A history of land degradation is reconstructed in a part of the dividing ridge between the Great Fish and Keiskamma rivers, in Peddie District, former Ciskei. The study entails a comparative investigation of the progressive changes in land use, vegetation and soil erosion in three tenure units, namely: former commercial farms, traditional and betterment villages. Analysis of the sequential aerial photography of the area for 1938,1954, 1965, 1975 and 1988 is employed. This is backed by groundtruthing exercises. Data thus obtained are quantified, and linkages between degradation, anthropogenic and physical factors are derived using PC ARC/INFO GIS. Differences in land tenure systems emerge as the main controlling factor to variations in land degradation. Confinement of vegetation diminution and erosion to traditional and betterment villages is observed at all dates. Scantily vegetated surfaces and riparian vegetation removal are a characteristic feature of both areas throughout the study period. 'Betterment,' introduced in the early 1960s to curb land degradation is, instead observed to exacerbate it, particularly soil erosion. Trends in land use change are characterised by the abandonment of cultivated land, which is noted to coincide with a sharp rise in population. Erosion intensification into severe forms particularly between 1965 and 1975, coincident with a period of extreme rainfall events, emerges as the most significant degradation trend. A close spatial correlation between abandoned cultivated land and intricate gullies is identified. So is the case between grazing land and severe sheet erosion. Within the grazing lands, an examination of erosion and categories of vegetated surfaces reveals that erosion occurs predominantly on the scanty vegetation category. Such erosion-vegetation interaction largely explains the non-recovery of the scanty vegetation category, even during periods of intense rainfall. Extensive channel degradation is evident along stream courses with scanty riparian vegetation. Physical factors are noted to have a significant bearing on erosion. The high prevalence of erosion on the Ecca group of rocks confirms its erosion-prone nature. Pockets of colluvium and alluvium accumulation in the steep bottomlands are identified as the sites of the most severe gully erosion. Field surveys at some of the sites indicate that a dolerite sill through the area forms a boundary of colluvium accumulation and the upslope limit to gully incision. That these sites are recognised as formerly cultivated land, portrays the interaction between physical and anthropogenic variables with regard to inducing degradation in the area.

The work began with the production by the author of a geological map of the area, since this essential task had not previously been undertaken. A detailed study of the settlement plan, containing both European and African smallholders, was then made. This proved a very fruitful field of study, because within the area the settlement plan is undergoing dramatic changes which are having an effect on the land use pattern within the area. This study was concerned mainly with the production of a detailed land use map and a quantitative analysis of the land use distributions revealed by this map. The classification used fer the categories on the land use map closely resembles one used in the land use map of 'The Border Region' produced by the Border Regional Survey (1957/8) which was in turn based on the World Land Use Map classification. Accompanying this text are seven maps produced by the author, three of the land settlement plan (1: 50,000), one each of the geology (1: 50,000) and rainfall (1:125,000) and two of the land use (l: 50,000 and 1: 125,000) in the area. The field sheets (1: 18,000) which show the land use of the area in great detail, are to be found in the library of the Geography Departmont, Rhodes University in atlas form.

From Summary: This is a geographical study of land use in the Eastern Cape Province. The land use pattern, although related closely to the features of the natural environment, is perhaps even more closely related to the spatial variations of the man-made environment, particularly to the disposition of the different racial groups with their different cultures and economies, and to the kaleidoscopic character of the settlement pattern.

Vegetation stress as a form of degradation is a widespread problem in many catchments in the Eastern Cape province. The Keiskamma is one of the catchments where considerable parts of the thicket biome are stressed. This necessitates an assessment of the status of the thicket biome by way of detecting vegetation stress in the area. The underpinnings of vegetation stress are investigated in this study. As a basic method to evaluate the thicket condition, remotely sensed data were acquired. High resolution ASTER imagery for the Keiskamma area at two different dates (2001 and 2005) was used to compute SVI and NDVI as indicators of vegetation stress conditions. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was used to derive slope angle and aspect. By way of digitizing from ortho-photo maps, various land-use types were mapped using Arc View GIS. The relationship between land use, terrain, soil erosion and vegetation stress was established. Field based techniques comprising stomatal conductance measurements were used and compared to remotely sensed data. The SVI and NDVI resultant images expressed similarities in areas depicting vegetation stress conditions at both epochs. A strong linear regression between NDVI and stomatal conductance measurements (mmol/m²) serve to confirm that the NDVI is a reliable indicator of vegetation stress condition. Slope angle and aspect were found to have a significant influence on vegetation stress conditions. Similarly variations in soil moisture and soil surface condition have strong implications for vegetation stress. Amongst other land-use types, abandoned lands were found to have the lowest NDVI values implying an association with the worst vegetation stress scenarios. It was concluded that an element of persistent stress conditions exists amongst the thicket vegetation of the Keiskamma catchment. This was mainly due to land use activities in the area.

