Benthic algal communities of shallow reefs in the Eastern Cape: availability of abalone habitat
- Authors: Witte, Andrew Dennis
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Reef ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Abalone fisheries -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Algal communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12032 , vital:27021
- Description: Marine ranching has been identified as an alternative to traditional aquacultural rearing and growing organisms for consumption. In the Eastern Cape, abalone ranching is a new and experimental industry. The aims of the research were to: first develop a GIS model to assist management in site selection for abalone seeding; and secondly to develop and standardize the sampling methodology in order to ground truth the sites, and assist in the monitoring and habitat identification of abalone. The GIS model developed in Chapter 3 was created using an unsupervised classification and fuzzy logic approach. Both vector and raster datasets were utilized to represent 7 different layers. Predominantly satellite imagery was used to classify the different substrate groups according to pixel colour signatures. The basic process was to apply a fuzzy rule set (membership) to rasters which gave an output raster (Fuzzification). The membership output rasters were overlaid which creates a single model output. It was found that model accuracy increased significantly as more layers were overlaid, due to the high variability within each of the individual layers. Model ground-truthing showed a strong and significant correlation (r2 = 0.91; p < 0.001) between the model outputs and actual site suitability based on in situ evaluation. Chapter 4 describes the investigation towards the optimal sampling methods for abalone ranching habitat assessments. Both destructive sampling methods and imagery methods were considered as methods of data collection. The study also evaluated whether quadrat and transects were going to be suitable methods to assess sites, and what size or length respectively they should be to collect the appropriate data. Transect length showed great variation according to the factor assessed. A transect of 15 metres was found to be optimal. Abalone counts showed no significant (p = 0.1) change in the Coefficent of Variance (CV) for transect lengths greater than 15m, and had a mean of 0.2 abalone per metre. Quadrat size showed a significant difference in functional group richness between quadrat sizes of 0.0625m2, and 0.25m2 but no difference between 0.25m2 and 1m2 quadrats for both scape and photographic quadrats. It was also found that between 5 and 10 replicates (p = 0.08) represents the functional groups appropriately using quadrats and that a 0.25m2 quadrat is most suitable for sampling. Chapter 5 describes the benthic community structure of Cape Recife shallow water reefs. Using the standardized methodology previously mentioned, 45 sites were assessed to identify the community structure. These sites were grouped into 5 different groups influenced by depth and substrate, as well as functional group composition according to a Wards classification. The community structure showed that depth and substrate play a significant role (p < 0.05) in the community type. There is also a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between complexity, rugosity, abalone presence and substrate. During this study the basic protocols for site selection and benthic community monitoring have been developed to support the abalone ranching initiative in the Cape Recife area. It has also provided a baseline of the benthic community in the ranching concession area which will be used as a benchmark for future monitoring efforts. The site selection, sampling, and monitoring methods developed during the course of this work have now been rolled out as Standard Operating Procedures for the ranching programme in this area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Witte, Andrew Dennis
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Reef ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Abalone fisheries -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Algal communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12032 , vital:27021
- Description: Marine ranching has been identified as an alternative to traditional aquacultural rearing and growing organisms for consumption. In the Eastern Cape, abalone ranching is a new and experimental industry. The aims of the research were to: first develop a GIS model to assist management in site selection for abalone seeding; and secondly to develop and standardize the sampling methodology in order to ground truth the sites, and assist in the monitoring and habitat identification of abalone. The GIS model developed in Chapter 3 was created using an unsupervised classification and fuzzy logic approach. Both vector and raster datasets were utilized to represent 7 different layers. Predominantly satellite imagery was used to classify the different substrate groups according to pixel colour signatures. The basic process was to apply a fuzzy rule set (membership) to rasters which gave an output raster (Fuzzification). The membership output rasters were overlaid which creates a single model output. It was found that model accuracy increased significantly as more layers were overlaid, due to the high variability within each of the individual layers. Model ground-truthing showed a strong and significant correlation (r2 = 0.91; p < 0.001) between the model outputs and actual site suitability based on in situ evaluation. Chapter 4 describes the investigation towards the optimal sampling methods for abalone ranching habitat assessments. Both destructive sampling methods and imagery methods were considered