More than just fields: Reframing deagrarianisation in landscapes and livelihoods
- Hebinck, Paul, Mtati, Nosiseko, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Hebinck, Paul , Mtati, Nosiseko , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180322 , vital:43353 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2018.01.004"
- Description: This paper discusses the emergent properties of deagrarianisation processes in two villages in the central Eastern Cape, South Africa. The claim of is that much of the deagrarianisation literature and debate does not acknowledge the importance of landscapes and the interaction between their constituent elements, notably people, forests, grasslands, fields, grazing lands, open spaces, built environments and homesteads, all of which contribute to shaping and, in turn, are shaped by livelihoods. Conceptualising a landscape as a spatial entity and associated assemblage of practices, discourses and history, this paper dissects the landscape in terms of land uses for residential and cultural purposes, growing, grazing and gathering. These land use categories together represent the rural domain to which the villagers are attached as a place and a home. Their use of the land is not necessarily oriented to fully exploring its productive potential. The article explores the transformation from a productive landscape to one which largely hinges on consumption. The blurring of boundaries between the formally designated land use categories signifies the transformations occurring in many of the rural areas in the former homelands of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Hebinck, Paul , Mtati, Nosiseko , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180322 , vital:43353 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2018.01.004"
- Description: This paper discusses the emergent properties of deagrarianisation processes in two villages in the central Eastern Cape, South Africa. The claim of is that much of the deagrarianisation literature and debate does not acknowledge the importance of landscapes and the interaction between their constituent elements, notably people, forests, grasslands, fields, grazing lands, open spaces, built environments and homesteads, all of which contribute to shaping and, in turn, are shaped by livelihoods. Conceptualising a landscape as a spatial entity and associated assemblage of practices, discourses and history, this paper dissects the landscape in terms of land uses for residential and cultural purposes, growing, grazing and gathering. These land use categories together represent the rural domain to which the villagers are attached as a place and a home. Their use of the land is not necessarily oriented to fully exploring its productive potential. The article explores the transformation from a productive landscape to one which largely hinges on consumption. The blurring of boundaries between the formally designated land use categories signifies the transformations occurring in many of the rural areas in the former homelands of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The influence of livelihood dependency, local ecological knowledge and market proximity on the ecological impacts of harvesting non-timber forest products
- Steele, Melita Z, Shackleton, Charlie M, Shaanker, Ramanan U, Ganeshaiah, Kotiganahalli N, Radloff, Sarah E
- Authors: Steele, Melita Z , Shackleton, Charlie M , Shaanker, Ramanan U , Ganeshaiah, Kotiganahalli N , Radloff, Sarah E
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180908 , vital:43669 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2014.07.011"
- Description: It is well established that non-timber forest products make significant contributions to rural incomes throughout most of the developing world. NTFP use frequently raises concerns about the sustainability of, or ecological impacts associated with, NTFP harvesting, as well as local contextual factors which may limit or reduce the impacts. Here we test the conceptual model first advanced by Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) relating to the factors that may limit or exacerbate the ecological impacts associated with NTFP harvesting. These were the extent of local dependence on NTFPs, the degree of marketing and the level of local ecological knowledge. Data were collected via household questionnaires and ecological surveys of woody plants from eight villages throughout South Africa. We found no significant relationships between measures of ecological impact with local ecological knowledge or market proximity and engagement. There was a strong positive relationship between ecological impacts and NTFP dependency as indexed through mean annual direct-use value for NTFPs. This indicates that the higher the dependency and demand for NTFPs, the greater is the possibility of high impacts to the local environment. However, other contextual drivers not included in the original Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) model may also play a role, particularly the strength of local resource governance institutions.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Steele, Melita Z , Shackleton, Charlie M , Shaanker, Ramanan U , Ganeshaiah, Kotiganahalli N , Radloff, Sarah E
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180908 , vital:43669 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2014.07.011"
- Description: It is well established that non-timber forest products make significant contributions to rural incomes throughout most of the developing world. NTFP use frequently raises concerns about the sustainability of, or ecological impacts associated with, NTFP harvesting, as well as local contextual factors which may limit or reduce the impacts. Here we test the conceptual model first advanced by Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) relating to the factors that may limit or exacerbate the ecological impacts associated with NTFP harvesting. These were the extent of local dependence on NTFPs, the degree of marketing and the level of local ecological knowledge. Data were collected via household questionnaires and ecological surveys of woody plants from eight villages throughout South Africa. We found no significant relationships between measures of ecological impact with local ecological knowledge or market proximity and engagement. There was a strong positive relationship between ecological impacts and NTFP dependency as indexed through mean annual direct-use value for NTFPs. This indicates that the higher the dependency and demand for NTFPs, the greater is the possibility of high impacts to the local environment. However, other contextual drivers not included in the original Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) model may also play a role, particularly the strength of local resource governance institutions.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
Mechanisms and indicators for assessing the impact of biofuel feedstock production on ecosystem services
- Gasparatos, Alexandros, Romeu-Dalmau, Carla, von Maltitz, Graham P, Johnson, Francis X, Shackleton, Charlie M, Jarzebski, Marcin P, Jumbe, Charles, Ochieng, Caroline, Mudombi, Shakespear, Nyambane, Anne, Willis, Katherine J
- Authors: Gasparatos, Alexandros , Romeu-Dalmau, Carla , von Maltitz, Graham P , Johnson, Francis X , Shackleton, Charlie M , Jarzebski, Marcin P , Jumbe, Charles , Ochieng, Caroline , Mudombi, Shakespear , Nyambane, Anne , Willis, Katherine J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181368 , vital:43727 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2018.01.024"
- Description: Biofuel feedstock production can be a significant driver of landscape modification, ecosystem change and biodiversity loss. There is growing body of literature that shows how biofuel landscapes provide various ecosystem services (e.g., feedstock for fuel, carbon sequestration) and compromise other ecosystem services (e.g., food, freshwater services). These effects are context-specific and depend largely on prior land use conditions and feedstock production practices. Changes in the flow of ecosystem services due to the conversion of natural and agricultural areas can have ripple effects on human wellbeing. Despite some recent attempts to apply to biofuel settings concepts and methods rooted in the ecosystem services literature, this is the exception rather than the rule within both the biofuel and the ecosystem services research communities. This paper synthesizes the current knowledge about the impact of biofuels on ecosystem services. It focuses especially on the feedstock production phase and outlines the main mechanisms through which landscape conversion affects the provisions of ecosystem services. It proposes conceptually coherent indicators to reflect these mechanisms and offers a critical discussion of key issues at the interface of biofuels and ecosystem services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Gasparatos, Alexandros , Romeu-Dalmau, Carla , von Maltitz, Graham P , Johnson, Francis X , Shackleton, Charlie M , Jarzebski, Marcin P , Jumbe, Charles , Ochieng, Caroline , Mudombi, Shakespear , Nyambane, Anne , Willis, Katherine J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181368 , vital:43727 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2018.01.024"
