Economic impact of climate change on maize production in the Free State Province, South Africa
- Authors: Johnson, Richard Cowper
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Corn -- Climatic factors -- South Africa -- Free State , Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Free State , Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- Free State , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Free State
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174365 , vital:42471
- Description: Higher concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere is a major influence on climate change globally. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases trapping too much heat from the sun in the atmosphere and thus, altering the climate through a rise in global surface temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. CO2 is the most prominent greenhouse gas found in the atmosphere and it is reported that by the turn of the century the CO2 concentration levels will have doubled if the current rate of emissions continues. However, the increase in atmospheric levels of the gas has been found to increase the capacity of maize plants and their water use efficiency to achieve higher yields through CO2 fertilisation. Simulation experiments conducted by the Rhodes University Botany Department found that the effect of elevated levels of CO2 of double the current concentration offsets the negative effects of drought on maize. A case study was conducted on commercial maize farmers in two regions of the Free State province in South Africa to estimate the economic impact of climate change on maize production. Although production is increasing in the province, adaptation to the changing climate is key to the sustainability of production. There is a trade-off between the negative effects of higher CO2 levels changing the climate and the positive effect of CO2 fertilisation. As predicted, the economic impact of climate change is the disruption of farming practices and the increase in costs of production as a result of adapting to climate change. Using a gross margin analysis, the study found that the larger maize farmers who benefit from economies of scale are able to adapt and grow their production whilst the smaller farmers are being pushed out of the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Johnson, Richard Cowper
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Corn -- Climatic factors -- South Africa -- Free State , Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Free State , Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- Free State , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Free State
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174365 , vital:42471
- Description: Higher concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere is a major influence on climate change globally. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases trapping too much heat from the sun in the atmosphere and thus, altering the climate through a rise in global surface temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. CO2 is the most prominent greenhouse gas found in the atmosphere and it is reported that by the turn of the century the CO2 concentration levels will have doubled if the current rate of emissions continues. However, the increase in atmospheric levels of the gas has been found to increase the capacity of maize plants and their water use efficiency to achieve higher yields through CO2 fertilisation. Simulation experiments conducted by the Rhodes University Botany Department found that the effect of elevated levels of CO2 of double the current concentration offsets the negative effects of drought on maize. A case study was conducted on commercial maize farmers in two regions of the Free State province in South Africa to estimate the economic impact of climate change on maize production. Although production is increasing in the province, adaptation to the changing climate is key to the sustainability of production. There is a trade-off between the negative effects of higher CO2 levels changing the climate and the positive effect of CO2 fertilisation. As predicted, the economic impact of climate change is the disruption of farming practices and the increase in costs of production as a result of adapting to climate change. Using a gross margin analysis, the study found that the larger maize farmers who benefit from economies of scale are able to adapt and grow their production whilst the smaller farmers are being pushed out of the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The potential conflict of interest associated with the management of Rosa rubiginos L. (Rosehip) in South Africa
- Authors: Westwood, Timothy
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- South Africa , Biological invasions -- Economic aspects , Rose hips -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Roses -- South Africa , Rose culture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172458 , vital:42204
- Description: Rosa rubiginosa L. is a category 1b invasive plant species in South Africa and must be controlled according to NEM:BA. However, R. rubiginosa has the potential to provide economic benefit in South Africa due to the expanding market for the shrubs fruit, rosehips. The shrub is not permitted to be cultivated in South Africa due to legislation, limiting the economic potential as the rosehips are only able to be collected from wild R. rubiginosa shrubs. In order to expand the rosehip market in South Africa a downgrade or removal of R. rubiginosa from the invasive species list would be required, as wild harvest is limited. This study aims to assess the benefits and cost associated with R. rubiginosa in order to determine whether the legislation should be altered allowing for the cultivation of the shrub in South Africa. Due to the limited literature surrounding R. rubiginosa three different questionnaires and a case study were used in order to assess the benefits and negatives associated with the shrub. Experts in the field of invasion biology were surveyed to bridge the gap in the R. rubiginosa literature. Landowners, where the shrub is abundant, were surveyed to determine the negative impacts of R. rubiginosa. Rosehip companies were surveyed in order to determine the current size and potential of the R. rubiginosa (rosehip) market. The case study looked at how a rosehip company would benefit if R. rubiginosa was allowed to be cultivated in South Africa. The study found R. rubiginosa to have great economic potential and market growth, with very little negative economic impact. The case study showed that one rosehip company would grow from 1500 tons of raw rosehip to 20 000 tons if cultivation was allowed, resulting in a growth in turnover from R57 million to R760 million ($1=R14.8). The findings in the study show that R. rubiginosa does not significantly affect landowners where it is abundant. Therefore, it is suggested that a change to the legislation should be considered allowing for the cultivation of R. rubiginosa should be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Westwood, Timothy
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- South Africa , Biological invasions -- Economic aspects , Rose hips -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Roses -- South Africa , Rose culture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172458 , vital:42204
