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A Gestalt approach to understand the meaning of trauma as perceived by grade 7 adolescents / Lazarou V.E.Lazarou, Veniece Elaine. January 2011 (has links)
The aim of this study was to explore and describe the Grade 7 adolescents’ meaning of the phenomenon of trauma to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their perceptions in order to contribute to dialogue and discourse. Current literature was used to provide an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of this study which included a summary of the key tenets as well as an overview of the relevant core theoretical assumptions of Gestalt Therapy theory, early adolescence as a developmental stage, and the concept of trauma. A qualitative instrumental case study was used to provide a comprehensive description of the subjective perceptions of the participants, using phenomenological one–on–one semi–structured interviews and documents in the form of drawings. The sample consisted of a selected group of nine early adolescents from one Northern suburb school. The common thread that ran throughout this study was that trauma is perceived as a negative experience that is unique for each individual. The findings indicated that individuals who have been exposed to a trauma are affected on levels of contact and awareness. Lack of support was found to lead to the use of inappropriate contact styles which led to incomplete Gestalts, resulting in unresolved traumatic responses, which affected their social skills and academic development. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.
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A vegetation study on the area leased for mining purposes by Impala Platinum, Rustenburg South Africa / Adriaan Johannes Hendrikus LamprechtLamprecht, Adriaan Johannes Hendrikus January 2010 (has links)
Conservation and management of the ecology of natural areas has become a prerequisite for
mining companies in South Africa. Systematic conservation planning provides a useful tool for
land–use planning and impact assessment, particularly in the mining industry. A study was
therefore undertaken to provide sufficient, spatially explicit biodiversity and veld condition
information to aid in the development and establishment of an official conservation plan for the
leased mining area of Impala Platinum. By identifying areas with high plant diversity or
endemism and by assessing veld conditions as well as grazing and browsing capacities,
recommendations could be made towards management strategies and potential future land–use
practices.
The licensed mining area, north of Rustenburg, covers 29334 ha and includes 14 operational
shafts. The area was stratified into three main categories based on landscape types namely:
norite koppies; thornveld and rehabilitated areas. The Braun Blanquet approach was followed to
sample 139 stratified random relevés. Additional computer software packages were used for
capturing, processing and presentation of the phytosociological data (TURBOVEG) as well as a
visual editor for phytosociological tables (MEGATAB). Ordinations were subsequently
performed to confirm the plant communities and illustrate possible environmental gradients,
using multivariate statistic analyses (CANOCO). Four plant communities with two subcommunities
were identified and described in both the norite koppies and thornveld respectively
while three plant communities with three sub–communities were identified in the rehabilitated
areas. Specific environmental factors that influence plant community structure and composition
in the norite koppies were the aspect and percentage of soil surface rockiness while soil types
proved to be the distinguishing factor in the thornveld. The distribution of plant communities in
the rehabilitated areas is mainly due to anthropogenic influences rather than any environmental
factors.
The Fixed Point Monitoring of Vegetation Methodology– FIXMOVE was then used to sample 32
stratified random survey plots in four selected plant communities in order to quantify and
compare veld conditions as well as grazing and browsing capacities. The determination of
landscape functionality served to support these quantitative results. The Landscape Function
Analysis (LFA) method was used for this purpose. Multivariate statistic analyses (CANOCO)
were used to indicate possible degradation gradients between the plant communities.
Conclusions regarding conservation and management units were reached by interpreting the
quantitative data in accordance with the phytosociological results and recommendations could
then be made. All the norite koppies plant communities were recommended as areas for The Fixed Point Monitoring of Vegetation Methodology– FIXMOVE was then used to sample 32
stratified random survey plots in four selected plant communities in order to quantify and
compare veld conditions as well as grazing and browsing capacities. The determination of
landscape functionality served to support these quantitative results. The Landscape Function
Analysis (LFA) method was used for this purpose. Multivariate statistic analyses (CANOCO)
were used to indicate possible degradation gradients between the plant communities.
