Land transformation in the Karkloof Catchment (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) between 1944
and 1999 was examined. No research had previously been undertaken to quantify and obtain
an understanding of these changes and their effect on the landscape. The study provides a
valuable spatial and descriptive database, which could assist in future planning and in an
improved management of the catchment. Land category maps and associated databases for
1944 and 1999 were produced by interpreting 1944 and 1996 aerial photographs and using a
Geographical Information System (GIS). Land management changes were established primarily
by interviews with land-owners. Property ownership and extent were ascertained and mapped
in GIS by utilising and adapting existing GIS databases, by interviews with land-owners, and
by undertaking title deed searches and by analysis of property Grant outlines and diagrams.
Natural grasslands have decreased significantly, being lost mostly to exotic afforestation and
marginally to commercial cultivation. Forest and woodland have increased marginally, as has
exotic vegetation. Subsistence cultivation has been reduced significantly with very little being
undertaken in 1999. Farm dams have increased in number and size. Extraction of indigenous
timber from the Karkloof Forest has ceased. Soil erosion, which was determined by summing
the surface area of soil erosion gullies (bare soil area), has decreased. Property numbers have
increased, whilst property sizes have decreased. Ownership has moved away from the
predominantly 'Private Individual' ownership category towards 'Private Companies and Trusts'
and towards large corporate companies. Reduction in farm size has contributed to maximisation
of land use, which has often impacted negatively on natural resources. Land-owners are
however becoming more environmentally conscious. More sustainable farming methods are
being practised. Catchment management bodies have been established. Traditional land use
types such as agriculture are slowly declining, whilst recreational, residential and tourism
ventures are on the increase. Demand for land and its products will continue to increase and
more pressure will be exerted on natural resources. Ways to live with nature, sensitively
balancing development against the environment will need to be found. Recommendations have
been made regarding the further application of the study, particularly the GIS database,
catchment management bodies and integrated catchment management, property size and land
use types. Various conservation recommendations are also given. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2000.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/4938 |
| Date | January 2000 |
| Creators | Weyer, Vanessa Derryn. |
| Contributors | Granger, J. Ed. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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