- Description: Rosa rubiginosa L. is a category 1b invasive plant species in South Africa and must be controlled according to NEM:BA. However, R. rubiginosa has the potential to provide economic benefit in South Africa due to the expanding market for the shrubs fruit, rosehips. The shrub is not permitted to be cultivated in South Africa due to legislation, limiting the economic potential as the rosehips are only able to be collected from wild R. rubiginosa shrubs. In order to expand the rosehip market in South Africa a downgrade or removal of R. rubiginosa from the invasive species list would be required, as wild harvest is limited. This study aims to assess the benefits and cost associated with R. rubiginosa in order to determine whether the legislation should be altered allowing for the cultivation of the shrub in South Africa. Due to the limited literature surrounding R. rubiginosa three different questionnaires and a case study were used in order to assess the benefits and negatives associated with the shrub. Experts in the field of invasion biology were surveyed to bridge the gap in the R. rubiginosa literature. Landowners, where the shrub is abundant, were surveyed to determine the negative impacts of R. rubiginosa. Rosehip companies were surveyed in order to determine the current size and potential of the R. rubiginosa (rosehip) market. The case study looked at how a rosehip company would benefit if R. rubiginosa was allowed to be cultivated in South Africa. The study found R. rubiginosa to have great economic potential and market growth, with very little negative economic impact. The case study showed that one rosehip company would grow from 1500 tons of raw rosehip to 20 000 tons if cultivation was allowed, resulting in a growth in turnover from R57 million to R760 million ($1=R14.8). The findings in the study show that R. rubiginosa does not significantly affect landowners where it is abundant. Therefore, it is suggested that a change to the legislation should be considered allowing for the cultivation of R. rubiginosa should be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Analyzing the Anthropogenic Allee Effect in cycad (Encephalartos species) populations in South Africa: an evaluation of illegal trade and conservation policy
- Authors: Earle, Sasha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Allee effect , Cycads -- Conservation -- South Africa , Botany, Economic -- South Africa , Rare plants -- South Africa , Endangered plants -- South Africa , Wild plant trade -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , Mcom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95565 , vital:31171
- Description: South Africa is a country known for rich biodiversity and ecosystems across the land and seascape. South Africa is one of the global hotspots for cycad diversity. Cycads are known to be the world’s most threatened plant species; declining in South Africa at a rapid pace, with threat of extinction in the wild. The main factor being harvesting from the wild for private collections. Rare cycad species’ are especially sought after by collectors. Economic theory assumes that the exploitation of a species is unlikely to result in extinction due to the increasing costs of finding the last few individuals of a species. However, the theory of the Anthropogenic Allee Effect (AAE) suggests that if consumers place a disproportionate value on a rare species’, a cycle may result whereby increased exploitation decreases population size, increasing the value of the species and, consequently, leading to its extinction in the wild. This hypothesis was tested for 37 Encephalartos species using data collected on wild populations, auction prices and the IUCN Red List status for the year 2010. It was hypothesised that an AAE was present within Encephalartos species, as three species have already gone extinct in the wild. The price per centimetre was positively correlated to the rarity of the species and the price per centimetre was negatively correlated to the wild population size. The results suggest a trend of an AAE for the year 2010. Adequate conservation policies are needed to reduce the effects of demand on illegal harvesting and prevent extinction in the wild. The effect of rarity needs to be taken into account to ensure successfulness of such policies. The most recent conservation policy implemented to protect cycads in South Africa is the Strategy and Action for the Management of Cycads in South Africa, which was introduced in 2016. The successfulness of this policy cannot, however, be analysed due to a lack of census data following its implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Earle, Sasha
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Allee effect , Cycads -- Conservation -- South Africa , Botany, Economic -- South Africa , Rare plants -- South Africa , Endangered plants -- South Africa , Wild plant trade -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , Mcom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/95565 , vital:31171
- Description: South Africa is a country known for rich biodiversity and ecosystems across the land and seascape. South Africa is one of the global hotspots for cycad diversity. Cycads are known to be the world’s most threatened plant species; declining in South Africa at a rapid pace, with threat of extinction in the wild. The main factor being harvesting from the wild for private collections. Rare cycad species’ are especially sought after by collectors. Economic theory assumes that the exploitation of a species is unlikely to result in extinction due to the increasing costs of finding the last few individuals of a species. However, the theory of the Anthropogenic Allee Effect (AAE) suggests that if consumers place a disproportionate value on a rare species’, a cycle may result whereby increased exploitation decreases population size, increasing the value of the species and, consequently, leading to its extinction in the wild. This hypothesis was tested for 37 Encephalartos species using data collected on wild populations, auction prices and the IUCN Red List status for the year 2010. It was hypothesised that an AAE was present within Encephalartos species, as three species have already gone extinct in the wild. The price per centimetre was positively correlated to the rarity of the species and the price per centimetre was negatively correlated to the wild population size. The results suggest a trend of an AAE for the year 2010. Adequate conservation policies are needed to reduce the effects of demand on illegal harvesting and prevent extinction in the wild. The effect of rarity needs to be taken into account to ensure successfulness of such policies. The most recent conservation policy implemented to protect cycads in South Africa is the Strategy and Action for the Management of Cycads in South Africa, which was introduced in 2016. The successfulness of this policy cannot, however, be analysed due to a lack of census data following its implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the suitability of causal loop diagrams to assess the value chains of aquatic ecosystem services: a case study of the Baviaanskloof, South Africa
- Authors: Rawlins, Jonathan Mark
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4909 , vital:20742
