Bibliography: Land Degradation in South Africa project

aspirations of future generations.".

Ref ID : 1351

177. Anonymous The national grazing strategy. Pretoria:Department of Agriculture

and Water Supply. , 1985.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : POPULATION; AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Notes : It is argued that poor use and excessive exploitation of the natural

agricultural resources will eventually lead to a reduction in the standard of

living and the quality of life of the entire SA population. The broad objective

of the national grazing strategy is therefore to use, develop and manage the

natural and cultivated pasture in the RSA in such a way that it may yield the

greatest sustainable benefit to present generations while maintaining its

potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. Proposals

include ideas on: extension activities; schemes for financial assistance;

education and training activities; research activities; personnel recruitment,

training and use; a long-term strategy; agricultural development programmes of

the regions; an information campaign; advisory committee for pasture matters;

and constraints and evaluation.

Ref ID : 1310

178. Anonymous Landbou ontwikkeling in die nasionale state.Anonymous

Pretoria:Department of Agriculture. 69:1-39, 1985.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : STATISTICS; AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT; FORESTRY

Notes : This document argues that it is possible to place more people in

agricultural than in industrial sectors. It is therefore necessary that more

funds need to be invested in development of agriculture in the homelands. The

statistics show that, with the distribution of the agricultural budget as it is

at the moment, relatively little money is left to be spent on development in

this area. With the inflation rate being as high as it is, it is inevitable

that agricultural development is stagnating. A development bank in SA has an

enormous role to play here. Nonetheless, the statistics indicate that homelands

have managed to increase their output by 18,6% between 1975 and 1985.

Traditionally, the pattern is that all members of a clan have some right to use

some of the ground. Their right takes the form of a home, dry land and a share

in the communal grazing area. The specific nature of how each of these three

are owned may vary, as can the size of property. However, the form of farming

is mainly that of subsistence farming. Nonetheless, it is necessary that the

full potential of this land should be realised, which is why the Department of

Agriculture and Forestry has remained interested and involved in the development

plans of these areas.

Ref ID : 1284

179. Anonymous 'n Ondersoek van die sosio-ekonomiese situasie van die veeboer in

die verre ekstensiewe kleinveegebiede van Noordwes-Kaapland.Anonymous Anonymous

Noordwes-Kaapland:Suid-Afrikaanse Landbou-Unie. :1-63, 1986.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : AID; POLICY

Notes : Definite differences were found in the economic situations of farmers

living in different areas of the northwestern Cape. The opinions of respondents

around suggestions regarding financial aid in order to stabilise the economic

situation, were so divergent that no clear underlying criteria (eg. age, farm

size, etc.) could be identified. Nonetheless, the variations existed between,

rather than within regions. Enough consensus within regions was reached to act

as guidelines for policy in specific areas for development.

Ref ID : 628

180. Anonymous Management of the water reserve of South Africa,

Pretoria:Department of Water Affairs, 1986.pp. 1.20

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; HYDROLOGY; POLICY; SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE; LAND USE;

CULTIVATION; VELD MANAGEMENT; EROSION; SEDIMENTATION; SATELLITE IMAGERY; RUNOFF

Notes : In brief, this book looks at: the state of preservation of catchments;

hydrological planning of catchment development; the effects of changing land use

on water resources (land use patterns, afforestation, cultivation, veld

management, soil erosion and sedimentation, farm dams); land-use data base and

use of satellite imagery; and reliability of runoff records.

Ref ID : 1038

181. Anonymous The peoples of South Africa. In: Official yearbook of the

Republic of South Africa,Anonymous Pretoria, South Africa:Department of Foreign

Affairs, 1986,p. 1-20.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : STATISTICS; POPULATION

Notes : The introduction to this publication states: "The striking diversity of

the South African population is the result not only of comparatively recent

migrations but of a long process of which little is known to historians. Of the

whole process, perhaps the last three or four centuries have been adequately

documented. The greater part is submerged in the conjectural depths of

prehistory. A brief summary is given here of attempts to exlain on available

evidence the structural diversity of the South African population, the main

components of which are given in Table 1, with an indication of their numerical

strength. Subsequent sections of this chapter are largely descriptive,

reviewing the cultural features by which the various ethnic groups are most

readily identified." It is concluded that white and black South Africans have

different cultures, each of which have different implications for the religious,

socio-economic and environmental ecology.

