There is growing recognition internationally of the shift in natural resource management away from top-down, technocratic management towards participatory approaches that incorporate local communities and other stakeholders in decision-making. Natural resources and their management are also increasingly seen to play a role in development, providing the resources necessary to drive local economic development and poverty alleviation schemes. These shifts are evident in both forestry and fisheries literature and co-management policies. Co-management is a mature theory of participatory environmental governance. Participatory Forest Management (PFM), which is a co-management approach to governance in forest management, comprises a major shift in government policy in terms of managing the people-forest interface in South Africa. Democratic approaches such as comanagement are commendable; however, the reality surrounding the lack of capacity for decisionmaking by local people and the complex scientific nature of forest management makes the implementation of this approach difficult. This study adopts a critical approach to participatory practices in forestry, and questions whether participation is occurring or whether it is merely rhetoric - a disguise for an eco-modernist, technocratic problem solving approach that still employs top down management. Ecological modernisation is a policy-orientated discourse, which is used to construct environmental problems in a particular way, and so influence the manner in which they are addressed. The mainstream ecological modernisation approach, which is a weak ecological modernisation approach (Christoff, 1996), is arguably the prevailing mainstream environmental management approach in the developed and also latterly, the developing world (Christoff, 1996; Blowers and Pain, 1999; Murphy, 2000; Scott and Oelofse, 2005). According to Oelofse et al. (2006), Laros (2004) and Scott and Oelofse (2005) this weak mainstream approach has been transferred from the developed countries, where it has been institutionalised for over two decades, to developing countries such as South Africa, and has become the “rationale for environmental management” (Oelofse et al. 2006:61) in these countries also. However, within the ecological modernisation approach, shifts are taking place towards what Christoff (1996) refers to as ‘strong’ and Beck (1995) as ‘reflexive’ ecological modernisation, which acknowledge the use of more participatory, communicative and deliberative approaches to addressing environmental problems (Christoff, 1996; Blowers and Pain, 1999; Scott and Oelofse, 2005). The southern Cape PFM case study in South Africa is presented as an opportunity to explore these ideas. This thesis explores the relationship between PFM and ecological modernisation through an analysis of PFM discourse, and expands the conceptualisation of ecological modernisation by applying it to an environmental policy process in a developing world context. Through an analysis of the implementation of PFM using Hajer’s (1995; 2003) argumentative approach to discourse analysis, the appropriateness of the form of co-management, typified by PFM to the South African context, is challenged. Research findings reveal that the manner in which PFM is implemented in the southern Cape comprises a weak ecological modernisation approach to environmental management because the participatory element of PFM was found to be problematic. The nature of participation occurring at a local level differs greatly from the policy being advocated at a national level. The discourse of PFM has been institutionalised nationally as a policy and an approach to indigenous forest management, which resonates with strong ecological modernisation. Locally, however, although a degree of discourse structuration has occurred, it appears that the co-management approach being implemented is a weak form, which is more consistent with weak ecological modernisation. South Africa’s context as country in transition places it in an awkward position with regard to the application of ecological modernisation as an environmental problem-solving approach. A strong ecological modernisation approach would seem to be the most appropriate given South Africa’s context; however, there are limitations that indicate why a strong ecological modernisation discourse becomes weak at the level of implementation. Even if weak ecological modernisation were pursued, it would appear that South Africa might not yet be ready to apply such a programme effectively. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

A semi-herbaceous. pioneer plant Chryzanihtmoidts moniiifera was grown under varying environmental condition; in order to assess whether altering environmental variables would affect its hydraulic conductance and photo synthetic rates The plants were grown under sun and shade conditions, subjected to low and high watering treatments and to two different nutrient regimes. Steady-state gaseous exchange parameters, and whole-plant and leaf hydraulic conductance were measured on plants from each treatment. A key aspect of this study was to investigate how the following leaf components - petiole. major veins, minor veins and extravascular tissue - contributed to die overall resistance to water flow in the leaf (Ricaf). Vein orders were cut in specific sequences to interrupt water flow which then allowed the partitioning of leaf hydraulic resistances. The results showed that die maximum pbotosynthetic rate, under light saturating CO;. (A,^ was significantly affected by both nutrient and light treatments Environmental conditions (light, water and nutrient treatments) did not. however, affect the CO.- compensation point, or dark respiration of the measured A:C, curves for C. moniaftra. In terms of whole-plant hydraulic conductance, the shoot, stem and root were not significantly affected by environmental treatments. When investigating R«„. only the light treatments significantly affected the resistance of the petiole, extra vascular tissue, and minor vans Rf<trfc was found to be positively correlated with and contributed between 34-59 % of the total leaf resistance When considering the resistance of the leaf it was observed that the vascular tissue of the leaf contained up to 90 % of the total leaf resistance. The results from this study show that the hydraulic conductance of C. moniijfera was found to be significantly affected by light treatment; only. Water and nutrient treatments did not have a substantial impact upon the water flow of the plant. Leaf hydraulic resistance was partitioned differently to that of results from ocher studies, in that the petiole and major veins contained the majority of the leaf resistance In retrospect this study would have been more effective if C. monilitfera treatments were more severe, in terms of water and nutrients Further studies should focus on a comparison of leaf hydraulic resistance partitioning of other species, across a range of plant types. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2008.

