Bibliography: Land Degradation in South Africa project

et al. Pretoria:Unisa. , 1990.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : CONSERVATION

Notes : This publication is a record of the papers delivered at the National

Veld Trust Conference "1990 Save our Soil" held in Pretoria on 30 and 31 October

1990. The main purpose of the conference is to do an honest stocktaking of the

conservation status of South Africa's agricultural resources in order to form a

picture of survival chances into the 21st Century.

Ref ID : 2271

2055. Venter, D. Bosindringing in die Oos-Kaapstreek. Proceedings of a workshop

on bush encroachment and bush thickening held in Pretoria. Pienaar,

A.J.Anonymous Pretoria:Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. :C1-C11, 1980.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : BUSH ENCROACHMENT

Ref ID : 372

2056. Venter, J. Soil loss and runoff in Umfolozi Game Reserve and the

implications for game reserve management.University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg.

, 1988. Doctoral Dissertation.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; RUNOFF; CONSERVATION; KWAZULU NATAL

Ref ID : 877

2057. Venter, J., Liggitt, B., Tamton, N.M., and Clarke, G.P.Y. The influence of

different land-use practices on soil erosion, herbage production and on grass

species richness and diversity. Proceedings of the Grassland Society of southern

Africa 6(2):89-98, 1989.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : LAND USE; SOIL EROSION; VELD MANAGEMENT; VELD CONDITION; GRASSLAND;

BIODIVERSITY; PRODUCTION POTENTIAL; EROSION; KWAZULU

Abstract : A fence-line contrast study compared erosion levels, herbage

production and grass species diversity in Umfolozi Game Reserve (UGR) and

adjacent KwaZulu (KWZ). There was no significant difference in soil loss or A-

horizon depths measured in KWZ and UGR, but there were significant differences

in both parameters when measurements from upper, mid and lower slope sites were

compaerd. Similarly, there was no significant difference between herbage

accumulated in KWZ and UGR in the absence of grazing, but there was a signficant

difference between the upper, mid and lower slope plots. There was also no

significant difference between grass species richness measured on plots in KWZ

and UGR, but there was a highly signficiant difference when the grass species

richness was compared between upper, mid and lower slopes. The major conclusion

drawn from these results was that differences in the topographical position of

the plots, rather than differences in land-use practices, explained the greater

amount of variability in the data.

Ref ID : 878

2058. Venter, J., Smithen, A.A., Schulze, R.E., and Tainton, N.M. The prediction

of soil loss based on vegetation and soil surface variables in a Natal game

reserve. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 19(1):11-16, 1989.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; VELD CONDITION; RUNOFF; CONSERVATION; KWAZULU NATAL;

RAINFALL; EROSION

Abstract : Rainfall simulator trial and natural run-off plot data were used to

derive four predictive equations for soil loss based on vegetation and soil

surface variables. Those characteristics which explained the highest amount of

variability in the data were (i) susceptibility to erosion (SUTE), (ii) surface

cover (SURC) and (iii) mean grass height (MEGH) for the rainfall simulator data,

and (i) susceptibility to erosion, (ii) surface cover and (iii) annual rainfall

(TRAN) for the natural run-off plot data. The predictive equations which showed

the closest association between actual and predicted values, and which had the

lowest systematic error were: Loge soil loss (g/plot) = 9,0025 - 0,0319 SURC -

0,0238 MEGH for the rainfall simulator trial data, and, for the natural fun-off

plot data: Loge annual soil loss (g/plot) = - 3,6286 + 0,1346 SUTE + 0,0953

SURC.

