Bibliography: Land Degradation in South Africa project

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION; RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Notes : The purpose of the report was to formulate an integrated development

plan for the Amatola District Council. Information was gathered through field

surveys and secondary sources of information. The report contains information

on population size, density, growth rate, dependency ratio, gender, health,

education, tourism, land use, community facilities, housing and economic

activities. Although the climate of the area is well suited for agriculture,

the narrow strip along the coast with shallow soils and a broken topography is

generally not well suited for extensive forms of commercial agriculture.

Agriculture in the area is therefore mainly of a subsistence type. The district

is essentially a pastoral area with about 80% of the land area being suitable

for this purpose. Livestock holdings include pigs, chickens, cattle and goats.

The report indicates that there is potential for small-scale irrigation farming

in several parts of the district. Pumpkins, maize and beans are major crops of

the area. Unemployment in the district is high (67.5%). 30.18% of the

economically active population were in formal employment (37% by the service

sector and 24% by agriculture). Agriculture is seen to be a means to provide a

supplement to meeting the consumption need of rural livelihoods. Income per

household per month was R777, and monthly income per capita was R127. This

report is obtainable from the Border Rural Committee, East London. See also ID

ref. no. 2339.

Ref ID : 2194

2115. Ward, J.V., Davies, B.R., Breen, C.M., Cambray, J.A., Chutter, F.M., Day,

J.A., De Moor, F.C., Heeg, J., O'Keeffe, J.H., and Walker, K.F. Stream

regulation. Limnological criteria for management of water quality in the

southern hemisphere. Hart, R.C. and Allanson, B.R. Pretoria:CSIR. 93:32-63,

1984.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : WATER QUALITY

Notes : South African National Scientific Programmes Report.

Ref ID : 2193

2116. Ward, J.V. and Stanford, J.A. The serial discontinuity concept of lotic

ecosystems. In: Dynamics of Lotic ecosystems, edited by Fontain, T.D. and

Bartell, S.M.Michigan:Ann Arbor Science Publishers, 1983,p. 29-42.

Reprint : Not in File,

Ref ID : 914

2117. Warkotsch, P.W. Timber harvesting in South Africa - past, present, future.

South African Forestry Journal (153):55-63, 1990.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : FORESTRY; ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY; POPULATION; FOREST

Notes : After a short description of South African timber harvesting practices

in the past, the present situation in terms of machine population and the

current harvesting and extraction methods is discussed in more detail. The

anticipated future developments are listed and the consequent changes in

harvesting are outlined. The tremendous potential for improvements is indicated

and a detailed prognosis on cable yarding is given. The possible role of

research, the recent establishment of the Forest Engineering Working Group and a

competent extension service are reviewed as means of achieving these changes.

Ref ID : 377

2118. Warren, C.H. Determination of silt in flood water of the Great Fish River.

S.A.Irrigation Magazine 1:2, 1922.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; SEDIMENTATION; HYDROLOGY; EASTERN CAPE

Ref ID : 880

2119. Watkinson, E. An appraisal of soil erosion and conservation in Natal.

Unpublished report, pp. 21. 1992.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; STATISTICS; SOIL CONSERVATION; KWAZULU NATAL

Ref ID : 596

2120. Watkinson, E. Enforced agricultural change in South Africa: the emergence

of a small class of commercial African farmers.University of Natal,

Pietermaritzburg. , 1996.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT; COMMUNAL AREA

Ref ID : 500

2121. Watson, A. The palaeoenvironmental interpretation of colluvial sediments

and palaeosols of the late Pleistocene Hyperthermal in southern Africa.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology and Palaeoecology 45:225-249, 1984.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; PALAEOENVIRONMENTS; SEDIMENTATION; GEOMORPHOLOGY

Ref ID : 501

2122. Watson, H. Firebreak treatment and sediment yield from small catchments in

Cathedral Peak.University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. , 1981. Master of Science.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; SEDIMENTATION; FIRE; CONSERVATION; KWAZULU NATAL

Ref ID : 502

2123. Watson, H. A comparative study of soil erosion in the Umfolozi Game

Reserve and adjacent KwaZulu area from 1937 to 1983.University of Durban-

Westville. -218, 1991. This thesis describes a comparative study of actual and

potential soil erosion in the Wilderness area of the Umfolozi Game Reserve, and

a biophysiographically comparable adjacent traditional KwaZulu landuse area.

Estimates of temporal and spatial variations in eroded surfaces, sparsely

vegetated surfaces susceptible to erosion, and active gullies were obtained from

five sets of sequential aerial photographs taken between 1937 and 1983.

