566 research outputs found
Assessing the impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies on smallholder farming in the Vhembe District, South Africa
No full textPhD (Geography)Department of Geography and Geo- Information SciencesOne of the major challenges facing all categories of farmers globally is climate change. African smallholder farmers are the most vulnerable to changes in climate. In most parts of South Africa, empirical evidence indicates the level to which climate change has impacted negatively on agricultural production. Rising temperatures, prolonged drought and decreasing rainfall have affected local farmers’ livelihood and crop production. In the Vhembe District of South Africa’s Limpopo Province, smallholder farming predominates and its vulnerability to climate change has increased for the past decades. This study, therefore, assesses the impact of climate change and adaptation strategies on smallholder farming systems in the Vhembe District To achieve this aim, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were employed. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 224 smallholder farmers to elicit data on perceptions; climate change impacts, adaptation and IKS based strategies to deal with climatic shocks. Focus group discussions (FGDs), semi-structured interviews with the extension officers elicited thematic data that complemented the interview survey. Climate data were obtained from the South Africa Weather Service (SAWS) for the period 1980 to 2015. Smallholder farmers’ perceptions about climate change were validated by an analysis of climatic trends from 1980-2015. A thematic analysis of qualitative data and the Multi Nominal Logit (MNL) regression model was used based on socio-economic and biophysical attributes such as access to climate knowledge, gender, farm size, education level, and farmers’ experience, decreasing rainfall and increasing temperature as farmers’ determinants of their adaptation options to climate change. Furthermore, farmers’ perceptions tallied well with climatic trends that showed flood and drought cycles. Most of the smallholder farmers were aware of climate change and its impacts over the past decades. The study further indicated that, due to the marked climate change over this period, farmers have adopted different coping strategies at on-farm and off-farm levels. In terms of adaptation, the major adaptive strategies used by smallholder farmers included the use of drought-tolerant seeds; planting of short-seasoned crops; crop diversification; changing planting dates; irrigation and migrating to urban areas. The study recommends a framework that would include water conservation (rainfall harvesting); investment in irrigation schemes and other smart technologies that integrate indigenous knowledge systems and modern scientific knowledge to enhance crop production.NR
Vegetation change detection using remote sensing and GIS in Makhado Town, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textMENVSCDepartment of Geography and Geo-Information SciencesVegetation is one of the most important renewable natural resources to play a role in the preservation of the environment and biodiversity. Various land use activities such as urbanization, population growth and other anthropogenic activities, as well as climate change have been some of the major drivers which alter vegetation cover and contribute to biodiversity loss. This research study uses remote sensing and Geographical Information System to quantify vegetation and land cover change in Makhado over a five-year period (2007 - 2012). This study used multi-temporal satellite image data to identify the dynamic pattern of vegetation change and the negative impacts it has on the environment. The research uses remote sensing techniques and GIS software to analyse data. In addition, satellite imageries were used to study the spatial and temporal distribution of vegetation. The results of the study show that settlement areas have been on a stable positive and mostly uncontrolled expansion from 17.73% of the study area in 2007 to 30.52% in 2012. Vegetation on the other hand, has been on a steady decline, from 10.65% in 2007 to 5.92% in 2012, as well as the ecosystems quality on which biodiversity depends for their existence and to a greater extent the climate conditions, with an increase in temperature, methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. The monitoring of vegetation change can play a vital role in knowledge generation, best practices and as well as Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation which can be abated in the near future. This study recommends that the South Africa Government and public agencies concerned develop policies and strategies to bring about balanced, coordinated and sustainable development in the municipality and its district
Indigenous and Local Knowledge: Instruments Towards Achieving SDG2: A Review in an African Context
No full textThis study seeks to review African indigenous and local knowledge in farming systems that are used as instruments for the achievement of sustainable development. Hence the idea of sustainability, indigenous and local knowledge paying reference to Zero Hunger. Limited studies have indicated the importance of indigenous knowledge systems as a fundamental driver for the achievement of SDG2 by 2030. This study envisioned the idea of sustainable development in the context of indigenous and local knowledge as a potential for achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2. Hence, it emphasizes the necessity of a radical investigation of Indigenous knowledge practices for a more effective local farming system in the African setting that is inclusive and driven by the Indigenous community to harness the untapped riches of indigenous knowledge. Local and Indigenous knowledge are regarded as knowledge systems possessed by cultural groups and, based on their experience and adaptability to local culture and environment, it is important for development, particularly in food security. The study concludes by urging further potential investigation into whether indigenous and traditional knowledge systems as tools can be used to accomplish Sustainable Development Goals in practice
Book Review: Alles het niet kom wôd
No full textBook Title: Alles het niet kom wôdBook Author: Nathan TrantraalKaapstad: Kwela, 2017. 59pp. ISBN: 978-0-7957-0791-9
KOM
No full text‘KOM’ is a digitally designed and produced craftwork. It is the first demonstration of complex asymmetric four axis CNC milling by the author and is highly innovative due to the complete reciprocity of all aspects of the design and making process.