- Description: Healthy, functioning aquatic ecosystems are fundamental to the survival and development of any nation, particularly so for water-stressed countries like South Africa. Aquatic ecosystem services (AESs) are becoming increasingly recognised for their importance to society with regards to the ecological goods and services they provide in terms of health, social, cultural and economic benefits. The development of markets for AESs begins with a clear understanding of the nature and extent of the goods and services provided by aquatic ecosystems. However, an inclusive understanding of AESs and their associated values is currently lacking in South Africa. Although flows of ecosystem services provide a nearly limitless set of valuable properties, a large proportion of their services remain unpriced or inaccurately priced through traditional neo-classical markets. This often results in market failure, as these markets do not reflect the full social costs and/or benefits of ecosystem services. This provides incentive to identify and develop a tool to bridge the gap between ecosystem service valuation and practical, sustainable management recommendations for improving the provision of ecosystem services and their associated markets. This study explores the suitability of causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to assess the value chains of AESs in South Africa within the context of a case study. AESs do not usually have finite market values nor are they traded in formal markets, thus, a traditional approach to value chain analysis is unsuitable. A professional workshop environment was utilised to facilitate a transdisciplinary approach towards identifying relevant AESs and their complex inputs, interactions and trade-offs. Numerous CLDs were developed in an effort to map the complex relationships between these AESs and their associated inputs, which formed the basis to attempt subsequent scenario analyses and 'alternative' value chain analyses. The findings of this study show that CLDs have the potential to qualitatively identify challenges and opportunities within the value chains of AESs. Thus, the use of such 'alternative' value chain analyses can directly contribute towards the development of recommendations for improving sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Rawlins, Jonathan Mark
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4909 , vital:20742
- Description: Healthy, functioning aquatic ecosystems are fundamental to the survival and development of any nation, particularly so for water-stressed countries like South Africa. Aquatic ecosystem services (AESs) are becoming increasingly recognised for their importance to society with regards to the ecological goods and services they provide in terms of health, social, cultural and economic benefits. The development of markets for AESs begins with a clear understanding of the nature and extent of the goods and services provided by aquatic ecosystems. However, an inclusive understanding of AESs and their associated values is currently lacking in South Africa. Although flows of ecosystem services provide a nearly limitless set of valuable properties, a large proportion of their services remain unpriced or inaccurately priced through traditional neo-classical markets. This often results in market failure, as these markets do not reflect the full social costs and/or benefits of ecosystem services. This provides incentive to identify and develop a tool to bridge the gap between ecosystem service valuation and practical, sustainable management recommendations for improving the provision of ecosystem services and their associated markets. This study explores the suitability of causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to assess the value chains of AESs in South Africa within the context of a case study. AESs do not usually have finite market values nor are they traded in formal markets, thus, a traditional approach to value chain analysis is unsuitable. A professional workshop environment was utilised to facilitate a transdisciplinary approach towards identifying relevant AESs and their complex inputs, interactions and trade-offs. Numerous CLDs were developed in an effort to map the complex relationships between these AESs and their associated inputs, which formed the basis to attempt subsequent scenario analyses and 'alternative' value chain analyses. The findings of this study show that CLDs have the potential to qualitatively identify challenges and opportunities within the value chains of AESs. Thus, the use of such 'alternative' value chain analyses can directly contribute towards the development of recommendations for improving sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Invasive alien plants and rural livelihoods: a case of Gwanda District, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Dube, Nqobizitha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cylindropuntia fulgida , Invasive plants -- Economic aspects , Invasive plants -- Control , Invasive plants -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe , Ecosystem services -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Ecosystem management -- Zimbabwe , Cactus -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4368 , vital:20653
- Description: Biodiversity is the cornerstone of ecosystem functioning and the realisation that most rural African community livelihoods are directly dependent on ecosystem goods and services warrants its conservation. Invasive alien plants threaten biodiversity and compromise the ecosystem's ability to provide goods and services for rural communities, thereby negatively affecting livelihood strategies. Information on IAPs is lacking in most African countries, thus, the livelihood effects of Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) are not clearly understood. In Zimbabwe, Cylindropuntia fulgida var. fulgida (Cff) has invaded Gwanda district in the Matabeleland south province compromising local household capital assets that contribute to livelihood strategies and altering the ecosystem. This study exposed the rural worldview of the environment, the effect that Cff has on local livelihood strategies and the effectiveness environmental management institutions in rural Gwanda district. The study followed a post positivist paradigm. The impacts of IAPs on rural communities in Zimbabwe were analysed by looking at the livelihood stresses that arise because of Cff. The research used multi-stage sampling to select a representative sample of respondents. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, group discussion and key informant guides. Furthermore, document analysis was conducted to collect secondary data. The data analysis process used Computer packages Microsoft Excel, SPSS and NVIVO. Results showed that livelihood benefits that species in the natural environment provide strongly influence environmental perceptions of rural African communities. Additionally, the study showed that Cff compromises the local ecosystem and reduces its ability to support the dominant livelihoods in the study area. The long-term result of such a situation in the absence of control is increased poverty and the failure to realise sustainable development. However, results indicated that IAPs could also improve the poverty situation of a community before they have reached the threshold points. It is therefore imperative to know the threshold points of an invasive plant in order to ascertain the efficient point to intervene. The study also showed that benefits of invasive plants accrue to different members of a society at different times (private/public). This knowledge allows the adoption of efficient and effective control strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dube, Nqobizitha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cylindropuntia fulgida , Invasive plants -- Economic aspects , Invasive plants -- Control , Invasive plants -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe , Ecosystem services -- Zimbabwe , Environmental policy -- Zimbabwe , Ecosystem management -- Zimbabwe , Cactus -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4368 , vital:20653
