6 research outputs found
Applying participatory mapping approaches to assess local communities’ perceptions of climate change and implications on their adaptation strategies: the case of communal rangeland community, Vulindlela, South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.This study investigated the role of Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) in understanding local perceptions on the causes and impacts of climate change on communal rangeland communities and how local perception shapes communities’ responses. First, a systematic literature review was conducted to assess PGIS's contribution to elucidating local rangeland communities' vulnerability and adaptation in Africa. Analysis of 18 papers from ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus revealed a slow pace in the integration of PGIS in climate change research, thus indicating a knowledge gap. Despite this, PGIS has the potential to empower local communities in co-producing knowledge and creating adaptation solutions. The study then explored the effectiveness of integrating PGIS with PRA techniques in elucidating communal rangeland communities’ perceptions of and responses to the effects of climate change on rangeland resources and livelihoods using Vulindlela, South Africa, as a case study. Using focus group discussions, participatory mapping, key informant interviews, transect walks, and household questionnaires, the study uncovered diverse perceptions of climate change's drivers and impacts on livelihoods. It found that local perceptions are influenced by factors such as experience, age, education, and dependency on rangeland resources, which shape community responses to climatic risks. The PGIS mapping exercise highlighted areas most susceptible to events like floods and droughts. Overall, the study demonstrated PGIS as a valuable tool for capturing spatial insights and facilitating local participation. The integration with PRA and PGIS techniques provided a comprehensive understanding of climate change impacts and responses, offering both non-spatial and spatial perspectives. Participatory mapping has the
potential to enhance the co-design and formulation of inclusive adaptation plan
Mechanisms and consequences of benefit sharing from oil palm agribusiness plantations establishment in South Comoé Region, Côte d’Ivoire
No full textOne of the main difficulties facing agribusiness development in Cote d’Ivoire, is the issue of benefit sharing. Although communal land is expected to be equitably beneficial to all who have a stake on the land, unclear benefit sharing principles and modalities affect the implementation of benefit sharing to the disadvantage of the rural communities. Using a qualitative research approach, the study investigates if the benefit sharing approach practiced by oil palm plantations investors in South Comoé align with globally established standards of access and benefit sharing (ABS). To this end data for the study was collected from 50 participants: rural community members (N=36), agribusiness developers (N=6) and local government authorities (N=8). The results revealed inequality in the land acquisition and benefit sharing negotiation process in favour of local elites. Lack of fairness experienced in the benefit sharing approach in the districts of Aboisso, Bonoua and Adiaké was attributed to the lack of institutional, policy and legal frameworks to guide a fair benefit sharing. Inequality in benefit sharing scheme affects the working relationship between the parties thus generating tensions with consequences on the stability of commercial farming. The study contributes to the debate on the marginalisation of smallholders in the distribution of benefits from agribusiness investments. Therefore, the designing of policies and practical measures that bring together rural communities and agribusiness developers to negotiate fair benefit sharing terms in line with international standards including honesty, inclusive participation of rural community in land acquisition process are recommended
Adaptation to climate change in pastoral communities: a systematic review through a social-ecological lens
No full textPurpose
This paper aims to apply a socio-ecological systems framework to demonstrate that pastoral adaptation to climate change necessitates a comprehensive approach.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors evaluated the depth of knowledge regarding pastoral adaptation in Africa using bibliometric and content-based analyses.
Findings
The analysis of 40 eligible articles, conducted through R Studio, revealed a significant emphasis on climate change adaptation measures. However, there was a noticeable scarcity of research on the role of governance, policy and institutional interventions.
Research limitations/implications
The scope of the research is limited to the African continent.
Practical implications
This research shed light on how inadequate governance structures and insufficient institutional support, particularly in terms of skills and capacity-building, hinder pastoral communities’ resilience. These limitations may potentially affect pastoral livelihoods adversely, with severe consequences for food security and poverty levels in Africa.
Social implications
A comprehensive understanding of the challenges pastoralists face in Africa to adapt to climate change will assist in defining high-level policies and interventions to improve pastoral communities’ adaptation actions.