- Description: Biofuel feedstock production can be a significant driver of landscape modification, ecosystem change and biodiversity loss. There is growing body of literature that shows how biofuel landscapes provide various ecosystem services (e.g., feedstock for fuel, carbon sequestration) and compromise other ecosystem services (e.g., food, freshwater services). These effects are context-specific and depend largely on prior land use conditions and feedstock production practices. Changes in the flow of ecosystem services due to the conversion of natural and agricultural areas can have ripple effects on human wellbeing. Despite some recent attempts to apply to biofuel settings concepts and methods rooted in the ecosystem services literature, this is the exception rather than the rule within both the biofuel and the ecosystem services research communities. This paper synthesizes the current knowledge about the impact of biofuels on ecosystem services. It focuses especially on the feedstock production phase and outlines the main mechanisms through which landscape conversion affects the provisions of ecosystem services. It proposes conceptually coherent indicators to reflect these mechanisms and offers a critical discussion of key issues at the interface of biofuels and ecosystem services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Price determination of non-timber forest products in different areas of South Africa
- Mugido, Worship, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Mugido, Worship , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179825 , vital:43192 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2017.12.010"
- Description: A wide variety of factors can influence the price determination of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in individual markets. However, there is little understanding of differences across multiple markets within a uniform macro context, or how they might vary between different types of NTFPs. Therefore, this study sought to determine the factors and rationale behind the setting of prices for selected NTFPs in 15 different areas of South Africa. The results showed that the pricing factors considered by sellers when setting the prices of NTFP varied with the type of NTFP being sold, type of market (home markets or urban markets) and the method used by the seller to procure the stock. Overall, transport costs, stock price, profit margin, time taken to collect or produce the product and market price were the widely used factors to determine prices for NTFPs. The marked variation in both markets and products show that there was no formal or certain price setting mechanism that was used by NTFP sellers establish the market prices of NTFPs, with price discovery being the most widespread.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mugido, Worship , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179825 , vital:43192 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2017.12.010"
- Description: A wide variety of factors can influence the price determination of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in individual markets. However, there is little understanding of differences across multiple markets within a uniform macro context, or how they might vary between different types of NTFPs. Therefore, this study sought to determine the factors and rationale behind the setting of prices for selected NTFPs in 15 different areas of South Africa. The results showed that the pricing factors considered by sellers when setting the prices of NTFP varied with the type of NTFP being sold, type of market (home markets or urban markets) and the method used by the seller to procure the stock. Overall, transport costs, stock price, profit margin, time taken to collect or produce the product and market price were the widely used factors to determine prices for NTFPs. The marked variation in both markets and products show that there was no formal or certain price setting mechanism that was used by NTFP sellers establish the market prices of NTFPs, with price discovery being the most widespread.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Socio-spatial dynamics in the use of wild natural resources: Evidence from six rapidly growing medium-sized cities in Africa
- Schlesinger, Johannes, Drescher, Axel W, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Schlesinger, Johannes , Drescher, Axel W , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180897 , vital:43668 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2014.11.013"
- Description: Increasing urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa transforms spatial configurations in and around towns and cities. At the same time wild natural resources play an important role in African livelihoods. Yet, little is known about the impact of urbanisation on the socio-spatial dynamics of the use of wild natural resources. Here we examined the importance of these resources for livelihoods, differences in their use between different locations along the urban-rural continuum, and the respective temporal dynamics. A total of 1158 households were interviewed in six medium-sized cities distributed across five African countries using a standardised questionnaire supplemented by expert interviews and spatial analyses employing Geographic Information Systems. Overall, even though periurban and rural households were more likely to use wild natural resources than those in the urban areas, the use of these resources was generally high along the entire urban-rural continuum. Despite the increasing urban pressure on these resources, they remain an integral part for most households, not only for those lacking access to productive resources, but also for those with a higher standard of living. This trend was found across all study towns, despite the marked differences in their respective socio-spatial as well as environmental settings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Schlesinger, Johannes , Drescher, Axel W , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180897 , vital:43668 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2014.11.013"
- Description: Increasing urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa transforms spatial configurations in and around towns and cities. At the same time wild natural resources play an important role in African livelihoods. Yet, little is known about the impact of urbanisation on the socio-spatial dynamics of the use of wild natural resources. Here we examined the importance of these resources for livelihoods, differences in their use between different locations along the urban-rural continuum, and the respective temporal dynamics. A total of 1158 households were interviewed in six medium-sized cities distributed across five African countries using a standardised questionnaire supplemented by expert interviews and spatial analyses employing Geographic Information Systems. Overall, even though periurban and rural households were more likely to use wild natural resources than those in the urban areas, the use of these resources was generally high along the entire urban-rural continuum. Despite the increasing urban pressure on these resources, they remain an integral part for most households, not only for those lacking access to productive resources, but also for those with a higher standard of living. This trend was found across all study towns, despite the marked differences in their respective socio-spatial as well as environmental settings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Special section on urbanisation and ecosystem services in sub-Saharan Africa: Current status and scenarios
- Pauleit, Stephan, Lindley, Sarah, Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Pauleit, Stephan , Lindley, Sarah , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183082 , vital:43910 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2018.09.008"