- Description: Biodiversity is the cornerstone of ecosystem functioning and the realisation that most rural African community livelihoods are directly dependent on ecosystem goods and services warrants its conservation. Invasive alien plants threaten biodiversity and compromise the ecosystem's ability to provide goods and services for rural communities, thereby negatively affecting livelihood strategies. Information on IAPs is lacking in most African countries, thus, the livelihood effects of Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) are not clearly understood. In Zimbabwe, Cylindropuntia fulgida var. fulgida (Cff) has invaded Gwanda district in the Matabeleland south province compromising local household capital assets that contribute to livelihood strategies and altering the ecosystem. This study exposed the rural worldview of the environment, the effect that Cff has on local livelihood strategies and the effectiveness environmental management institutions in rural Gwanda district. The study followed a post positivist paradigm. The impacts of IAPs on rural communities in Zimbabwe were analysed by looking at the livelihood stresses that arise because of Cff. The research used multi-stage sampling to select a representative sample of respondents. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, group discussion and key informant guides. Furthermore, document analysis was conducted to collect secondary data. The data analysis process used Computer packages Microsoft Excel, SPSS and NVIVO. Results showed that livelihood benefits that species in the natural environment provide strongly influence environmental perceptions of rural African communities. Additionally, the study showed that Cff compromises the local ecosystem and reduces its ability to support the dominant livelihoods in the study area. The long-term result of such a situation in the absence of control is increased poverty and the failure to realise sustainable development. However, results indicated that IAPs could also improve the poverty situation of a community before they have reached the threshold points. It is therefore imperative to know the threshold points of an invasive plant in order to ascertain the efficient point to intervene. The study also showed that benefits of invasive plants accrue to different members of a society at different times (private/public). This knowledge allows the adoption of efficient and effective control strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Quantifying the water savings benefit of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) control in the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme
- Authors: Arp, Reinhardt
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/409 , vital:19956
- Description: Global fresh water resources are under increasing pressure from an ever-growing population and global economic development, highlighting the need for sustainable water management. Effective sustainable management must also control any additional factors that may aggravate the water scarcity problem. Invasive alien plants present such an aggravating threat, and pose a particular problem for water scarce countries in particular. South Africa is not immune to this global phenomenon, with plant invasions estimated to carry an annual loss of R5.8 billion in water provisioning services. Given the country’s semi-arid climate, and relative water scarcity, the threat presented by invasive plants needs to managed effectively for the sustainability of the countries already scarce fresh water resources. One species in particular, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), is regarded as one of the most destructive aquatic weeds in the world. The threat presented by this weed is of particular concern for economically productive water resources, such as irrigation water. Through high levels of evapotranspiration, water hyacinth leads to substantial water losses that could otherwise have been used more productively, thereby creating an externality on irrigation fed agriculture. An economic valuation of irrigation water and the loss thereof from water hyacinth, is a step towards improved water management and alien plant control. This will provide policy makers, stakeholders and irrigation managers with the relevant information they need to improve sustainability, allocate scarce resources more efficiently and enhance the returns to water. This thesis provides such an evaluation of the benefits of water hyacinth control, using the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme as a case study. The benefit of water hyacinth control programmes are essentially ‘avoided costs’ of no control. The study quantified the water saving benefits of water hyacinth control for the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme at Warrenton Weir on the Vaal River, South Africa. Three evapotranspiration to evaporation (ET:EW) ratios at three levels of invasion (100; 50 and 25% cover) were used to estimate the net annual water loss at Warrenton Weir. A Residual Value Method was employed to estimate the average production value of irrigation water, to serve as a proxy for the value of water lost via evapotranspiration by water hyacinth. The average production value of irrigation water for the Vaalharts was estimated to be R300/m3, which translated into an annual benefit of between R500 million and R9 billion. However, due to various limitations associated with the valuation method, the inflationary bias of estimating the average value of water and the unlikelihood of ET:EW ratios being larger than 1.4 in reality, it was suggested that R500 million was the more realistic value of the benefit of control. Despite being a conservative estimation, the benefit still equated to a quarter of the annual production value of the irrigation scheme, suggesting the water hyacinth could potentially reduce the productivity of the scheme by as much as 25% in the event of a scarcity of water on the scheme. The results of this research highlight the need for invasive plant control, especially where invasions affect economically productive water resources. Therefore, it is recommended that alien plant control policy prioritise invasions of this nature, as they present significant costs to the economy yet carry substantial benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Arp, Reinhardt
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/409 , vital:19956
- Description: Global fresh water resources are under increasing pressure from an ever-growing population and global economic development, highlighting the need for sustainable water management. Effective sustainable management must also control any additional factors that may aggravate the water scarcity problem. Invasive alien plants present such an aggravating threat, and pose a particular problem for water scarce countries in particular. South Africa is not immune to this global phenomenon, with plant invasions estimated to carry an annual loss of R5.8 billion in water provisioning services. Given the country’s semi-arid climate, and relative water scarcity, the threat presented by invasive plants needs to managed effectively for the sustainability of the countries already scarce fresh water resources. One species in particular, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), is regarded as one of the most destructive aquatic weeds in the world. The threat presented by this weed is of particular concern for economically productive water resources, such as irrigation water. Through high levels of evapotranspiration, water hyacinth leads to substantial water losses that could otherwise have been used more productively, thereby creating an externality on irrigation fed agriculture. An economic valuation of irrigation water and the loss thereof