862 research outputs found
sj-docx-1-eae-10.1177_0958305X221141397 - Supplemental material for The effects of <i>Trichoderma atroviride</i> pretreatment on the biogas production from anaerobic digestion of water hyacinth
No full textSupplemental material, sj-docx-1-eae-10.1177_0958305X221141397 for The effects of Trichoderma atroviride pretreatment on the biogas production from anaerobic digestion of water hyacinth by Obianuju Patience Ilo and
S’phumelele Lucky Nkomo,
Ntandoyenkosi Malusi Mkhize, Onisimo Mutanga, Mulala Danny Simatele in Energy & Environment</p
Shooting at a Moving Target: The Complexity of Evaluating and Monitoring the Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change of Local Government Institutions in South Africa: A Study of the Eastern Cape Province.
No full textA research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Faculty of Science, School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023It is no longer a myth that natural catastrophic events associated with varying climate are increasing globally, with severe and devastating consequences in poor countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where many of the world’s poor people reside. Thus, the emphasis on adapting to varying climate is no longer optional, or a deferred problem into the future, but rather an urgent matter of concern which must be considered to be a policy priority. Countering the retrogressive climate variation challenges on economic development and ecological degradation, the South African government has, in the last two and half decades, embarked on
the progressive formulation of different policy instruments and strategic frameworks to curb and minimise the effects of climate variation on all economic sectors. Applying research techniques from the qualitative research approach and existing literature, this research explored the complexities of evaluating the institutional adaptive capacity to climate change in municipal institutions of South Africa, with particular focus on the Eastern Cape Province. The research outcomes indicate that, although much remains to be achieved, some level of success has been realised, particularly in the space of policy formulation, albeit with a poor record of implementation. While the policy sounds good and is solution-driven, the implementation of the programme at local levels to achieve the desired goals, however, remains a significant challenge due to institutional and capacity challenges. In addition, the research further highlighted the fragmented climate change governance system which has posed significant systemic challenges, and these have tended to constrain decision-making and implementation processes. The institutional and capacity challenges create an unconducive environment for adequate coping strategies, and an evaluation of institutional adaptive capacity at municipal level across the country. The study findings also stressed the prominence of indigenous knowledge, and the alliance between the opportunities presented by climate variation and Sustainable Development Goals. This study further emphasized the importance of developing a reliable system to assess and monitor the institutional coping capacity at municipal level that can compare adaptive capacity of different institutions and assist in resource allocationNational Research Foundation (NRF)GeoTerraImage NPC (GTI – Education)MM202
Approaching the diamond surface: first principles modelling the physics and chemistry of approaching radicals
No full textThe diamond surface plays a central role in much of the diamond research, and as such much of its properties are described and studied in great detail. There is a clear picture of the atomic scale structure of the different facets and their reconstructions. Also terminations with H, O, N and other atomic species as well as the incorporation of these elements has been modelled [1,2]. The electronic structure and the negative electron affinity mechanism is elucidated and so on. In contrast, however, the atomic scale models of diamond growth are much less developed, though progress is being made [3]. In these models the reaction barriers between stable and meta-stable intermediates are being calculated, providing insights into the kinetics of the surface. However, quantum mechanical models can provide much more insights than this. In this work, we simulated the approach of radical atoms and molecules towards the H-terminated diamond 001 surface. By allowing the model to equilibrate at every step, the physics and chemistry of the approach can be followed in minute detail. It allows us to indicate at which distance the surface and radical start interacting, and what that interaction entails. The charge evolution of the radical and the surface is followed by means of Hirshfeld-I charges, providing insights into charge transfer mechanisms. [4] Throughout the approach, the interaction can be followed through different physical and chemical concepts. Different types of bonding are identified as well as H-abstraction events and covalent bonding. In this work, our focus goes to C and P based radicals, showing them to behave very differently near the surface, providing insights into the requirements for improved P incorporation.The author name needs to be updated to include the middle names: Danny E.P. Vanpoucke, and linked to the correct personel account which incorrectly is missing the author middle names
Approaching the diamond surface: first principles modelling the physics and chemistry of approaching radicals