as methods of data collection. The study also evaluated whether quadrat and transects were going to be suitable methods to assess sites, and what size or length respectively they should be to collect the appropriate data. Transect length showed great variation according to the factor assessed. A transect of 15 metres was found to be optimal. Abalone counts showed no significant (p = 0.1) change in the Coefficent of Variance (CV) for transect lengths greater than 15m, and had a mean of 0.2 abalone per metre. Quadrat size showed a significant difference in functional group richness between quadrat sizes of 0.0625m2, and 0.25m2 but no difference between 0.25m2 and 1m2 quadrats for both scape and photographic quadrats. It was also found that between 5 and 10 replicates (p = 0.08) represents the functional groups appropriately using quadrats and that a 0.25m2 quadrat is most suitable for sampling. Chapter 5 describes the benthic community structure of Cape Recife shallow water reefs. Using the standardized methodology previously mentioned, 45 sites were assessed to identify the community structure. These sites were grouped into 5 different groups influenced by depth and substrate, as well as functional group composition according to a Wards classification. The community structure showed that depth and substrate play a significant role (p < 0.05) in the community type. There is also a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between complexity, rugosity, abalone presence and substrate. During this study the basic protocols for site selection and benthic community monitoring have been developed to support the abalone ranching initiative in the Cape Recife area. It has also provided a baseline of the benthic community in the ranching concession area which will be used as a benchmark for future monitoring efforts. The site selection, sampling, and monitoring methods developed during the course of this work have now been rolled out as Standard Operating Procedures for the ranching programme in this area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Best practice guideline for the nursing management of women with gestational diabetes mellitus in military health institutions in Ghana
- Authors: Mensah, Gwendolyn Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Diabetes in pregnancy -- Ghana , Diabetics -- Treatment -- Ghana Nursing services -- Ghana -- Administration Public health -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14036 , vital:27409
- Description: Pregnancy is a normal physiological process for the majority of women. These women, their families and significant others normally expect a successful period of pregnancy, labour, delivery and arrival of a normal and healthy baby. However, some of these pregnant women may develop Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) during this period and if not managed properly, the mother and the foetus in utero are affected in a negative way: there is a likelihood of the mother and baby developing Type 2 Diabetes in the future and also, other risks such as preterm labour, and foetal macrosomia. In order to prevent such occurrences, I set out to develop a best practice guideline for the nursing management of GDM in military health institutions in Ghana in order to help enhance nursing care. The design for this research was qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The research is organised in three phases: Phase one deals with the data analysis and discussion of the interviews with professional nurses and midwives and women with a history of GDM. The data collected from the interviews were transcribed, analysed and extracted with Tesch’s eight steps of coding used for the coding. The services of an independent coder were employed to assist with the coding process which led to the formulation of key themes. Semi-structured individual interviews provided a means of exploring the perceptions of professional nurses and midwives on the nursing management of GDM: in addition, women with a history of GDM were interviewed so as to elicit their views on the management they had experienced from professional nurses and midwives before and after being diagnosed with GDM. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured by conforming to Lincoln and Guba’s framework of credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability and authenticity. An independent coder assisted with the coding process. Phase two deals with the Integrative literature review of available evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the nursing management of GDM. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines were searched and appraised with assistance from an independent appraiser and themes were then formulated. In Phase three, the themes from Phase one and Phase two were integrated for the development of a draft best practice guideline for the nursing management of GDM in military health institutions in Ghana. The draft guideline was given to an expert panel of reviewers for their comments and recommendations. These were considered in the development of the final best practice guideline for the nursing management of GDM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mensah, Gwendolyn Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Diabetes in pregnancy -- Ghana , Diabetics -- Treatment -- Ghana Nursing services -- Ghana -- Administration Public health -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14036 , vital:27409