Conclusions regarding conservation and management units were reached by interpreting the
quantitative data in accordance with the phytosociological results and recommendations could
then be made. All the norite koppies plant communities were recommended as areas for
ii
conservation because of unique and high biodiversity and anthropogenic threats. The Eragrostis
rigidior–Ziziphus mucronata and Acacia caffra–Bothriochloa insculpta Communities in the
thornveld showed the best potential for browsing and grazing practices but were also
recommended for conservation because of their high species diversity and anthropogenic
threats. The high landscape functionality, veld condition and grazing capacity of the Aristida
bipartita–Bothriochloa insculpta Community indicated that the rehabilitation of the opencast
mining areas had been relatively successful at the time of the surveys. Selected parts of the
Indigofera heterotricha–Aristida bipartita Community were also recommended for conservation
and management in the form of controlled and more effective grazing strategies were
recommended for the rest of the thornveld. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
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A Gestalt approach to understand the meaning of trauma as perceived by grade 7 adolescents / Lazarou V.E.Lazarou, Veniece Elaine. January 2011 (has links)
The aim of this study was to explore and describe the Grade 7 adolescents’ meaning of the phenomenon of trauma to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their perceptions in order to contribute to dialogue and discourse. Current literature was used to provide an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of this study which included a summary of the key tenets as well as an overview of the relevant core theoretical assumptions of Gestalt Therapy theory, early adolescence as a developmental stage, and the concept of trauma. A qualitative instrumental case study was used to provide a comprehensive description of the subjective perceptions of the participants, using phenomenological one–on–one semi–structured interviews and documents in the form of drawings. The sample consisted of a selected group of nine early adolescents from one Northern suburb school. The common thread that ran throughout this study was that trauma is perceived as a negative experience that is unique for each individual. The findings indicated that individuals who have been exposed to a trauma are affected on levels of contact and awareness. Lack of support was found to lead to the use of inappropriate contact styles which led to incomplete Gestalts, resulting in unresolved traumatic responses, which affected their social skills and academic development. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.
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A financial cost-benefit analysis of the implementation of a small-camp system in ostrich farming to allow veld restorationMugido, Worship 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MScAgric (Agricultural Economics))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Before the ostrich industry started in the Klein Karoo region of South Africa in 1863, the veld
was used mainly for large and small stock production. Returns per hectare (ha) from large
and small stock production are low due to the low carrying capacity of the veld in this region.
However, when the veld is utilised predominantly to provide space for breeding ostriches
sustained mainly by lucerne-based feed supplements, the limited-feed production capacity no
longer determines the long-term stocking rate. The returns, per ha, from ostrich production
can therefore be much higher than from sheep, goats and cattle. This has resulted in high
ostrich stocking rates, which in turn, has caused degradation to most of the veld to a greater
or lesser extent. Driven by a personal conviction to manage the veld sustainably, as well as by
a fear of environmental damage connotations for ostrich leather products, which could restrict
market access, ostrich farmers in the Klein Karoo, represented by the South African Ostrich
Business Chamber (SAOBC), increasingly place an emphasis on veld restoration.
The various phases of ostrich production are breeding and hatching eggs to produce day-old
chicks, rearing chicks, raising birds, and the final phase of weight addition to slaughter. The
phase that is considered in this study is the production of day-old chicks. There are two
systems that can be used for producing day-old ostrich chicks, namely, the flock breeding
system and the small-camp system. Shifting from the flock breeding system to the smallcamp
system will enable the farmer to practice genetic selection. This switch from the flock
breeding system to the small-camp system requires the farmer to invest in fencing material.
The SAOBC requested a study to determine whether the expected private benefits from
moving breeding ostriches to small camps in order to free up the large veld camps for veld
restoration would justify investing in these small camps. If this investment is not financially
justified, the veld restoration will have to be financed via payment for ecosystem services.
