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An assessment of the local sociocultural concept of climate change and its perceived effect on forestbased livelihoods : case study of rural communities of Vhembe District South Africa
No full textForests play an important role in climate-change management, particularly at rural community
level. At the same time, forests are essential resources for human welfare and an important part
of the landscape. In addition to providing vital environmental services, forests provide goods
that are crucial to the wellbeing of many communities living in and around them. Thus, forests
are valuable resources for poor and vulnerable populations in developing countries. However,
the observed and predicted impact of climate change is projected to have an extensive range of
consequences, many of which represent major threats to forest-dependent communities.
Consequently, an investigation of the vulnerability of forest-dependent communities to climate
change has become necessary and important.
Within academic and research circles on social vulnerability assessment at rural community
level, the IPCC’s [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] concept of vulnerability has
gained wider acceptance. The IPCC definition conceptualizes vulnerability as a product of
exposure to a climatic event, the sensitivity of a system, and the system’s adaptive capacity.
Thus to assess the vulnerability of a community, the factors that contribute to the three elements
of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity must be identified and analysed.
Operationalizing the IPCC concept in vulnerability assessment often focuses on the use of
empirical models and climate-change projections to assess potential impacts. This entails
measuring exposure by the degree and magnitude of climatic hazard to which a community is
exposed; sensitivity is measured by the degree to which a community is affected negatively by
changes in climatic conditions; and adaptive capacity is quantified and measured by using
assets and capitals as indicators of the community’s ability to adapt. This concept and this
approach to vulnerability assessment have been used widely to analyse communities’
vulnerability to climate change. Although such studies have contributed immensely to our
understanding of the bio-physical processes and impacts of climate change at global and
regional level, they are unable to capture the micro-level specificities of climate change.
Moreover, regardless of how ‘climate change’ is perceived by scientists, individual perceptions
of its meaning are likely to relate more to the public discourse and wider debate about the extent
of its impact.
This thesis addresses the need for detailed understanding of forest-based rural communities’
vulnerability to climate change. The methodological novelty of the study entailed a
modification of the IPCC vulnerability framework to tease out the key factors characterizing household vulnerability to climate variability and change at forest-based rural community level
in Vhembe District, South Africa. Vegetation type was used as a criterion to select Makhado,
Mutale and Thulamela municipalities, which together with Musina, constitute Vhembe
District. Seven rural communities in each municipality were selected. Using the stratified
proportionate random sampling procedure in combination with weighted enumeration area
(EA) for these communities, 366 households were chosen and interviewed. The study used
local knowledge gathered through a household survey to analyse rural people’s
conceptualization of climate change and its perceived impact on forest-based livelihoods in the
communities.
This was done by extending the IPCC concept of exposure to include local sociocultural
understanding of climate change. Sensitivity was modified so that it did not focus only on
households’ level of dependence on vulnerable forest resources, but examined their capacity to
engage in sustainable forest use and management. This was based on the understanding that
forest dependence could be a source of both vulnerability to and resilience against climate
change. Adaptive capacity was extended to include examination of how people interact with
social and institutional resources in their community, as well as how this enhances or constrains
their adaptive capacity.
The study used a four-tiered approach to assess key factors that characterized household
vulnerability to climate variability and change at forest-based rural community level in South
Africa. The approach started by investigating the people’s exposure to climate variability and
change events. This entailed investigation of local sociocultural understandings of climate
change, and how this connects with people’s use and management of forests (Chapter 3). The
second stage involved a perception-based analysis approach to assess people’s perceptions of
climate variability and change events and their effects on forest-based livelihood in their
communities (Chapter 4). The third stage of the study involved assessment of households’ level
of dependence on forest resources and the people’s capacity to engage in sustainable forest use
and management as a means of reducing vulnerability to climate change (Chapter 5). The last
stage of the study investigated how various intangible and dynamic processes – including
human capital, information, household coping responses, institutional services, and social
support services in the communities – interact to dictate the people’s adaptive capacity and
vulnerability to climate change (Chapter 6). The findings of this research highlighted the local conceptualization of climate change and its
influence on the people’s attitudes to forest use and management with respect to climate-change
intervention initiatives. In addition, the study provided important insight on how the people
perceived the risk of climate change to forest-based livelihoods in their community, and the
relationship between climate change perception, and the people’s socioeconomic
characteristics. The findings of the study support the notion that improving communities’
capacity to engage in sustainable forest use and management is essential to climate-change