One of the main environmental problems associated with the disposal of waste on land is the release of liquid emissions from the site. This wastewater, known as leachate, is a product of the biodecomposition of the waste and filtrates from the landfill once the moisture saturation of the fill has been reached. The chemical composition of leachate is variable over time and between sites. Regardless of these variables, the main pollutants of concern in the leachate are ammonia and organics, both of which can cause environmental degradation in relatively low concentrations. Worldwide and in South Africa, leachate has either been directly released into the environment or into the local domestic sewage system. As more has been learned about the human and environmental health risks associated with these disposal methods, there has been a new focus in waste management toward treating the leachate at the source as part of the broader focus of sustainable landfilling. One of the treatment options being used is constructed wetlands (CW) due to the physical and chemical transformation mechanisms in these biological systems. This treatment process has been demonstrated to be effective as a final polishing treatment for leachate, and it is considered a technology appropriate in the South African context. Therefore the aim of dissertation is to ascertain the use of constructed wetlands as an appropriate treatment option for untreated methanogenic landfill leachate by determining the efficiency of ammonia and organic removal in a pilot-scale vegetated submerged bed (VSB) constructed wetland (CW) planted with Phragmites australis. During the 22-week treatability trial the VSB achieved an ammonia concentration removal efficiency of 91% and mass removal efficiency of 87%. Despite this substantial reduction of ammonia, the VSB was unable to achieve the required discharge standard. There were erratic fluctuations in both the treatment efficiencies for COD and BOO, and the results show no evidence of constant reduction of organics during the treatability trials. This is due to the refractory nature and the low biodegradability of the organics that remain in methanogenic leachate as suggested by the low BOO to COD ratio. Due to the low biodegradability of the organics, a biological treatment system, such as a VSB, will not be able to reliably meet the required discharge standards. Other passive treatment options or a combination of systems need to be explored in order to both satisfy legislative requirements and be appropriate in the South African context. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Recreational SCUBA diving has grown tremendously along most of the southern Mozambican coastline in the last eight years. This growth was not accompanied with management actions, largely due to a lack of baseline information and appropriate regulations. A number of aspects of the industry were thus covered in this study to redress this shortfall. Information was collected on divers and diving pressure in southern Mozambique using questionnaires and dive log sheets distributed through local dive centres. The diving pressure was estimated at 42 500 dives in 2001 and 62 000 dives in 2002, and occurs at about 20 dive sites. More than 50% of the diving occurs on five reefs, three of which were included in the study. Surveys using visual techniques were conducted on six reefs subjected to different diving pressures, ranging from minimal ( 6 000 dives.year-I). Divers visiting southern Mozambique were found to be mostly educated South African males in their 30s. They are experienced and committed divers, satisfied with their diving experiences in the area and sensitive to reef conservation issues. The reefs differed in benthic composition, with three mam reef groups identified through multivariate analysis. All were typified by prolific soft corals but one included an abundance of branching Acropora and the other an abundance of foliose hard corals, thus differentiating the three groups. Reef fish communities also differed among the reefs. While prey species diversity was generally similar on all the reefs, two included high densities of piscivorous species. The present levels of SCUBA diving appeared to be having no deleterious effects on the reef communities, especially when compared to other disturbances such as storms and fishing. The sustainable diving capacity was estimated to be 7000 dives/year/dive site. The overall effects of recreational diving activities in southern Mozambique are discussed, along with future research needs and the management implications of the study. