free water surface (FWS) constructed wetland used to treat domestic wastewater following primary treatment in an anaerobic reactor and oxidation in a rotating biological contractor. Water samples were taken at six locations down the length of the treatment system and analysed for nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N), ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) and phosphorus as phosphate (PO4-P). Flow was determined using two V notch weirs combined with pressure transducers based on an empirically derived stage-discharge relationship. The concentration of each solute (g.m-3) multiplied by flow (m3.day-1) provides a measurement of the mass of each solute entering and leaving the treatment wetland such that the difference (inflow – outflow) indicates the nett storage in, or loss from, the wetland. In order to determine the water balance, apart from measuring surface inflows and outflows, rainfall was measured using an onsite rain gauge. Evapotranspirational losses were determined using the Penman-Monteith equation based on weather data collected at an onsite weather station. Other than water that entered the wetland via the primary water treatment works, surface inflows could be ignored as the wetland was sealed with a plastic liner, which also prevented groundwater inflow and outflow. Wetland outputs via surface outflow and evapotranspiration were then subtracted from wetland inputs to determine the water balance over the study period. Approximately 10.5% of water inputs into the hydrological mass balance calculation was not accounted for, which is considered to be accounted for by inaccuracy associated with the estimation of evapotranspiration and possibly by differences in water levels in the wetland at the start and end of the experiment. Total input, output and storage of NO3-N, NO2-N, NH4-N and PO4-P was calculated from April 2016 to September 2016 to give the treatment efficiency of the FWS wetland system. Results showed a 91.5% reduction in NO3-N, 76.6% reduction in NH4-N, and 88.8% reduction in PO4P between the inflow and outflow. Wetland sediment and vegetation (Typha capensis) samples were also analysed for nitrogen and phosphorus content to give an estimate of nutrient stocks/storage accumulated in plant tissues and sediments over the lifespan of the wetland. Standing stock calculations showed that a total of 450.1kg of nitrogen is stored in the wetlands, of which 69.3kg is stored in wetland sediments. Wetland phosphorus retention was found to be significantly lower with a total of 57.1kg of phosphorus, of which 77.4% was stored in sediments, indicating that wetland sediments comprise the largest store and therefore removal pathway of nutrients in the Crossways Farm Village FWS wetland.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Silbernagl, Ryan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Crossways Farm Village FWS wetland (South Africa)-- Management , Sewage -- Purification -- South Africa , Wetland management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145011 , vital:38400
- Description: A mass balance study was conducted comparing inflowing and outflowing solute loads in order to calculate the treatment efficiency of a free water surface (FWS) constructed wetland used to treat domestic wastewater following primary treatment in an anaerobic reactor and oxidation in a rotating biological contractor. Water samples were taken at six locations down the length of the treatment system and analysed for nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N), ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) and phosphorus as phosphate (PO4-P). Flow was determined using two V notch weirs combined with pressure transducers based on an empirically derived stage-discharge relationship. The concentration of each solute (g.m-3) multiplied by flow (m3.day-1) provides a measurement of the mass of each solute entering and leaving the treatment wetland such that the difference (inflow – outflow) indicates the nett storage in, or loss from, the wetland. In order to determine the water balance, apart from measuring surface inflows and outflows, rainfall was measured using an onsite rain gauge. Evapotranspirational losses were determined using the Penman-Monteith equation based on weather data collected at an onsite weather station. Other than water that entered the wetland via the primary water treatment works, surface inflows could be ignored as the wetland was sealed with a plastic liner, which also prevented groundwater inflow and outflow. Wetland outputs via surface outflow and evapotranspiration were then subtracted from wetland inputs to determine the water balance over the study period. Approximately 10.5% of water inputs into the hydrological mass balance calculation was not accounted for, which is considered to be accounted for by inaccuracy associated with the estimation of evapotranspiration and possibly by differences in water levels in the wetland at the start and end of the experiment. Total input, output and storage of NO3-N, NO2-N, NH4-N and PO4-P was calculated from April 2016 to September 2016 to give the treatment efficiency of the FWS wetland system. Results showed a 91.5% reduction in NO3-N, 76.6% reduction in NH4-N, and 88.8% reduction in PO4P between the inflow and outflow. Wetland sediment and vegetation (Typha capensis) samples were also analysed for nitrogen and phosphorus content to give an estimate of nutrient stocks/storage accumulated in plant tissues and sediments over the lifespan of the wetland. Standing stock calculations showed that a total of 450.1kg of nitrogen is stored in the wetlands, of which 69.3kg is stored in wetland sediments. Wetland phosphorus retention was found to be significantly lower with a total of 57.1kg of phosphorus, of which 77.4% was stored in sediments, indicating that wetland sediments comprise the largest store and therefore removal pathway of nutrients in the Crossways Farm Village FWS wetland.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An assessment of the experience of small town local economic development in the Eastern Cape Midlands
- Authors: Pio, Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Small cities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , City planning -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:4888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015464