- Description: Pregnancy is a normal physiological process for the majority of women. These women, their families and significant others normally expect a successful period of pregnancy, labour, delivery and arrival of a normal and healthy baby. However, some of these pregnant women may develop Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) during this period and if not managed properly, the mother and the foetus in utero are affected in a negative way: there is a likelihood of the mother and baby developing Type 2 Diabetes in the future and also, other risks such as preterm labour, and foetal macrosomia. In order to prevent such occurrences, I set out to develop a best practice guideline for the nursing management of GDM in military health institutions in Ghana in order to help enhance nursing care. The design for this research was qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The research is organised in three phases: Phase one deals with the data analysis and discussion of the interviews with professional nurses and midwives and women with a history of GDM. The data collected from the interviews were transcribed, analysed and extracted with Tesch’s eight steps of coding used for the coding. The services of an independent coder were employed to assist with the coding process which led to the formulation of key themes. Semi-structured individual interviews provided a means of exploring the perceptions of professional nurses and midwives on the nursing management of GDM: in addition, women with a history of GDM were interviewed so as to elicit their views on the management they had experienced from professional nurses and midwives before and after being diagnosed with GDM. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured by conforming to Lincoln and Guba’s framework of credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability and authenticity. An independent coder assisted with the coding process. Phase two deals with the Integrative literature review of available evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the nursing management of GDM. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines were searched and appraised with assistance from an independent appraiser and themes were then formulated. In Phase three, the themes from Phase one and Phase two were integrated for the development of a draft best practice guideline for the nursing management of GDM in military health institutions in Ghana. The draft guideline was given to an expert panel of reviewers for their comments and recommendations. These were considered in the development of the final best practice guideline for the nursing management of GDM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Best practice strategies to eradicate business growth challenges of female-owned small businesses in Uganda
- Authors: Mbidde, Cathy Ikiror
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- Uganda , Self-employed women -- Uganda Businesswomen -- Uganda Small business -- Uganda -- Growth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19004 , vital:28764
- Description: Small businesses of which the majority are female-owned are the backbone of many economies across the globe. Despite the increasingly important role of female-owned small businesses to economic development and poverty alleviation, the growth of female-owned businesses in Uganda remains a major concern. The purpose of this study, therefore, was twofold – to identify business growth challenges of female small business entrepreneurs in Uganda and also to identify the strategies for overcoming these small business growth challenges to add to existing theory within the small business management field. The study followed a qualitative research with an exploratory descriptive case study design approach. A comprehensive international and national literature on female entrepreneurship, the Ugandan business environment, small business growth challenges in Uganda, and global best practice strategies for stimulating small business growth was conducted. Primary data were collected using face-to-face and telephonic interviews with semi-structured interview guides. Twelve (three female small business entrepreneurs and nine small business support specialists) participants were selected using purposive, theoretical, and expert sampling methods. The biographical profiles of the participants interviewed during the study were presented as case studies. Firstly, the biographical profiles of the three Ugandan small businesses (supermarket, restaurant and hairdressing salon) and the female entrepreneurs were presented. Secondly, the biographical profiles of the nine small business support institutions (two governmental, two funding, two training, one export promotion) and two business associations, as well as the profile of the small business support specialists were presented. Based on the content analysis of the qualitative interviews with the three female small business entrepreneurs, their current business status revealed that the female entrepreneurs have growth aspirations and aligned their goals towards it, but did not have strategies in place to effect business growth. Further still, based on the empirical results of the female small business participants, eight main challenges were identified as: lack of adequate business support and business skills training; demanding and costly business registration and trading license processes; high business taxation; access to finance; inadequate road infrastructure; family-related issues and cultural taboos. These participants also suggested some solutions to overcome these challenges. The small business support specialist participants either confirmed the challenges that specifically females experience or confirmed that they are perceived and not real challenges, or that it is not female-specific but generic to all small businesses. The study further established what female small business participants regard as possible strategies to the challenges experienced, while the small business support specialist participants could indicate which strategies