- Description: The African continent is facing unprecedented population growth in the 21st century. Most of this growth will be absorbed by urban areas where the overall population is projected to triple from presently appr. 400 people to 1.3 billion people in 2050 (UN-Habitat, 2014). In sub-Saharan Africa, which is the focus of this Special Issue, not only the number of megacities with more than 10 million such as Lagos will rise, but smaller or medium sized cities will attract most of this growth (UN-Habitat, 2014). The majority of this increase is taking place in the form of informal settlements where people are living in poverty and where basic facilities and services such as a secure supply of clean drinking water and safe waste water disposal are missing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pauleit, Stephan , Lindley, Sarah , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183082 , vital:43910 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2018.09.008"
- Description: The African continent is facing unprecedented population growth in the 21st century. Most of this growth will be absorbed by urban areas where the overall population is projected to triple from presently appr. 400 people to 1.3 billion people in 2050 (UN-Habitat, 2014). In sub-Saharan Africa, which is the focus of this Special Issue, not only the number of megacities with more than 10 million such as Lagos will rise, but smaller or medium sized cities will attract most of this growth (UN-Habitat, 2014). The majority of this increase is taking place in the form of informal settlements where people are living in poverty and where basic facilities and services such as a secure supply of clean drinking water and safe waste water disposal are missing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The potential use of natural resources in urban informal settlements as substitutes for financial capital during flooding emergencies
- Dalu, Mwazvita, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Dalu, Mwazvita , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179814 , vital:43191 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2018.03.002"
- Description: Rapid and widespread land cover change and the subsequent loss of the buffering capacity provided by healthy ecosystems against natural hazards has resulted in increased vulnerability to natural hazards. There is an insufficient understanding of the natural resources contribution to the resilience of poor urban communities living in informal settlements and the financial implications thereof. Thus, household strategies used to recover from the October 2012 flood shock were investigated within the informal settlements of three small South African towns using questionnaires. Within the vulnerability paradigm and the sustainable livelihood framework, the study also quantified and evaluated the relative contribution of natural resources to recovery strategies and the impacts on household financial capital. We found that natural resources contributed up to 70% to recovery of households from the flood shock, most of this being to reconstruct housing structures after the flood. Factors such as household head education level, household income, kinship level, the extent of property damage and the cost associated with property rehabilitation significantly influenced the uptake of natural resources in recovery from floods, and this was variable among settlements and towns. The main findings showed that natural resources reduced household vulnerability of urban informal settlements by providing an emergency-net function that substitutes financial capital. Their inclusion in disaster management plans and responses has the potential to contribute to the sustainable livelihoods of the urban poor in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dalu, Mwazvita , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179814 , vital:43191 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2018.03.002"
- Description: Rapid and widespread land cover change and the subsequent loss of the buffering capacity provided by healthy ecosystems against natural hazards has resulted in increased vulnerability to natural hazards. There is an insufficient understanding of the natural resources contribution to the resilience of poor urban communities living in informal settlements and the financial implications thereof. Thus, household strategies used to recover from the October 2012 flood shock were investigated within the informal settlements of three small South African towns using questionnaires. Within the vulnerability paradigm and the sustainable livelihood framework, the study also quantified and evaluated the relative contribution of natural resources to recovery strategies and the impacts on household financial capital. We found that natural resources contributed up to 70% to recovery of households from the flood shock, most of this being to reconstruct housing structures after the flood. Factors such as household head education level, household income, kinship level, the extent of property damage and the cost associated with property rehabilitation significantly influenced the uptake of natural resources in recovery from floods, and this was variable among settlements and towns. The main findings showed that natural resources reduced household vulnerability of urban informal settlements by providing an emergency-net function that substitutes financial capital. Their inclusion in disaster management plans and responses has the potential to contribute to the sustainable livelihoods of the urban poor in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Natural resource use, incomes, and poverty along the rural–urban continuum of two medium-sized, South African towns
- Ward, Catherine D, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Ward, Catherine D , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180790 , vital:43646 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.10.025"
- Description: Urbanization is a significant driver of global change, reshaping livelihoods, productive activities, and incomes. Yet, many elements of what are typically regarded as rural activities can be found in urban places and vice versa. We report on the incomes from land- and cash-based activities along the rural–urban gradient of two South African towns. Although the dominant income strategies varied, all households had more than one income source. Use of wild resources and agriculture were common in urban settings, although variable between and within towns. Poverty levels would be 5–10% higher in the absence of natural resource-based incomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ward, Catherine D , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180790 , vital:43646 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.10.025"
- Description: Urbanization is a significant driver of global change, reshaping livelihoods, productive activities, and incomes. Yet, many elements of what are typically regarded as rural activities can be found in urban places and vice versa. We report on the incomes from land- and cash-based activities along the rural–urban gradient of two South African towns. Although the dominant income strategies varied, all households had more than one income source. Use of wild resources and agriculture were common in urban settings, although variable between and within towns. Poverty levels would be 5–10% higher in the absence of natural resource-based incomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Multiple benefits and values of trees in urban landscapes in two towns in northern South Africa
- Shackleton, Sheona E, Chinyimba, Abby, Hebinck, Paul, Shackleton, Charlie M, Kaoma, Humphrey
- Authors: Shackleton, Sheona E , Chinyimba, Abby , Hebinck, Paul , Shackleton, Charlie M , Kaoma, Humphrey
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180874 , vital:43658 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2014.12.004"