The facilities and access available to the author at Falmouth University have enabled his innovative engagement with digital engineering hardware needed to create a one-off craft practice. The author’s development of 3D and textural patterning techniques is the unique amalgam of precise digital processes and the reactive ‘hacking’ of automated production processes such as CNC milling.
This particular method and level of engagement is unique in the UK and possibly internationally as most designers and craft makers either have not recognised the impact of this stage of the creation process or have been forced to subcontract their designs when using complex, foreign or expensive processes. The author’s work is championed by the Crafts Council. ‘ST14’ (2007) and ‘Terraincup’ (2005) were purchased for the permanent collection in 2011 supported by Sir Nicholas Goodison (former Chair of the Crafts Council). The objects have been used as to demonstration the pinnacle of digital craft practice at Crafts Council exhibitions. The author gave a public lecture to communicate his creative approach to digital processes at the Northern Design Festival (2013)., ‘KOM’ was purchased by Shipley Art Gallery with the aid of Northern Rock funding after it was exhibited for the first time at ‘Collect’, 2012. ‘Collect’ is an international showcase of Contemporary Craft from high profile Craft Galleries, selected by the UK Crafts Council and located in the Saatchi Gallery, London. The work is on permanent display at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
Resensies: Hy kom met die skoenlappers. ’n Elegie aan verlore liefde
No full textBook Title: Hy kom met die skoenlappers. ’n Elegie aan verlore liefdeBook Author: Valda JansenKaapstad: Human & Rousseau, 2016. 184 pp. ISBN 978 0 79817 252 3
Mathematical competencies and the learning of mathematics: The Danish KOM project
No full textABSTRACT This paper presents the Danish KOM project (KOM: Competencies and the Learning of Mathematics), initiated by the Ministry of Education and other official bodies in order to create a platform for in-depth reform of Danish mathematics education, from school to university. The author of the paper was appointed as the director of the project. Its final report was published in October 2002. The fundamental idea of the project is to base the description of mathematics curricula primarily on the notion of a "mathematical competency", rather than on syllabi in the traditiona
Sustainable Livelihood Options Adopted by Rural Communities in Response to Climate Change Dynamics: A Case Study Approach in Vhembe District, South Africa
No full textThe Vhembe district of South Africa is dominantly rural, with agricultural practice being the main major livelihood activity. Furthermore, many of the rural subsistence farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly high temperatures. Changes in climate cause extreme losses in agricultural productivity, increasing the level of vulnerability among rural subsistence farmers. The study examines the livelihood options adopted by rural communities in response to climate change dynamics in the Vhembe district. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches, both primary and secondary data from 365 rural community members were employed. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered using purposive sampling and employed statistical analysis techniques. The results revealed that livestock production was the most dominant livelihood-resilient activity at 30%, while vendor activity is common in Ṱhohoyanḓou at 29%. The findings indicated that the highest establishment of water tanks was in the Madimbo area, with 51% as a form of livelihood resilience. Further, 70% of respondents demonstrated livelihood sustainability activities such as agricultural forums, conferences, and the practice of indigenous activities. The proposed strategies can be used by policymakers to effectively consider the most vulnerable groups and articulate unique local vulnerabilities
Understanding Links Between Water Scarcity and Violent Conflicts in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin Using the Water Footprint Concept
No full textWhilst there are several empirical studies linking water scarcity and violent conflicts, existing quantitative studies use mostly climate and environmental variables even though such variables have been shown to not be strong predictors of water conflicts by some studies. The aim of this study was to use the water footprint concept and the Falkenmark index to identify water scarcity hotspots at the sub‐national scale and to understand the links between water scarcity and violent conflicts in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin over a period of two decades (2000–2021). We achieve this by developing five water scarcity metrics at a monthly timescale using runoff, soil moisture, potential evapotranspiration, water consumption and demographic data. The developed metrics show high levels of water scarcity across the study area during the dry, pre‐monsoon and post‐monsoon seasons. Analyses further reveal high green water scarcity (GWS) (soil moisture deficit) and low Falkenmark index scores (water stress) during the dry, pre‐monsoon and post‐monsoon seasons, across all reported water conflict locations. This suggest that there is an indirect link between GWS, the Falkenmark index scores and water conflicts. Results from this study may be used to enhance water management, mitigate, and prevent water conflicts in the study area and likewise the methodology adopted may be used to address water scarcity and conflicts in other regions. </p
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