Bibliography: Land Degradation in South Africa project

urban areas of Natal KwaZulu.Anonymous Pretoria:Water Research Commission.

233/1/92, 1992.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : HYDROLOGY; SETTLEMENT IMPACTS; KWAZULU NATAL

Ref ID : 55

1192. Kellner, K. Vegetation dynamics during the processes of recovery and

degradation in parts of the grassveld- and Karoo biomes of South Africa. 1995.

Doctoral Dissertation.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : GRASSLAND; NAMA KAROO; RESTORATION; VEGETATION DYNAMICS; VELD

CONDITION; DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT

Notes : Unpublished PhD thesis. PU for CHE, Potchefstroom.

Ref ID : 56

1193. Kellner, K. Vegetation dynamics during the processes of degradation and

recovery in parts of the grassland and Karoo biomes of South Africa. Bulletin of

the Grassland Society of southern Africa 6:40-40, 1995. (Abstract)

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : GRASSLAND; NAMA KAROO; RESTORATION; VEGETATION DYNAMICS; VELD

CONDITION; DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT; RAINFALL

Notes : From the results of this study it is evident that vegetation dynamic

changes, indicating processes of recovery or degradation, are very complex and

have to be studied over a much longer period of time. This is especially the

case if the effects of rainfall and/or grazing were to be monitored. Certain

deficiencies and recommendations have been identified during this study that

have to be taken into account in long term vegetation dynamic studies in

rangeland.

Ref ID : 1314

1194. Kepe, T. Enviromental entitlement in Mkambati: livelihoods, social

institutions and enviromental change on the Wild Coast of the Eastern

Cape.Anonymous Bellville:Land and Agrarian Studies. 1:1-91, 1997.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : EASTERN CAPE; POLICY; LAND REFORM; CONSERVATION

Notes : Throughout this study, social and ecological dynamics in rural areas of

SA are mentioned. The emphasis is on how these dynamic processes affect the

rural livelihoods of people who live along the coastal areas in eastern

Pondoland. Based on conclusions relating to the nature of rural livelihoods,

the use of different environments (including protected areas) by local

communities and local goverment issues, several policy implications have been

emerged, which are discussed in the document, involving: land reform, rural

livelihoods, environmental dynamics, conservation and development and

institutions.

Ref ID : 1114

1195. Kepe, T. Wild resources in rural livelihoods: values, social differences

and institutions. A case study from the Wild Coast, Eastern Cape Province, South

Africa. 1997.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : EASTERN CAPE; TRANSKEI; SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS; INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS;

POLICY

Notes : This study aims to explore the contribution made by wild resources to

livelihoods of rural people living along the Wild Coast of SA. First, this is

done through estimating direct-use and indirect use value of plant material (for

food, fuel, medicine, construction material, craftwork material, cash etc.) and

animals (for food, medicine and cash). Second, it also examines the social and

ecological dynamics of these livelihoods, particularly institutional aspects of

access to and control over these wild resources. This study hopes to provide

policy makers and other practitioners with estimates of value of specific sites

in order to make informed decisions about proposed major development projects,

as well as fair estimates of compensation due to relocated individuals and

communities from these sites. The study also seeks to complement and add to the

growing body of literature that deals with the value of wild resources harvested

by local communities and the emerging policy implications from these studies.

More specifically, the study has the following objectives: (1) to record plant

and animal species that are harvested or hunted for their contribution to

household livelihoods; (2) to document the different uses and users of the

harvested or hunted wild resources and the conflicts that may arise; (3) to

analyse the institutions that mediate access to and control over these wild

resources; and (4) to estimate the monetary value (in US Dollars) as well as

other values of the wild resources that are being utilized by the rural

communities. These objectives will be constrained by a number of limits, such

as the fact that natural phenomena may reduce the accuracy in which the outcomes

of this study reflect reality during normal years; the time allocated to the

study is limited; information relating to illegal activities may be difficult to

obtain; and an estimation of monetary value of products that are not sold by

households will prove challenging.

Ref ID : 2336

1196. Kepe, T. and Scoones, I. Creating grasslands: social institutions and

environmental change in Mkambati area, South Africa. Human Ecology 27(1):29-53,

1999.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : GRASSLAND; EASTERN CAPE; SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS; VEGETATION DYNAMICS;

INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS; MODELS

Abstract : Through a case study of the grassland system of the Mkambati area in

the Eastern Cape, South Africa, the paper explores the interaction of social

institutions and ecological processes in the creation of a diverse grassland

environment. A number of different transitions between grassland states are

examined in detail, highlighting a range of social and institutional factors

influencing grassland change. The spatial patterning of different grassland

types and the frequency of transitions between them are shown to be dependent on

the institutional relationships between different social actors. Understanding

such complex and multifaceted processes of environmental change requires

analytical tools which combine social and ecological perspectives; an extended

form of qualitative "state-transition" modelling, which incorporates

institutional dimensions, is therefore explored.