Ref ID : 1075

2059. Venter, J.C. Drought characterization based on Karoo shrubland

productivity. South African Journal of Science 88:154-158, 1992.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : DROUGHT; PRODUCTION POTENTIAL; KAROO DESERTIFICATION

Ref ID : 1126

2060. Venter, W.D., Snyman, H.A., and Van Rensburg, W.L.J. Photosynthetic

response to water stress in Themeda triandra and Eragrostis lehmanniana. South

African Journal of Botany 63(1):37-41, 1997.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : PLANT PHYSIOLOGY; DROUGHT

Ref ID : 1116

2061. Verhagen, B.T. Isotope hydrology of the Kalahari: recharge or no recharge?

Palaeoecology of Africa 21:143-158, 1990.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : HYDROLOGY

Ref ID : 1483

2062. Vermeulen, D.C. Die bevolkingsverbreiding van die Kaapse

Middellande.Anonymous , 1952.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : EASTERN CAPE; POPULATION

Ref ID : 373

2063. Verster, R. and Van Rooyen, T.H. Measurement of soil movement on two

hillslopes displaying terracettes in humid South Africa. In: Geomorphological

studies in southern Africa, edited by Moon, B.P. and Dardis,

G.F.Rotterdam:Balkema, 1988,p. 311-320.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; GEOMORPHOLOGY; PALAEOENVIRONMENTS

Ref ID : 374

2064. Versveld, D.B. Overland flow on small plots at the Jonkershoek Forestry

Research Station. South African Forestry Journal (119):35-40, 1981.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; FORESTRY; RUNOFF

Ref ID : 2191

2065. Versveld, D.B. Catchment management and soil resources. Managing fynbos

catchments for water. Boucher, C. and Marais, C. Stellenbosch:Foundation for

Research Development Programme. 24:64-74, 1993.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : FYNBOS

Notes : Proceedings of a workshop held on 30 November 1003 at Stellenbosch.

Ref ID : 2095

2066. Versveld, D.B., Bailey, C.L., Euston-Brown, D.I.W., Brown, P.J., Chapman,

R.A., and Le Maitre, D.C. A reconnaisance and problem scoping of alien invasive

plants and other land-use factors in catchments supplying Rand Water.Anonymous

Pretoria:CSIR. CENV/P-C97031, 1997.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : LAND USE; FORESTRY

Notes : Report no. CENV/P-C97031, Division of Water, Environment and Forestry

Technology, CSIR.

Ref ID : 2097

2067. Versveld, D.B., Le Maitre, D.C., and Chapman, R.A. Alien invading plants

and water resources in South Africa: a preliminary assessment.Anonymous

Pretoria:Water Research Commission. TT99/98, 1998.

Reprint : Not in File,

Ref ID : 2094

2068. Versveld, D.B. and Van Wilgen, D.B. Impact of woody aliens on ecosystem

properties. In: The ecology and management of biological invasions in southern

Africa, edited by Macdonald, I.A.W., Kruger, F.J., and Ferrar, A.A.South

Africa:Oxford University Press, 1986,p. 239-246.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOUTHERN AFRICA

Ref ID : 1275

2069. Viljoen, B.D. Bush encroachment control in the Eastern Cape region.

Pretoria:Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Soil Conservation, 1980. F.

15.1/1980.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : BUSH ENCROACHMENT; EASTERN CAPE; GRASSLAND; PRODUCTION POTENTIAL

Notes : The author describes how the production potential of virtually all land

in the Eastern Cape Region is threatened, to a greater or lesser extent, by the

encroachment or increase of undesirable woody species. Although there is no

"best method" to remove unwanted bush, any approach chosen should be determined

by local conditions and the ecological background of the specific problem.

Different methods are discussed, as is seedling and growth treatment. Finally,

hints are provided for the farmer.

Ref ID : 405

2070. Viljoen, M.J., Franey, N.J., and Coward, D. Classification of vegetation

degradation in the north-eastern Transvaal using SPOT imagery. South African

Journal of Science 89:429-432, 1993.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : NORTHERN PROVINCE; VELD CONDITION; VEGETATION CHANGE; DESERTIFICATION

ASSESSMENT; MONITORING; MAPS

Notes : Multi-spectral images are useful for identifying and monitoring

vegetation denudation over large areas of SA and the rest of the subcontinent.