have already been implemented and also suggest further strategies. It was concluded that although many of the challenges could apply to all small businesses, this study found that cultural taboos and family-related issues are a real challenge for female small business entrepreneurs. As seen in this study, these two main challenges can further influence some of the other challenges. It can influence whether qualifying for access to funding, having extra funding to pay for registration, licensing and tax, what the business is allowed to sell, and even the novelty of a female owing a business, never mind wishing to grow their businesses. Although some challenges such as discrimination against female entrepreneurs regarding access to small business support or funding is perceived, there are real infrastructure challenges such as rural road conditions, access to electricity and ICT. Several strategies are already in place in Uganda to assist all small businesses with business growth, but not necessarily just assisting female small business entrepreneurs. However, many of these strategies are work-in-progress and have not yet had the desired end result. This study made a contribution to knowledge by indicating that government-, skills training-, financial- and export promotion institutions, as well as business associations together with influential community members, can contribute significantly to the implementation of several strategies to promote female small business growth. In addition, the chapter on best practices of global developed – and developing countries provided insight into making well-informed practical recommendations that Uganda can implement to assist small businesses to grow and in particular females small businesses. These global best practice strategies for the growth of SMMEs as applied within the seven selected seven countries were elaborated on in detail with a clear indication of the responsible bodies in Uganda that can affect these strategies. The emphasis was on suggesting strategies that can be practically executed with relative ease in Uganda as a developing country. This study concludes that it remains the responsibility of female small business entrepreneurs to make the effort to grow their small businesses and turn their business visions into reality. They should write a business plan, search for and approach small business support institutions for assistance and engage in an extensive networking drive to grow their customer market and to search for opportunities to grow their business such as private-public sector partnerships or expansion into the international market. Awareness is not just the responsibility of the several small business support institutions in Uganda, but female small business entrepreneurs should actively scrutinise media reports in newspapers, the radio and television to obtain information regarding business support opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mbidde, Cathy Ikiror
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- Uganda , Self-employed women -- Uganda Businesswomen -- Uganda Small business -- Uganda -- Growth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19004 , vital:28764
- Description: Small businesses of which the majority are female-owned are the backbone of many economies across the globe. Despite the increasingly important role of female-owned small businesses to economic development and poverty alleviation, the growth of female-owned businesses in Uganda remains a major concern. The purpose of this study, therefore, was twofold – to identify business growth challenges of female small business entrepreneurs in Uganda and also to identify the strategies for overcoming these small business growth challenges to add to existing theory within the small business management field. The study followed a qualitative research with an exploratory descriptive case study design approach. A comprehensive international and national literature on female entrepreneurship, the Ugandan business environment, small business growth challenges in Uganda, and global best practice strategies for stimulating small business growth was conducted. Primary data were collected using face-to-face and telephonic interviews with semi-structured interview guides. Twelve (three female small business entrepreneurs and nine small business support specialists) participants were selected using purposive, theoretical, and expert sampling methods. The biographical profiles of the participants interviewed during the study were presented as case studies. Firstly, the biographical profiles of the three Ugandan small businesses (supermarket, restaurant and hairdressing salon) and the female entrepreneurs were presented. Secondly, the biographical profiles of the nine small business support institutions (two governmental, two funding, two training, one export promotion) and two business associations, as well as the profile of the small business support specialists were presented. Based on the content analysis of the qualitative interviews with the three female small business entrepreneurs, their current business status revealed that the female entrepreneurs have growth aspirations and aligned their goals towards it, but did not have strategies in place to effect business growth. Further still, based on the empirical results of the female small business participants, eight main challenges were identified as: lack of adequate business support and business skills training; demanding and costly business registration and trading license processes; high business taxation; access to finance; inadequate road infrastructure; family-related issues and cultural taboos. These participants also suggested some solutions to overcome these challenges. The small business support specialist