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The effect of a community based natural resource management (CBNRM) programme on the capacity of the KwaPitela community in Underberg to manage its natural resources for sustainable use.Nxumalo, Nokulunga Promise. January 2010 (has links)
Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programmes are implemented
to ensure sustainable use and protection of the environment through appropriate capacity
enhancement and empowerment mechanisms. CBNRM is an approach that has multiple
objectives, such as enhancing the capacity, of communities to manage resources sustainably,
and creating employment opportunities to enhance livelihoods of the communities. CBNRM
programmes are implemented in South Africa by different government departments and
organisations to achieve these objectives. Despite such interventions, communities often
display insufficient knowledge and capacity necessary for effective participation in
addressing natural resource management issues.
The main objective of this study was to establish the effect of a CBNRM programme on the
capacity of the KwaPitela community to manage natural resources for sustainable use. To
address the main objective of this study, three sub-objectives were identified: firstly, to
determine the community members’ ability to apply skills and knowledge in the management
of natural resources for sustainable use; secondly to determine the community’s ability to
participate with different stakeholders in the management of natural resources; and thirdly
determine the community’s ability to make decisions about the management of natural
resources for sustainable use. A basic qualitative research design was used and data collection
methods included semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Selected
documents were analysed to confirm specific aspects of the qualitative data. The participants
of this study were the KwaPitela development committee, members of the community, and
stakeholders mandated to equip the KwaPitela community in CBNRM competencies.
Regarding the first sub-objective it was evident that the development committee can apply
planning, networking, and leadership skills as a result of the CBNRM programme. The
development committee and members involved in the harvesting of natural resources
displayed knowledge related to invasive alien species, legislative processes, and the
importance of natural resources as an essential for their livelihood. These skills and
knowledge were, however, not applied by the community members who were not involved in
natural resource management and leadership processes. The development committee and
members of the community are still in need of further skills and knowledge, for example entrepreneurship skills and knowledge on how to sustain projects, in order to successfully
implement the land use management plan, as developed during the CBNRM programme.
Meeting the second sub-objective, it was evident that the development committee had the
capability to facilitate participation with stakeholders, but the development committee felt
that they were not getting enough support from the stakeholders. In assessing the third subobjective,
it became evident that the development committee was able to make well -
informed decisions in natural resource management, but they lacked the ability to influence
and implement the decisions taken. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.
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Vegetation ecology of Drakensberg foothill moist grassland on Hlogoma Mountain, Underberg, KwaZulu-NatalBerruti, Sharron Marion 11 1900 (has links)
Hlogoma Mountain is a small inselberg surrounded by farms and commercial forestry in the Underberg district (KwaZulu-Natal) within the Gs10 Drakensberg Foothill Moist Grassland. As little is known about the vegetation on Hlogoma, a survey was undertaken to classify, map and describe the plant communities occurring on the inselberg. A total of 100 (16 m2) randomly stratified sample plots were placed in homogeneous vegetation units within the 117 ha study area. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, resulted in the identification of two major communities, five communities, 12 sub-communities and four variants. All communities were described and a vegetation map constructed. Ordinations identified key environmental variables that have an impact on the vegetation at the study site. A plant species checklist was created and analysed for floristic composition; rarity and threatened species; medicinal plants; endemism; phenology; flower colour and elevation range; species richness and plant community biodiversity. A total of 467 species were identified, represented by 271 genera and 87 families. Four Red Data species and a new Aspidoglossum species were discovered. Two near-endemic genera, two endemic species and 88 near-endemic species belonging to the Drakensberg Alpine Centre were found on Hlogoma. This study showed that Hlogoma Mountain is an inselberg with high plant species richness and endemism, and is a refuge of conservation importance for biodiversity. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc.(Environmental Science)
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