Estimates of the potential influence of rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility,

topography, and changes in vegetation communities and landuse practices on these

variations, were extrapolated from these aerial photographs as well as from

maps, field surveys, records and other studies. Interrelationships between

these potential influences, and the extent to which they actually contributed to

the temporal and spatial variations in the three 'erosion' surfaces, were

assessed visually using a geographic information systems thematic overlay

technique, and computationally using a forward stepwise multiple regression

procedure.Doctoral Dissertation.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; CONSERVATION; KWAZULU NATAL; COMMUNAL AREA;

ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY; LAND USE; EROSION; KWAZULU; RAINFALL; RAINFALL EROSIVITY;

MAPS

Ref ID : 503

2124. Watson, H. Short and long term influence of settlement by peasant farmers

on soil erosion in KwaZulu Natal. Paper presented at the First International

Geography Conference "Geography in a Changing Society: Critical Choices for

Change in Southern Africa" , University of Durban-Westville, 10-14 July. 1995.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; KWAZULU NATAL; COMMUNAL AREA; KWAZULU; LAND USE

Ref ID : 504

2125. Watson, H. and De Villiers, G.d. Surface and subsurface flow from a Natal

coastal catchment. Water SA 12(4):185-190, 1986.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; HYDROLOGY; KWAZULU NATAL; GRASSLAND; RAINFALL

Abstract : The following parameters were monitored over a two-year period on two

experimental plots in a Natal coastal catchment under subclimax grassland:

rainfall, vegetation cover, surface flow, subsurface flow and the total

dissolved solids, organic matter and sediment content of these flow components.

A system was installed to collect the flow components from the experimental

plots. Subsurface flow and soil removal were found to be substantial. TDS

concentrations were found to be relatively low.

Ref ID : 796

2126. Watson, H.K. Veld burning and sediment yield from small drainage basins.

Challenges in African Hydrology and Water Resources. (Proceedings of the Harare

Symposium, July 1984).Anonymous Anonymous IAHS Publication. 144:323-333, 1984.

The following parameters were monitored in two adjacent and physiographically

comparable drainage basins in the Natal Drakensberg: rainfall, vegetation cover,

stream discharge, sediment yield and the organic and dissolved solids components

of the total stream load. An original splitting system design was employed to

obtain measurements of the stream load components. Both drainage basins were

monitored for a period prior to the application of an autumn burn treatment to

one of them, and for a full annual cycle after the treatment. A significant

reduction in the rate of subsurface water movement and in the baseflow discharge

volume may be attributed to the firebreak treatment. The treatment did not

appear to have any substantial effect on storm runoff, nor on the sediment,

organic and dissolved solids of the stream load components.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : FIRE; SEDIMENTATION; RAINFALL; RUNOFF

Ref ID : 783

2127. Watson, H.K. An assessment of the validity of the general perception of

soil erosion in the Mfolozi catchment, South Africa. Geo-oko-dynamik 14(1/2):75-

84, 1993.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; COMMUNAL AREA; CONSERVATION; LAND USE; KWAZULU NATAL;

FLOODS; EROSION

Abstract : Commercial farmers in the Mfolozi catchment were outraged by damage

they sustained during the Demoina flood and made a number of assertions

consistent with the general public perception, about the causes, severity, and

consequences of soil erosion in the catchment. This paper reviews research

carried out in the catchment to date, and concludes that a substantial revision

of this perception particularly as it pertains to traditional subsistence

activities on communal lands, is overdue.

Ref ID : 1810

2128. Watson, H.K. Management implications of vegetation changes in Hluhluwe-

Umfolozi Park. South African Geographical Journal 77(2):77-83, 1995.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : VEGETATION CHANGE; GRASSLAND; FOREST; RAINFALL; STOCKING RATE; BUSH

ENCROACHMENT; BIODIVERSITY

Abstract : A review of literature describing vegetation changes in the Hluhluwe-

Umfolozi park reveals that most attention has focused on the moister northern

portion where seral development towards a woody climax has been most rapid. In

order to gain a more holistic overview of the efficacy of various management

interventions, this paper describes a quantitative assessment of vegetation

changes in the drier, southern portion. Estimates of temporal and spatial

variations in grasslands, woodlands and forests were obtained from five sets of

sequential aerial photographs taken between 1937 and 1983. These were

correlated with extrapolated rainfall, veld burning and stocking rate data.

Three major findings that have important management implications emerged from

this study. Firstly, while veld burning and game reduction programmes retarded

bush encroachment over short periods, they were ineffective in the long term.

Secondly, a substantial portion of the invading woody plants were unpalatable

Euclea species. And finally, wet and dry spells exerted a strong influence on

the areal extent of these vegetation textural classes. A radical woody plant

removal programme targeting unpalatable species, and sensitive to the influence

of rainfall cycles is recommended, if the principal objective of conserving the

Park's biodiversity, is to be achieved. An assessment of the feasibility of the

Park's neighbouring communities taking responsibility for such a programme is

also recommended. A final recommendation is that the Natal Parks Board review

the conceptual basis of its principle management objective, and hence its

perception of bush encroachment as a "management problem".