- Description: Cities and towns can be conceptualised as complex social-ecological systems or landscapes that are composed of different spatial elements. Trees in urban landscapes provide a variety of tangible and intangible benefits (ecosystem services) that may be valued differently across diverse households and individuals. Here, we consider how the benefits and values of trees to urban residents vary across public and private spaces in three low income neighbourhoods in two medium-sized towns in northern South Africa. We find that the most asset poor residents in informal settlements derive significant benefits from the provisioning services offered by trees in natural green spaces on the ‘urban periphery’; in particular they value supplies of wood for energy, whilst also recognising the importance of regulating services such as shade. Trees in such spaces help these immigrants cope with a lack of infrastructure, services and disposable income after their move to the city. In new, low-cost housing neighbourhoods, the importance of trees in providing shade and shelter in gardens is emphasised due to the hot and dusty nature of these settlements, while residents in older township neighbourhoods make more mention of the aesthetic value of trees in private spaces as well as the fruits they provide. In all neighbourhoods, attitudes towards trees in public spaces were mixed because of their perceived association with crime, although low income households did make extensive use of tree products from natural areas. The relevance of the results for urban planning and greening in low income areas is discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shackleton, Sheona E , Chinyimba, Abby , Hebinck, Paul , Shackleton, Charlie M , Kaoma, Humphrey
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180874 , vital:43658 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2014.12.004"
- Description: Cities and towns can be conceptualised as complex social-ecological systems or landscapes that are composed of different spatial elements. Trees in urban landscapes provide a variety of tangible and intangible benefits (ecosystem services) that may be valued differently across diverse households and individuals. Here, we consider how the benefits and values of trees to urban residents vary across public and private spaces in three low income neighbourhoods in two medium-sized towns in northern South Africa. We find that the most asset poor residents in informal settlements derive significant benefits from the provisioning services offered by trees in natural green spaces on the ‘urban periphery’; in particular they value supplies of wood for energy, whilst also recognising the importance of regulating services such as shade. Trees in such spaces help these immigrants cope with a lack of infrastructure, services and disposable income after their move to the city. In new, low-cost housing neighbourhoods, the importance of trees in providing shade and shelter in gardens is emphasised due to the hot and dusty nature of these settlements, while residents in older township neighbourhoods make more mention of the aesthetic value of trees in private spaces as well as the fruits they provide. In all neighbourhoods, attitudes towards trees in public spaces were mixed because of their perceived association with crime, although low income households did make extensive use of tree products from natural areas. The relevance of the results for urban planning and greening in low income areas is discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The development visions and attitudes towards urban forestry of officials responsible for greening in South African towns
- Gwedla, Nanamhla, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Gwedla, Nanamhla , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180856 , vital:43651 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2014.07.004"
- Description: The planting and maintenance of trees in public areas of South African towns is the responsibility of local municipalities. Therefore, it is necessary to appreciate the visions and attitudes of municipal officials and decision-makers in charge of such activities for an understanding of the distribution and abundance of trees along streets and in urban green spaces. We hypothesised that the town size and relative wealth and current extent of trees in public places would influence the visions of such officials. We therefore conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with the officials responsible for urban tree planting in 24 towns in the Eastern Cape province, whilst also assessing the abundance of street trees via GIS counts. The density of street trees was variable, ranging from 0.5 to 9.5 trees/ha. There were significantly positive relationships between town size, relative wealth measures and street tree density. Several of the managers did not include environmental issues or trees in vision of the future for their town, although most did. There was no relationship between the managers’ visions for the future and attitudes and current street tree density. Most of the managers experienced several constraints in trying to implement their vision, notably a lack of funds for urban forestry, limited space for tree planting in low-cost housing developments, vandalism, and lack of skilled personnel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gwedla, Nanamhla , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180856 , vital:43651 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2014.07.004"
- Description: The planting and maintenance of trees in public areas of South African towns is the responsibility of local municipalities. Therefore, it is necessary to appreciate the visions and attitudes of municipal officials and decision-makers in charge of such activities for an understanding of the distribution and abundance of trees along streets and in urban green spaces. We hypothesised that the town size and relative wealth and current extent of trees in public places would influence the visions of such officials. We therefore conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with the officials responsible for urban tree planting in 24 towns in the Eastern Cape province, whilst also assessing the abundance of street trees via GIS counts. The density of street trees was variable, ranging from 0.5 to 9.5 trees/ha. There were significantly positive relationships between town size, relative wealth measures and street tree density. Several of the managers did not include environmental issues or trees in vision of the future for their town, although most did. There was no relationship between the managers’ visions for the future and attitudes and current street tree density. Most of the managers experienced several constraints in trying to implement their vision, notably a lack of funds for urban forestry, limited space for tree planting in low-cost housing developments, vandalism, and lack of skilled personnel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Can local use assist in controlling invasive alien species in tropical forests?: The case of Lantana camara in southern India
- Kannan, Ramesh, Shackleton, Charlie M, Krishnan, Smitha, Shaanker, Ramanan U
- Authors: Kannan, Ramesh , Shackleton, Charlie M , Krishnan, Smitha , Shaanker, Ramanan U
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180423 , vital:43387 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2016.06.016"
- Description: Many invasive alien species (IAS) are used by local communities for a variety of subsistence and income generating purposes. This frequently poses a conflict of interest for their removal due to forest conservation and biodiversity concerns. However, if local use can simultaneously check or control specific IAS, the conflict can be avoided and both development and forest conservation perspectives accommodated in the short to medium term. We examine this for Lantana camara invasion in southern India through assessment of the demand for and impacts of harvesting on this globally problematic IAS. We interviewed local artisans regarding their knowledge and quantities of Lantana used, along with forest surveys to estimate Lantana densities and size classes in harvested and unharvested sites, and lastly we undertook controlled cutting in moist and dry deciduous forests in both the wet and dry seasons to examine rate of regrowth and mortality. Over the entire study area the abundance of Lantana far outweighed local demand, but at small scales around villages, density and size classes were significantly reduced through harvesting. The controlled cutting experiment showed marked seasonal differences, with the most severe cutting intensity resulting in significant mortality when Lantana plants were cut in the wet season, but with limited effect when cut in the dry season. We conclude that promoting local use of IAS may be a feasible approach in controlling them and thereby limiting their impacts in forests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kannan, Ramesh , Shackleton, Charlie M , Krishnan, Smitha , Shaanker, Ramanan U