- Description: This thesis is an assessment of the experience of small town local economic development in four towns namely Graaff-Reinet, Somerset East, Aberdeen and Pearston situated in the Eastern Cape Midlands, South Africa. It aims firstly to provide a critical overview of these selected small town economies before evaluating their local responses to the changing economic climate. The study is contextualized within the framework of locality development and emphasizes the heterogeneity of small towns with regards to physical, socio-economic, demographic and historical elements. From this, the original economic reasons for existence of these small towns are ascertained and then the major changes that occurred are identified. Amongst other aspects, the changes in the agricultural sector, the demographic changes particularly with regard to the significant increase in the urban population and the fluctuations in the quantity and types of businesses have all played a part in transforming the small towns' economies. As a result of these changes and many external driving forces such as changes in the regional and national economy, there are many severe challenges facing these small towns especially regarding the high unemployment rate, the associated poverty, HIV/AIDS and the low volume or absence of private investment into these localities. The responses of these small towns to the daunting challenges that they face have been considered in terms of Local Economic Development (LED) strategies that have been implemented. The LED initiatives in each town are examined in the context of their general characteristics, objectives, achievements and challenges. Emphasis is placed on Somerset East as it is the only town in the study area that has a development agency actively promoting various forms of LED. What has ultimately been established is: in all four towns, LED is not making a significant or meaningful difference and that natural market and economic forces play an important role in shaping and dictating the local economy. Somerset East is the only town where the economy could potentially be restructured with the proposed mega market-led approach to tourism and planning in the form of the Boschberg Development node. Four sectors perceived to be required for locality development are considered in this study, namely the export sector, the human resources, the local service sector and the government agencies. It is ascertained that although these sectors need to be part of a symbiotic relationship to promote and enhance economic development, they are not present in all the towns and as a result development, at both a household and a macro town level, is further hindered. Ultimately, these small towns in the Eastern Cape Midlands defy the notion that they are dying. 'Growth' and 'decline' have been two central features throughout this thesis and one of the biggest contradictions and challenges that these small towns face is the population growth with a declining or stagnant economy that cannot accommodate the increased number of people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pio, Elizabeth
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Small cities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , City planning -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:4888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015464
- Description: This thesis is an assessment of the experience of small town local economic development in four towns namely Graaff-Reinet, Somerset East, Aberdeen and Pearston situated in the Eastern Cape Midlands, South Africa. It aims firstly to provide a critical overview of these selected small town economies before evaluating their local responses to the changing economic climate. The study is contextualized within the framework of locality development and emphasizes the heterogeneity of small towns with regards to physical, socio-economic, demographic and historical elements. From this, the original economic reasons for existence of these small towns are ascertained and then the major changes that occurred are identified. Amongst other aspects, the changes in the agricultural sector, the demographic changes particularly with regard to the significant increase in the urban population and the fluctuations in the quantity and types of businesses have all played a part in transforming the small towns' economies. As a result of these changes and many external driving forces such as changes in the regional and national economy, there are many severe challenges facing these small towns especially regarding the high unemployment rate, the associated poverty, HIV/AIDS and the low volume or absence of private investment into these localities. The responses of these small towns to the daunting challenges that they face have been considered in terms of Local Economic Development (LED) strategies that have been implemented. The LED initiatives in each town are examined in the context of their general characteristics, objectives, achievements and challenges. Emphasis is placed on Somerset East as it is the only town in the study area that has a development agency actively promoting various forms of LED. What has ultimately been established is: in all four towns, LED is not making a significant or meaningful difference and that natural market and economic forces play an important role in shaping and dictating the local economy. Somerset East is the only town where the economy could potentially be restructured with the proposed mega market-led approach to tourism and planning in the form of the Boschberg Development node. Four sectors perceived to be required for locality development are considered in this study, namely the export sector, the human resources, the local service sector and the government agencies. It is ascertained that although these sectors need to be part of a symbiotic relationship to promote and enhance economic development, they are not present in all the towns and as a result development, at both a household and a macro town level, is further hindered. Ultimately, these small towns in the Eastern Cape Midlands defy the notion that they are dying. 'Growth' and 'decline' have been two central features throughout this thesis and one of the biggest contradictions and challenges that these small towns face is the population growth with a declining or stagnant economy that cannot accommodate the increased number of people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An assessment of the impact of the black village communities, their associated land-use and related practices on water quality of the Kat River in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Soviti, Malixole Knottien