Ref ID : 1735

182. Anonymous Agricultural Development Programme of the Highveld

Region.Anonymous Pretoria:Government Printer. , 1986.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT; VELD CONDITION

Ref ID : 2198

183. Anonymous Management of water resources of South Africa. 1986.

Reprint : Not in File,

Ref ID : 1748

184. Anonymous Biotic diversity in Southern Africa: concepts and conservation,

Cape Town:Oxford University Press, 1989.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOUTHERN AFRICA; CONSERVATION; MONITORING; NATURE RESERVES;

POPULATION; FAUNA; FYNBOS; SUCCULENT KAROO; NAMA KAROO; POLICY; BIODIVERSITY;

PLANT-ANIMAL INTERACTIONS; RURAL DEVELOPMENT; LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION; GRAZING

EFFECTS; VELD MANAGEMENT; BOTANICAL SURVEY; MODELS; STATISTICS; WATER

CONSERVATION; LEGISLATION

Notes : This book comprises 5 parts: Part 1 examines the dynamic nature of

biotic diversity. Various measures of biotic diversity are used to describe the

patterns and evolution of floristic diversity. The changes wrought by man to

the region's landscape, ecosystems and species composition are analysed. The

nature of human dependence on biotic diversity is considered in Part 2. A new

and iconoclastic interpretation of the concept 'conservation' is suggested. The

current and direct uses of and dependence on wild plant resources by rural

people in southern Africa is reviewed.The influence of plant diversity patterns

on livestock production, and of grazing management on diversity is discussed. In

addition, the exciting frontiers being explored, if not yet conquered, in the

field of genetic engineering and biotechnology are examined. Part 3 provides a

comprehensive review of the southern African experience in the survey,

evaluation and monitoring of biotic diversity. The preparation and use of Red

Data Books is detailed, as are approaches to rare plant surveys, bird atlases

and the application of molecular methods in the assessment of biotic diverstiy.

These papers illustrate the tremendous advances made in the quantification of

the conservation status of species in southern Africa during the past decade.

Reviews of the conservation status of terrestrial ecosystems and their biota are

included in Part 4. Remarkable results of an assessment of the percentage of

various taxonomic groups found in southern Africa's 582 nature reserves, which

collectively cover 5,8 % of the region, are presented. These reserves include

populations of 92%, 92%, 97%, and 93% of the region's amphibian, reptilian,

avian and mammalian faunas respectively. The floristic diversity and

conservation status of the fynbos, succulent karoo and Nama-karoo biomes are

described in detail. These biomes include some of the most diverse, yet least

adequately conserved, floristic communities in southern Africa. Part 5 reviews

the conservation status of river, coastal and marine ecosystems and their biota.

It is shown how rivers have, until recently, been badly neglected by

conservation researchers and managers alike. Estuaries too have enjoyed

considerable, if belated, attention although little information is available on

their biotic diversity. The level of protection afforded to coastal ecosystems,

in particular intertidal communities, is described as inadequate, although this

situation could be markedly improved by minor legislative changes. The

interdependence of different pelagic populations and their vulnerability to

excessive exploitation is illustrated. The book ends with two chapters on

policies which could provide the basis for the protection of biotic diversity.

Ref ID : 1135

185. Anonymous Research project on rural land tenure in southern Africa. Black

Enterprise :19-23, 62, 1990.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : LAND TENURE; LAND REFORM; AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Ref ID : 202

186. Anonymous Botanists warn of 'SA desert'. Cape Times , 1990.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT; DESERTIFICATION CONTROL; KAROO

DESERTIFICATION

Notes : The article reads: "Steps should be taken to prevent the new South

Africa from becoming a man-made desert, as had happended in some other African

countries. This view was submitted yesterday by the Department of Botany at

Stellenbosch University in evidence to the President's Council in its

ivestigation into a national environment management system. The botanists said

the state should buy areas necessary for conservation before they were lost to

development."....

Ref ID : 1090

187. Anonymous Proceedings of a meeting on current and future research into

desertification in South Africa, Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African

Ornithology, University of Cape Town, 13-14 June 1991. 1991.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT

Notes : This was a two-day workshop held to discuss current and future research

into desertification in SA. The primary aim of the meeting was to consolidate

the thinking of the participants of the PFIAO's special programme on

desertification. This article is a record of this meeting.

Ref ID : 818

188. Anonymous Erosion studies using natural runoff plots.Anonymous

Cedara:Department of Agriculture. 9/91, 1991.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; RUNOFF

Ref ID : 1439

189. Anonymous Rampgroogtehulpskema vir Willowmore distrik. Agricultural News

11:11, 1991.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : DROUGHT; AID; KAROO DESERTIFICATION; SUBSIDIES

Notes : It was noted that the Minister of Agriculture and Development agreed to

provide drought relief to farmers in Rietbron, which falls within the district

of Willowmore, even though certain conditions (specifically, claims had often

not been lodged a year previous to the request for assistance) may not have been

adhered to by farmers. A number of other areas in the Karoo have also been

assessed as legitimate claimants to drought relief.