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Most of the arable land in the lowlands of Lesotho including Maputsoe is under infrastructural development of residential settlements, large scale industries, roads and slum settlements which includes shacks and roadside spaza shops. These settlements have large human populations that derive their livelihood through wide range of activities. These activities comprised of subsistence agriculture in the form of crop production, livestock and vegetable production, formal work in both primary and secondary labour market, informal work such as niche markets in the service sector, petty commodity production and others. This thesis attempts to shed light on the impact of urban development on household livelihood strategies in the lowlands of Lesotho with specific focus to Maputsoe town. Although literature review indicates livelihood and urbanisation as two broad subjects that need special research on their own, the aim of this research focuses on impact of urbanisation on livelihood strategies. To achieve this the study looks at the activities entitled to households to generate livelihood as well as social and economic characteristics determining household livelihood strategies. To determine whether urban development has an effect to household livelihood strategies, the study compares household livelihood strategies in urban household sample (Maputsoe) to rural household sample (Fobane). The basis for choosing these two settlements was based on the understanding that household perceptions and opinions on impact of urbanisation on livelihoods will be different since Maputsoe is located in urban and Fobane in the rural area. To gather household perceptions, survey was conducted in both urban and rural area. Survey questions were formulated so as to determine factors affecting livelihood strategies as well as activities entitled to households to generate livelihood strategies. The analysis of results suggests three mam points influencing household livelihood strategies (they include household characteristics and social structure among both urban and rural households in the sample. They further include opportunities to employment among urban and rural households in a sample as well household assets among both urban and rural households. They show that both two samples are liable to less diverse livelihood strategies but due to conducieve environment favouring urban location. Maputsoe narrowly has more livelihood strategies per household than did Fobane. The results further prove the contention that urban development is likely to affect household livelihood strategies negatively or positively. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

This dissertation describes the design, development and formative evaluation of an educational adventure game entitled Food for Thought to address student misconceptions in genetics within the context of a development research paradigm, and reflects on the lessons learnt during the process. The current investigation was a response to an assessment of learning misconceptions in genetics. Several factors were identified as contributing to these problems with a focus on the abstract nature of the subject and the decontextualised manner in which students encounter these concepts. The tenacity of the problem suggested the need for of a novel intervention. A constructivist concept of learning emphasises active learners internally constructing their own meaning in rich complex environments. While not a theory of teaching, it offers a number of principles to guide the design of learning environments. Elements from computer based adventure games embody aspects of these principles and offer possibilities of developing a tool to address student misconceptions. Here, learners may explore biological concepts as they engage in contextual problems embedded in the narrative structure of a detailed and immersive virtual world. The implementation of the design was guided by a number of conceptual models, namely the Game Object Model (GOM) and Game Achievement Model (GAM) which clarify the relationship between pedagogical principles and game design elements. The identification of specific learning misconceptions provided the basis for developing a set of learning objectives for the game which were used as a foundation for the design of the environment, which was then created using a combination of commercial and proprietary 3D graphic and image editing software. Both the GAM and GOM are effective tools for categorizing a variety of different components in a very complex development. A formative evaluation of the game was undertaken probing both expert and user (student) responses through post-gameplay questionnaires and interviews. The game was favourably received, with feedback and suggestions on improvements. Most notable was the need for greater guidance in the game environment. In addition Activity theory was employed as framework of analysis. Activity systems for both players and the designer were developed and contradictions within and between them analysed. These were used to modify the original designer activity system and in so doing refine the practice of game design in the context of the development research paradigm. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2008.