Both passive and active veld restoration techniques are considered in this study. Passive
restoration requires the farmer to invest in fencing material needed for the erection of the
small camps. Active restoration requires the farmer to invest not only in fencing material, but
also in soil manipulation and seeding.
The main aim of this study is to find out if the private (financial) benefits from the switch to
small camps can compensate for fencing costs, without the cost of active restoration, or if the
switch to small camps can compensate for fencing costs with the cost of active restoration.
Typical farm models were developed for this purpose, and the results showed that the private
benefits compensate for the investment cost of fencing material used for passive restoration
as well as for restoration of 10% of the veld that is heavily degraded. When the full cost of
active restoration of the moderately degraded veld (30%) was added, the private benefits
could not compensate for the full restoration cost. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Voordat die volstruisbedryf in 1863 in die Klein Karoo ontstaan het, is die veld hoofsaaklik
gebruik vir groot- en kleinveeproduksie. Die wins per hektaar van groot- en kleinvee
produksie in hierdie streek is laag weens die lae drakrag van veld. Wanneer die veld egter
primêr aangewend word vir ruimte vir volstruise wat met lusern gebaseerde rantsoene gevoer
word, bepaal die natuurlike drakrag nie meer die belading met volstruise oor die langer
termyn nie. Die wins per hektaar uit volstruisboerdery kan dus veel hoër wees as wat met
skape, bokke of beeste gegenereer kan word. Dit het hoë belading met volstruise tot gevolg
gehad wat vernieling van meeste van die veld tot gevolg gehad het. Gedryf deur persoonlike
oortuiging om die veld volhoubaar te benut, sowel as deur vrees dat die vernielde veld die
beeld van die volstruisbedryf mag skaad en internasionle marktoegang mag belemmer, het
volstruisprodusente in die Klein Karoo, verteenwoordig deur die Suid-Afrikaanse
Volstruisbesigheidskamer (SAVBK), toenemend klem begin plaas op veldrestorasie.
Die verskillende fases van volstruisproduksie sluit in teling en uitbroei van eiers om dagoud
kuikens te lewer, kuikens grootmaak, voëls grootmaak en massa toename tot by slag. Die
verskillende fases word dikwels deur verskillende produsente behartig. Die fase waarop in
hierdie ondersoek gefokus word is die produksie van dagoud kuikens. Daar bestaan twee
stelsels vir die produksie van dagoud kuikens, naamlik tropparing en die kleinkamp stelsel.
Die oorskakeling van tropparing na die kleinkamp stelsel stel die produsent in staat om
genetiese seleksie toe te pas, maar dit verg investering in omheiningsmateriaal.
Die SAVBK het ‘n ondersoek aangevra om te bepaal of die verwagte privaat voordele wat
verkry kan word uit die oorskakeling na die kleinkamp stelsel om veldrestorasie moontlik te
maak, die investering in die kleinkampe sal regverdig. Indien die investering nie finansieel
geregverdig kan word nie, sal verder gekyk moet word na finansiering vanuit betaling vir
ekostelsel dienste wat moontlik bevorder kan word deur die veldrestorasie. Die koste van
beide passiewe en aktiewe veldrestorasie tegnieke word in hierdie ondersoek gedek. Passiewe
restorasie vereis alleen van die produsent om te investeer in omheiningsmateriaal vir
kleinkampe. Aktiewe restorasie vereis investering in omheiningsmateriaal vir kleinkampe en
betaling vir grondmanipulasie en saad vir die hervestiging van plante.
Die doel van die ondersoek is om te bepaal of die privaat (finansiële) voordele van die
oorskakeling na kleinkampe kan kompenseer vir die investering in omheiningsmateriaal met
aktiewe veldrestorasie en sonder aktiewe veldrestorasie (dus passiewe restorasie). Tipiese
plaasmodelle is hiervoor ontwikkel. Die resultate toon dat die privaat voordele wel kan
kompenseer vir die omheiningskoste van kleinkampe benodig vir passiewe restorasie en vir
aktiewe restorasie van 10% van die veld wat die meeste verniel is. Wanneer die koste van
restorasie van 30% van die veld wat matig verniel is, bygevoeg word, is die privaat voordele
ontoereikend om die totale restorasiekoste te dek.