No full textThe diamond surface plays a central role in much of the diamond research, and as such much of its properties are described and studied in great detail. There is a clear picture of the atomic scale structure of the different facets and their reconstructions. Also terminations with H, O, N and other atomic species as well as the incorporation of these elements has been modelled [1,2]. The electronic structure and the negative electron affinity mechanism is elucidated and so on. In contrast, however, the atomic scale models of diamond growth are much less developed, though progress is being made [3]. In these models the reaction barriers between stable and meta-stable intermediates are being calculated, providing insights into the kinetics of the surface. However, quantum mechanical models can provide much more insights than this. In this work, we simulated the approach of radical atoms and molecules towards the H-terminated diamond 001 surface. By allowing the model to equilibrate at every step, the physics and chemistry of the approach can be followed in minute detail. It allows us to indicate at which distance the surface and radical start interacting, and what that interaction entails. The charge evolution of the radical and the surface is followed by means of Hirshfeld-I charges, providing insights into charge transfer mechanisms. [4] Throughout the approach, the interaction can be followed through different physical and chemical concepts. Different types of bonding are identified as well as H-abstraction events and covalent bonding. In this work, our focus goes to C and P based radicals, showing them to behave very differently near the surface, providing insights into the requirements for improved P incorporation.The author name needs to be updated to include the middle names: Danny E.P. Vanpoucke, and linked to the correct personel account which incorrectly is missing the author middle names
Climate Variability and Asset Adaptation of Small-scale Farmers in Zimbabwe's Gokwe South District:A Search for Knowledge Integration Approach
No full textA thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Geography, to the Faculty of Science, School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Sciences (GAES), at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023.Globally, climate change and variability threaten food production and security for an unforeseeable future leaving millions of people vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition related diseases. Climatic models are projecting that Zimbabwe’s climate will be hanging drastically with a high possibility of experiencing extreme weather patterns impacting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods. This study aims to investigate the role of asset portfolios in reducing the climate vulnerability of small-scale farmers of Gokwe South in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s agricultural production both crop and livestock production has been negatively impacted due to the dwindling rainfall and increase in temperature and climate related risks and disasters. The quality and quantity of asset portfolios determine the adaptive strategies and their success against the challenges of climate variability. Despite these effects, small-scale farmers in the Gokwe South district are using their asset portfolios to increase their adaptive capacity and resilience to fight against the challenges of climate variability. Therefore, this thesis revealed a paradigm shift from asset vulnerability to pro-poor asset adaptation. The paradigm shift crafted the ‘Theory of Change’ which is useful for climate variability adaptation strategies in the Gokwe South district as the small-scale farmers change from asset vulnerability to asset adaptation. The Theory of Change encourages contextual analysis of the area and theme under study. A Theory of Change is a method that explains how a given intervention, or set of interventions, is expected to lead to specific development change, drawing on a causal analysis based on available evidence. This study used the Participatory Climate Change Adaptation Appraisal (PCCAA) as the primary data collection tool and the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) known as the emancipatory methodology, to collect data in rural areas. A mixed methodological approach involving qualitative and quantitative was applied. We used thematic content analysis to analyse qualitative data collected during the data collection exercise. During the study period, computer-Aided Qualitative Data Software was used to store data in a sorted manner. The parametric variables were coded using the Predictive Analytic Software. This enabled to performance of statistical analysis and obtaining descriptive statistical outcomes were obtained. The assessment of the effect of the factors on climate adaptation strategies was done through the Likert scale. Indigenous knowledge remained widely used as a source of climate knowledge in the Gokwe South district. The research results showed that indigenous knowledge (IK) is unpredictable, productive assets and adaptive assets are inadequate, technoscience and institutional support are poor support to implement viable adaptation strategies is lacking, and poor distribution and dissemination of climate and weather information to small-scale farmers in the Gokwe South district is poor and asset portfolios and asset mix is poor. The available asset portfolios determine the adaptation strategies used in the Gokwe South district. Results show that climate vulnerability varies spatially and temporally across the Gokwe South district. The studied five constituencies for the Gokwe district have a mean vulnerability index of 3.04 with the highest index being 5 as being well adapted. Sengwa and Mapfungabutsi are highly vulnerable to the vagaries of climate variability in the Gokwe South district. The researchers recommend strong institutional support from the government. The fact that small-scale farmers should integrate their IK and