Spectral classification of the digital data can be used to produce thematic maps

of land-cover types, both quickly and cheaply. These would provide an

invaluable database for use by responsible officials and environmental

scientists involved in the development of strategies to curb degradation and

avoid the spread of further environmental damage.

Ref ID : 1501

2071. Viljoen, P.J. Status and past and present distribution of elephants in the

Kaokoveld, South West Africa/Namibia. South African Journal of Zoology 22:247-

257, 1987.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : NAMIBIA; MONITORING; ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY

Ref ID : 1502

2072. Viljoen, P.J. and Bothma, J.d.P. The influence of desert-dwelling

elephants on the vegetation of the northern Namib Desert, South West

Africa/Namibia. Journal of Arid Environments 18:85-96, 1990.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : NAMIBIA; PLANT-ANIMAL INTERACTIONS

Ref ID : 1225

2073. Vink, N. Land tenure and commercial farming in the national states:

problems and proposals. Development Southern Africa 4(3):435-439, 1987.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : LAND TENURE

Ref ID : 1381

2074. Vink, N. and Van Zyl, J. Policy options for livestock development inthe

communal grazing sector of Southern Africa.Anonymous Anonymous :1-20, 1990.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : POLICY; SOUTHERN AFRICA

Notes : This paper looks at elements of the economic, historic and technical

contexts of livestock management under common property regimes in Southern

Africa. The aim is to show that the welfare-theory view of the problem of the

commons is inadequate. Livestock development projects in most parts of sub-

Saharan Africa (including South Africa) have focused largely on the common

property characteristic of grazing rights, to the detriment of other and often

more important characteristics. It is argued here that a range of other

practical and theoretical factors also have to be considered in the design of

such projects.

Ref ID : 2098

2075. Vitousek, P.M., D'Antonio, C.M., Loope, L.L., and Westbrooks, R.

Biological invasions as global environmental change. American Scientist 84:468-

478, 1996.

Reprint : Not in File,

Ref ID : 1909

2076. Vlachos, J. Communal land tenure and land degradation: a minor field study

of hte Elim constituency Omusati Region, Namibia. Minor Field Study Series no.

61.Anonymous Anonymous University of Lund, Sweden:Department of Economics. 61:8-

19, 1995.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : LAND TENURE; LAND DEGRADATION; NAMIBIA; CLIMATE; AGRICULTURAL

DEVELOPMENT

Notes : There are good reasons to expect land degradation at a higher rate than

in the ideal situation under all forms of property regimes. Most important for

reducing degradation is that the management responsibility belongs to the

person/s who are actually dependent upon the land. Governmental ownership has a

tendency to result in open access situations as this connection is missing.

Communal land tenure systems have many advantages, especially in regions with a

variable climate. However, as they seem to have problems adopting to a modern

society their changes of survival can be questioned. Private property means

that the revenues of investments and costs of mismanagement accrue to the user

hismelf, but the externality problem is not solved and the marginalization of

certain groups can lead to increased resource degradation. A private property

regime has a good chance for success if the enforcement of contracts is

effective and the opportunities for agricultural development exist. In other

words, it is very difficult to say anything a priori about the relationship

between different land tenure systems and land degradation. The answer seems to

be situation specific and thus in need of empirical observation.