Ref ID : 2448

1197. Kepe, T.V. and Filson, G.C. Perceived levels of farming skills and

problems of smallscale commercial farmers in Ciskei. Development Southern Africa

10(3), 1993.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : CISKEI; AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION; IRRIGATION; FARMING SYSTEMS;

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION; LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION; GENDER ASPECTS

Notes : The purpose of the research was to determine the potential for improved

agricultural production among small-scale commercial farmers at irrigation

schemes in Ciskei. Specific objectives of the study were: 1. to develop a

demographic profile of the small-scale commercial farmer in Ciskeian irrigation

schemes; 2. to examine small-scale commercial farmers' perception of their

farming skills, farming problems and the role of extension; 3. to determine the

relationships between selected demographic characteristics of the farmers and

their perceived adequacy of farming skills, aspects of extension and level of

other farming problems; and 4. to identify any training needs of the small-scale

commercial farmers. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on small-scale

commercial farmers in Tyefu, Zanyokwe, Shilo and Keiskammahoek. Seventy three

individuals were interviewed, and five group interviews were conducted in the

four irrigation schemes. Respondents were asked a total of 79 questions on

demographic characteristics and farming perceptions. Most farmers (54%) in the

area were between the ages of 36 and 55. Almost half of the farmers (40%) had

not completed more than 5 years of schooling (std. 3). Average family size was

6. Most farmers had more than 5 years of farming experience. About 84% of the

farmers indicated a desire to continue farming indefinitely. However, about 16%

(mostly young vegetable growers) did not see any future in farming. Farmers

perceived their farming skills to be adequate for their success as farmers.

Respondents perceived most production requirements available to them as

inadequate for efficient production. Most of them were not satisfied with their

extension officers' performance; in fact the majority of the farmers were

dissatisfied with the lack of women extension officers. The authors made it

clear that more emphasis needs to be placed on literacy training in the black

farming community. Extension officers should also receive substantially more

human relations training, and there should be more female exetnsion workers to

cater for the needs of female farmers. This article is obtainable from the

Document Centre, University of Fort Hare. See also I.D. ref. no: 2339.

Ref ID : 1079

1198. Kerley, G.I.H. Small mammal seed consumption in the Karoo, South Africa:

further evidence for divergence in desert biotic processes. Oecologia 89:471-

475, 1992.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : MICROMAMMALS; GRAZING EFFECTS; POPULATION; ENERGY

Notes : Annual seed consumption by a small mammal community in the semi-arid

Karoo, SA, was calculated using population, biomass and dietary estimates and

published estimates of field metabolic rate. The community comprised a

macroscelid elephant shrew Macroscelides proboscideus, and two rodents

Gerbillurus paeba and Desmodillus auricularis. Only G paeba consumed seed

during the study, and then in low amounts (annual mean = 0.4% of diet, insects =

53%, herbage = 47%), with M. proboscideus and D. auricularis consuming mainly

insects (88%) and herbage (90%), respectively. Energy requirements for the G

paeba population averaged 568 kJ ha-1 day-1. Total seed consumption was

estimated to be about 140 g ha-1, or 155 000 seeds ha-1 which represents about

0.5% of the annual seed production for this site. These levels of granivory by

small mammals are significantly lower than those recorded for North American

deserts, and raises the question as to why granivory varies between these

systems. These findings also refute the hypothesis that as a result of the

harshness and similarity of physical conditions in deserts, the properties of

desert communities are convergent.

Ref ID : 1074

1199. Kerley, G.I.H. Ecological correlates of small mammal community structure

in the semi-arid Karoo, South Africa. J.Zool., Lond. 227:17-27, 1992.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : MICROMAMMALS; KAROO DESERTIFICATION; RAINFALL; MODELS

Abstract : The understanding of the determinants of small mammal community

structure in arid and semi-arid ecosystems is of importance, both in the light

of the role that small mammals play, and the impact of livestock grazing on the

flora of these systems. In a study aimed at identifying these determinants,

small mammal assemblages and environmental features were quantified at six

localities (a gradient of floristic structure, with constant annual rainfall)

across the southern Karoo, SA. Stepwise variable regression indicated that

small mammal diversity was correlated with plant and rock cover, as well as

plant cover and horizontal foliage diversity at intermedite heights (40-60 cm).