modern science climate knowledge small-scale farmers in the Gokwe South district should adopt proactive or anticipatory adaptation, government climate-smart agricultural policies, and a bottom-up approach to climate variability. The quality and quantity of asset portfolios are key resources affecting the level of vulnerability to climate variability. The asset mix was seen to be significant in reducing the vulnerability of small-scale farmers in Sengwa and Mapfungabutsi, constituencies worst affected due to poor asset endowment of farmers in the Gokwe South district. The results have shown that the financial asset is the most important asset affecting vulnerability because it can be converted into other assets through buying. Weak institutional intervention renders many small-scale farmers helpless to climate variability, and the government is not fully supporting small-scale farmers to increase their adaptive capacity and resilience.MMM202
Perspectives on the role of stakeholder engagement and participation in river basin management in South Africa: a study of the hennops river
No full textA research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Faculty of Science, School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024As a country that already faces hydrological and climatological challenges, South Africa’s socio-economic situation further complicates River Basin Management. This is observable through the state of rivers in the Gauteng Province such as the Hennops River. Like other rivers across the country, the state of the Hennops River is alarming, being affected by multiple sources of pollution. The state of the Hennops River Basin is observably affected by Tembisa, a poor former township area that has contributed to the pollution of the upstream Kaalspruit tributary. While the community of Tembisa contributes to the Hennops’ degradation, the potential of stakeholder engagement and community participation in Integrated River Basin Management is yet to be harnessed.
The aim of this study was to investigate in what ways stakeholder and community engagement, mobilisation, as well as participation can be harnessed to promote sustainable River Basin Management considering the Hennops River Basin as a case study. The objectives of this study were to (1) analyse existing policies and frameworks which promote stakeholder engagement and community participation in River Basin Management in South Africa, (2) identify challenges and opportunities that hamper and facilitate sustainable River Basin Management through stakeholder engagement and community participation in South Africa, taking the Hennops River Basin as a case study, (3) create a sustainable model through which stakeholder engagement and community participation can be harnessed towards effective River Basin Management, and (4) Contribute to the body of knowledge on the role of stakeholder engagement and community participation in River Basin Management. Through a research design involving key stakeholders and the community, new insight was gathered about their potential through engagement and participation. Data were gathered from Key Informants, interviews, focus group discussions, as well as clean-up campaigns, which included a campaign hosted by the researcher.
Findings of this study suggest that although policy supports the engagement, participation, as well as the mobilisation of stakeholders and the community, implementation thereof has been challenged. At community level, implementation is further challenged through community disinterest, a lack of support or funding for disparate initiatives, and lack of political will to address community issues. Key stakeholders, namely NGOs have taken it upon themselves to address River Basin Management. However, their initiatives are self-reliant and therefore unsustainable.
Several conceptual models to address River Basin Management in South Africa are proposed. These models address (1) the implementation of policy through the establishment of effective institutions, (2) the role of the NGO in River Basin Management, (3) the funding of small projects or initiatives, (4) an approach to wicked problems in the community, and (5) the relationship between government, stakeholders, and the community. Together, these models are argued as some of the ways the potential role of stakeholder engagement and community participation can be harnessed as part of a framework for sustainable River Basin Management
in South Africa. Opportunities exist to better understand stakeholder engagement and community participation, particularly in the context of leadership and agency. The framework presented as the result of this study opens the doorway to new possibilities for the implementation of policy and new approaches to water governanceNational Research FoundationMM202
From Coal to Renewable Energy: Perspectives on South Africa's Energy Transition for a Sustainable Future.
No full textThe submission of this thesis fulfills the requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024South Africa has been experiencing an unstable electricity supply for years, leading to periods of load shedding from 2007 up to the present date. The electricity shortages have been attributed to distinct reasons, ranging from inefficient coal supply, skills shortages, sabotage by employees and lack of maintenance for nearly sixteen years. In addition to the electricity supply shortages, coal-fired electricity generation is responsible for roughly 80 per cent of South Africa’s total greenhouse gas emissions due to fossil fuel dependence, leading to many health, climate, and environmental challenges. To address the challenges related to fossil fuel dependency, moving to Renewable Energy sources that are climate and environmentally friendly is a necessity.