from water hyacinth, is a step towards improved water management and alien plant control. This will provide policy makers, stakeholders and irrigation managers with the relevant information they need to improve sustainability, allocate scarce resources more efficiently and enhance the returns to water. This thesis provides such an evaluation of the benefits of water hyacinth control, using the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme as a case study. The benefit of water hyacinth control programmes are essentially ‘avoided costs’ of no control. The study quantified the water saving benefits of water hyacinth control for the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme at Warrenton Weir on the Vaal River, South Africa. Three evapotranspiration to evaporation (ET:EW) ratios at three levels of invasion (100; 50 and 25% cover) were used to estimate the net annual water loss at Warrenton Weir. A Residual Value Method was employed to estimate the average production value of irrigation water, to serve as a proxy for the value of water lost via evapotranspiration by water hyacinth. The average production value of irrigation water for the Vaalharts was estimated to be R300/m3, which translated into an annual benefit of between R500 million and R9 billion. However, due to various limitations associated with the valuation method, the inflationary bias of estimating the average value of water and the unlikelihood of ET:EW ratios being larger than 1.4 in reality, it was suggested that R500 million was the more realistic value of the benefit of control. Despite being a conservative estimation, the benefit still equated to a quarter of the annual production value of the irrigation scheme, suggesting the water hyacinth could potentially reduce the productivity of the scheme by as much as 25% in the event of a scarcity of water on the scheme. The results of this research highlight the need for invasive plant control, especially where invasions affect economically productive water resources. Therefore, it is recommended that alien plant control policy prioritise invasions of this nature, as they present significant costs to the economy yet carry substantial benefits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The potential economic implications of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia l.) on agricultural production in South Africa
- Authors: Humphrey, Luke
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4069 , vital:20599
- Description: Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is an invasive deciduous, strongly suckering, broad- leaved tree that has the potential to be widely distributed across a large portion of South Africa. Robinia pseudoacacia has invaded all nine of South African provinces, with large infestations found in the Eastern Cape, Kwa Zulu-Natal, Free State and Gauteng provinces. The invasive tree has the potential to spread into livestock grazing lands in South Africa. Because R. pseudoacacia has the ability to spread and thrive in a variety of habitats and resists control, the distribution of the invasive tree into grazing land poses a problem for landowners. The potential economic impacts of R. pseudoacacia on agricultural production stem from the trees ability to reduce the carrying capacity of livestock. This study estimated the potential economic implications of R. pseudoacacia on agricultural production in South Africa, specifically looking at the livestock sector. The prevalence of R. pseudoacacia potential distribution was calculated by using a maximum-entropy predictive habitat model, MAXENT. The distribution of livestock, based on grazing capacity (ha/LSU), in South Africa was then determined. The potential direct economic impacts were estimated by assessing the impact of the potential distribution of R. pseudoacacia on the carrying capacity of livestock. The results showed that an infestation of R. pseudoacacia has the potential to reduce the gross margin in the livestock sector by between approximately R130 million and R961 million, dependent on the probability of invasion. Therefore, the potential invasion of R. pseudoacacia can have detrimental effects on the livestock sector in South Africa. The potential high levels of foregone income and business activity found in this study reaffirm the need to devote resources to develop a viable, economical and effective control method, such as biological control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Humphrey, Luke
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4069 , vital:20599
- Description: Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is an invasive deciduous, strongly suckering, broad- leaved tree that has the potential to be widely distributed across a large portion of South Africa. Robinia pseudoacacia has invaded all nine of South African provinces, with large infestations found in the Eastern Cape, Kwa Zulu-Natal, Free State and Gauteng provinces. The invasive tree has the potential to spread into livestock grazing lands in South Africa. Because R. pseudoacacia has the ability to spread and thrive in a variety of habitats and resists control, the distribution of the invasive tree into grazing land poses a problem for landowners. The potential economic impacts of R. pseudoacacia on agricultural production stem from the trees ability to reduce the carrying capacity of livestock. This study estimated the potential economic implications of R. pseudoacacia on agricultural production in South Africa, specifically looking at the livestock sector. The prevalence of R. pseudoacacia potential distribution was calculated by using a maximum-entropy predictive habitat model, MAXENT. The distribution of livestock, based on grazing capacity (ha/LSU), in South Africa was then determined. The potential direct economic impacts were estimated by assessing the impact of the potential distribution of R. pseudoacacia on the carrying capacity of livestock. The results showed that an infestation of R. pseudoacacia has the potential to reduce the gross margin in the livestock sector by between approximately R130 million and R961 million, dependent on the probability of invasion. Therefore, the potential invasion of R. pseudoacacia can have detrimental effects on the livestock sector in South Africa. The potential high levels of foregone income and business activity found in this study reaffirm the need to devote resources to develop a viable, economical and effective control method, such as biological control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Livelihoods and climate change in Hamburg: issues for food security
- Authors: Martens, Brendon
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape. , Climatic changes -- Risk management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Climatic changes -- Effect of human beings on , Climatic changes -- Agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1116 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017538