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Development of a grassland monitoring system for the management of the wolkberg wilderness area.Coombes, Peter, John. January 1991 (has links)
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science,
University of the Wiwatersrand, Johannesburg,
for the degree of Master of Science. / This study aimed to investigate, within the contemporary philosophy
of science, key aspects of the paradigm formulated by the national
Vegetation Monitoring Work team (VMW), and thereby develop a grassland
monitoring system to place. the management of the Wolkberg Wilderness
Area (WWA) on a testable basis. ( Abbreviation abstract ) / AC2017
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Remote sensing based fire frequency mapping in Mazowe district of ZimbabweChemhere, Dzidzai Courage January 2017 (has links)
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the
Witwatersrand, and Johannesburg in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
Master o f Science (Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing)
Johannesburg, 2017. / The purpose of this analysis was to map the frequency of veld fires using remote sensing data from 2012 to 2016. The analysis successfully answered three objectives which are mapping the spatio-temporal pattern of veld fires in Mazowe district from 2012 to 2016, assessing the strength of association between burnt area and land cover classes and to determine the degree of veld fires in Mazowe district.
The analysis of the veld fire frequency was undertaken in ENVI 5.3 and Arc Map software. Landsat imagery and MODIS fire products were collected and processed. For each year two Landsat images were used, one image before the season of fire starts which was used to classify the land cover classes and one image after fire season which was used to classify the burnt and unburnt classes. The MODIS fire products data were used to validate the burnt and the unburnt classification. The evaluations of the classifiers were done through accuracy assessment using confusion matrix and the results ranged from 85 to 95%.The study quantified the relationship between burnt areas land cover classes. The study also calculated the fire frequency.
The results revealed that the veld fire frequency was high in A1 farms which measures 5 hectares, A2 farms which measures average of 318 hectares and grasslands compared to other land tenure and land cover classes. Areas with high frequency were observed in south, south west and some central parts of Mazowe district. There was high fire occurrence in 2012 and 2014. The study also noted that the fire occurrence was gradually decreasing, however the levels of fire occurrence remains high.
The study concluded that A1, A2 farms and grasslands are prone to veld fires. The study recommends adaption of remote sensing techniques in eradicating veld fires. / MT 2017
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Experiences of adolescents living with a diagnosed chronic, auto-immune illness / D. BadenhorstBadenhorst, Daniella January 2012 (has links)
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of adolescents living with a diagnosed chronic auto-immune Illness (CAI) due to the fact that there is a wider increase in the prevalence and incidence of auto-immune illnesses among adolescents. The researcher applied one primary scientific paradigm and two theories in this study, namely the Gestalt paradigm, Field theory and Erikson’s Theory of Adolescent Development, pertaining to adolescents living with a CAI. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive case study approach was followed. Purposive sampling was used to select six adolescents with a diagnosed CAI. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and observations. Qualitative data analysis using Creswell’s “data analysis spiral” was used to analyse data and identify themes. It was clear that the adolescents” environments, as well as their intra- and interpersonal resources and outlook on life have an influence on the way they experience their illness. They experienced a continuum of feelings which ranged from support and encouragement from family and community members, to a lack of understanding from community members, and ridicule and isolation by peers. Sharing success stories and exploring a multidisciplinary, more holistic treatment plan that focuses on mind, body and soul, may benefit adolescents living with a CAI. / Thesis (MA (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013
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Experiences of adolescents living with a diagnosed chronic, auto-immune illness / D. BadenhorstBadenhorst, Daniella January 2012 (has links)