Ref ID : 215

190. Anonymous Warning on growth of deserts. Eastern Province Herald , 1991.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; KAROO DESERTIFICATION; DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT

Notes : The article reads: "The rapid growth of South Africa's deserts had

become a "national emergency," with the Karoo advancing by more than 3 km a year

along a 500 km front, Democratic Party environment spokesman Rupert Lorimer

warned yesterday. Mr Lorimer told Parliment during the debate on the

agriculture vote: "Every year the situation worsens. This amounts to a national

emergency." He said the rate of soil erosion had also become critical, with an

estimated three tons of soil being lost for every hectare in South Africa every

year. Overall this amounts to something between 300m and 400m tons of soil that

are lost every year. Each year we lose 30 times the amount of topsoil that can

be formed naturally. In excess of three million hectares of land is so badly

damaged by sheet and donga erosion that it is good for nothing."......In file.

Ref ID : 1375

191. Anonymous Scheme for conversion of cultivated marginal lands to perennial

pasture crops. Pretoria:Department of Agricultural Development. C.3/1991, 1991.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : ECONOMIC ASPECTS; SUBSIDIES; GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES; CARRYING

CAPACITY; STOCKING RATE; AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Notes : The purpose of the scheme is (1) to convert lands that were planted to

summer grain crops in the previous summer season and which are not suitable, or

which are less suitable for cash crop production, to extensive perennial pasture

crops and to manage them according to guidelines laid down by the Department of

Agricultural Development; and (2) to relieve the pressure due to over-stocking

on natural veld and to promote efficient feed supplies to the livestock

industry. Available assistance is discussed, as are the maximum amount

available, recovery of assistance paid, qualifying requirements, how to apply

and other general matters.

Ref ID : 1376

192. Anonymous Disaster drought assistance scheme for stockfarmers inthe

Republic of South Africa (extensive grazing and cropping areas) (came in effect

on 1 June 1990). 1991.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : DROUGHT; SUBSIDIES; GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES; SOIL CONSERVATION;

POLICY; CONSERVATION

Notes : Against the background of the unsatisfactory condition of the

agricultural resources in the RSA, particularly the natural pastures and the

fact that the two previous assistance schemes for stockfarmers - in cropping and

extensive grazing areas - had several shortcomings, it has become necessary to

introduce a revised scheme. This scheme attempts to promote optimum resource

use and uniform assistance is given. Attempts are made to eliminate previous

problems and to use state funds more effectively. It is felt that the revised

scheme links well to the restructuring of agriculture, the enforcement of

Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act and the implementation of the

National Grazing Strategy. The following are important points of departure of

the revised scheme: (1) it is essential that farmers plan for droughts, making

short and long-term provision for such eventuality and (2) it is necessary that

farmers act proactively rather than reactively by means of sound management

methods in respect of the handling of disaster droughts.

Ref ID : 217

193. Anonymous SA 'will be 70% desert in 20 years'. Cape Times :3, 1991.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT; KAROO DESERTIFICATION

Notes : The article reads: "Destruction of the environment in SA was so rapid

that 70% of its land surface would be desert in 20 years, the Democratic Party's

environment spokesman, Mr Rupert Lorimer, warned yesterday. In 1900 the

estimated desert are was 15%. Mr Lorimer said land was steadily degradaed and

destroyed - but the budget showed that government spending on environmental

affairs was a low priority......Dams were silting up, vleis and rivers running

dry and millions of hectares being destroyed. "If we continue not paying

attention to problems like this, the new South Africa will be hardly worth

living in," Mr Lorimer said. In file.

Ref ID : 218

194. Anonymous Study finds no evidence of Karoo spreading. Eastern Province

Herald , 1991.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : KAROO DESERTIFICATION; DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT

Notes : Article picks up on article that I wrote with Richard Cowling (SAJS,

1990) in which we cast doubt on the expanding Karoo hypothesis. In file.

Ref ID : 1092

195. Anonymous Monitoring workshop - Worcester veld reserve. 1991.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : MONITORING; VELD CONDITION; GRASSLAND

Notes : It appeared that different individuals, coming from different fields,

had varied objectives for a monitoring programme. Each objective required

different approaches with respect to which methods to use, sampling intensity to

achieve levels of precision etc. This has probably often been the reason why

monitoring is seldom successfully co-ordinated. Various important questions

were raised in the workshop, which are detailed in the report. Further talks

included a paper on plant demographics, paddock scale monitoring in humid and

semi-arid grasslands and a paper was presented on typical questions to be asked

before embarking on a monitoring programme.