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180423 , vital:43387 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2016.06.016"
- Description: Many invasive alien species (IAS) are used by local communities for a variety of subsistence and income generating purposes. This frequently poses a conflict of interest for their removal due to forest conservation and biodiversity concerns. However, if local use can simultaneously check or control specific IAS, the conflict can be avoided and both development and forest conservation perspectives accommodated in the short to medium term. We examine this for Lantana camara invasion in southern India through assessment of the demand for and impacts of harvesting on this globally problematic IAS. We interviewed local artisans regarding their knowledge and quantities of Lantana used, along with forest surveys to estimate Lantana densities and size classes in harvested and unharvested sites, and lastly we undertook controlled cutting in moist and dry deciduous forests in both the wet and dry seasons to examine rate of regrowth and mortality. Over the entire study area the abundance of Lantana far outweighed local demand, but at small scales around villages, density and size classes were significantly reduced through harvesting. The controlled cutting experiment showed marked seasonal differences, with the most severe cutting intensity resulting in significant mortality when Lantana plants were cut in the wet season, but with limited effect when cut in the dry season. We conclude that promoting local use of IAS may be a feasible approach in controlling them and thereby limiting their impacts in forests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The production and commercialization of palm wine from Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata in Zitundo area, southern Mozambique
- Martins, Angelina R O, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Martins, Angelina R O , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179802 , vital:43190 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2018.02.389"
- Description: In southern Mozambique a traditional wine is produced using the sap from two palm species, Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata. Production of palm wine is one of the main livelihood activities in the Zitundo area. We examined the local production and trade of palm wine in the area. Using structured interviews we investigated the tapping activity, local management practices and the palm wine market, and assessed the incomes derived from palm wine sales and the tappers' perceptions on productivity, abundance and sales fluctuation. Tapping palms was practiced year round in five of the sixteen villages in the area and the mean number of palms tapped per day was 102 ± 52 per tapper. Tappers spent an average of 25 ± 18 h per week on tapping activities resulting in an average return to labour of R39 (± US$3) per hour. The mean, annual, net income from palm wine sales was R24,981 ± R12,094 (US$1878 ± 909) per tapper, which accounted for 85% ± 22% of the tappers' annual household income. Palm wine is a highly commercial commodity in Zitundo area, with an average commercialization index of 63% ± 23%, and is likely to help alleviate poverty in the area. Hyphaene coriacea was tapped more than Phoenix reclinata, although most tappers regard the wine from the latter to be of a better quality. The importance of palm tapping in local livelihoods and poverty alleviation needs greater acknowledgement by government and development agencies in the area, towards inclusion in sectoral development policies and conservation programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Martins, Angelina R O , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179802 , vital:43190 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2018.02.389"
- Description: In southern Mozambique a traditional wine is produced using the sap from two palm species, Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata. Production of palm wine is one of the main livelihood activities in the Zitundo area. We examined the local production and trade of palm wine in the area. Using structured interviews we investigated the tapping activity, local management practices and the palm wine market, and assessed the incomes derived from palm wine sales and the tappers' perceptions on productivity, abundance and sales fluctuation. Tapping palms was practiced year round in five of the sixteen villages in the area and the mean number of palms tapped per day was 102 ± 52 per tapper. Tappers spent an average of 25 ± 18 h per week on tapping activities resulting in an average return to labour of R39 (± US$3) per hour. The mean, annual, net income from palm wine sales was R24,981 ± R12,094 (US$1878 ± 909) per tapper, which accounted for 85% ± 22% of the tappers' annual household income. Palm wine is a highly commercial commodity in Zitundo area, with an average commercialization index of 63% ± 23%, and is likely to help alleviate poverty in the area. Hyphaene coriacea was tapped more than Phoenix reclinata, although most tappers regard the wine from the latter to be of a better quality. The importance of palm tapping in local livelihoods and poverty alleviation needs greater acknowledgement by government and development agencies in the area, towards inclusion in sectoral development policies and conservation programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Livelihood benefits and costs from an invasive alien tree (Acacia dealbata) to rural communities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Ngorima, A, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Ngorima, A , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179755 , vital:43168 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.077"
- Description: The negative effects of invasive alien species (IAS) are increasingly invoked to justify widespread and usually top-down approaches for their management or eradication. However, very little of the research or discourse is based on investigating local perceptions, uses and struggles with IAS, and how their presence influences and changes local livelihoods. The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions and livelihood uses of Acacia dealbata by local communities at three localities in the montane grasslands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using a combination of random household interviews, focus group discussions and participatory tools. We calculated direct-use values for each product and household (based on quantity used and local prices) and disaggregated these by gender of the household head and wealth quartiles. The results revealed the dualistic role of A. dealbata in local livelihoods. On the one hand, A. dealbata was widely used for firewood (100% of households), tools (77%) and construction timber (73%), with limited use for traditional medicines and forage. The cumulative value of approximately ZAR 2870 (±US$224) per household per year (across all households) represents considerable cash saving to households, most of whom are quite poor by national and international measures. On the other hand, the increasing extent of A. dealbata (93% said it was increasing) exacerbates local household vulnerability though reported reductions in cultivated areas, crop yields and forage production, and allegedly higher risks of crime. This quandary is well encapsulated by the considerable majority of respondents (84%) not wanting higher extents and densities of A. dealbata, but an equally high majority not wanting its total removal from local landscapes. Most respondents disliked A. dealbata in fields, close to homesteads or along primary access routes, and were more tolerant of it away from such sites. Institutional and use dynamics have varied over several decades in response to the changing extent and densities of A. dealbata and the broader political and socio-economic contexts. These results indicate that greater efforts are required to understand perceptions and uses of IAS by the people who live with them, and to direct such understanding into more spatially and temporally contextualised response strategies where required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ngorima, A , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179755 , vital:43168 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.05.077"