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of adolescents living with a diagnosed chronic auto-immune Illness (CAI) due to the fact that there is a wider increase in the prevalence and incidence of auto-immune illnesses among adolescents. The researcher applied one primary scientific paradigm and two theories in this study, namely the Gestalt paradigm, Field theory and Erikson’s Theory of Adolescent Development, pertaining to adolescents living with a CAI. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive case study approach was followed. Purposive sampling was used to select six adolescents with a diagnosed CAI. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and observations. Qualitative data analysis using Creswell’s “data analysis spiral” was used to analyse data and identify themes. It was clear that the adolescents” environments, as well as their intra- and interpersonal resources and outlook on life have an influence on the way they experience their illness. They experienced a continuum of feelings which ranged from support and encouragement from family and community members, to a lack of understanding from community members, and ridicule and isolation by peers. Sharing success stories and exploring a multidisciplinary, more holistic treatment plan that focuses on mind, body and soul, may benefit adolescents living with a CAI. / Thesis (MA (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013
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The role of fire and fire-related factors on germination and growth of grassland species.Ghebrehiwot, Habteab Mesghina. January 2010 (has links)
Fire, natural or of anthropologic origin is a recurrent phenomenon in South African
mesic grasslands. The species composition of these grasslands is sensitive to fire
frequency and there exists a permanent fire-species relationship syndrome. The shift
follows a general trend where, in the absence of fire for longer periods, the native grass
species, possibly the most economically important grass species, give space to
relatively less desirable and invasive species accompanied by significant decline in
basal cover. Though much is known as to how the floristic composition of the grassland
changes in response to fire, the underlying mechanisms responsible for changes in
plant vigour and species composition are not fully understood. There exists limited
information on germination requirements of the local flora and how recruitment of the
species is influenced by fire, fire-related factors and the interaction of these factors
among themselves is virtually unknown.
Since the discovery by DE LANGE and BOUCHER (1990), plant-derived smoke
is being widely studied as an important germination cue and the theme has been the
subject of intense experimental research and theoretical work. Germination studies
conducted on South African Fynbos, Californian Chaparral, and Australian species have
illustrated the widespread ability of plant-derived smoke in promoting germination of
species from both fire and non-fire prone habitats. Studies have also showed that plant-derived
smoke plays a significant role in vegetative growth of many plants including
horticultural and agricultural crops, though mechanisms of smoke action in enhancing
germination and promoting plant growth are still under active research. This study
sought to gain insight into the role of fire and fire-related cues and other related factors
on germination and seedling growth of key grass species from fire-prone grassland in
South Africa. In this study, various investigations were conducted on different aspects
related to smoke-induced seed germination. Furthermore, in depth examinations were conducted on the effects of fire-related factors such as smoke, heat, soil and nutrients
on seed germination and seedling growth of representative key mesic grassland
species from South Africa.
Laboratory-based germination and vigour experiments were conducted using
smoke solutions. The aim was to examine if the strong fire-species relationship
syndrome we encounter in post-fire mesic grassland in South Africa is related to the
effect of plant-derived smoke on germination and seedling growth. In addition, the
interaction of plant-derived smoke solutions with temperature was examined by
incubating seeds at a range of temperatures. Treating seeds with smoke-water and
butenolide, the germination rate (GR) and final germination percentage (FGP) were
greater in 3 of the 6 species. Themeda triandra Forssk. and Tristachya leucothrix Trin.
ex Nees showed the greatest response, with final germination increased from 43% to
67% and 35% to 63% respectively. These smoke solutions have also significantly
enhanced germination in Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter from 62% to 80%. The degree of
responsiveness varied from species to species and across different temperatures.
Findings from this study suggested that plant-derived smoke and its interaction with
temperature significantly influence the germination and seedling growth of the South
African mesic grassland species, which can further impact on the grassland
composition.