Ref ID : 512

2129. Watson, H.K. Short and long term influence on soil erosion of settlement

by peasant farmers in Kwazulu Natal. South African Geographical Journal 78(1):1-

6, 1996.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; KWAZULU NATAL; COMMUNAL AREA; LAND USE; EROSION;

DEFORESTATION; CULTIVATION; KWAZULU

Abstract : This paper describes a study carried out in a sub-arid riverine and

interior lowland area of the Mfolozi catchment. The area was depopulated in the

early 19th Century, and remained unoccupied until 1958 when Zulu peasants were

settled there as part of the apartheid government's "betterment" scheme. Five

sets of sequential aerial photographs taken beetween 1937 and 1983 were used to

obtain estimates of temporal and spatial variations in eroded surfaces, sparsely

vegetated surfaces susceptible to erosion, and active gullies. Eroded and

sparsely vegetated surfaces were very localised prior to settlement and

increased dramatically during the first few years after settlement. While they

continued to increase over the following two decades, they did so at

substantially lower rates. The increasing trend in eroded surfaces was reversed

by the mid 1970s wet spell. The sparsely vegetated surfaces also contracted

during this wet spell, but then expanded during the early 1980s dry spell. The

initial influence of settlement on both these surfaces was due to deforestation

associated with the establishment and linkage of homesteads and arable land.

Thereafer, cultivation regulated the eroded surfaces while deforestation, annual

dry season veld burning and overstocking all played a significant role in the

development of sparsely vegetated surfaces. Most of the gullies were evidently

initiated in the 1930s during the tsetse fly eradication campaign when roads

were constructed through the area. Their dimensions did not change

substantially following settlement. The success of the Reconstruction and

Development Programme will be judged not only on its ability to redress the

colonial and apartheid land access legacy, but also on its ability to safeguard

future sustainability by preventing further soil degradation. Past landuse

changes in KwaZulu Natal have repeatedly accelerated soil erosion. The findings

of this study suggest that while landuse changes associated with restitution and

redistribution will inevitably increase soil erosion in the short term, the long

term outlook is not as bleak.

Ref ID : 784

2130. Watson, H.K. Geology as an indicator of land capability in the Mfolozi

area, KwaZulu-Natal. South African Journal of Science 93:39-44, 1997.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; GEOMORPHOLOGY; LAND USE; PRODUCTION POTENTIAL; KWAZULU

NATAL; LAND REFORM; EROSION; MAPS

Abstract : At present no quick, cheap and efficient means of identifynig land

suitable for allocation to peasant farmers exists in KwaZulu-Natal. Land that

is eroded and/or susceptible to erosion is not suitable. In severely eroded

regions several studies have identified the geology and associated topography

that renders land prone to gully formation. Such regions are, however, unlikely

to be targeted for resettlement. In a region where erosion is less apparent,

this study found that the susceptible geological formations and their associated

terrain types explained most of the spatial variations in unconfined erosion

over a 46-year period. These findings suggest that, provided the region has a

stable land-use history, information rapidly gleaned from geological and

topocadastal maps can be reliably used to identify land that is most likely

already eroded and/or susceptible to erosion, irrespective of the type of land

use present. By excluding such areas the task of the government's land reform

programme in assessing the capability of target regions can be substantially

reduced.

Ref ID : 795

2131. Watson, H.K. and Poulter, A. Erodibility of soils at Cathedral Peak in the

Natal Drakensberg. Presented as poster paper at Symposium: 50 Years of Research

in Mountain Catchments in South Africa at Stellenbosch University in November

1987 under the auspices of the South African Forestry Research

Institute.Anonymous Anonymous Stellenbosch, South Africa:South African Forestry

Research Institute. :1-5, 1987.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; RAINFALL EROSIVITY; RUNOFF; KWAZULU NATAL;

CONSERVATION; LAND USE

Notes : Numerous empirical indices have been developed to simplify and hasten

erodibility estimation. None of them, however, have been found to be applicable

to all soils. This study aimed to assess (1) the effect of various management

treatments on the erodibility of Drakensberg soils and (2) the reliability of

estimates derived from the three most popular indices, i.e. the variable

interaction of particle size distribution, organic and chemical content, and

aggregate stability and shear strength. The author concludes that the

Wischmeier Nomograph may be capable of defining the broad erodibility class, but

not of distinguishing small differences attributed to land use practices. The

erodibility of these Drakensberg soils may be increased by burning.

Ref ID : 785

2132. Watson, H.K. and Ramokgopa, R. Factors influencing the distribution of

gully erosion in KwaZulu Natal's Mfolozi catchment - land reform implications.