- Date: 2002 , 2013-05-16
- Subjects: Water quality -- South Africa -- Kat River , Water -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4810 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004638 , Water quality -- South Africa -- Kat River , Water -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Amongst others, the South African National Water Act No. 36 of 1998 acknowledges that access to sufficient safe and clean water is a basic right to all South Africans. However, it is well known that millions of inhabitants of rural communities in South Africa are still deprived of this right. Many rural communities in South Africa are thus consuming unsafe, untreated water everyday, thereby exposing themselves to waterborne diseases. The main reason of concern however is the fact that, nevertheless, little is known about rural water quality in South Africa as most water quality work is being undertaken in urban areas. The study's aim is twofold: first, the study examines the impact of Black rural communities' land-use and related activities on water quality and second is specifically, to study the washing practices of the rural communities in the upper Kat River area. To understand the potential impacts of the upper Kat River Black village communities and their associated land-use practices on the quality of upper Kat River catchment, prominent land-use and related activities in the area were investigated. Study area maps were studied and field surveys undertaken to observe major land-use and related activities in the area. The results of the study show that most used land in the area is being utilised for agricultural activities. Settlements and commercial forestry also occupy considerable areas of land. The literature survey suggests that such land-use could have a considerable degrading impact on the quality of both surface and groundwater. The study also investigated the impact of the in-stream use of detergents on water quality in the upper Kat River valley, Eastern Cape - South Africa. In-stream washing practices of certain communities in the upper Kat River valley were investigated and the impact of detergents on water quality was assessed. Recovery of the flow from the input of detergents was also measured. During the study, it has been ascertained that doing laundry by the stream is the common practice in the study area. Water quality analysis results show a remarkable increase on the levels of chloride, turbidity, and electrical conductivity in water as a consequence of direct input of detergents practice into the river during the washing. The recovery of the water quality at a distance of 1km from site of input was almost complete. Water quality monitoring programme was undertaken to establish a link between land-use and the quality of water. In a water quality study routine carried out for a period of 40 weeks on a twice monthly frequency, the state of the flows of the river was determined; water samples were collected at pre-determined points; and the in situ analysis of selected water quality variables (with the exception of the faecal coliforms whose analysis was carried out in the biotechnology laboratory) was carried out. Results of the study showed that the concentration of the studied water quality variables in the area varied widely with time. A clear distinction in concentration of variables such as electrical conductivity, turbidity, pH, total hardness, chloride, and nitrate was evident at the high compared to the low flow period of the study. The concentration of the studied water quality variables in the upper Kat River catchment area also seemed to vary over space. The concentration of variables such as electrical conductivity, pH, total hardness, chloride, nitrate, potassium, number of faecal coliform bacteria per 100ml was observed to be higher in most of the tributary streams than the main river. Turbidity however was orders of magnitude higher in the Kat River than the rest of the tributaries. Most importantly however, results of the study showed that there is a strong link between the quality of water and land-use and related activities in the area. The spatial results of the study showed a strong connection between some land-use and the concentrations of water quality variables. For example, areas of intense grazing were noted with high concentrations of nutrients like nitrate and a higher number of faecal coliform bacteria per 100 ml of water. It was established during the study that land-use and related activities in the upper Kat River valley are negatively impacting on the quality of water thereby rendering it less fit for use for domestic purposes. The continued use of the polluted water by the communities is thus accompanied by a danger of the outbreak of waterborne diseases like cholera. When the concerned communities met in a workshop to discuss the issue of quality of their water, they committed themselves to: • shunning water polluting activities, • at least boiling their drinking water before consuming it. The communities also requested a meeting with the Department of Water and Forestry officials to request a treated, piped supply of water. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Soviti, Malixole Knottien
- Date: 2002 , 2013-05-16
- Subjects: Water quality -- South Africa -- Kat River , Water -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4810 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004638 , Water quality -- South Africa -- Kat River , Water -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Amongst others, the South African National Water Act No. 36 of 1998 acknowledges that access to sufficient safe and clean water is a basic right to all South Africans. However, it is well known that millions of inhabitants of rural communities in South Africa are still deprived of this right. Many rural communities in South Africa are thus consuming unsafe, untreated water everyday, thereby exposing themselves to waterborne diseases. The main reason of concern however is the fact that, nevertheless, little is known about rural water quality in South Africa as most water quality work is being undertaken in urban areas. The study's aim is twofold: first, the study examines the impact of Black rural