Originality/value
The study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach to ensure a thorough and systematic investigation. Furthermore, using an established framework and clearly defined methods will greatly aid in replicating the research
Exploring the Integration of the Land, Water, and Energy Nexus in Sustainable Food Systems Research through a Socio-Economic Lens: A Systematic Literature Review
No full textThe efficient use of land, water, and energy resources in Africa is crucial for achieving sustainable food systems (SFSs). A SFS refers to all the related activities and processes from farm to fork and the range of actors contributing to the availability of food at all times. This study aimed to analyse the growth in the land–water–energy (LWE) nexus integration in sustainable food system research. The focus was on publication growth, the thematic areas covered, and how the research addressed the policies, programmes, and practices using a socio-economic lens. The study utilised a systematic literature review approach, following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study underscored the limited emphasis on the socio-economic perspective in the examination of the LWE nexus within sustainable food system research in Africa. Policies, governance, institutional influences, and social inclusion are crucial for addressing the region-specific challenges and achieving sustainable outcomes, but they seemed to be underrepresented in current research efforts. More so, this review revealed a paucity of research on key influencing factors like gender, conflict, culture, and socio-political dynamics. Ignoring these social factors might contribute to an inadequate management of natural resources, perpetuating issues related to food security and equity in resource use and decision-making. Additionally, the dominance of non-African institutions in knowledge production found in this review highlighted a potential gap in locally owned solutions and perspectives, which are crucial for effective policy development and implementation, often leading to failures in addressing region-specific challenges and achieving sustainable outcomes. Overall, the study highlighted the need for a more holistic approach that not only considers the technical aspects of the LWE nexus but also the social, cultural, and institutional dimensions. Additionally, fostering collaboration with local institutions and ensuring a diverse range of influencing factors can contribute to more comprehensive and contextually appropriate solutions for achieving sustainable food systems in Africa
Exploring the integration of the land, water, and energy nexus in sustainable food systems research through a socio-economic lens : a systematic literature review
No full textDATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The data presented in this study are available on request from the
corresponding author.The efficient use of land, water, and energy resources in Africa is crucial for achieving
sustainable food systems (SFSs). A SFS refers to all the related activities and processes from farm to
fork and the range of actors contributing to the availability of food at all times. This study aimed to
analyse the growth in the land–water–energy (LWE) nexus integration in sustainable food system
research. The focus was on publication growth, the thematic areas covered, and how the research
addressed the policies, programmes, and practices using a socio-economic lens. The study utilised
a systematic literature review approach, following the preferred reporting items for systematic
reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study underscored the limited emphasis on
the socio-economic perspective in the examination of the LWE nexus within sustainable food system
research in Africa. Policies, governance, institutional influences, and social inclusion are crucial for
addressing the region-specific challenges and achieving sustainable outcomes, but they seemed to be
underrepresented in current research efforts. More so, this review revealed a paucity of research on
key influencing factors like gender, conflict, culture, and socio-political dynamics. Ignoring these
social factors might contribute to an inadequate management of natural resources, perpetuating issues
related to food security and equity in resource use and decision-making. Additionally, the dominance
of non-African institutions in knowledge production found in this review highlighted a potential
gap in locally owned solutions and perspectives, which are crucial for effective policy development
and implementation, often leading to failures in addressing region-specific challenges and achieving
sustainable outcomes. Overall, the study highlighted the need for a more holistic approach that not
only considers the technical aspects of the LWE nexus but also the social, cultural, and institutional
dimensions. Additionally, fostering collaboration with local institutions and ensuring a diverse range
of influencing factors can contribute to more comprehensive and contextually appropriate solutions
for achieving sustainable food systems in Africa.The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainabilityam2024Animal and Wildlife SciencesGeography, Geoinformatics and MeteorologySDG-02:Zero Hunge
Exploring the social-ecological potential for indigenous agroforestry in peri-urban areas: a participatory mapping approach.
No full textPeri-urban agroforestry can provide affordable, fresh, and nutritious food and a departure from conventional forms of cropping. Indigenous foods are well-adapted to local conditions, and may hold cultural and economic value for peri-urban residents. Social, ecological, and economic variables influence the feasibility of indigenous agroforestry in peri-urban areas. This study uses participatory mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) to assess these variables and to map suitable spaces and species for peri-urban indigenous agroforestry at three peri-urban sites in Durban, South Africa. We find that: land tenure, livelihood opportunities, and indigenous food perceptions factor into socioeconomic preferences; topography and soil quality influence ecological feasibility; access to water and roads influences perceived economic viability. Although GIS techniques can identify land suitability, participatory mapping adds local fine-scale context to enhance decision-making. Based on the social-ecological conditions at the three sites, we suggest specific configurations of locally adapted foods and farm designs for peri-urban agroforestry. Our study demonstrates how agroforestry is more feasible in places where basic living conditions are fulfilled, and how co-design can improve recognition of local needs, accessibility to services, and balancing urban green equity