Ref ID : 1360

2077. Vlok, J.H.J. Communal Land Tenure and Land Degradation: A minor field

study of the Elim Constituency Omusati Region, Namibia. Minor Field Study Series

no 61.Anonymous Anonymous Lund:Dept of Economics University of Lund. :8-19,

1995.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : LAND TENURE; LAND DEGRADATION; NAMIBIA

Ref ID : 525

2078. Vogel, C. The South African environment: horizons for integrating physical

and human geography. In: Geography in a changing South Africa, edited by

Rogerson, C. and McCarthy, J.Cape Town:Oxford University Press, 1992,p. 173-185.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE; SOCIOECONOMIC ASPECTS

Ref ID : 178

2079. Vogel, C.H. Climatic change in the Cape Colony, 1820-1900. South African

Journal of Science 84:11, 1988.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY; CLIMATE

Ref ID : 177

2080. Vogel, C.H. 160 years of rainfall of the Cape-has there been a change?

South African Journal of Science 84:724-726, 1988.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY; CLIMATE

Ref ID : 1908

2081. Vogel, C.H. A documentary-derived climatic chronology for South Africa,

1820 - 1900. Climatic Change 14:291-307, 1989.

Reprint : Not in File,

Ref ID : 216

2082. Vogel, C.H. (Mis)management of droughts in South Africa: past, present and

future. South African Journal of Science 90:4-6, 1994.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : DROUGHT; ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY; CLIMATE

Ref ID : 1503

2083. Vogel, J.C. and Rust, G. Environmental changes in the Kaokoveld Namib

Desert during the present millenium. Madoqua 15(1):5-16, 1987.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : NAMIBIA; ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY; VEGETATION CHANGE

Ref ID : 2226

2084. Von Breitenbach, F. National list of introduced trees,

Pretoria:Dendrological Foundation, 1989.

Reprint : Not in File,

Ref ID : 1196

2085. Von Maltitz, G. and Evans, J. Is tenure the root cause and consequently

the solution to resource degradation in the communal areas of rural South

Africa? In: Proceedings of the international conference on land tenure in the

developing world with a focus on Southern Africa, held at the University of Cape

Town, 27-29 January 1998, edited by Barry, M.Cape Town:Department of Geomatics,

University of Cape Town, 1998,p. 560-569.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : LAND REFORM; COMMUNAL AREA; CONSERVATION; POLICY; POVERTY; POPULATION

Abstract : Sustainable resource management is normally assumed to be the core to

the long-term success of the South African land reform process in rural communal

areas. This is based on the assumption that the resource base is a critical

component of the livelihood strategy of the rural communities. It is generally

accepted that the resource base within the communal areas is rapidly degrading,

and production figures from these areas would tend to confirm this. Insecurity

of tenure and/or poorly defined tenurial rights has often been advocated as a

cause for resource degradation. Hardin's paper (1969) on the tragedy of the

commons, pointed out that individuals maximise personal benefits at the expense

of the environment in open access resource management systems. It is nowadays

generally agreed that common property per se does not necessarily lead to

resource degradation, just as private property does not automatically result in

resource conservation. Drivers or resource degradation are many and varied.

Access to off-farm income, the macro-economic environment, government policy,

social norms and values, poverty levels, population density, availability of

land, the inherent potential of the resource base as well as the tenurial

systems are all likely contributing factors. Two case study areas are

considered, using a systems approach and economic arguments, to attempt to

better understand the causes of and possible solutions to resource degradation.

The implications of this to tenurial reform are considered. It is concluded

that the village operates as a complex system where the homestead area, communal

rangelands and agricultural fields are all important resource areas, and that

the interaction between the areas is critical for sustainable operation of the

system. In particular, the seasonal swop between the fields being de facto

private in summer and communal in winter is critical for the animal husbandry of

the systems. High value of off-farm remuneration coupled with small land

holdings and high risks associated with crop agriculture are major drivers of

resource use practices. Many farmers seem to farm more as a means of leveraging

greater returns from off-farm income rather than a subsistence or economic

activity in its own right. This totally changes the way in which economics of

farming should be viewed. In terms of tenurial reform, it is argued that

tenurial reform will not automatically result in better land management

practices. It is however suggested that the tenurial reform process, if coupled

to an institution building process and appropriate technology, could be a unique

opportunity in history for instituting sound common property management

practices.