To characterise the role of plant-derived smoke on certain economically
important seed traits, the effect of smoke-water and a smoke-isolated butenolide on
seed germination and seedling growth of Eragrostis tef (grass species which has
moderately good tolerance to east African drought) was investigated at a range of
temperatures, light conditions and osmotic potentials. Smoke-water (1:500 v/v) and
butenolide (10ˉ⁸ M) treatment of the seeds increased percentage germination, seedling
vigour and imbibition from high to low osmotic potential. These results suggested that
smoke solutions have characteristics with overriding effects toppling stresses exerted
from high temperature and low osmotic potential, thereby widening the temperature and
moisture zone over which germination can occur. Furthermore, these findings
suggested that the mode of smoke action in promoting seed germination is likely to be
linked to the role of smoke in facilitating water uptake by seeds (imbibition).
A simple and rapid bioassay was implemented to detect the germination activity
of extracts from soils in pre/post-burn status. Soil samples taken from burnt, unburnt
and adjacent plots at depths of 0-2, 2-4, 4-6 and 6-8 cm before and after burning mesic
grassland in South Africa were analysed for germination activity over an eight-week
period. Soil samples were extracted using dichloromethane and bioassayed using
Grand Rapids lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) achenes. The Grand Rapids lettuce seeds
exhibited several-fold greater germination percentages when treated with extracts from
burnt soil compared to the other plots. The magnitude of such an activity declined
through time since burn. The Grand Rapids lettuce seeds also showed significantly
greater germination percentage when treated with unburnt soil extracts compared to the
control (distilled water) which indicates the existence of other factors controlling
germination in unburnt soil. Germination percentage was negatively influenced in the
adjacent plots which reflected the inhibitory role of smoke on adjacent plots
neighbouring the burn. Findings from this study suggested that the germination activity
of a burning plant-material (smoke) indeed diffuses into the soil and its persistence
declines with time. Furthermore, the findings implied that fire and smoke may
significantly influence the germination of the soil seed bank of mesic grassland in South
Africa.
The effect of smoke solutions of various concentrations and their interaction with
soil macronutrients NPK in influencing seedling growth of three selected grass species
namely, Eragrostis curvula, Panicum maximum and Themeda triandra was investigated.
These grass species were selected on the basis of the contrasting response they
previously showed to smoke treatments. Results showed that the interaction between
species, treatment and nutrients for seedling vigour index was highly significant (P <
0.001). In the absence of NPK elements, the smoke solutions generally enhanced
seedling growth in Themeda triandra, while suppressing seedling vigour indices of
Eragrostis curvula and Panicum maximum. It is ecologically significant that not only
smoke but also its interaction with soil macronutrients appears to be important in
structuring the post-fire regeneration and colonisation processes.
To examine the effect of fire-associated cues of smoke and high temperature on
germination and seedling emergence from the mesic grassland soil seed bank in South
Africa, and disentangle responsible factors, the effect of heat and smoke-water on
seedling emergence and the resultant effect on biomass production was examined in a
greenhouse tray experiment over 90 days. Soil seed bank samples obtained from 0-5
cm top soil were treated with smoke-water solution (SW 1:500 v/v), heat (H = 100 °C for
15 min) and heat + smoke-water (H = 100 °C for 15 min + SW = 1:500 v/v) combined.
Significantly, the highest number of seedlings emerged from soil seed bank samples
treated with heat + smoke-water combined followed by smoke-water alone. Heat +
smoke-water treatment of soil seed bank samples also significantly enhanced the rate
of seedling emergence and total dry biomass production. Heat treatment by itself was
not statistically different from the control in many respects. Generally, these results
suggest that both heat and smoke are important germination cues and play a curial role
on germination and seedling emergence from the mesic grassland soil seed bank. A
greater number of fire-loving Themeda triandra seedlings emerged from soils treated
with smoke, though this was not statistically significant. Seedling emergence indicators
showed that seedling emergence was favoured more by smoke and smoke + heat
treatments compared to the control. Seedling growth indicators also showed that soil
samples treated with smoke or smoke + heat combined produced significantly higher
biomass than untreated samples.