- Description: Climate change continues to present a major challenge to food security around the world. The potential impact of climate change of rural livelihoods is especially significant as rural communities often rely heavily on natural resources to sustain their livelihoods and, hence, food security. This is applicable to the rural town of Hamburg, on the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa. The Sustainable Rural Livelihoods framework analyses livelihoods in terms of the context, available capitals and institutional framework that determines the livelihood strategies and outcomes for rural households. In terms of livelihood outcomes for Hamburg, it was found that the households have a heavy reliance on state grants in their livelihood portfolios. Natural resources, in the form of agriculture and harvesting of marine organisms, played only a supplementary role in livelihood strategies. Thus, given that climate change would impact negatively on the estuarine resources and the impact on agriculture is unknown as the climate becomes wetter and hotter, the impact on livelihoods and food security would not be significant. However, the sustainability of current livelihood strategies is questionable as grants, by their very nature, or unsustainable and therefore can result in vulnerability and food insecurity in the long-run for households. It is recommended that grants should be issued within the community, instead of in the distant town of Peddie, to help develop the local economy and reduce leakages. This would allow for diversification of livelihood strategies in Hamburg. In addition, government support through extension officers should be extended to Hamburg to assist in developing the local agriculture sector
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Martens, Brendon
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape. , Climatic changes -- Risk management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Climatic changes -- Effect of human beings on , Climatic changes -- Agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1116 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017538
- Description: Climate change continues to present a major challenge to food security around the world. The potential impact of climate change of rural livelihoods is especially significant as rural communities often rely heavily on natural resources to sustain their livelihoods and, hence, food security. This is applicable to the rural town of Hamburg, on the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa. The Sustainable Rural Livelihoods framework analyses livelihoods in terms of the context, available capitals and institutional framework that determines the livelihood strategies and outcomes for rural households. In terms of livelihood outcomes for Hamburg, it was found that the households have a heavy reliance on state grants in their livelihood portfolios. Natural resources, in the form of agriculture and harvesting of marine organisms, played only a supplementary role in livelihood strategies. Thus, given that climate change would impact negatively on the estuarine resources and the impact on agriculture is unknown as the climate becomes wetter and hotter, the impact on livelihoods and food security would not be significant. However, the sustainability of current livelihood strategies is questionable as grants, by their very nature, or unsustainable and therefore can result in vulnerability and food insecurity in the long-run for households. It is recommended that grants should be issued within the community, instead of in the distant town of Peddie, to help develop the local economy and reduce leakages. This would allow for diversification of livelihood strategies in Hamburg. In addition, government support through extension officers should be extended to Hamburg to assist in developing the local agriculture sector
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Sport consumption patterns in the Eastern Cape: cricket spectators as sporting univores or omnivores
- Authors: Brock, Kelcey
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Cricket -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cricket -- Social aspects , Consumption (Economics) , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1115 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017534
- Description: Since its inception, consumption behaviour theory has developed to account for the important social aspect that underpins or at least to some extent can be used to explain consumption behaviour. Modern consumption behaviour theory is anthropocentric in nature, with people and societal influence at the forefront of the theory. To date, empirical studies on consumption behaviour of cultural activities (for example, music and arts), entertainment and sport have used Bourdieu’s (1984) omnivore/univore theory to suggest that consumption of leisure activities is bound up in social ties. To date, no such investigation has been conducted in the context of sport in South Africa. The aim of the study therefore is to investigate whether South African cricket spectators are sporting omnivores or univores, thus, essentially investigating whether sports consumption behaviour in South Africa is bound up in social ties. A number of positive economic and social ramifications could result from gaining a holistic understanding of sports consumption behaviour in South Africa. Given these ramifications, the secondary goal of the research is to identify motives for consumers making specific sport consumption decisions, and determining whether certain characteristics can be attributed to these consumption decisions. Recommendations based on the findings of the research could help various stakeholders understand sports consumption patterns in South Africa, which could in turn lead to the realization of positive economic and social benefits. The study made use of a questionnaire, administered at four different limited overs cricket matches in the 2012/13 cricket season, to obtain a range of responses reflecting specific types of consumption behaviour as well as motives for consumption decisions of cricket spectators in the Eastern Cape. Using individual binary probit models and post estimation F-tests, the results indicate that consumption behaviour of sport within South Africa predominantly differs on the grounds of education and race. This suggests that there are aspects of social connotations underpinning sports consumption behaviour within South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Sport consumption patterns in the Eastern Cape: cricket spectators as sporting univores or omnivores
- Authors: Brock, Kelcey
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Cricket -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cricket -- Social aspects , Consumption (Economics) , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1115 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017534
- Description: Since its inception, consumption behaviour theory has developed to account for the important social aspect that underpins or at least to some extent can be used to explain consumption behaviour. Modern consumption behaviour theory is anthropocentric in nature, with people and societal influence at the forefront of the theory. To date, empirical studies on consumption behaviour of cultural activities (for example, music and arts), entertainment and sport have used Bourdieu’s (1984) omnivore/univore theory to suggest that consumption of leisure activities is bound up in social ties. To date, no such investigation has been conducted in the context of sport in South Africa. The aim of the study therefore is to investigate whether South African cricket spectators are sporting omnivores or univores, thus, essentially investigating whether sports consumption behaviour in South Africa is bound up in social ties. A number of positive economic and social ramifications could result from gaining a holistic understanding of sports consumption behaviour in South Africa. Given these ramifications, the secondary goal of the research is to identify motives for consumers making specific sport consumption decisions, and determining whether certain characteristics can be attributed to these consumption decisions. Recommendations based on the findings of the research could help various stakeholders understand sports consumption patterns in South Africa, which could in turn lead to the realization of positive economic and social benefits. The study made use of a questionnaire, administered at four different limited overs cricket matches in the 2012/13 cricket season, to obtain a range of responses reflecting specific types of consumption behaviour as well as motives for consumption decisions of cricket spectators in the Eastern Cape. Using individual binary probit models and post estimation F-tests, the results indicate that consumption behaviour of sport within South Africa predominantly differs on the grounds of education and race. This suggests that there are aspects of social connotations underpinning sports consumption behaviour within South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Willingness to pay for marine-based tourism within the Ponto do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, Mozambique