The escalation of poverty simultaneously with the decline of small-scale agriculture in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape in particular, raises serious concerns within the government circles in South Africa and among researchers. Of the nine provinces of South Africa, the rate of poverty in the Eastern Cape is a pathetic one and is the largest contributor to poverty statistics in the whole of South Africa. Machete (2004) stresses that high levels of poverty are visible in the rural areas and the large proportions of the people who are poor in South Africa are found in the rural areas. It is widely accepted that small-scale agriculture plays a vital role in and contributes substantially to socio-economic life of people living in the rural areas and is one of the strategies most suited to combat poverty for the majority of the people in the rural areas. This study explored the challenges that limit the effective use of land for subsistence agriculture as a strategy for poverty alleviation at Mpongo and Twecwana villages in Tsholomnqa. The study adopted a qualitative approach in order to get in-depth understanding of the challenges as experienced by the participants. The sample comprised of fifteen (15) subsistence farmers and three (3) extension officers from the department of agriculture. The data was collected from the participants through the focus group technique with an interview schedule containing open ended questions. The findings of the study indicated that the communities lack capital such as money, machinery, labour and other resources needed to pursue agricultural livelihoods. The findings also showed that agricultural infrastructure such as dams, rivers, fencing have deteriorated. Machete (2004, p.8) concurring with Pote (2008) says “inadequate physical infrastructure in the rural areas, particular in the former homeland areas remains a major obstacle to smallholder agricultural growth in South Africa”. In the two villages the situation is worsened by a total lack of irrigation scheme development. These communities rely entirely on seasonal and natural rainfall for their crops to be cultivated and grown. It was also found that the introduction of state grants contributed for the rural communities to do way with their traditional socio-economic agricultural livelihoods. The end results were for food production from gardens and communal fields come to a total collapse in many communities in the rural areas. The findings also show that youth is less interested to participate and pursue agricultural based activities in the rural areas. Williams et al (2008) claim that young people are unwilling to pursue agricultural studies as career of choice because of negative image attached to it. Many youths regard agriculture as an activity which belongs to adult and ordinary people. Drought was also cited as the worst natural disaster that has threatened the already disadvantaged small scale agriculture in these rural areas. These deficiencies have rendered subsistence agricultural centred activities to a total collapse.

Bibliography: leaves 69-72. / This study investigated the land-use potential of the Liesbeeck-Black River confluence area . It is intended to serve as a guide to land-use planners and other interested parties concerning the opportunities and constraints proffered by the environment on the confluence area. The collecting of baseline data was undertaken by nine Masters Students in the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town. Each student then analysed the data individually. The study was undertaken in part fulfilment of the academic requirements of the Masters Degree. The Liesbeeck-Black River confluence area (hereafter called the study area) is located approximately 5.5 km east of the CBD of Cape Town. It covers approximately 232 ha and is bounded by the N2 Freeway to the South, Alexandra Road to the East, Liesbeeck Parkway to the West and the Culemborg-Black River Railway Yard to the North. The aim of the study was twofold, firstly to determine a procedure whereby the optimal land- use alternative for an area could be determined, taking into account the effects of significant environmental elements, and secondly to analyse and determine the optimal land-use alternative for the study area specifically. The procedure developed during the research is an adaptation of the Leopold Matrix method of analysis. The environmental elements characteristic of the study area are listed on the horizontal axis, and the land-use options to be analysed on the vertical axis. The magnitude and significance of the effect of an environmental element on a particular type of land-use can then be rated and this rating entered in the corresponding matrix cell. By adding the ratings of all environmental elements on each land-use option, the overall rating of the different land-use options can be obtained. The option with the highest overall (positive) rating is then considered to be the optimal type of land-use. This method was then applied to assess the land-use potential of the study area. The land-use options considered to be appropriate for the study area were determined by considering only those types of land-uses for which a regional need had previously been established.