- Description: The negative effects of invasive alien species (IAS) are increasingly invoked to justify widespread and usually top-down approaches for their management or eradication. However, very little of the research or discourse is based on investigating local perceptions, uses and struggles with IAS, and how their presence influences and changes local livelihoods. The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions and livelihood uses of Acacia dealbata by local communities at three localities in the montane grasslands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using a combination of random household interviews, focus group discussions and participatory tools. We calculated direct-use values for each product and household (based on quantity used and local prices) and disaggregated these by gender of the household head and wealth quartiles. The results revealed the dualistic role of A. dealbata in local livelihoods. On the one hand, A. dealbata was widely used for firewood (100% of households), tools (77%) and construction timber (73%), with limited use for traditional medicines and forage. The cumulative value of approximately ZAR 2870 (±US$224) per household per year (across all households) represents considerable cash saving to households, most of whom are quite poor by national and international measures. On the other hand, the increasing extent of A. dealbata (93% said it was increasing) exacerbates local household vulnerability though reported reductions in cultivated areas, crop yields and forage production, and allegedly higher risks of crime. This quandary is well encapsulated by the considerable majority of respondents (84%) not wanting higher extents and densities of A. dealbata, but an equally high majority not wanting its total removal from local landscapes. Most respondents disliked A. dealbata in fields, close to homesteads or along primary access routes, and were more tolerant of it away from such sites. Institutional and use dynamics have varied over several decades in response to the changing extent and densities of A. dealbata and the broader political and socio-economic contexts. These results indicate that greater efforts are required to understand perceptions and uses of IAS by the people who live with them, and to direct such understanding into more spatially and temporally contextualised response strategies where required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The direct-use value of urban tree non-timber forest products to household income in poorer suburbs in South African towns
- Kaoma, Humphrey, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Kaoma, Humphrey , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180778 , vital:43645 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2015.08.005"
- Description: Valuation of the contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to household incomes has been well researched in the rural and remote areas of the developing world. In comparison, there has been little investigation of the contribution of NTFPs in urban areas and amongst the urban poor. This paper reports results from a survey of 450 households across three towns on the use and value of tree NTFPs collected by households in the poorer areas from their own homesteads, open spaces within towns and at the urban periphery. Collection (and purchase) of tree NTFPs was widespread, especially of firewood and fruits. The ratio collected from homesteads relative to other urban spaces differed between products and the amount required. Overall, approximately 20% of household income was derived from urban tree NTFPs. The highest contribution (33%) was amongst the poorest sectors represented by mostly recent migrants to towns who were living in informal settlements whilst trying to establish a foothold in the urban economy. In the formal housing areas the contribution was at least 14%, which has been overlooked by standard income surveys in urban areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kaoma, Humphrey , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180778 , vital:43645 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2015.08.005"
- Description: Valuation of the contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to household incomes has been well researched in the rural and remote areas of the developing world. In comparison, there has been little investigation of the contribution of NTFPs in urban areas and amongst the urban poor. This paper reports results from a survey of 450 households across three towns on the use and value of tree NTFPs collected by households in the poorer areas from their own homesteads, open spaces within towns and at the urban periphery. Collection (and purchase) of tree NTFPs was widespread, especially of firewood and fruits. The ratio collected from homesteads relative to other urban spaces differed between products and the amount required. Overall, approximately 20% of household income was derived from urban tree NTFPs. The highest contribution (33%) was amongst the poorest sectors represented by mostly recent migrants to towns who were living in informal settlements whilst trying to establish a foothold in the urban economy. In the formal housing areas the contribution was at least 14%, which has been overlooked by standard income surveys in urban areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Informal urban fuelwood markets in South Africa in the context of socio-economic change
- Guild, J, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Guild, J , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179779 , vital:43179 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2018.03.023"
- Description: In developing countries, fuelwood is important to livelihoods and energy security because it is used for heating, cooking and can provide additional income to households through trade. The global trade in fuelwood is valued between USD 4–26 billion per annum. In South Africa, fuelwood is a widely used domestic energy source; but how that has changed with rapid urbanisation and socio-economic development over the last two decades is unknown. This study examined the presence and nature of urban fuelwood markets in 39 urban areas of the Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces. Data were collected from 170 informal fuelwood sellers regarding the prevalence, structure, characteristics, and changes over time of the informal fuelwood markets. Over 80% of the sampled towns had an informal fuelwood market and there was a positive relationship between the number of sellers and town population size. For most sellers, the fuelwood trade was their primary occupation and the income earned was supplemented by government social grants. Sellers earned, on average, over US$9 per day. These results show that despite rapid urbanisation and socio-economic development, fuelwood remains an important domestic fuel in towns and cities of South Africa, and an income source for the urban poor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Guild, J , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179779 , vital:43179 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2018.03.023"
- Description: In developing countries, fuelwood is important to livelihoods and energy security because it is used for heating, cooking and can provide additional income to households through trade. The global trade in fuelwood is valued between USD 4–26 billion per annum. In South Africa, fuelwood is a widely used domestic energy source; but how that has changed with rapid urbanisation and socio-economic development over the last two decades is unknown. This study examined the presence and nature of urban fuelwood markets in 39 urban areas of the Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces. Data were collected from 170 informal fuelwood sellers regarding the prevalence, structure, characteristics, and changes over time of the informal fuelwood markets. Over 80% of the sampled towns had an informal fuelwood market and there was a positive relationship between the number of sellers and town population size. For most sellers, the fuelwood trade was their primary occupation and the income earned was supplemented by government social grants. Sellers earned, on average, over US$9 per day. These results show that despite rapid urbanisation and socio-economic development, fuelwood remains an important domestic fuel in towns and cities of South Africa, and an income source for the urban poor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Bushmeat use is widespread but under-researched in rural communities of South Africa