communities' land-use and related activities on water quality and second is specifically, to study the washing practices of the rural communities in the upper Kat River area. To understand the potential impacts of the upper Kat River Black village communities and their associated land-use practices on the quality of upper Kat River catchment, prominent land-use and related activities in the area were investigated. Study area maps were studied and field surveys undertaken to observe major land-use and related activities in the area. The results of the study show that most used land in the area is being utilised for agricultural activities. Settlements and commercial forestry also occupy considerable areas of land. The literature survey suggests that such land-use could have a considerable degrading impact on the quality of both surface and groundwater. The study also investigated the impact of the in-stream use of detergents on water quality in the upper Kat River valley, Eastern Cape - South Africa. In-stream washing practices of certain communities in the upper Kat River valley were investigated and the impact of detergents on water quality was assessed. Recovery of the flow from the input of detergents was also measured. During the study, it has been ascertained that doing laundry by the stream is the common practice in the study area. Water quality analysis results show a remarkable increase on the levels of chloride, turbidity, and electrical conductivity in water as a consequence of direct input of detergents practice into the river during the washing. The recovery of the water quality at a distance of 1km from site of input was almost complete. Water quality monitoring programme was undertaken to establish a link between land-use and the quality of water. In a water quality study routine carried out for a period of 40 weeks on a twice monthly frequency, the state of the flows of the river was determined; water samples were collected at pre-determined points; and the in situ analysis of selected water quality variables (with the exception of the faecal coliforms whose analysis was carried out in the biotechnology laboratory) was carried out. Results of the study showed that the concentration of the studied water quality variables in the area varied widely with time. A clear distinction in concentration of variables such as electrical conductivity, turbidity, pH, total hardness, chloride, and nitrate was evident at the high compared to the low flow period of the study. The concentration of the studied water quality variables in the upper Kat River catchment area also seemed to vary over space. The concentration of variables such as electrical conductivity, pH, total hardness, chloride, nitrate, potassium, number of faecal coliform bacteria per 100ml was observed to be higher in most of the tributary streams than the main river. Turbidity however was orders of magnitude higher in the Kat River than the rest of the tributaries. Most importantly however, results of the study showed that there is a strong link between the quality of water and land-use and related activities in the area. The spatial results of the study showed a strong connection between some land-use and the concentrations of water quality variables. For example, areas of intense grazing were noted with high concentrations of nutrients like nitrate and a higher number of faecal coliform bacteria per 100 ml of water. It was established during the study that land-use and related activities in the upper Kat River valley are negatively impacting on the quality of water thereby rendering it less fit for use for domestic purposes. The continued use of the polluted water by the communities is thus accompanied by a danger of the outbreak of waterborne diseases like cholera. When the concerned communities met in a workshop to discuss the issue of quality of their water, they committed themselves to: • shunning water polluting activities, • at least boiling their drinking water before consuming it. The communities also requested a meeting with the Department of Water and Forestry officials to request a treated, piped supply of water. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
An erosion hazard assessment technique for Ciskei
- Authors: Weaver, Alex van Breda
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Soil erosion -- South Africa -- Ciskei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001892
- Description: The study examines the relationship between the spatial variation in soil erosion and various natural and anthropogenic attributes of the region between the coastal plateau and the Winterberg escarpment of Ciskei. A raster-based geographical information system is derived for four separate study catchments and data on soil erosion and various soil erosion hazard indices are read into a computerised data matrix. The independent variables (soil erosion hazard indices) used in the study are selected on the basis of a review of the literature and on the availability of data in the Ciskei region. Multivariate analyses of the relationship between soil erosion and the various independent variables reveals that the primary variables affecting the spatial variation in soil erosion are land use, dominant soil type, geology, veld type and mean annual precipitation. All of these variables are readily quantifiable at the regional scale for large areas of Ciskei. An erosion hazard assessment model for use in central Ciskei is developed based on the results of the statistical analyses. The model is tested in separate study areas and is shown to provide an efficient method of identifying areas of differing susceptibility to soil erosion. The derived model is simple to operate and has input requirements which are easily met. It can be applied without the aid of computers, or where large areas are to be mapped it is well suited to computerisation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- Authors: Weaver, Alex van Breda
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Soil erosion -- South Africa -- Ciskei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001892