- Authors: Daly, Clare Amelie Keating
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Ponto do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve , Marine ecotourism -- Mozambique , Marine ecotourism -- Economic aspects -- Mozambique , Marine ecotourism -- Mozambique -- Marketing , Ecotourism -- Economic aspects -- Mozambique , Coastal zone management -- Mozambique , Marine resources conservation -- Mozambique
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013304
- Description: Marine and coastal ecosystems face widespread degradation largely because market failure hides the economic value of the goods and services provided by them. Marine protected areas (MPAs) can serve as a structure that ensures the continuing function of marine and coastal ecosystem goods and services. Yet, to be effective and sustainable, MPAs must be able to prove their economic worth and generate revenue. User-fees are a common system used to partially finance multi-use MPAs. This study applies contingent valuation as a method of economic valuation within an MPA in southern Mozambique. The objectives of this study are to determine the willingness to pay of combined user groups and of individual user groups for use of the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve and to investigate the potential for the reserve to increase revenues for conservation through the implementation of a user-fee for marine based activities. The payment card contingent valuation method was employed to determine willingness to pay of dolphin swim tourists, scuba divers and fishermen. Data was collected by face-to-face interviews of 120 respondents within two popular tourist locations in the PPMR. Results show that visitors within the PPMR are mainly South Africans, loyal to the area. Probit and OLS regressions were used to determine the effects of various independent variables on willingness to pay. Results from the Probit model indicate that African residency, activity and environmental awareness were significant factors that influenced visitors being WTP more than R20 per person per day as a user fee within the PPMR. The OLS model examined independent variables that influenced visitors being willing to pay as well as the impact of the variables on the amount visitors were willing to pay. The OLS model found income, African residency and environmental awareness to be significant factors influencing visitors being willing to pay. The mean WTP was R43.75 per person per day. Using data supplied by the PPMR, conservative estimated annual revenues based on the implementation of this fee amount would range between R1.46m – R 3.3m.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Daly, Clare Amelie Keating
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Ponto do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve , Marine ecotourism -- Mozambique , Marine ecotourism -- Economic aspects -- Mozambique , Marine ecotourism -- Mozambique -- Marketing , Ecotourism -- Economic aspects -- Mozambique , Coastal zone management -- Mozambique , Marine resources conservation -- Mozambique
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013304
- Description: Marine and coastal ecosystems face widespread degradation largely because market failure hides the economic value of the goods and services provided by them. Marine protected areas (MPAs) can serve as a structure that ensures the continuing function of marine and coastal ecosystem goods and services. Yet, to be effective and sustainable, MPAs must be able to prove their economic worth and generate revenue. User-fees are a common system used to partially finance multi-use MPAs. This study applies contingent valuation as a method of economic valuation within an MPA in southern Mozambique. The objectives of this study are to determine the willingness to pay of combined user groups and of individual user groups for use of the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve and to investigate the potential for the reserve to increase revenues for conservation through the implementation of a user-fee for marine based activities. The payment card contingent valuation method was employed to determine willingness to pay of dolphin swim tourists, scuba divers and fishermen. Data was collected by face-to-face interviews of 120 respondents within two popular tourist locations in the PPMR. Results show that visitors within the PPMR are mainly South Africans, loyal to the area. Probit and OLS regressions were used to determine the effects of various independent variables on willingness to pay. Results from the Probit model indicate that African residency, activity and environmental awareness were significant factors that influenced visitors being WTP more than R20 per person per day as a user fee within the PPMR. The OLS model examined independent variables that influenced visitors being willing to pay as well as the impact of the variables on the amount visitors were willing to pay. The OLS model found income, African residency and environmental awareness to be significant factors influencing visitors being willing to pay. The mean WTP was R43.75 per person per day. Using data supplied by the PPMR, conservative estimated annual revenues based on the implementation of this fee amount would range between R1.46m – R 3.3m.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The economics of converting a sheep farm into a springbuck (Antidorcas marsupialis) ranch in Graaff-Reinet: a simulation analysis
- Authors: Dlamini, Thula Sizwe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Livestock projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Livestock productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Livestock -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Springbok -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1003 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002738