Initially, small mammal diversity increased with increasing plant cover, but

decreased at cover levels greater than 30%. This relationship is similar to

that found in other desert systems, although the peak in diversity found here is

at higher levels of plant cover than found previously. I suggest that this

higher peak may be owing to the lack of reliance on granivory by these animals,

which are relatively omnivorous. This model may therefore explain the

conflicting reports on the impact of livestock grazing on desert small mammals,

with small mammal diversity decreasing with grazing below the peak, and

increasing with grazing above the peak.

Ref ID : 57

1200. Kerley, G.I.H. Desertification of subtropical thicket in the eastern Cape.

Proceedings of the Second Valley Bushveld Symposium. Kerley, G.I.H., Haschick,

S.L., Fabricius, C., and La Cock, G.Anonymous Grassland Society of Southern

Africa Special Publication. :5-7, 1996.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SAVANNA; EASTERN CAPE; DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT; GRAZING EFFECTS;

GRASSLAND; LAND USE

Notes : The late John Acocks identified overgrazing by domestic herbivores as

the main cause of desertification in SA. The concept of desertification has

been much debated in SA, particularly in terms of the degradation of grassland

to shrubland. In contrast, the degradation of the Eastern Cape Subtropical

Thicket (ECST) has been more generally accepted. This vegetation type is

recognized as being vulnerable to such degradation due to overgrazing and there

is little evidence for the recovery of severely degraded ECST. Although it is

commonly recognized that the degradation of ECST can largely be ascribed to

overgrazing by domestic herbivores, few attempts have been made to bring about

more sustainable land use practices.

Ref ID : 1701

1201. Kerley, G.I.H. and Boshoff, A. A proposal for a greater Addo National

Park. A regional and national conservation and development

opportunity.Anonymous Port Elizabeth:Terrestrial Ecology Research Unit,

University of Port Elizabeth. 17:1-63, 1997.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : CONSERVATION; SAVANNA; EASTERN CAPE; LEGISLATION; LAND USE;

POPULATION; FOREST; CLIMATE; CLIMATE CHANGE; ECONOMIC ASPECTS; RURAL

DEVELOPMENT; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; LAND TENURE; BIODIVERSITY; SOCIOECONOMIC

ASPECTS; WATER CONSERVATION; PALAEOENVIRONMENTS; FAUNA; VEGETATION DYNAMICS;

GLOBAL CHANGE; ARCHAEOLOGY; POLITICAL ASPECTS; GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Notes : This report proposed the amalgamation of two large existing conservation