- Description: The study examines the relationship between the spatial variation in soil erosion and various natural and anthropogenic attributes of the region between the coastal plateau and the Winterberg escarpment of Ciskei. A raster-based geographical information system is derived for four separate study catchments and data on soil erosion and various soil erosion hazard indices are read into a computerised data matrix. The independent variables (soil erosion hazard indices) used in the study are selected on the basis of a review of the literature and on the availability of data in the Ciskei region. Multivariate analyses of the relationship between soil erosion and the various independent variables reveals that the primary variables affecting the spatial variation in soil erosion are land use, dominant soil type, geology, veld type and mean annual precipitation. All of these variables are readily quantifiable at the regional scale for large areas of Ciskei. An erosion hazard assessment model for use in central Ciskei is developed based on the results of the statistical analyses. The model is tested in separate study areas and is shown to provide an efficient method of identifying areas of differing susceptibility to soil erosion. The derived model is simple to operate and has input requirements which are easily met. It can be applied without the aid of computers, or where large areas are to be mapped it is well suited to computerisation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
An examination of the application of a geographical information system to rural development planning in Shixini Location, Transkei
- Authors: Whisken, Jarrell Braden
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Transkei -- Shixini -- Planning , Shixini rural development project , Geographic information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4830 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005505 , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Transkei -- Shixini -- Planning , Shixini rural development project , Geographic information systems
- Description: Digital geographical information systems (GIS) are tools for handling spatial data. Initially developed in First World countries, the technology is fast being taken up as a tool for handling spatial information by many Third World countries. GIS has been used for any number of applications involving spatial data, one of its primary uses has been in various planning fields where the advantages offered to planners by the technology have been highlighted by a number of publications and studies. GIS has been actively used as an urban planning tool in South Africa since the mid-1980s, (Vosloo 1987) however its use as a tool for rural planning has not developed to the same extent. As early as 1986 reference was made to the possible advantages offered by GIS to rural planning in South Africa (Fincham 1986). Despite this early recognition, the use of GIS in the rural planning sphere remains negligible. This study examines the. possible reasons for this by attempting to answer the question, "is GIS appropriate to rural planning in South Africa?" A number of approaches to rural planning are practised in South Africa. This study examines the appropriateness of applying GIS to one of these approaches, rural community development planning. Components of the study included i) an examination of the issues affecting the use of GIS in the rural development field, achieved through the use of a literature and questionnaire survey and ii) a case study examining the feasibility of incorporating GIS as a tool to the Shixini Development Project, Transkei. The study does not examine the intricacies of rural development theory, but it does acknowledge the fact that the approach employed by an organisation to rural development will have important implications concerning the use of a GIS in a project. The approach adopted to a project affects amongst others the administrative structure, the planning process, the flow of spatial data and its use, and consequently the possible role of GIS. The Shixini Rural Development Project was classified as a community development project, and as a result the study concentrates on this approach to rural development. This may limit the study to a particular planning process, however most rural case studies will have certain aims and factors which are unique to its situation. In order to place the results of the Shixini case study in a wider context the results of the study are linked to the questionnaire and literature survey. From this basis the usefulness of GIS in the rural development sphere was examined. Available literature on GIS indicates that the majority of problems associated with GIS rarely reside with the technology itself but rather with its supporting mechanisms. The study identified and concentrated on these support mechanisms, both at the project level and what is referred to in the study as the operating environment in South Africa. The results of the study revealed that a number of problems exist with regard to the attitude with which GIS is regarded in development organisations. It was found that these attitudes are legitimately based on a number of problems associated with incorporating the technology into project based organisations. It was concluded that GIS was appropriate to rural community planning, but is presently limited to certain aspects of the planning process and possibly to certain applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Whisken, Jarrell Braden
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Transkei -- Shixini -- Planning , Shixini rural development project , Geographic information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4830 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005505 , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Transkei -- Shixini -- Planning , Shixini rural development project , Geographic information systems