- Martins, Vusumzi, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Martins, Vusumzi , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179745 , vital:43167 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00583"
- Description: Bushmeat hunting and consumption is common throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, a recent review indicated that the prevalence and nature of bushmeat hunting was little researched or understood in southern African savannas. Here we present information from a number of rural livelihoods studies in South Africa that indicate that bushmeat consumption is common, with typically between 30 and 60% of rural households in the communal tenure regions stating that they consume it. Yet there are only five studies in the country explicitly investigating bushmeat hunting practices, motivations, offtake and target species. A review of the five studies indicates that bushmeat hunting is largely a male activity and that motivations and practices vary between sites. Hunting with dogs is the most common method, targeting multiple small and medium-sized species. With such widespread consumption, it is possible that bushmeat hunting may have significant effects on the population status of some target species and consequently requires urgent and in-depth research of both practices and effects
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Martins, Vusumzi , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179745 , vital:43167 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00583"
- Description: Bushmeat hunting and consumption is common throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, a recent review indicated that the prevalence and nature of bushmeat hunting was little researched or understood in southern African savannas. Here we present information from a number of rural livelihoods studies in South Africa that indicate that bushmeat consumption is common, with typically between 30 and 60% of rural households in the communal tenure regions stating that they consume it. Yet there are only five studies in the country explicitly investigating bushmeat hunting practices, motivations, offtake and target species. A review of the five studies indicates that bushmeat hunting is largely a male activity and that motivations and practices vary between sites. Hunting with dogs is the most common method, targeting multiple small and medium-sized species. With such widespread consumption, it is possible that bushmeat hunting may have significant effects on the population status of some target species and consequently requires urgent and in-depth research of both practices and effects
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Population size and development history determine street tree distribution and composition within and between Eastern Cape towns, South Africa
- Gwedla, Nanamhla, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Gwedla, Nanamhla , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180468 , vital:43392 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.04.014"
- Description: Street trees are a common feature of urban nature, providing ecological, economic and social benefits. These public functions are highly dependent on specific design principles, including the composition and diversity of tree species within the urban forest. Consequently, it is important to understand the patterns and correlates of street tree distribution and diversity to assess benefit flows. This requires sampling across and within towns. This paper reports on an assessment of the distribution, composition and diversity of street trees between and within multiple South African towns, and ascertains the correlations between tree density and composition with social contexts. Randomly selected streets were sampled in the affluent, township and low cost housing suburbs of ten Eastern Cape towns. Sixty-nine out of 300 sampled transects had street trees, with 888 trees enumerated, spanning 97 species. Alien tree species accounted for 71% of all the enumerated trees while indigenous trees species accounted for 12%. Tree density and composition were significantly lower in smaller towns and those marginalised during the previous racially-based political regime. Within towns, the poor areas had fewer street trees, with many streets having none. Collaboration and constant communication between the various government departments involved in suburb development is crucial to ensure a more rigorous incorporation of green infrastructure into the building and development plans of new housing developments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gwedla, Nanamhla , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180468 , vital:43392 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2017.04.014"
- Description: Street trees are a common feature of urban nature, providing ecological, economic and social benefits. These public functions are highly dependent on specific design principles, including the composition and diversity of tree species within the urban forest. Consequently, it is important to understand the patterns and correlates of street tree distribution and diversity to assess benefit flows. This requires sampling across and within towns. This paper reports on an assessment of the distribution, composition and diversity of street trees between and within multiple South African towns, and ascertains the correlations between tree density and composition with social contexts. Randomly selected streets were sampled in the affluent, township and low cost housing suburbs of ten Eastern Cape towns. Sixty-nine out of 300 sampled transects had street trees, with 888 trees enumerated, spanning 97 species. Alien tree species accounted for 71% of all the enumerated trees while indigenous trees species accounted for 12%. Tree density and composition were significantly lower in smaller towns and those marginalised during the previous racially-based political regime. Within towns, the poor areas had fewer street trees, with many streets having none. Collaboration and constant communication between the various government departments involved in suburb development is crucial to ensure a more rigorous incorporation of green infrastructure into the building and development plans of new housing developments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Abundance, population structure and harvesting selection of two palm species (Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata) in Zitundo area, southern Mozambique
- Martins, Angelina R O, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Martins, Angelina R O , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182003 , vital:43789 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2017.05.005"
- Description: In southern Mozambique, the sap and leaves of the palms Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata are harvested by local people as sources of traditional beverages, weaving, roofing, fencing and furniture material. The harvesting of these palm products may affect palm population structure, dynamics and viability. This work evaluates the abundance, population structure and harvesting selection of these two heavily harvested palm species. Hyphaene coriacea was more abundant, with a mean density of 601.5 ± 455.9 stems ha−1 against the 251.9 ± 527.3 stems ha−1 of Phoenix reclinata. Both species exhibited steeper negative slopes in the regression analyses of the size class distribution, indicating the presence of more individuals in smaller size classes. Although there was a dominance of shorter over taller size classes, limited recruitment was observed through low densities of seedling and juvenile size classes compared to the size class 1–50 cm. The Simpson index of dominance, the permutation index, and the fluctuating quotients between the consecutive size classes showed a degree of instability in both populations. Hyphaene coriacea appears to be more resilient to tapping than Phoenix reclinata, evident in the higher rate of stem survival after tapping. Hyphaene coriacea is favored for tapping compared to Phoenix reclinata. Tappers exhibited positive selection for five out of the six Hyphaene coriacea size classes, against only one Phoenix reclinata size class. The most preferred size class to tap for both species was between 101 cm and 150 cm tall. The instability detected by the indices of population stability, the coincidence between the size classes with high numbers of dead stems and the most preferred and the low level of the sexual reproduction encountered in both population emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring as well as management measures that integrate the resource users, to ensure the long-term sustainability of these populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Martins, Angelina R O , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182003 , vital:43789 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2017.05.005"