This thesis reports on the findings of a three year study on the economIc aspects of the woodcarving industry in Kenya. Woodcarving provides one of the most important uses of wood in Kenya both in terms of economic returns (export value estimated at US$ 20 million annually) and generation of self-employment opportunities (60,000 carvers and estimated 350,000 dependants). The industry is facing an imminent collapse owing to the depletion of prime carving tree species which has supported it since 1919. The key objectives of the study were; (a) To quantify the diversity of species in trade (volumes) and their pricing trends both for the raw materials and products (carvings); (b) determination of profit margins that accrue from carving activities and prices of these species for alternative uses; (c) to look into the possibility of onfarm production of fast growing species (Azadirachta indica) for carving, as well as Brachylaena huillensis . Each of these was pursued mainly through field surveys at seven main areas where carving is carried out in Kenya. The annual carving volume consumed in Kenya is in excess of 15,000 cubic metres concentrated on about ten tree species. However about 57% of this volume is contributed by Brachylaena huillensis. Diameter profiles of logs of the carving wood is dominated by 10-16 cm diameter timber which is an indication of resource scarcity where juvenile trees are increasingly being targeted. The prices of carving wood are distorted and are far helow the market prices largely due to the prevalence of illegal sourcing from state forests. The study has estimated that the stumpage level for Brachylaena huillensis should be raised from Ksh 4 053 to Ksh 12 000 per m3 if control on the current level of depletion is to be ensured. For the other species, the current stumpage levels need to be raised three fold. The weaknesses of the existing policies and legislation governing the access to carving wood have been examined and appropriate recommendations have been given. However, as a long term measure to benefit the carvers and conservation of the last remaining East African forests, changing buyer and carving wood sourcing behaviour from unsustainable felling of slow growing hardwoods to sustainable on-farm production is discussed. The study demonstrates that Azadirachta indica can attain a carvable size with a dbh of 16 cm in 17 years. The study has also established that potential profits (revenue) which can accrue from carvings made per unit wood volume (one cubic metre of wood or equivalent to about 20 logs of I.Sm long, 20cm diameter) can be as high as Ksh 270,000 within a period of four months. This is about four times the unit value of sawn timber of some of the finest hardwoods in the Kenyan market. The study therefore calls for restrictions on the utilization of these prime carving species on uses other than carving. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

This thesis explores gambling as a leisure activity and consumption experience. Casino development in South Africa - formerly illegal in the country - is occurring at an unprecedented rate. In 1996. the new democratic Govemment passed legislation to allow up to forty casinos to be developed throughout South Africa. This was viewed as a means of developing tourism as well as the input of revenue into the country's economy. South Africa's gambling industry is now similar to that of the United States and Australia. Starting with remotely situated casinos, accessible primarily to upper income clientele, legislation has softened to allow for the licensing of casinos within the major urban areas of this country. This has led to casino gambling being accessible to thousands of people, those who can afford to indulge in this leisure activity and those who cannot. This thesis explores the engineering of space to create an atmosphere of compulsion, and the response of communities given access, for the first time, to casino gambling close to home. The second legal casino in KwaZulu-Natal, the "SugarMill Casino", opened on 2 February 2001, on a temporary site in Mount Edgccombe, north of Durban, adjacent to the predominantly Indian suburb of Phoenix. Phoenix was planned and developed in 1976, as a residential area for the low-income Indian population. Therefore, the location of this casino has been subject 10 much criticism. This study looks at the symbolic economy of the SugarMill casino in terms of the symbols used in marketing the casino as well as its architectural symbolism. The symbolic economy of the casino uses locally based ' cultural capital ' to create a space of compulsion, through space planning and marketing campaigns. Although the casino has only being in operation for a short time, an important aim of this thesis is to determine whether these strategies are working and why. The perceptions and attitudes of Phoenix residents towards the casino, their use of and expenditure at the facility as well as the creation of problem or compulsive gamblers are explored. The importance of gambling in relation to other leisure activities is also assessed. The findings of this study suggest that the architectural theme and symbols as well as the marketing campaigns employed by the SugarMill casino have been successful in attracting gamblers to the casino because the majority of respondents have visited the casino and gambled there. Whilst gambling is not the main leisure activity that respondents engage in, it is certainly a significant form of leisure since forty-eight percent of the sample cited gambling as their main leisure activity. Reasons for this vary but contribut ing factors include the accessibility of the casino in close proximity to their homes as well as the general lack of a variety of recreational alternatives in Phoenix. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

This study was carried out to investigate different aspects of the epidemiology of the common intestinal protozoan infections in children in KwaZulu-Natal. The main aspects studied were to: i . monitor changes in the prevalence and intensity of the common intestinal protozoons in children after receiving antihelmintic drugs, ii. determine whether environmental and/or socio-economic factors are important in the prevalence of the common intestinal protozoons, iii. determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum in stool samples of paediatric patients with gastroenteritis and in healthy school children. Intestinal protowan species often co-occur with intestinal nematodes in infected children and it is important to determine the effect that anti-nematode treatment has on concomitant protozoan infections. The study included the analysis of stool samples by the Formol-Ether Concentration Technique, exam ination of the obtained sediments for intestinal helminths and protozoan species, and treatment of nematode-infected individuals. Four surveys were carried out to determine the prevalence and intensity of intestinal protozoons in school children before and after anthelmintic chemotherapy, and the X(2) test was used to determine significant changes. Prevalences and intensities of helminths were determined for significant changes after treatment using the Student's t-test. Additional pre- and post-treatment prevalence data were obtained from four schools in Health Region A of KwaZulu-Natal. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides decreased significantly from 75.2% to 9.7% after the first treatment, that of Trichuris trichiura decreased from 77.7% to 62. 1%, and hookworm infections (presumably Necator americanus) dropped fromI2.7% to 1.0% and remained very low for the rest of the study. Very few individuals were infected with protozoan species and for statistical analysis, these were combined. The prevalence of protozoan infections increased from 33.0% to 50.3% after the first treatment and from 35% to 42% after the second treatment. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides decreased significantly again after the second treatment while there was no significant decrease in the prevalence of T. trichiura. The intensities (number of eggs/gram of feaces) of the three nematodes also decreased significantly after the two treatments. It is recommended that children who have been treated for nematode infections should also be examined for protozoan infections, and these should also be treated accordingly. A retrospective analysis of protozoon prevalence data from different surveys in KwaZulu-Natal was done in order to detennine the importance of environmental and/or socio-economic factors in the distribution of intestinal protozoons. These data were plotted on the map of KwaZulu-Natal using Geographic Information System (GIS). Univariate analysis was carried out to determine significant correlations between the prevalences of protozoan species and selected variables. The significant correlations obtained were moderate and no strong correlations were obtained. Univariate stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine the factors that combine best in facilitating the transmission of protozoan species and significant associations were obtained between the prevalence of protozoon species and a combination of environmental and socio-economic factors. In most cases, the association between prevalence and mid-summer temperature and rainfall were the most significant. This is an indication of increased summer transmission. Altitude was significantly correlated only with the prevalence of Endolimax nana. The fact that moderate correlations were obtained between prevalence of intestinal protozoons and climatic and socio-economic factors indicates that these factors are important in the distribution of the common intestinal protozoons. However, lack of strong correlations suggests that in addition to climatic and socio-economic factors, there are other factors that have an effect on the distribution of intestinal protozoan species. In the multivariate analysis where the variables were simultaneously considered, the presence of electricity was the only factor that was significantly associated with the variation seen in the prevalence of intestinal protozoons in the different study locations. Cryplosporidium parvum is a parasitic protozoon that is associated with severe fatal diarrhoea in children and immunocompromised individuals. Oocysts of this parasite were found in 18.2% of stool samples collected from children (aged 6 to 48 months) who were admitted in the paediatric wards at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban. The stool samples were firstly concentrated using the Formal-ether method and the obtained sediment was mixed with the Sheather's Sucrose solution and examined microscopically. No oocysts were found in stool samples collected from older primary school children. Although the diarrhoea in these children might have also been due to other causes, the results obtained further show the importance of C. parvum as a cause of diarrhoea in children below the age of five years. Knowledge of the epidemiology of C. parvum is crucial in the control of this parasite as there is currently no effective treatment. More intensive surveys are needed in detennining the epidemiology of this pathogen in the South African population. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

The relationship between protected areas and the surrounding communities is important in enhancing the success of both parties. The aim of this study was to examine the socio-economic impacts of tourism on poor rural communities adjacent to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park with specific reference to Mpembeni community. Triangulation (a multi method approach) was used to find out attitudes and perceptions of the communities towards tourists, resources within the park as well as the role of communities in the development and promotion of tourism in the park. The study of the Mpembeni Community adjacent to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park (HUP) shows that this community benefits in various ways. Accessibility to natural resources such as meat, grass, firewood and water was cited as one of the benefits. Participation in the operation and management of the park was yet another benefit that was identified. In addition, the results show that a range of opportunities for positive interactions with park's management/staff include job opportunities, good working relations and joint problem solving. Tourism development as a benefit was revealed through two specified areas namely interaction with the tourists as well as the desire to have more tourists visiting the community and the establishment of other tourist facilities in the community. The respondents also cited opportunities for tourism and related incomes, which involve the sale of handicraft products, job opportunities and cultural activities. Furthermore, education/ training programmes particularly children wildlife camps, capacity building and the training of tour community guides were also cited. In addition, natural resource management including the establishment of the Community Conservation Game Reserve (CCGR) and participation in decision-making were also identified as speci fic benefits. The socio-economic impacts in all the identified specified areas except with participation in the management of the park where local communities are not fully involved were positive. This suggests that there is a need to involve local communities in the operation and management of the park as well as other community-based tourism ventures in order to uplift their standards of living. KEY TERMS: socio-economic. impacts, tourism, poor rural communities / Theses (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2001.