areas and their expansion to create a Greater Addo National Park, thereby

providing an opportunity for a viable regional and national development and

conservation initiative. This independent proposal is based on 11 recognised

criteria and on national and international environmental legislation and

treaties. It is fully motivated on the basis of sound conservation, ecotourism

and economic principles, perspectives and information. There is growing

acceptance that ecotourism/conservation, as a recognised form of land-use, can

play a major role in promoting development and community upliftment, through the

sustainable use of natural resources. The issues of land ownership and land-

use, and the need to accelerate socio-economic development, especially amongst

the rural and poorer sections of the population, feature prominently in the

government's strategies and plans. The proposed Park is will be geomorphically

and biotically the most diverse conservation area in SA, and probably one of the

most diverse in the world. In addition it will create enormous potential for

socio-economic development in the economically depressed Eastern Cape, a

province identified by the government as a priority for development. In terms

of its conservation value, the proposed Park will contribute significantly to

SA's conservation requirements. It would be unique through the inclusion of

examples of six of the seven biomes that occur in SA, as well as diverse marine

components. Major landscapes included are the Zuurberg Mountain range, part of

the former African land surface, the Alexandria coastal dunefield, fossil dune

ridges and karstic landforms. The Alexandria coastal dunefield is the largest,

most impressive and least degarded coastal dunefield in SA, and one of the most

spectacular in the world. The Park will also offer some protection to fragile

and threatened river systems, with the Sundays River estuary being of particular

conservation significance. The Bird and St. Croix island groups are of immense

conservation value; for example, they support the largest population of the

threatened jackass penguin, and the largest gannet colony, in the world, as well

as a range of other species of special conservation significance, e.g. Cape fur

seals. The marine zone also supports populations of threatened and ecologically

and economically important species e.g. reef and game fish, bottle-nosed and

humpback dolphins, southern right and Bryde's whales, and great white sharks,

which are all imporant ecotourism resources. The proposed Park and its

surrounds have an important and interesting palaeontological record, consisting

of a range of plant and animal fossils. These include dinosaur bones and unique

fossil fish deposits. A particular attraction in the proposed Park will be the

megaherbivores (elephant, rhino) and other charismatic animals, ranging from the

large predators such as lion and cheetah, to the flightless dung beetle. The

Park will ultimately be able to carry genetically viable populations of the

large species. At over 400 species it will provide habitat for almost half of

the bird species recorded in SA, and it will play a significant role in

conserving the region's reptiles and amphibians. The proposed Park will also

contribute significantly to the conservation of a range of threatened freshwater

and estuarine fish species, and also the conservation of a number of threatened

invertebrates, e.g. two rare butterfly species, an endemic grasshopper and a

flightless dung beetle. The proposed Park will conserve an impressive array of

plant species, ranging from the desert-adapted succulents in the Karoo, to the

stately trees of the coastal forest. It is characterised by a wide range and

high diversity of plant species, and by the close proximity of several very

different and unrelated vegetation types. It will also provide increased

protection for 25% of SA's cycad species. The fact that the proposed Park

includes areas of six biomes ensures that at least some of these bioclimatic

regions will persist there in the face of global climate change. The proposed

Park provides opportunities for linkage with private conservation areas, within

the context of the creation of a biosphere reserve. The proposed Park is

located in an area with an extensive and interesting archaeological and

historical record; this includes an important Late Stone Age site, remains of

Khoi/San settlements, sites of conflict between early African and European

pastoralists, and between the Boers and the British. The two island groups also

have a particularly interesting and valuable history. All of the above features

and attractions will combine to ensure the success of the proposed Park as a

national and international ecotoursim destination. Evidence is provided that

ecotourism/conservation is an ecologically sustainable form of land-use and that

it is successful in terms of wealth generation, economic activity and job

creation. It is thus obvious that the Park would be a highly desirable form of

land-use and development in the region. In terms of its economic role, the

proposed Park has enormous potential and it would be ideally placed to exploit

the fast growing ecotourism market. It will provide a wide and exciting range

of attractions, from lions to penguins, from forests to deserts and from

mountains to beaches. The climate of the region is ideally suited to

ecotourism, the area has a good tourist safety record, and is malaria free. The

Park would be well serviced in terms of tourism infrastructure. The proposed

Park will undoubtedly provide a number of socio-economic benefits for the local

community, and especially the previously disadvantaged segment. For example,

permanent casual jobs will be created within the Park, and also within the

service and peripheral industries. The potential for the long-term viability of

these jobs is considered to be good. The successful Mayibuye Ndlovu Project

involving the neighbourhood communities has laid a solid foundation for further

community relationships in terms of the proposal for an expanded Park. It is

recommended that there be a single management authority and structure for the

proposed Park, but that the details of this be left to the relevant conservation

agencies and the stakeholders. The proposed Park should be accorded National

Park status, and should be nominated as a World Heritage site. A number of

issues relating to the establishment, management and potential for success of

the proposed Park are discussed, namely the cost of the purchase of land,

relationships between the National Parks Board and the provincial conservation

authority, effects on local communities, road and rail servitudes, electricity

transmission lines, the porposed Coega harbour and IDZ development, the quality

of services and facilities, the presence of alien vegetation, and predators and

stock farmers. Given the increasing pressure on the environment from

government-backed development initiatives, the expectations of the people

regarding employment opportunities, and the fragility of the environment

regarding its ability to provide basic resources on a sustainable basis, the

window of opportunity presented by this proposal is unlikely to remain open for

long. It is therefore crucial that the desirability, feasibility and benefits

of the proposed Park be discussed and acted upon without delay. It is

recommended that a Working Group, comprised of key stakeholders, be created to

take this proposal further.

Ref ID : 235

1202. Kerley, G.I.H., Knight, M.H., and De Kock, M. Desertification of

subtropical thicket in the eastern Cape, South Africa - are there alternatives.

Environmental Monitoring & Assessment 37(1-3):211-230, 1995.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SAVANNA; EASTERN CAPE; DESERTIFICATION ASSESSMENT; GRAZING EFFECTS;

ECONOMIC ASPECTS; CONSERVATION; LAND USE

Abstract : TP549-0015 The Eastern Cape Subtropical Thicket (ECST) forms the

transition between forest, semiarid karroid shrublands, and grassland in the

Eastern Cape, South Africa. Undegraded ECST forms an impenetrable, spiny thicket

up to 3 m high consisting of a wealth of growth forms, including evergreen

plants, succulent and deciduous shrubs, lianas, grasses, and geophytes. The

thicket dynamics are not well understood, but elephants may have been important

browsers and patch disturbance agents. These semiarid thickets have been

subjected to intensive grazing by domestic ungulates, which have largely