- Description: In Graaff-Reinet, domestic livestock farming and springbuck ranching are similar in that they both rely on the rangeland for their sustainability. However, as a consequence of repeated monotonous domestic livestock farming, resulting in compromised biological productivity and diversity, the rangelands have disintegrated. This, unfortunately, has placed the future sustainability of these rangelands and the livelihoods of the local people in an indeterminate state. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in springbuck ranching for meat production as an alternative to domestic livestock farming in the area following (a) fears of worsening environmental challenges; (b) declining profitability in commercial domestic livestock farming and; (c) growing calls for the sustainable use of these rangelands for the benefit of future generations. The springbuck has emerged as a credible alternative to utilising the rangelands - as opposed to sheep - because of its promise to addressing the above challenges. This is in an attempt to tap into the multitude of benefits that the springbuck possesses (by virtue of being part of the natural capital of the area) that have a potential towards restoring ecological integrity by extenuating some of the detrimental effects of sheep farming on the rangelands and presenting opportunities for diversifying incomes. Yet, despite the general increase in interest, a resistance towards the uptake of springbuck ranching for meat production exists. The main contention is that springbuck meat production cannot out-perform the economic returns of wool sheep farming. This study attempts to address these concerns by investigating the profitability and economic sustainability of converting a sheep farm into a springbuck ranch in Graaff-Reinet. The study uses stochastic simulation to estimate the probability distribution of some key output variables, namely: net cash income, ending cash balance, real net worth and the net present value (NPV) in evaluating the profitability of converting a 5 000ha sheep-dominated farm into a springbuck-dominated ranch under three alternative scenarios. The use of stochastic simulation allows for the incorporation of downside risk associated with the production and marketing of wool, mutton and springbuck meat. The study uses stochastic prices and yields to calculate net returns variability. Incorporating scenario analysis helped to evaluate how alternative wool sheep-dominated and springbuck-dominated combinations would perform based on the probable outcomes of different assumptions in the various scenarios. By applying stochastic efficiency with respect to a function (SERF) criterion to the simulated NPVs, this study compares the profitability of alternative scenarios based on various risk aversion coefficients. The study finds that converting a 5 000ha wool sheep dominated farm into a springbuck dominated ranch could potentially be a more profitable investment than wool sheep farming over a 15 year planning horizon, in Graaff-Reinet. The SERF results indicate that for all scenarios tested, the best strategy of converting a wool sheep dominated farm into a springbuck ranch would be one which comprise a combination of 70% springbuck, 20% mutton and 10% wool production as the likely profitable enterprise mix. Using economic sustainability analysis, the study reveals that because of low costs in springbuck ranching, springbuck meat production enterprises are most likely to be more financially sustainable than wool sheep-dominated enterprises. This suggests that rangeland owners may be better off converting their wool sheep-dominated farms into springbuck-dominated ranches. Thus, as the call for more environmentally benign rangeland utilising economic-ecological systems intensifies, rangeland owners in the Eastern Cape Karoo have a practicable option. At the very least, there exists an option to broaden their incomes whilst promoting ecological restoration with springbuck meat production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dlamini, Thula Sizwe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Livestock projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Livestock productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Livestock -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Springbok -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1003 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002738
- Description: In Graaff-Reinet, domestic livestock farming and springbuck ranching are similar in that they both rely on the rangeland for their sustainability. However, as a consequence of repeated monotonous domestic livestock farming, resulting in compromised biological productivity and diversity, the rangelands have disintegrated. This, unfortunately, has placed the future sustainability of these rangelands and the livelihoods of the local people in an indeterminate state. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in springbuck ranching for meat production as an alternative to domestic livestock farming in the area following (a) fears of worsening environmental challenges; (b) declining profitability in commercial domestic livestock farming and; (c) growing calls for the sustainable use of these rangelands for the benefit of future generations. The springbuck has emerged as a credible alternative to utilising the rangelands - as opposed to sheep - because of its promise to addressing the above challenges. This is in an attempt to tap into the multitude of benefits that the springbuck possesses (by virtue of being part of the natural capital of the area) that have a potential towards restoring ecological integrity by extenuating some of the detrimental effects of sheep farming on the rangelands and presenting opportunities for diversifying incomes. Yet, despite the general increase in interest, a resistance towards the uptake of springbuck ranching for meat production exists. The main contention is that springbuck meat production cannot out-perform the economic returns of wool sheep farming. This study attempts to address these concerns by investigating the profitability and economic sustainability of converting a sheep farm into a springbuck ranch in Graaff-Reinet. The study uses stochastic simulation to estimate the probability distribution of some key output variables, namely: net cash income, ending cash balance, real net worth and the net present value (NPV) in evaluating the profitability of converting a 5 000ha sheep-dominated farm into a springbuck-dominated ranch under three alternative scenarios. The use of stochastic simulation allows for the incorporation of downside risk associated with the production and marketing of wool, mutton and springbuck meat. The study uses stochastic prices and yields to calculate net returns variability. Incorporating scenario analysis helped to evaluate how alternative wool sheep-dominated and springbuck-dominated combinations would perform based on the probable outcomes of different assumptions in the various scenarios. By applying stochastic efficiency with respect to a function (SERF) criterion to the simulated NPVs, this study compares the profitability of alternative scenarios based on various risk aversion coefficients. The study finds that converting a 5 000ha wool sheep dominated farm into a springbuck dominated ranch could potentially be a more profitable investment than wool sheep farming over a 15 year planning horizon, in Graaff-Reinet. The SERF results indicate that for all scenarios tested, the best strategy of converting a wool sheep dominated farm into a springbuck ranch would be one which comprise a combination of 70% springbuck, 20% mutton and 10% wool production as the likely profitable enterprise mix. Using economic sustainability analysis, the study reveals that because of low costs in springbuck ranching, springbuck meat production enterprises are most likely to be more financially sustainable than wool sheep-dominated enterprises. This suggests that rangeland owners may be better off converting their wool sheep-dominated farms into springbuck-dominated ranches. Thus, as the call for more environmentally benign rangeland utilising economic-ecological systems intensifies, rangeland owners in the Eastern Cape Karoo have a practicable option. At the very least, there exists an option to broaden their incomes whilst promoting ecological restoration with springbuck meat production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
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