The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal approaches that South Africa can embark on for a successful transition from coal to renewables. The institutional, policy, and strategic frameworks that exist within which South Africa can embark on for a successful transition were explored. Furthermore, the study sought to identify the challenges, and opportunities that exist or hinder the transition in South Africa. Lastly, the study explored how developments in the international policy frameworks influence South Africa’s ambitions to transition to renewables.
The study is best suited to the pragmatism approach, and data were collected through the reviewing of literature, key-informant interviews, and questionnaires. A mixed-methods strategy that involved gathering both qualitative and quantitative data was employed and primary and secondary sources of data were used. The primary data sources used included key informants from various private and public institutions with an interest in South Africa’s energy matters such as ESKOM, SANEDI, SANEA, SAREC, SAPVIA, SAWEA, SAIPPA and NECSA. The non-probability sampling method was used in the participants’ selection from the sampled study institutions, with a combination of judgmental, snowballing and convenience sampling procedures employed at distinct phases of the research. Data collected was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively, with interviews text data transcribed and analysed through manual tabulation and thematic analysis, and presented in graphs generated from Microsoft Excel, and the data from questionnaires analysed through the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.
The study revealed that the government played mainly four leading roles in the energy transition, which were providing financial support, legislative direction, institutional direction, and project oversight. Financial support is provided through financing projects and setting up financing policies that promote renewable energy investment, and legislative direction is provided through policy development and ensuring efficient implementation. Providing institutional direction is ensured through ensuring coordination across all spheres of government and capacitating institutions involved in the transition, and project oversight is
provided through setting out renewable energy capacity determinations. The study further identified key energy transition elements, namely infrastructure, governance, legislation, stakeholders’ perceptions, and skills and strategies for a successful transition, which included channelling adequate financial resources to the renewable energy sector, privatisation of the electricity utility, diversification, rolling out bid windows, improving the legislative framework, improving grid access and integration, skills development, localisation of RE components manufacturing, providing incentives, and increasing consumer awareness about
renewables. Several barriers to the transition were also identified, which included political interference and corruption, lack of financial investment, policies/legislation inadequacy, inconsistency in rolling out bidding windows, ESKOM’s monopoly, high cost of renewables, deficiency of incentives, skills and technology, labour unions, and deficiency of awareness on alternatives. The study recommends multisector reskilling of employees, since not all employees in the coal value chain may be interested in or able to be absorbed in the Renewable Energy sector. Furthermore, the government should fund and support progressive technologies and business models, improve the quality of institutions through merit-based appointments and uprooting corruption, privatisation of ESKOM to create opportunities for new entrants in the electricity market and improve stakeholder engagement and community support programmes. The UNFCCC must develop and ensure the implementation of enforcement strategies for holding countries accountable for their climate commitments for the transition to be realisedUniversity of the WitwatersrandMM202
Does public participation facilitate the development of a comprehensive social impact assessment process in South Africa? a study of the Carolina town community in Mpumalanga
No full textDissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the master’s degree in the Faculty of Science Department of Geography University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024The inadequate integration of social and economic dimensions within impact assessments, particularly in the context of mining activities is particularly worrisome. The lack of a standardized and inclusive model, coupled with insufficient consideration of local knowledge, contributes to conflicts and dissatisfaction in mining communities. Public participation, crucial for a holistic assessment, faces hurdles like awareness gaps, language barriers, and inadequate community representation. These challenges hinder the achievement of sustainable outcomes in mining development projects. This study assesses the current state of public participation in
Social Impact Assessment (SIA) processes within mining communities in Carolina.
This study employed a qualitative approach. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify the relevant participants for this study. Drawing on diverse perspectives from technocrats, community members, homeowners, and stakeholders, the research unveils insights into the effectiveness of public engagement between the Carolina community and mining operatives. After engaging with the participants ultimately a total of 45 participants were identified. Data collection tools were the use of the focused group interviews and semi- structured questionnaires.