participants either confirmed the challenges that specifically females experience or confirmed that they are perceived and not real challenges, or that it is not female-specific but generic to all small businesses. The study further established what female small business participants regard as possible strategies to the challenges experienced, while the small business support specialist participants could indicate which strategies have already been implemented and also suggest further strategies. It was concluded that although many of the challenges could apply to all small businesses, this study found that cultural taboos and family-related issues are a real challenge for female small business entrepreneurs. As seen in this study, these two main challenges can further influence some of the other challenges. It can influence whether qualifying for access to funding, having extra funding to pay for registration, licensing and tax, what the business is allowed to sell, and even the novelty of a female owing a business, never mind wishing to grow their businesses. Although some challenges such as discrimination against female entrepreneurs regarding access to small business support or funding is perceived, there are real infrastructure challenges such as rural road conditions, access to electricity and ICT. Several strategies are already in place in Uganda to assist all small businesses with business growth, but not necessarily just assisting female small business entrepreneurs. However, many of these strategies are work-in-progress and have not yet had the desired end result. This study made a contribution to knowledge by indicating that government-, skills training-, financial- and export promotion institutions, as well as business associations together with influential community members, can contribute significantly to the implementation of several strategies to promote female small business growth. In addition, the chapter on best practices of global developed – and developing countries provided insight into making well-informed practical recommendations that Uganda can implement to assist small businesses to grow and in particular females small businesses. These global best practice strategies for the growth of SMMEs as applied within the seven selected seven countries were elaborated on in detail with a clear indication of the responsible bodies in Uganda that can affect these strategies. The emphasis was on suggesting strategies that can be practically executed with relative ease in Uganda as a developing country. This study concludes that it remains the responsibility of female small business entrepreneurs to make the effort to grow their small businesses and turn their business visions into reality. They should write a business plan, search for and approach small business support institutions for assistance and engage in an extensive networking drive to grow their customer market and to search for opportunities to grow their business such as private-public sector partnerships or expansion into the international market. Awareness is not just the responsibility of the several small business support institutions in Uganda, but female small business entrepreneurs should actively scrutinise media reports in newspapers, the radio and television to obtain information regarding business support opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Between a cushion and a risky conversation: ARTS LOUNGE reviewed
- Authors: Baasch, Rachel M
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147703 , vital:38662 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00043389.2011.11877155
- Description: On the fringe of the National Arts Festival, at a point of transition between Rhodes University campus and the commercial side of Grahamstown, the walls of a former home and former horse-stable, now a research house, reverberate with the strain of cross-disciplinary, site-specific collaboration. The ARTS LOUNGE made its first official appearance at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival (ViPPA Research Center, Rhodes University) from 30 June to 9 July 2011. The ten-day event was organised by the Visual and Performing Arts of Africa Research (ViPPA) team in collaboration with musicians, artists, writers, performers and members of the public.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Baasch, Rachel M
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147703 , vital:38662 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00043389.2011.11877155
- Description: On the fringe of the National Arts Festival, at a point of transition between Rhodes University campus and the commercial side of Grahamstown, the walls of a former home and former horse-stable, now a research house, reverberate with the strain of cross-disciplinary, site-specific collaboration. The ARTS LOUNGE made its first official appearance at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival (ViPPA Research Center, Rhodes University) from 30 June to 9 July 2011. The ten-day event was organised by the Visual and Performing Arts of Africa Research (ViPPA) team in collaboration with musicians, artists, writers, performers and members of the public.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Between place and a raised foot: the pace, protest and sway of ambulatory art
- Authors: Simbao, Ruth K
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146468 , vital:38528 , https://www.ug.edu.gh/events/arts-council-african-studies-association-acasa-17th-triennial-symposium-august-8-â-13-2017
- Description: ACASA facilitates communication among scholars, teachers, students, artists, museum specialists, collectors, and all others interested in the arts of Africa and the African Diaspora. Its goals are to promote greater understanding of African material and expressive culture in all its forms, and to encourage contact and collaboration with African and Diaspora artists and scholars.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Simbao, Ruth K