management at rural community level. The study also reveals vital information on the people’s
range of coping responses, the current role of forests in coping practices, and factors
influencing the people’s adaptive capacity
Overall, this thesis demonstrates that, for the future, a more holistic approach to understanding
rural communities’ vulnerability to climate change would entail recognition of the people’s
sociocultural understanding of climate change, their concerns, and perceptions of climatechange
impacts on their lives and livelihood, as well as an understanding of how the various
dynamics and intangible processes at community level interact to dictate households’ adaptive
capacity.National Research Foundatio
A scenario-based ICT risk assessment in local government
No full textInformation Communication Technology (ICT) has become an integral part of conducting business within enterprises including the local government. Local government relies on the use of ICT to ensure that its objectives and goals are accomplished. The effective use of ICT within the context of local government is fundamental for the support, sustainability and growth of municipalities. Benefits associated with the effective use of ICT in local government include but are not limited to accelerated service delivery, efficiency and accountability. While these benefits cannot be disputed, it is important to realise that the use of ICT presents potential risks. Thus, good governance of ICT should be addressed in local government. However, in recent years, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AG) has identified lack of good governance of ICT in local government. Various issues have been identified as emanating from the lack of good governance of ICT and lack of adequate ICT risk assessment is a case in point. In an attempt to address the good governance of ICT local government, various documents have been formulated. However, none of these address how effective management of ICT risks can be achieved. As such, local government lacks the means to effectively address the management of ICT risk which is core to the good governance of ICT. Local government still requires urgent intervention with regard to addressing the activities of managing ICT risks, particularly ICT risk assessment. Moreover, it was revealed that the lack of adequate ICT skills and financial resources in local government elevates this problem. The above-mentioned problem is what has motivated this research study. This dissertation aims to produce an artefact in the form of an approach for ICT risk assessment in local government. It is believed that a customised approach to ICT risk assessment in local government will contribute towards solving the identified problem.National Research Foundatio
Exploring the importance of early childhood stimulation in rural Howick West in Pietermaritzburg, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
No full textThis study used qualitative research to investigate crèche educators’ beliefs of the role of early childhood stimulation in rural areas in Pietermaritzburg; taking into cognizance educators’ views on the role of play using toys as a form of stimulation. Considered in this study are the challenges and benefits experienced by educators participating in the Singakwenza early childhood intervention programme. Singakwenza early childhood intervention facilitator training challenges were also explored. The sample comprised of six rural educators and two facilitators that were all part of the Singakwenza early childhood intervention programme. Purposive sampling was used to recruit research participants whose ages ranged from 23 to 60 years. This study was aligned with the holistic approach and a social constructionist view of early childhood development. The findings showed that the educators’ beliefs about the role of stimulation is directly related to their personal childhood backgrounds having experienced stimulating activities growing up and later engaging in the Singakwenza intervention training programme. This highlighted educators’ beliefs that stimulation is important as it encourages development and growth in early childhood. Educators expressed feeling fulfilled in their professional role, as activities children engage in were applied at home and in the community. Educators also acknowledged the Department of Social Developments’ assistance with food grants, which they found to be very helpful as most children attending the crèches were from disadvantaged backgrounds. Some of the challenges educators faced ranged from parents’ lack of consideration for their children’s educational needs, to lack of educational space as classrooms were considered small due to the large volume of children in attendance. Singakwenza facilitators articulated facing challenges from educators who required ECD education for the Singakwenza intervention to be successful. It is recommended that ECD educators and facilitators collaborate with parents to establish a sharing of ideas on how to establish effective ECD outcomes. Facilitators need to acknowledge and embrace at the onset and throughout the intervention process that educators possess some level of ECD knowledge and work towards assisting educators to excel in their profession. This study recommends that DSD and other governmental departments provide training to officials from DSD, local government, DBE and other organisations interested in ECD to accurately and meaningfully assess and monitor ECD services.National Research Foundatio
Tracking platyhelminth parasite diversity from freshwater turtles in French Guiana: First report of Neopolystoma Price, 1939 (Monogenea: Polystomatidae) with the description of three new species
No full textPolystomatid flatworms in chelonians are divided into three genera, i.e. Polystomoides Ward, 1917,
Polystomoidella Price, 1939 and Neopolystoma Price, 1939, according to the number of haptoral hooks. Among the
about 55 polystome species that are known to date from the 327 modern living chelonians, only four species of
Polystomoides are currently recognised within the 45 South American freshwater turtles.National Research Foundation of South AfricaMinistère des Affaires Étrangères Françai