- Description: Digital geographical information systems (GIS) are tools for handling spatial data. Initially developed in First World countries, the technology is fast being taken up as a tool for handling spatial information by many Third World countries. GIS has been used for any number of applications involving spatial data, one of its primary uses has been in various planning fields where the advantages offered to planners by the technology have been highlighted by a number of publications and studies. GIS has been actively used as an urban planning tool in South Africa since the mid-1980s, (Vosloo 1987) however its use as a tool for rural planning has not developed to the same extent. As early as 1986 reference was made to the possible advantages offered by GIS to rural planning in South Africa (Fincham 1986). Despite this early recognition, the use of GIS in the rural planning sphere remains negligible. This study examines the. possible reasons for this by attempting to answer the question, "is GIS appropriate to rural planning in South Africa?" A number of approaches to rural planning are practised in South Africa. This study examines the appropriateness of applying GIS to one of these approaches, rural community development planning. Components of the study included i) an examination of the issues affecting the use of GIS in the rural development field, achieved through the use of a literature and questionnaire survey and ii) a case study examining the feasibility of incorporating GIS as a tool to the Shixini Development Project, Transkei. The study does not examine the intricacies of rural development theory, but it does acknowledge the fact that the approach employed by an organisation to rural development will have important implications concerning the use of a GIS in a project. The approach adopted to a project affects amongst others the administrative structure, the planning process, the flow of spatial data and its use, and consequently the possible role of GIS. The Shixini Rural Development Project was classified as a community development project, and as a result the study concentrates on this approach to rural development. This may limit the study to a particular planning process, however most rural case studies will have certain aims and factors which are unique to its situation. In order to place the results of the Shixini case study in a wider context the results of the study are linked to the questionnaire and literature survey. From this basis the usefulness of GIS in the rural development sphere was examined. Available literature on GIS indicates that the majority of problems associated with GIS rarely reside with the technology itself but rather with its supporting mechanisms. The study identified and concentrated on these support mechanisms, both at the project level and what is referred to in the study as the operating environment in South Africa. The results of the study revealed that a number of problems exist with regard to the attitude with which GIS is regarded in development organisations. It was found that these attitudes are legitimately based on a number of problems associated with incorporating the technology into project based organisations. It was concluded that GIS was appropriate to rural community planning, but is presently limited to certain aspects of the planning process and possibly to certain applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
An examination of the factors influencing the spatial distribution of the Indian communities in Grahamstown, King William's town, Queenstown and Uitenhage from 1880 to 1991
- Authors: Dullabh, Neela
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: East Indians -- South Africa -- Social conditions East Indians -- South Africa -- Economic conditions Apartheid -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4831 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005506
- Description: This study examines the factors influencing the spatial distribution of the Indian communities of Grahamstown, King William's Town, Queenstown and Uitenhage from 1880 to 1991. Primary sources of information were used to determine both the spatial distribution of the four communities and the factors influencing the distribution found. These primary sources included the use of directories, municipal and archival sources of information, interviews as well the work of various authors. The study found that the spatial distribution of Indians in the four study areas were similar with the Indians occupying residential and commercial premises in the central areas of the urban centres. After 1980 there was a substantial movement to other areas. Prior to 1950 the municipalities played an important role in influencing spatial distribution. However, after the introduction of the Group Areas Act, the govennment controlled Indian spatial distribution. Thus the Group Areas Act was the most important factor affecting Indian spatial distribution. Indians in small urban centres in the Cape Province were segregated and their spatial distribution was controlled both prior to and after 1950. Anti-Indian legislation and restrictions were the main factors influencing Indian spatial distribution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
- Authors: Dullabh, Neela
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: East Indians -- South Africa -- Social conditions East Indians -- South Africa -- Economic conditions Apartheid -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4831 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005506
- Description: This study examines the factors influencing the spatial distribution of the Indian communities of Grahamstown, King William's Town, Queenstown and Uitenhage from 1880 to 1991. Primary sources of information were used to determine both the spatial distribution of the four communities and the factors influencing the distribution found. These primary sources included the use of directories, municipal and archival sources of information, interviews as well the work of various authors. The study found that the spatial distribution of Indians in the four study areas were similar with the Indians occupying residential and commercial premises in the central areas of the urban centres. After 1980 there was a substantial movement to other areas. Prior to 1950 the municipalities played an important role in influencing spatial distribution. However, after the introduction of the Group Areas Act, the govennment controlled Indian spatial distribution. Thus the Group Areas Act was the most important factor affecting Indian spatial distribution. Indians in small urban centres in the Cape Province were segregated and their spatial distribution was controlled both prior to and after 1950. Anti-Indian legislation and restrictions were the main factors influencing Indian spatial distribution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
An examination of the spatial variation of surficial sediment characteristics in the Howison's Poort Reservoir
- Authors: Weaver, Alex van Breda
- Date: 1979
- Subjects: Howison's Poort Reservoir , South Africa , Sedimentation and deposition
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4790 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001890