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146468 , vital:38528 , https://www.ug.edu.gh/events/arts-council-african-studies-association-acasa-17th-triennial-symposium-august-8-â-13-2017
- Description: ACASA facilitates communication among scholars, teachers, students, artists, museum specialists, collectors, and all others interested in the arts of Africa and the African Diaspora. Its goals are to promote greater understanding of African material and expressive culture in all its forms, and to encourage contact and collaboration with African and Diaspora artists and scholars.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Between reproductive rights and access to reproductive healthcare services: narratives of reproductive rights activists in South Africa
- Authors: Jacobs, Marc
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Reproductive rights -- South Africa , Reproductive rights -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Human reproduction -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Reproductive health -- South Africa , Abortion -- Government policy -- South Africa , South Africa. Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1996
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/17707 , vital:22270
- Description: The motivation behind the research paper, “Between reproductive rights and access to reproductive healthcare services: Narratives of reproductive rights activists in South Africa” stems from the notion that civil society groups have often played a critical role in addressing social justice issues concerning women’s rights. Since 1996 after implementation of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act, South Africa has frequently been praised for its progressive abortion laws that formally recognises women’s need for reproductive autonomy and equality. However, ineffective implementation has resulted in many women facing a combination of barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare services. Thus, resulting in some women opting for unsafe, illegal abortion services and placing their health and lives in danger. The purpose of the study, therefore, is to capture the perceptions of contemporary South African based reproductive rights activists and NGOs who engage in campaigns that seek to highlight the complex relationship between reproductive rights and access to such rights. Data for the study was collected through open-ended questionnaires in which participants provided their unique opinions as activists who regularly engage with the abortion and access issues in South Africa. Results from the study suggest that ineffective implementation of the CTOP Act can be attributed to a lack of political will to prioritise women’s sexual and reproductive rights, thereby further marginalising women in society. Results also point to the need for widespread support from civil society on women’s rights matters so that the State can more effectively be held accountable for catering to the most marginalised women in South African society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Jacobs, Marc
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Reproductive rights -- South Africa , Reproductive rights -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Human reproduction -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Reproductive health -- South Africa , Abortion -- Government policy -- South Africa , South Africa. Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1996
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/17707 , vital:22270
- Description: The motivation behind the research paper, “Between reproductive rights and access to reproductive healthcare services: Narratives of reproductive rights activists in South Africa” stems from the notion that civil society groups have often played a critical role in addressing social justice issues concerning women’s rights. Since 1996 after implementation of the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act, South Africa has frequently been praised for its progressive abortion laws that formally recognises women’s need for reproductive autonomy and equality. However, ineffective implementation has resulted in many women facing a combination of barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare services. Thus, resulting in some women opting for unsafe, illegal abortion services and placing their health and lives in danger. The purpose of the study, therefore, is to capture the perceptions of contemporary South African based reproductive rights activists and NGOs who engage in campaigns that seek to highlight the complex relationship between reproductive rights and access to such rights. Data for the study was collected through open-ended questionnaires in which participants provided their unique opinions as activists who regularly engage with the abortion and access issues in South Africa. Results from the study suggest that ineffective implementation of the CTOP Act can be attributed to a lack of political will to prioritise women’s sexual and reproductive rights, thereby further marginalising women in society. Results also point to the need for widespread support from civil society on women’s rights matters so that the State can more effectively be held accountable for catering to the most marginalised women in South African society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Beyond benefit sharing: Place attachment and the importance of access to protected areas for surrounding communities
- Cundill, Georgina, Bezerra, Joana C, de Vos, Alta, Ntingana, Nokuthula