Comparison of two different media and assisted hatching techniques on the embryo hatching rate using the mouse as a model
No full textThe use of in vitro culture media and assisted hatching techniques remain a challenging obstacle to hatching of blastocyst-stage embryos. Mechanical, chemical, enzymatic thinning and laser assisted techniques have been used previously, but there is still a lack of information on its application and implication in livestock. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two in vitro culture media ((Ham’s F10 and Tissue Culture Medium 199 (TCM-199)) and four assisted hatching techniques (mechanical, chemical, enzymatic and laser) on blastocyst formation and hatching rate using murine embryos as a model. The C57BL/6 and BALB/c mouse breeds were bred and raised until they reach maturity and then bred naturally to produce a hybrid F1 generation. The light in the breeder house was controlled at 14 hours light and 10 hours darkness. Feed and water were provided ad libitum for the mice. Mature female mice were super-ovulated using equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). A total of 400 blastocysts were collected from the F1 generation and these were allocated equally for the four assisted hatching techniques (laser, mechanical, chemical and enzymatic) as well as a non-treated control group. The blastocysts were paired into a group of 10 and replicated 4-four times for each assisted hatching techniques and control group. The embryos were then cultured for 24 hours and the hatching of the embryos were observed. Hatched embryos were stained for blastomere counting. The general linear model (GLM) of statistical analysis software (SAS) version 9.4 was used to analyze the data. Assisted hatching techniques (laser, mechanical, enzymatic and chemical) yielded 46.86±37.12; 51.07±40.19; 39.05±35.83 and 33.32±37.50% of hatching, respectively under in vitro culture in Ham’s F10. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) observed between assisted hatching techniques using Ham’s F10 as culture medium. In the TCM-199, laser, mechanical, enzymatic and chemical assisted hatching techniques yielded 56.25±43.30; 52.55±35.50; 49.16±37.50 and 33.85±35.50%, respectively, with significant differences (p<0.05). However, the hatching rate of embryos for all techniques was higher when in vitro cultured in TCM-199 compared to those cultured in Ham’s F10, and statistically higher than the control group. In conclusion, laser assisted hatching technique is the best of the techniques to use to assist the hatching of murine embryos and TCM-199 is the best of the two in vitro culture media for the hatching percentage.National Research Foundatio
DNA profiling from the crop content of sarcophagidae spp. larvae
No full textMorphological analysis of insect evidence plays a significant role in crime scene investigation. With the influence of DNA analysis in forensic cases, which now also plays a key role in forensic entomology, more emphasis has been placed on a dual preservation goal when collecting insect evidence. Previous studies indicated that it might be possible to identify the last meal of sarcophagid maggots using gut content combined with DNA profiling. For gut content analysis it is imperative to be familiar with the internal morphology as well as maggot gastric emptying. However, insufficient information is available on the morphology of Sarcophaga cruentata maggot alimentary canals as well as the rate of maggot gastric emptying. Also, considering the use of insects for both PMI and DNA analysis, the current preservation methods are not necessarily suitable for maggot preservation for DNA analysis of the crop content.
Various preservation methods were examined for optimal preservation of both morphology and gut content. In order to understand gastric emptying, the internal gut structures and movement of food through the gut was examined. Fully fed maggots were removed from the food source and hot water killed at 3 hour intervals for up to 30 hours to investigate gastric emptying. Crop content DNA analyses were performed to attempt identification and DNA profiling of the maggots’ last meal.
Due to the inhibiting effect of formalin on DNA analysis and the extensive dehydration of prolonged ethanol storage, -80°C was investigated for sample preservation which generally provided good results. Inconsistent results were obtained using the various preservation and DNA analysis combinations tested.
Sarcophagidae gut morphology analysis indicated gross anatomical similarity to Chrysomya megacephala. External tracking of food movement proved difficult. After digestive tract dissection it was found that the mid- and hindgut coiled around each other. Due to the coiled structure of the gut, the exact location of the food bolus could therefore not be determined without dissection.
The expected gastric emptying was not consistently observed with pronounced variability in results. Nevertheless, it was observed that the maggot crops were completely empty by 30 hours post removal from food source.
DNA profiling of the crop content supported previous findings, although only partial STR profiles were obtained. It is unlikely that full profiles will be obtained when analyzing gut content due to the degraded nature of the food source, as well as the effect of digestive enzymes present in the maggot saliva regurgitated onto the food source.
Various recommendations can be made based on the results. At crime scenes maggots should be killed in warm water (± 60°C for 30 seconds), dried on paper towel and stored in 80% ethanol while transported to the laboratory. Samples should be removed from the ethanol within 24 hours after collection, dried and stored individually in microcentrifuge tubes at -80°C (or similar low temperatures) until analysis is performed. During analysis samples should be handled on ice, ensuring the integrity of the sample, as it was found that samples defrosted rapidly after removal from the -80°C storage. It is further recommended to use commercially available kits when analyzing maggot gut samples due to the additional clean-up steps present in the kits. These clean-up steps aid in limiting the addition of fats and lipids from the maggot internal structures that could inhibit downstream DNA analysis of samples.