- Description: From Introduction: Lakes, estuaries and man-made water impoundments can be considered as intervening basins which provide for the temporary storage both of sediment and of water. Because of the potential energy of soil in elevated positions and because of the kinetic energy of water flowing under the influence of gravity, eroded material is eventually transported to the lowest possible level, i.e. the ocean deeps, or some intervening basin. This denudation process may be compared with Newton’s second law of thermodynamics which states that each system tends to move in the direction of lowest energy. Sedimentation in intervening basins may be seen as part of the natural process of landscape evolution. The rates at which sedimentation occurs may be strongly influenced by the activities of man.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1979
- Authors: Weaver, Alex van Breda
- Date: 1979
- Subjects: Howison's Poort Reservoir , South Africa , Sedimentation and deposition
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:4790 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001890
- Description: From Introduction: Lakes, estuaries and man-made water impoundments can be considered as intervening basins which provide for the temporary storage both of sediment and of water. Because of the potential energy of soil in elevated positions and because of the kinetic energy of water flowing under the influence of gravity, eroded material is eventually transported to the lowest possible level, i.e. the ocean deeps, or some intervening basin. This denudation process may be compared with Newton’s second law of thermodynamics which states that each system tends to move in the direction of lowest energy. Sedimentation in intervening basins may be seen as part of the natural process of landscape evolution. The rates at which sedimentation occurs may be strongly influenced by the activities of man.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1979
An experimental study of the effect of Acacia mearnsii (black wattle trees) on streamflow in the Sand River, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Beyers, Gregory John
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand river (South africa) , Streamflow , Streamflow -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005507 , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand river (South africa) , Streamflow , Streamflow -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis explores the effect of Acacia mearnsii on streamflow in the Eastern Cape. There is a need for data on the localised effects of removing alien trees from the riparian zones within the Fynbos Biome. Fynbos catchments throughout the Western and Eastern Cape yield large quantities of good quality water which is an essential resource in the region. To convince local land owners to manage their riparian zones, small scale experimental results will prove invaluable to assure them of the immediate advantages for themselves and for downstream water users. Three permanent weirs were built 500 m apart to monitor the effect of removing A. mearnsii on streamflow in the Sand River, Eastern Cape. Consecutive weirs allowed for the comparison of streamflow between a cleared and uncleared section of the river without significant differences in riparian conditions, channel morphology and vegetation densities. A site survey confirmed comparable densities of A. mearnsii in both sections. A sample of trees was weighed and a relationship was found between diameter at breast height and above ground wet biomass. Between the first two weirs, 2.5 ha of riparian zone was cleared amounting to approximately 160tlha. Streamflow was monitored from the 10th of January 1996 to the 9th of September 1996. The average streamflow reduction for the duration of the experiment was 15.1 m³/ha/day or 551 mm per annum. Initially, after a period of above average rainfall, streamflow was augmented by discharge from the riparian zone but as conditions dried out, there was a net uptake of water with the highest average uptake of 23. 7m³/ha/day in June. A comparison between weather conditions and streamflow reduction indicated there is a complex relationship, with evidence of A. mearnsii exhibiting control of water loss during dry conditions. Acacia mearnsii trees in the riparian zone have been shown to cause significant streamflow reduction. Permanent weirs were found to be appropriate for this type of study. There is a need for further research on the effect of alien trees in riparian zones around South Africa as there is potential for significant increases in streamflow.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Beyers, Gregory John
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand river (South africa) , Streamflow , Streamflow -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005507 , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand river (South africa) , Streamflow , Streamflow -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis explores the effect of Acacia mearnsii on streamflow in the Eastern Cape. There is a need for data on the localised effects of removing alien trees from the riparian zones within the Fynbos Biome. Fynbos catchments throughout the Western and Eastern Cape yield large quantities of good quality water which is an essential resource in the region. To convince local land owners to manage their riparian zones, small scale experimental results will prove invaluable to assure them of the immediate advantages for themselves and for downstream water users. Three permanent weirs were built 500 m apart to monitor the effect of removing A. mearnsii on streamflow in the Sand River, Eastern Cape. Consecutive weirs allowed for the comparison of streamflow between a cleared and uncleared section of the river without significant differences in riparian conditions, channel morphology and vegetation densities. A site survey confirmed comparable densities of A. mearnsii in both sections. A sample of trees was weighed and a relationship was found between diameter at breast height and above ground wet biomass. Between the first two weirs, 2.5 ha of riparian zone was cleared amounting to approximately 160tlha. Streamflow was monitored from the 10th of January 1996 to the 9th of September 1996. The average streamflow reduction for the duration of the experiment was 15.1 m³/ha/day or 551 mm per annum. Initially, after a period of above average rainfall, streamflow was augmented by discharge from the riparian zone but as conditions dried out, there was a net uptake of water with the highest average uptake of 23. 7m³/ha/day in June. A comparison between weather conditions and streamflow reduction indicated there is a complex relationship, with evidence of A. mearnsii exhibiting control of water loss during dry conditions. Acacia mearnsii trees in the riparian zone have been shown to cause significant streamflow reduction. Permanent weirs were found to be appropriate for this type of study. There is a need for further research on the effect of alien trees in riparian zones around South Africa as there is potential for significant increases in streamflow.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