Ref ID : 657

196. Anonymous Vetiver: a grassy solution to soil erosion. Conserva 6(4):18,

1991.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; EROSION CONTROL; EROSION

Notes : Reasons for it's efficacy in combatting erosion include: the seeds are

sterile and poses no threat of becoming an invasive alien species; it has tough

hard-edged leaves which are not palatable to livestock; its roots are fibrous

and deep and thus stabilises the soil; a hedge of the grass grown on the contour

of a steep hillside acts as a very efficient filtering agent, allowing water to

filter through, but trapping sediment. In this way natural terraces are formed

which may be used for growing various crops; it recovers very well after

burning; it will grow in poor soils and tolerate very dry conditions as well as

frost; it can be cut regularly during the growing season and the harvested grass

can be used for weaving as well as thatching; and a chemical present in the

roots of the grass is used in the manufacture of perfumes.

Ref ID : 1518

197. Anonymous Report of the Three Committees of the President's Council on a

National Environment System.Anonymous Cape Town:Government Printer. , 1991. A

report following a briefing by the State President to the President's Council,

in terms of the Republic of South Africa Act, 1983 (Act 110 of 1983) to

investigate and make recommendations on a policy for a National Environmental

Management System, with particular reference to the ecological, economic, social

and legal implications thereof. The three committees attended to: all legal

matters and legislation administered by government departments, provincial

administrations and local authorities; all social, demographic and ecological

aspects; and all economic implications of production methods by mines,

industries and power generation, in order to prevent pollution and/or damage to

the environment.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : POLICY; LEGISLATION; POLLUTION; GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES; ENVIRONMENTAL

POLICY; ECONOMIC ASPECTS; SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS; INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS

Ref ID : 567

198. Anonymous The current drought situation in South Africa, Auckland

Park:National Consultative Forum on Drought, 1992.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : DROUGHT; POLICY

Ref ID : 1571

199. Anonymous Desert deadlock. New Scientist 134(1826):1, 1992.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT; DESERTIFICATION CONTROL

Notes : This article discusses the debate between those who believe that a

convention, which tackles the issue of spreading deserts, would be of value and

those who believe such a convention would be a waste of resources, as has

happened in the past.

Ref ID : 570

200. Anonymous Drought survival guidelines for Natal, Pietermaritzburg:1992.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : DROUGHT; POLICY; AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Notes : Compiled by the Natal Region of the Department of Agricultural

Development on behalf of the Co-ordination Extension Committee of Natal.

Ref ID : 1976

201. Anonymous Commercial timber resources and roundwood processing in South

Africa 1990/91.Anonymous Pretoria:Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. ,

1992.

Reprint : Not in File,

Ref ID : 574

202. Anonymous Natal/Kwazulu drought relief manual, Durban:1992.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : DROUGHT; KWAZULU NATAL; AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT; SUBSIDIES

Notes : Compiled by the Information Clearing House of the Natal/Kwazulu

Consultative Forum on Drought and Development.

Ref ID : 181

203. Anonymous Building the foundation for sustainable development in South

Africa. National report to the United Nations Conference on Environment and

Development (UNCED) to be held in Rio de Janeiro, June 1992.Anonymous

Pretoria:Department of Environment Affairs. :1-235, 1992. During this century,

the South African government has been changed dramatically. Agriculture and

forestry have replaced large areas of natural vegetation. Mining has altered

entire landscapes. Road and rail networks crisscross the country and a

significant portion of the country is now covered by rapidly growing urban

conglomerations. The population has changed from a predominantly rural to an

increasingly urban way of life. This country has a proud record in the

management of its natural beauty, wildlife and ecosystems. These have the

potential to make a key contribution towards future economic growth. However,

meeting future needs and realising the hopes of future generations will place

unprecedented demands on these natural resources. This will happen at a time

when the world itself is likely to be going through a period of global change

and environmental uncertainty. Considerable wisdom and skill will be needed to

enable South Africa to create a basis for sustainable development here and at

the same time to meet its international obligations in helping manage the

process of global change. It is in the light of this challenge that South

Africa particularly welcomes UNCED, the United Nations Conference on Environment

and Development to be held in Rio De Janeiro in June, 1992. As a contribution

to UNCED, this information on South Africa's environment and natural resources