Overall this study reinforced the possibility of using maggot crop content for providing STR profiles of the victim and/or perpetrator. Although only partial STR profiles were obtained, it
indicated that, with further investigation and optimization, this is an interesting avenue for future research with many unexplored avenues for aiding in crime scene investigation
Ecophysiology and nutrient uptake mechanisms facilitating the prolonged bloom persistence by Cyanothece sp. in Lake St Lucia, South Africa
No full textCyanobacterial blooms are becoming more frequent worldwide, with possible negative effects on human health. The effects of climate change and eutrophication have been associated with persistent cyanobacterial blooms becoming more frequent. Altered water characteristics, salinity in particular, influence ecosystem dynamics that may lead to conditions conducive to cyanobacterial blooms. The occurrence of an 18-month long Cyanothece sp. bloom (the longest for any cyanobacterium recorded so far worldwide and the first of the genus) from June 2009 to December 2010 in Africa’s largest estuarine lake, St Lucia, highlighted the susceptibility of ecosystems to anthropogenic alterations. This study investigated the long-term survival and physiological adaptations of Cyanothece sp. to various and dynamic environmental conditions that contributed towards its bloom persistence. The main findings are the high salinities at which Cyanothece sp. could perform important physiological processes such as N uptake, N2 fixation and photosynthesis. Nutrient uptake (both nitrogen and phosphorus) was observed over the full experimental salinity range (0-300) while N2 fixation was only observed up to a salinity of 120. Nutrient uptake rates significantly decreased at this threshold salinity of 120. Interestingly, photosystem II activity was not observed in Cyanothece sp. during this study, but photosystem I activity was robust. Salinity had a minor influence on electron transport rates by photosystem I, high temperature (> 30°C) did however increase electron transport rates. Rapid responses to hypo-osmotic shock (i.e. osmotic downshift during freshening events) by Cyanothece sp. cells also helped minimize cell rupture due to high turgor pressure. Zooplankton abundance within the St Lucia system was negatively correlated with salinity, while grazing experiments indicated that the typical estuarine zooplankton species are able to graze on Cyanothece sp. cells. Therefore, the disappearance of zooplankton at salinities above 60 must have been an important factor in the bloom persistence. Apart from the ecological factors that were at play in St Lucia during the bloom period, the persistence of the Cyanothece sp. bloom can be attributed to the robust nature of their nutrient uptake, nitrogen fixation and photosynthetic systems to maintain activity despite extreme hypersalinity levels.National Research Foundatio
Smallholder livestock farmers’ willingness to buy index-based insurance in South Africa: evidence from Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, North West Province
No full textLivelihoods of rural households in developing countries are threatened by climatic risks. The
poor and vulnerable agricultural households, who are generally subsistence farmers, feel the
most intense effects of these risks. Farmers, in their attempt to cope with climate variability,
have adopted a number of coping strategies. However, these coping strategies often prove to
be ineffective. Financial instruments like insurance facilities can help cushion farmers against
these risks. The challenge, however, is that insurance markets are underdeveloped and often
non-existent in low income countries mainly due to problems of adverse selection, moral
hazards, high monitoring and administration costs. For this reason, one innovation, known as
index based insurance (IBI), has attracted significant consideration to help farmers better
adapt to climate change. Several countries in Africa have implemented the use of IBI. However,
South Africa, despite the available evidence of farmers affected by natural risks is yet to
introduce IBI. Furthermore, apart from attempts to study the possibility of introducing IBI in
South Africa, no empirical evidence has been provided on the acceptability of index based
insurance by local farmers who happen to be the key stakeholders in such interventions. To
this end, the study investigated the smallholder farmers’ willingness to buy IBI, identified
livestock farmers’ perception on sources of risk and their managerial responses and examine
factors underlying farmers’ willingness to buy IBI. The used data was collected from Ngaka
Modiri Molema district municipality with a sample of 330 livestock farmers collected through
the use of a questionnaire survey. To elicit farmers’ willingness to buy IBI, farmers were given
a brief background of the concept before there were asked if they would be willing to buy IBI
or not. About 14.55% of the sampled farmers were not willing to buy index based insurance. A
larger proportion of 85.45% was willing to buy index based insurance of whom 65.45% were
less willing, while 13.64% and 6.36% were moderately and more willing, respectively.
Farmers’ perception on sources of risk and their managerial responses to risk were identified
through the use of Principal Component Analyses. Ordered logistic regression model was used
to examine factors influencing farmers’ willingness to buy IBI. The results revealed that
farmers’ willingness to buy IBI was significantly associated with age of household head,
gender of household head, education level, dependency ratio, the extent of livestock
diversification, household size, land tenure, experience of loss, financial and marketing risks,
elimination of government support and sources of income. Further insight into the factors
influencing farmers’ willingness to buy IBI stands to benefit policy makers, current, and
prospective insurance providers in their design for IBI. Based on the conclusion drawn from
the study, it is recommended that the government should make an effort to sponsor IBI under
the provision of a subsidy, workshops and surveys that focus on the elements of trust in the
designing and implementation of IBI should take place and that greater priority should be in
promoting programs to better educate farmers on how to assess risk management tools.National Research Foundatio