- Description: In southern Mozambique, the sap and leaves of the palms Hyphaene coriacea and Phoenix reclinata are harvested by local people as sources of traditional beverages, weaving, roofing, fencing and furniture material. The harvesting of these palm products may affect palm population structure, dynamics and viability. This work evaluates the abundance, population structure and harvesting selection of these two heavily harvested palm species. Hyphaene coriacea was more abundant, with a mean density of 601.5 ± 455.9 stems ha−1 against the 251.9 ± 527.3 stems ha−1 of Phoenix reclinata. Both species exhibited steeper negative slopes in the regression analyses of the size class distribution, indicating the presence of more individuals in smaller size classes. Although there was a dominance of shorter over taller size classes, limited recruitment was observed through low densities of seedling and juvenile size classes compared to the size class 1–50 cm. The Simpson index of dominance, the permutation index, and the fluctuating quotients between the consecutive size classes showed a degree of instability in both populations. Hyphaene coriacea appears to be more resilient to tapping than Phoenix reclinata, evident in the higher rate of stem survival after tapping. Hyphaene coriacea is favored for tapping compared to Phoenix reclinata. Tappers exhibited positive selection for five out of the six Hyphaene coriacea size classes, against only one Phoenix reclinata size class. The most preferred size class to tap for both species was between 101 cm and 150 cm tall. The instability detected by the indices of population stability, the coincidence between the size classes with high numbers of dead stems and the most preferred and the low level of the sexual reproduction encountered in both population emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring as well as management measures that integrate the resource users, to ensure the long-term sustainability of these populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Abundance and correlates of the Acacia dealbata invasion in the northern Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Gouws, Aidan J, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Gouws, Aidan J , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179735 , vital:43165 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2018.09.048"
- Description: An increase in the density and biomass of woody invasive plants contributes to the intensification of ecological impacts and can often be met with dissatisfaction by local communities. Despite their reliance on Acacia dealbata as a source of livelihood, villagers in the northern Eastern Cape have expressed concerns about the high densities of the species. This study sought to quantify the current abundance and growth of A. dealbata in selected landscapes in the northern Eastern Cape, around nine villages in rural Matatiele, Mount Fletcher and Maclear. Standard vegetation survey techniques were adopted to quantify the density, biomass and growth rate of A. dealbata. Overall, the average density, biomass and productivity of A. dealbata were estimated at approximately 7000 stems ha−1, 12 Mg ha−1 and 4 Mg ha−1 year−1, respectively. However, the abundance and productivity of A. dealbata were spatially variable between study areas. Acacia dealbata stems experienced significant growth over the period of a single year, contributing to substantial biomass production at the landscape level, despite continued harvest. Furthermore, relatively few biophysical variables were significantly influential correlates with the abundance of A. dealbata. Indeed, the degree of biological invasion can be highly variable across the landscape, shaped by the interaction of local-scale biophysical conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gouws, Aidan J , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179735 , vital:43165 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2018.09.048"
- Description: An increase in the density and biomass of woody invasive plants contributes to the intensification of ecological impacts and can often be met with dissatisfaction by local communities. Despite their reliance on Acacia dealbata as a source of livelihood, villagers in the northern Eastern Cape have expressed concerns about the high densities of the species. This study sought to quantify the current abundance and growth of A. dealbata in selected landscapes in the northern Eastern Cape, around nine villages in rural Matatiele, Mount Fletcher and Maclear. Standard vegetation survey techniques were adopted to quantify the density, biomass and growth rate of A. dealbata. Overall, the average density, biomass and productivity of A. dealbata were estimated at approximately 7000 stems ha−1, 12 Mg ha−1 and 4 Mg ha−1 year−1, respectively. However, the abundance and productivity of A. dealbata were spatially variable between study areas. Acacia dealbata stems experienced significant growth over the period of a single year, contributing to substantial biomass production at the landscape level, despite continued harvest. Furthermore, relatively few biophysical variables were significantly influential correlates with the abundance of A. dealbata. Indeed, the degree of biological invasion can be highly variable across the landscape, shaped by the interaction of local-scale biophysical conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Influence of land cover, proximity to streams and household topographical location on flooding impact in informal settlements in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Dalu, Mwazvita, Shackleton, Charlie M, Dalu, Tatenda
- Authors: Dalu, Mwazvita , Shackleton, Charlie M , Dalu, Tatenda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182089 , vital:43799 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2017.12.009"
- Description: Patterns of land use, household topographical location and state of natural vegetation influence the spatial distribution of flooding impact. Using field observations and GIS mapping techniques, we investigated how landscape factors influenced structural flooding impact in informal settlements. This study was carried out in the informal settlements of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, after the October 2012 floods. Increasing slope significantly raised the probability and level of damage by at least 30% in five of the seven sites, whereas proximity to river and wetlands (more than 100 m) was significant in only two of the sites and at lower levels. Multi-regression analysis highlighted that land cover, proximity to streams and household topographical location influenced the impact of flooding on housing structures. We found that the impact on housing structures in informal settlements during the floods were significantly influenced by their proximity to water bodies, slope factor and patterns of land cover.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dalu, Mwazvita , Shackleton, Charlie M , Dalu, Tatenda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182089 , vital:43799 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2017.12.009"
- Description: Patterns of land use, household topographical location and state of natural vegetation influence the spatial distribution of flooding impact. Using field observations and GIS mapping techniques, we investigated how landscape factors influenced structural flooding impact in informal settlements. This study was carried out in the informal settlements of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, after the October 2012 floods. Increasing slope significantly raised the probability and level of damage by at least 30% in five of the seven sites, whereas proximity to river and wetlands (more than 100 m) was significant in only two of the sites and at lower levels. Multi-regression analysis highlighted that land cover, proximity to streams and household topographical location influenced the impact of flooding on housing structures. We found that the impact on housing structures in informal settlements during the floods were significantly influenced by their proximity to water bodies, slope factor and patterns of land cover.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018