In general, findings from this comprehensive study suggest that plant-derived
smoke and its interaction with temperature (heat) and soil nutrients significantly
influences seed germination and seedling growth of South African mesic grassland
species differently, this can further influence the grassland composition. The association
of certain fire-climax species with the re-occurrence of fire can partly be explained due
to the association of such species with fire-induced changes in the habitat. Post-fire
conditions of low nutrient (NPK) availability, presence of high heat and smoke cues in
the habitat may favour the competitive ability of native short and smoke-responsive
species such as Themeda triandra and Tristachya leucothrix over those characteristic
species of fertile habitats such as Eragrostis curvula and other non-smoke-responsive
species. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.
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Contrasting biodiversity values in four states of Eastern Province thornveldDuncan, Imogen May January 2010 (has links)
Land use and land transformation are major threats to biodiversity. Only a small percentage of land and thus biodiversity is protected within reserves. The majority of biodiversity lies in the hands of private and communal farmers and in order to protect biodiversity they must perceive it as having some value and have the means and incentive to conserve it. This study examined two things: (i) the relationship between biodiversity and measures of ecosystem health, range condition, primary production and presence of useful plants that would be expected to be of relevant use to land users, (ii) the perceptions of farmers of vegetation states that differ in the abovementioned attributes. Within the Eastern Province Thornveld of the Smaldeel area, four different vegetation states were selected for the study, namely park-like grassland with scattered Acacia karroo (“savanna”), heavily infested Acacia karroo grassland (“acacia”), thicket-grassland mosaic (“thicket”) and heavily utilised thicketgrassland in communal lands (“communal”). The four states are a consequence of different patterns of browsing and fire, in both pre-colonial and recent times. Different ecological attributes were assessed and compared for each state and the relationships between the different attributes determined. Ecosystem health, in terms of stability or resistance to erosion, infiltration/water-holding capacity, and nutrient cycling were compared using Landscape Function Analysis. The agricultural value of the different landscapes was measured using range condition assessment techniques. Plant species richness and other measures of diversity, along with their conservation and usefulness values, were compared between states. Plant productivity and biomass were compared using satellite data. The thicket state was found to be the most functional due to the added habitat complexity provided by the vegetation. It was the most biodiverse, the most useful and contained many, but not all of the important conservation species. The communal state had high biodiversity and was be fairly resilient to heavy usage, not showing the expected signs of land degradation. The savanna state, although thought of as the optimum state for cattle production, was not significantly different from the other states in terms of agricultural potential, but had the lowest values for plant diversity, browse potential, abundance of useful plant species and biomass. The acacia state had the highest and least stable values in terms of biomass production, however it was found to contain species of conservation importance. The preference that four groups of land users, namely men and women from commercial and communal farming areas, expressed for the four vegetation states was assessed using semi-structured interviews in conjunction with A3 colour photographs. The men and women from the communal areas and the men from the commercial areas valued the thicket state highly for its farming potential. The male commercial farmers also valued the savanna state highly as they perceived it as being most productive for cattle farming. Both the thicket state and the savanna state were found aesthetically pleasing by all the user groups, in line with theories of preference for modified savannas and for familiar environments. There appears to be potential for preserving biodiversity on farmland. The farmers in this study, with their very utilitarian perspective, were found to intuitively gauge the health of the landscape and recognise biodiversity as indicating good farming land. The commercial farmers were strongly influenced by economic motives and thus attracted to the savanna state, but also recognised the opportunity for a wider variety of farming activities in the thicket state. The communal farmers have a high dependence on the land for their livelihoods and preferred the thicket state for its overall usefulness. The views of the farmers indicate that the opportunity for conservation is good, however much of the thicket state lies in the communal land, where the openaccess land use system makes managing for biodiversity difficult.
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