- Authors: Cundill, Georgina , Bezerra, Joana C , de Vos, Alta , Ntingana, Nokuthula
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/416265 , vital:71334 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2017.03.011"
- Description: The concept of place attachment can assist to integrate relational values into ecosystem service research, and assist us to rethink the notion of benefits in contemporary protected area thinking. We present a case study from South Africa, where the concept of two-dimensional place attachment was used to understand the relationship between a protected area and a land claimant community that now owns part of this protected area but does not have physical access to the land. A place attachment lens helps refocus access to protected areas as cornerstone to long term sustainability of such areas. Such access must be considered in the context of spatially and economically differentiated users, including a focus on trade-offs between such users. Our findings highlight that when communities previously displaced from protected areas respond to offers of ‘benefit sharing’ with demands for access and recognition as land owners, they are asking for a recognition of relational values, and identity, based on close interaction with nature. A place attachment and relational values perspective raises questions about the extent to which traditional conservation practice can accommodate such values, and therefore meet local people’s expectations and remain viable in the long term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Cundill, Georgina , Bezerra, Joana C , de Vos, Alta , Ntingana, Nokuthula
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/416265 , vital:71334 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2017.03.011"
- Description: The concept of place attachment can assist to integrate relational values into ecosystem service research, and assist us to rethink the notion of benefits in contemporary protected area thinking. We present a case study from South Africa, where the concept of two-dimensional place attachment was used to understand the relationship between a protected area and a land claimant community that now owns part of this protected area but does not have physical access to the land. A place attachment lens helps refocus access to protected areas as cornerstone to long term sustainability of such areas. Such access must be considered in the context of spatially and economically differentiated users, including a focus on trade-offs between such users. Our findings highlight that when communities previously displaced from protected areas respond to offers of ‘benefit sharing’ with demands for access and recognition as land owners, they are asking for a recognition of relational values, and identity, based on close interaction with nature. A place attachment and relational values perspective raises questions about the extent to which traditional conservation practice can accommodate such values, and therefore meet local people’s expectations and remain viable in the long term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Beyond health care providers’recommendations: understandinginfluences on infant feeding choices ofwomen with HIV in the Eastern Cape,South Africa
- Adeniyi, Oladele Vincent, Ajayi, Anthony Idowu, Issah, Moshood, Owolabi, Eyitayo Omolara, Ter Goon, Daniel, Avramovic, Gordana, Lambert, John
- Authors: Adeniyi, Oladele Vincent , Ajayi, Anthony Idowu , Issah, Moshood , Owolabi, Eyitayo Omolara , Ter Goon, Daniel , Avramovic, Gordana , Lambert, John
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Africa Infant Feeding Sub-sahara
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6063 , vital:45109 , https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-019-0201-5
- Description: Background: Despite the array of studies on infant feeding practices of HIV-infected women, gaps still exist in the understanding of the underlying reasons for their infant feeding choices. Potential for behavioural change exists, especially in the light of the 2016 updated World Health Organization guideline on HIV and infant feeding. The aim of this paper is to determine the rate of adoption of exclusive breastfeeding in this cohort, examine the determinants of infant feeding choices of HIV-infected women and assess the underlying reasons for these choices. Methods: This was a mixed methods study conducted between September 2015 and May 2016. It analyses the quantitative and qualitative data of 1662 peripartum women enrolled in the East London Prospective Cohort Study across three large maternity services in the Eastern Cape. Women with HIV reported their preferred choices of infant feeding. In addition, participants explained the underlying reasons for their choices. Descriptive and inferential statistics summarised the quantitative data, while thematic content analysis was performed on qualitative data. Results: Of the 1662 women with complete responses, 80.3% opted to exclusively breastfeed their babies. In the adjusted model, up to grade 12 education level (AOR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.86), rural/peri-urban residence (AOR:1.44; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.96), alcohol use (AOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.25, 2.18), negative or unknown HIV status at booking (AOR:1.85; 95% CI:1.27, 2.70), currently married (AOR:1.43; 95% CI:1.01, 2.02) and WHO Clinical Stage 2–4 (AOR:1.77; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.72) were significantly associated with the decision to exclusively breastfeed. Health care providers’ recommendations, perceived benefits of breastfeeding, unaffordability of formula feeding, and coercion were the underlying reasons for wanting to breastfeed; while work/school-related demands, breast-related issues, and fear of infecting the baby influenced their decision to formula feed. Conclusion: The majority of HIV-infected women chose to breastfeed their babies in the Eastern Cape. Following up on these women to ensure they breastfeed exclusively, while also addressing their possible concerns, could be an important policy intervention. Future studies should focus on how early infant feeding decisions change over time, as well as the health outcomes for mother and child. Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding, Infant feeding practice, infant formula feeding, HIV-infected peripartum women, South Africa, WHO guideline