South African Geographical Journal 79(1):27-34, 1997.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; LAND REFORM; KWAZULU NATAL; COMMUNAL AREA; EROSION;

MAPS; RAINFALL

Abstract : Soil erosion in the Mfolozi catchment is already a serious problem

and likely to be exacerbated by landuse change incumbent on the Land Reform

Programme. As peasant farmers particularly perceive gully erosion as a problem,

this study sought to identify those parts of the catchment that are unsuitable

for allocation to them because they are either already severely gully eroded or

are susceptible to this form of erosion. Two principle data sources were

available for use. Firstly, an unpublished geomorphological map showing the

location of eleven length classes of gullies. And secondly, maps and associated

memoirs delimiting and detailing the topographic, substrate and rainfall

characteristics of the catchment's landtypes. Data on the veld type,

bioclimatic and lauduse characteristics of these landtypes was extracted from

various additional sources. The density of each gully class within each of the

possible 16 landtypes within each of the catchment's 43 subcatchments was

recorded. Statistical analysis of the resultant gully and landtype data sets

focused on the significance of differences between and groupings within

components of each set, and on functional relationships between the two sets.

In addition to identifying susceptible and very susceptible landtypes, the study

identified ten subcatchments which are already severely gully eroded as well as

fifteen subcatchments that contain substantial portions of susceptible

landtypes.

Ref ID : 794

2133. Watson, H.K., Ramokgopa, R., and Looser, U. The distribution of erosion in

the Mfolozi drainage basin - implications for sediment yield control. In:

Erosion and sediment yield: Global and regional perspectives, edited by Walling,

D.E. and Webb, B.W.Oxfordshire:IAHS Publication, 1996,p. 357-366.

Reprint : In File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; SEDIMENTATION; CONSERVATION; COMMUNAL AREA; KWAZULU

NATAL; KWAZULU; FLOODS; LAND USE; EROSION; MAPS; SOIL CONSERVATION; PRODUCTION

POTENTIAL

Abstract : The Mfolozi drainage basin covers 10% of the province of KwaZulu

Natal. Its mean annual sediment load is extremely high and deposition on its

flood plain during exceptional events has caused very serious financial losses.

Poor land-use practices by peasant farmers in former KwaZulu "homeland" areas

are generally perceived to be responsible for most of the sediment production

from the basin. There is concern that this production will be substantially

increased by land-use changes incumbent on the land redistribution programme of

the post-apartheid government. This paper attempts to provide a preliminary

assessment of the efficacy of a methodological approach used to identify land

types which are inherently potentially major sediment sources and/or

susceptibile to erosion. A map showing the locatio of 19 categories of

potential sediment sources was produced from extensive field surveys and air

photo interpretation. The number of each of these sources within each of the 16

land types within the 43 sub-basins was recorded and correlated with the

dominant biophysiographic variables of the land types. The method proved

capable of identifying land types which are potentially susceptible to erosion

and which should therefore not be allocated to land users lacking the technical

and financial means to implement appropriate soil conservation measures. In

order to identify major sediment production land types reliably, however, the

method needs to be revised to include a system of weighting the spatial extent

and production potential of the sediment sources.

Ref ID : 1484

2134. Watt, J.S. Report of the SARCCUS sub-committee on land use for the semi-

arid regions of Southern Africa. African Soils :42-90, 1959.

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : LAND USE; SOUTHERN AFRICA

Ref ID : 506

2135. Weaver, A. Factors affecting the spatial variation in soil erosion in the

Transkei: an initial assessment at the macroscale. In: Geomorphological studies

in southern Africa, edited by Dardis, G.F. and Moon, B.P.Rotterdam:Balkema,

1988,

Reprint : Not in File,

Keywords : SOIL EROSION; TRANSKEI; COMMUNAL AREA; GEOMORPHOLOGY; EROSION;

CISKEI; MAPS

Notes : This paper presents the results of a preliminary investigation of the

relationship between 23 possible erosion hazard indices and soil erosion in four

Ciskei catchments. The investigation forms the precursor to a more detailed

multivariate anaysis which is currently nearing completion. The author

emphasises that, although the choice of indices was based largely on a view of

the literature, the final choice of indices was governed to a large extent by

the availability of data. He concludes that the study has shown that, on a

regional scale, the individual variables which are significantly related to the

spatial distribution in soil erosion in the areas in Ciskei selected for study

are landuse, MAP, soil type, geology and veld type. The relationship between

these individual variables and soil erosion is relatively weak. This is to be

expected when one considers the complex and multi-dimensional nature of the soil

erosion problem. Stocking (1972) points out that although individual variables

might be weakly related to soil erosion, grouped variables often reveal stronger

relationships. The results of the study described in this paper will be used as