Thesis (Ph.D. Administration (Development Planning and Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness in planning for and management of urbanisation towards climate change mitigation at the City of Polokwane, Polokwane Local Municipality in the Limpopo Province. In Africa, various studies have demonstrated that unplanned urbanisation has resulted in increasing Greenhouse Gas emissions, which has contributed to the intensification of climate change. Although every country has contributed to climate change, African countries have blamed the current climatic conditions (floods, drought, changing precipitation patterns, sea-level rise, heatwaves and high temperature) on the excessive development alternatives that are highly polluting from the developed countries. In South Africa, the Spatial Planning Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) is an important planning instrument to plan and manage urbanisation. Although there has been a transformation of legislative framework in South Africa, its implementation remains unreformed. The study adopted a mixed method approach to integrate the strengths of both the qualitative and quantitative methods. The study was undertaken at four areas around the City of Polokwane, namely Legae le Batho, Serala View, Emdo Park and Flora Park by engaging with the local communities on their perceptions regarding the planning and management practices within the municipality. The findings of the study indicate that there is a gap between the municipality and the local communities in the planning and management of urbanisation. The collaboration between the communities and Polokwane Local Municipality in planning serves as a strategy for efficient climate change mitigation. The use of solar systems for street lights, solar geysers, hybrid system (solar and batteries) and gas application can significantly reduce electricity consumption, which is currently generated from the combustion of fossil fuels. Therefore, the study recommends implementation of bio-digesters and solar plants to mitigate climate change. The study recommends proper alignment between the Polokwane Local Municipality and Capricorn District Municipality in terms of climate change mitigation to ensure effective implementation of project initiatives such as bio digesters (for gas generation) and solar plants for electricity generation.

Land is a major factor in agricultural production, so agricultural land allocated to smallholder farmers through Land Reform Program or by traditional leader need to be actively utilised for enhancement of agricultural business. The study assessed land utilisation by small and emerging farmers in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality. Data was collected from 86 farms and analysed using SPSS Version 23. The results indicate that 74% of the farmers fully utilised their farm lands. Results of Logit model revealed that, the amount received from leasing, value adding to products, annual farm income and savings had positive significant impact on the area of cultivation, while skills pertaining to farming activities and the proportion of farm inputs purchased with the farmer’s own money had negative impact. The significant variables should be considered to influence full farmland utilisation by small and emerging farmers in the study area; farmers need production inputs, affordable loans and other forms of funding to improve farmland utilisation / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

A dissertation submitted to the faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Johannesburg 1997 / South Africa has recently begun a number of conservation Initiatives which link conservation with the development of people This follows a worldwide trend in which it is acknowledged that conservation cannot be undertaker without the participation of local communities who are most affected by the establishment of protected areas The Thukela Biosphere Reserve In KwaZulu/Natal South Africa iS such an Initiative The research provides an assessment of the potential of the TBR to successfully introduce a sustainable land use strategy in the region This assessment is achieved through an investigation of the historical situation as well as local communities perceptions and attitudes toward the TBR and environmental degradation These attitudes are compared to a more scientific analysis of land degradation The research made use of participatory methodologies to assess these perceptions Findings indicate that local Afrrcan communities are intensely aware of environmental degradation in the TBR A number of factors however prevent them from accepting the TBR as an effective land use option These include oppressive historical polices leading[Abbreviated [ Abstract. Open document to view full version]

The Eden To Addo Corridor Initiative aims to connect formally protected areas in a conservation corridor from the coastal area of the Eden District near Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa to the Addo National Elephant Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The corridor will incorporate government and privately owned land, and will be an attempt to maintain ecological processes at a range of spatial and temporal scales. The Langkloof Valley lies between the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Area and the Tstitsikamma National Park; two formally protected areas that will be incorporated into the Eden To Addo Corridor. Spatial prioritization analyses allow conservation planners to select areas that should be targeted for conservation action based on a range of criteria. Historically, ecological criteria have been included mostly alone in spatial prioritization. Recently, the idea of ‘conservation opportunity’ has emerged in the field of conservation planning; the notion suggests that a range of different types of data should be included in processes to spatially prioritise for conservation. By including those data defined as ‘human’ and ‘social’ data into prioritising activities, the feasibility of conservation plans can be accounted for, but historically conservation planners have failed to do so. I conducted a literature review that demonstrated that although the importance of human and social data are acknowledged in the conservation planning literature, these data that define opportunity are rarely actually included in spatial prioritisation analyses. I then carried out a social assessment that allowed me to define the social and human context of our study area and, specifically, what stewardship instruments land managers in the Langkloof would be prepared to engage. We found that land managers were generally willing to engage, but lacked the financial capacity to adopt conservation methods. Using a subset of the social and human data that were collected in the social assessment, I trialled a new Decision Support Software to fuse those data with ecological data in a novel attempt to identify priority areas for conservation action based on ecological integrity and feasibility. We also scheduled (ranked) land managers to approach for conservation action with a focus on local champions and clusters of land managers displaying strong conservation characteristics. Two corridors were identified; a major corridor in the western region of the valley and a secondary corridor closer to the middle. The members of the Initiative have been briefed on the outcomes, which provided them an opportunity to provide feedback; it is hoped that the framework of this study can be used for planning future connections. The Eden To Addo Corridor Initiative sent out a stewardship extension officer in February 2011 to approach those land managers areas that were identified. This planning exercise is a good demonstration of how, by collaborating effectively, academic conservation planners can contribute to supporting decision making by organizations that are implementing conservation action.