BScnut / Department of Nutrition

PhD (Psychology) / Department of Psychology

MPH / Department of Public Health

MEVNSC / Department of Geography and Geo-Information Sciences / Vegetation is one of the most important renewable natural resources to play a role in the preservation of the environment and biodiversity. Various land use activities such as urbanization, population growth and other anthropogenic activities, as well as climate change have been some of the major drivers which alter vegetation cover and contribute to biodiversity loss. This research study uses remote sensing and Geographical Information System to quantify vegetation and land cover change in Makhado over a five-year period (2007 - 2012). This study used multi-temporal satellite image data to identify the dynamic pattern of vegetation change and the negative impacts it has on the environment. The research uses remote sensing techniques and GIS software to analyse data. In addition, satellite imageries were used to study the spatial and temporal distribution of vegetation. The results of the study show that settlement areas have been on a stable positive and mostly uncontrolled expansion from 17.73% of the study area in 2007 to 30.52% in 2012. Vegetation on the other hand, has been on a steady decline, from 10.65% in 2007 to 5.92% in 2012, as well as the ecosystems quality on which biodiversity depends for their existence and to a greater extent the climate conditions, with an increase in temperature, methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. The monitoring of vegetation change can play a vital role in knowledge generation, best practices and as well as Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation which can be abated in the near future. This study recommends that the South Africa Government and public agencies concerned develop policies and strategies to bring about balanced, coordinated and sustainable development in the municipality and its district.

MPH / Department of Public Health

PhD / Centre for African Studies

MENVM / Department of Geography and Geo-Information Sciences / Fuel wood is regarded as a major source of energy around the world, particularly in developing nations. Most rural communities around the world, consider forests as the repository of stored energy. The high dependence on forests as a source of fuel wood has a major impact on vegetation because trees take a long time to regenerate to maturity, hence high dependence leads to deforestation. Fuel wood is used for household needs, such as cooking and heating and its uses contribute to the emissions of Green House Gases (GHG) such as CO2, CH4, and Black Carbon amongst others. The study assesses household energy use, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from the combustion of fuel wood, the extent of de-vegetation and strategies to ensure sustainable energy provisions in the case study areas. Primary and secondary methods were used to collect data. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 21.0), showing the frequency distribution, measures of central tendency and chi-square to determine the extent of fuel wood used in relation to electricity. The primary data were collected through personal observations, field surveys, interviews and questionnaires, while secondary data included the 2011 South Africa Census data and remote sensing images, which with the aid of GIS, were used in mapping the vegetation change.

MEd / Department of Curriculum Studies

MENVSC / Department of Ecology and Resource Management

MCur / Department of Advanced Nursing Science