Ref ID : 153

2086. Von Maltitz, G., Kruger, A., Evans, J., and Beukman, R. Agricultural

practices and constraints in three villages in the Lubisi study area: possible

improvements towards sustainble agriculture. 1996.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : LAND USE; AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT; RURAL DEVELOPMENT; COMMUNAL AREA;

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; CLIMATE; DROUGHT; IRRIGATION; MODELS; LABOUR; EROSION

CONTROL; AGROFORESTRY

Notes : The authors conclude the document as follows. The one week

participatory process generated a vast amount of data and understanding of the

agricultural activities and problems in the Lubisi Dam area. Despite the vast

differences in topography, altitude and climate between the villages, all

villages practice very similar agricultural activities, with the exception of

Lanti where there is some irrigated agriculture and no visible dryland

agriculture. In all villages the following three areas were identified in terms

of agricultural activities: (1) the homestead area, an important area for small

scale crop production and also the centre from which most livestock activities

takes place. Almost all homesteads have pigs and chickens, In addition, a

large number keep cattle, goats and sheep which are kraaled at the homestead,

but graze on the communal rangelands; (2) field areas. These are dryland areas

in all villages with the exception of Lanti. Cropping activity is low, due in

part to a long run of drought years. A large number of crops are potentially

grown, but maize, sorghum and melons are most common. These areas form seasonal

commonage during winter so no, or few, winter crops are grown. In Lanti,

although irrigation water is plentiful, winter crops were not growing during

October and there was no sign of recent agricultural activity; and (3) communal

rangeland. This area is used for grazing of the livestock as well as a source

for fuel and water. Cattle, goats and sheep are the most common livestock

species, though some horses and donkeys are kept. Production is considered to

be below potential in most agricultural activities. Reasons for this are

multiple and complex. A simple quick fix solution to agricultural problems does

not exist. Ownership in the land and the agricultural activities (particularly

in the irrigation areas) seems to be a major constraint. Building local

capacity to deal with agriculture is seen as an important first step. Access to

agricultural inputs and markets is clearly a problem as is access to technology.

The community needs to move away from attempting to emulate highly mechanised

and input-intensive agricultural models. Instead, the benefits of abundant

labour should be investigated. Sustainable farming practices using crop

rotation or intercropping with leguminous nitrogen-fixing species may be able to

greatly cut fertilizer costs. The conflict in land use between livestock and

cropping also needs greater investigation. Livestock is not only damaging

crops, but also compacting the soil and destroying erosion-control structures.

A number of agroforestry solutions could possibly have major benefits,

particularly to the homestead. These are not rapid solutions, nor are they

solutions that will put production on par with highly intensive production

systems. They are however better suited to the village conditions and lower

production will be compensated for in part by the very low input costs.

Community level rangeland management of the communal areas is needed. The

community needs to establish structures that will control rangeland use to help

maximise returns and reduce degradation of the resource. Greater access to

agricultural extension support is clearly needed. The extension officer must

however be aware of the community needs and constraints and be able to provide

appropriate technology. It is also suggested that the community engages in

action research and experiment with alternative crops and cropping systems. The

establishment of a community owned, farmer support centre and co-operatives may

be a way to ensure this support.

Ref ID : 375

2087. Vorster, J.A. The engineering problems of soil erosion control. South

African Department of Agriculture Bulletin (259), 1998.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; EROSION CONTROL

Ref ID : 895

2088. Vorster, M. 'n Belowende tegniek om veld in die Karoogebiede te

beoordeel/A promising technique to evaluate land in the Karoo regions. Karoo

Agric 2(1):21-28, 1981.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : KAROO DESERTIFICATION; VELD MANAGEMENT; VELD CONDITION

Notes : This paper describes a new technique developed to evaluate veld

conditions in the Karoo. The author avers that past methods are severely limited

and, as a result of research undertaken by him, the new Ecological Index Method

(EIM) produces superior results.

Ref ID : 933

2089. Vorster, M. The development of the ecological index method for assessing