The findings reveal a predominant dissatisfaction among participants, with 70% expressing the ineffectiveness of public participation in SIA. The study identifies a lack of inclusivity, transparency, and communication in the current approach, as community members feel excluded from decision making processes. Motivations for engagement centre on the crucial need for job opportunities provided by mining operations, reflecting the community's economic aspirations. However, expectations extend beyond employment to include broader community development aspects, indicating a desire for positive impacts resulting from mining activities. Further exploration into the role of public participation in identifying community challenges highlights a significant lack of awareness and understanding among participants. The study underscores language barriers, geographical distance to meeting venues, and a perceived absence of tangible outcomes as significant challenges. Participants express frustration with the current state of public participation, emphasizing the need for transparency, genuine commitment, and accountability from mining companies. The research concludes with recommendations for a more inclusive, accessible, and communicative public participation
process to address community challenges effectively. It calls for improved education, language inclusivity, and enhanced communication channels to foster meaningful engagement and ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for the Carolina community affected by mining activitiesMM202
Jere Nash Interview with Danny Cupit (Part 1 of 2)
No full textInterview conducted by author Jere Nash with lawyer and former chair of the Mississippi Democratic Executive Committee Danny Cupit in the process of writing Mississippi Politics: The Struggle for Power, 1976-2006 (Part 1 of 2). Topics covered include the formation of the Young Democrats; Hodding Carter; attending the Democratic National Convention of 1968; Lawrence Guyot Jr.; precinct caucuses and the state Democratic conference; assistance from labor unions and Millie Jeffrey; Charles Evers; Billy Car and Pat Derian running for committeewoman; Robert F. Kennedy campaign in Mississippi; death of Kennedy; Hubert Humphrey; Curtis Wilkie; Legal services work for a sanitation worker\u27s union in Holly Springs, Mississippi; labor lawyer Dixon Pyles; William Winter; 1972 congressional race between Ellis Bodron, Thad Cochran, and Walter Brown; Ed Ellington campaign for the state senate; Bankers Trust law suit; Jimmy Carter campaign and unified precinct meetings; attending the Democratic National Convention in 1976; running the Carter campaign in Mississippi; George Wallace; Griffin Bell getting senators Jim Eastland and John Stennis to endorse Carter; Gerald Blessey versus Trent Lott campaign; working with Eastland on the Carter campaign; restructuring of the state Democratic Executive Committee; Eastland\u27s decision not to run for reelection; Bill Waller; senate campaign of Maurice Dantin; Tom Ridell; and the asbestos law suit
The Role of Climate Change Governance in Community Adaptation in Kwazulu-Natal: A Study of uMkhanyakude District Municipality
No full textA research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the to the Faculty of Science, School of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024It can be argued that, although South Africa has developed good climate change initiatives, policies, and strategies, the implementation of these policies seems to present difficulties, as those for whom they have been developed do not seem to have any knowledge of their effectiveness in helping them build resilience against extreme weather events. Additionally, the findings demonstrate the existence of structures tasked with coordinating climate change matters across all
government sectors affected, comprising inter-departmental arrangements, departmental arrangements, other institutions, and stakeholders. The inter-departmental arrangements consist of forums whose purpose is to ensure inter-sectoral coordination of climate change matters. The national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment assumes leadership and coordination responsibilities in developing and implementing responses to climate change
adaptation in South Africa. The findings also revealed that government officials employed at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment unanimously believe that the institutional arrangement of climate change at the national level effectively drives the climate change agenda. Conversely, government officials at the provincial and local levels exhibit diverse perspectives regarding the effectiveness of the institutional arrangements. Consequently, one can posit that there is inadequate coordination of climate change adaptation horizontally among national government departments and sectors affected by climate change impacts, as well as vertically between national, provincial, and municipal governments. This study divulged various barriers to climate change adaptation in South Africa, including insufficient financial resources, inadequate human capacity at provincial and local levels, limited political resolve at the local level, deficient
comprehension of climate change adaptation issues among communities, insufficient coordination across government levels and sectors, absence of legal mandate at the local level, absence of climate change units at the district and local levels, lack of knowledge among certain staff members entrusted with environmental responsibilities at the local level, inadequate climate change plans in place at the local level, and utilisation of outdated climate change information in the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). This study proposes that policies should be jointly designed and implemented with vulnerable groups, based on local knowledge, and tailored to the specific needs of those most affected by climate change (e.g., women, the impoverished). There is a necessity to establish operational institutions that are dedicated to fulfilling their mandate, supporting communities, and fostering robust partnerships among civil society, the public sector, and the private sectoNational Research Foundation (NRF)University of the WitwatersrandMM202
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