An historical study of channel change in the Bell river, north eastern Cape
- Authors: Dollar, E S J
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: River channels -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentation and deposition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bell river
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4837 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005513 , River channels -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentation and deposition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bell river
- Description: Channel instability has occurred in the Bell river, north eastern Cape, in the form of meander cutoffs, incipient meander cutoffs, channel straightening and general channel instability. Recent cutoffs occurred in 1974 and 1988. The study examines the spatial and temporal controls of channel form and pattern in the Bell river in order to assess the causes of channel instability. From the 17 km surveyed stretch, it was found that the main spatial controls of channel form were riparian vegetation density and channel bed material. Discharge as estimated in the field was not the main controlling variable of channel form. Two distinct groups of stream beds were identified from the survey; an upper gravel-bed stream and a lower sand-bed stream. These sites displayed distinct form ratios, channel gradients and bed material characteristics. The incidences of major channel instability were identified as being the transitional zone between the two reaches. Examination of temporal controls of channel form included climatic trend analysis and catchment sediment production analysis. Rainfall analysis indicated that no long term progressive trends in the annual or seasonal data existed. Distinct wet and dry cycles occur with peaks every 16 to 19 years. Wet cycles are the result of an increase in the frequency of daily events rather than in the magnitude of events. Flow record analysis demonstrated the relationship between regional discharge and upper catchment rainfall. Coincidence of peak flows and channel straightening were also noted. Soil erosion surveys showed that erosion had increased in the catchment and that accelerated erosion were probably the result of overstocking and poor veld management. It was concluded that channel changes in the Bell river are possibly the result of anthropogenic influence in catchment and channel processes. Increased sediment production to the channel resulted in channel aggradation with attendant instability. The plantation of riparian vegetation led to perimeter stability in the short term at flows less than bankfull discharge, but served to reduce cross-sectional area in the long term, thereby increasing the potential for flooding, meander cutoffs and channel change
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
- Authors: Dollar, E S J
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: River channels -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentation and deposition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bell river
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4837 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005513 , River channels -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentation and deposition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bell river
- Description: Channel instability has occurred in the Bell river, north eastern Cape, in the form of meander cutoffs, incipient meander cutoffs, channel straightening and general channel instability. Recent cutoffs occurred in 1974 and 1988. The study examines the spatial and temporal controls of channel form and pattern in the Bell river in order to assess the causes of channel instability. From the 17 km surveyed stretch, it was found that the main spatial controls of channel form were riparian vegetation density and channel bed material. Discharge as estimated in the field was not the main controlling variable of channel form. Two distinct groups of stream beds were identified from the survey; an upper gravel-bed stream and a lower sand-bed stream. These sites displayed distinct form ratios, channel gradients and bed material characteristics. The incidences of major channel instability were identified as being the transitional zone between the two reaches. Examination of temporal controls of channel form included climatic trend analysis and catchment sediment production analysis. Rainfall analysis indicated that no long term progressive trends in the annual or seasonal data existed. Distinct wet and dry cycles occur with peaks every 16 to 19 years. Wet cycles are the result of an increase in the frequency of daily events rather than in the magnitude of events. Flow record analysis demonstrated the relationship between regional discharge and upper catchment rainfall. Coincidence of peak flows and channel straightening were also noted. Soil erosion surveys showed that erosion had increased in the catchment and that accelerated erosion were probably the result of overstocking and poor veld management. It was concluded that channel changes in the Bell river are possibly the result of anthropogenic influence in catchment and channel processes. Increased sediment production to the channel resulted in channel aggradation with attendant instability. The plantation of riparian vegetation led to perimeter stability in the short term at flows less than bankfull discharge, but served to reduce cross-sectional area in the long term, thereby increasing the potential for flooding, meander cutoffs and channel change
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- Date Issued: 1993