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Adeniyi, Oladele Vincent , Ajayi, Anthony Idowu , Issah, Moshood , Owolabi, Eyitayo Omolara , Ter Goon, Daniel , Avramovic, Gordana , Lambert, John
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Africa Infant Feeding Sub-sahara
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6063 , vital:45109 , https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-019-0201-5
- Description: Background: Despite the array of studies on infant feeding practices of HIV-infected women, gaps still exist in the understanding of the underlying reasons for their infant feeding choices. Potential for behavioural change exists, especially in the light of the 2016 updated World Health Organization guideline on HIV and infant feeding. The aim of this paper is to determine the rate of adoption of exclusive breastfeeding in this cohort, examine the determinants of infant feeding choices of HIV-infected women and assess the underlying reasons for these choices. Methods: This was a mixed methods study conducted between September 2015 and May 2016. It analyses the quantitative and qualitative data of 1662 peripartum women enrolled in the East London Prospective Cohort Study across three large maternity services in the Eastern Cape. Women with HIV reported their preferred choices of infant feeding. In addition, participants explained the underlying reasons for their choices. Descriptive and inferential statistics summarised the quantitative data, while thematic content analysis was performed on qualitative data. Results: Of the 1662 women with complete responses, 80.3% opted to exclusively breastfeed their babies. In the adjusted model, up to grade 12 education level (AOR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.86), rural/peri-urban residence (AOR:1.44; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.96), alcohol use (AOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.25, 2.18), negative or unknown HIV status at booking (AOR:1.85; 95% CI:1.27, 2.70), currently married (AOR:1.43; 95% CI:1.01, 2.02) and WHO Clinical Stage 2–4 (AOR:1.77; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.72) were significantly associated with the decision to exclusively breastfeed. Health care providers’ recommendations, perceived benefits of breastfeeding, unaffordability of formula feeding, and coercion were the underlying reasons for wanting to breastfeed; while work/school-related demands, breast-related issues, and fear of infecting the baby influenced their decision to formula feed. Conclusion: The majority of HIV-infected women chose to breastfeed their babies in the Eastern Cape. Following up on these women to ensure they breastfeed exclusively, while also addressing their possible concerns, could be an important policy intervention. Future studies should focus on how early infant feeding decisions change over time, as well as the health outcomes for mother and child. Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding, Infant feeding practice, infant formula feeding, HIV-infected peripartum women, South Africa, WHO guideline
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Beyond language: German Studies in a South African context
- Weber, Undine S, Domingo, Rebecca S C, Fourie, Regine B
- Authors: Weber, Undine S , Domingo, Rebecca S C , Fourie, Regine B
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/468272 , vital:77038 , ISBN 9781776140275 , https://muse.jhu.edu/book/52741
- Description: To date, there has been no published textbook which takes into account changing sociolinguistic dynamics that have influenced South African society. Multilingualism and Intercultural Communication breaks new ground in this arena. Its scope ranges from macro-sociolinguistic questions pertaining to language policies and their implementation (or non-implementation), to micro-sociolinguistic observations of actual language-use in verbal interaction, mainly in multilingual contexts of Higher Education (HE). There is a gradual move for the study of language and culture to be taught in the context of (professional) disciplines in which they would be used, such as Journalism and African languages, Education and African languages, etc. The book caters for this growing market. Because of its multilingual nature, it caters to English and Afrikaans language speakers, as well as the Sotho and Nguni language groups. It brings together various inter-linked disciplines such as Sociolinguistics and Applied Language Studies, Media Studies and Journalism, History and Education, Social and Natural Sciences, Law, Human Language Technology, Music, Intercultural Communication and Literary Studies. The unique cross-cutting disciplinary features of the book will make it a must-have for twenty-first century South African students and scholars and those interested in applied language issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Weber, Undine S , Domingo, Rebecca S C , Fourie, Regine B
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/468272 , vital:77038 , ISBN 9781776140275 , https://muse.jhu.edu/book/52741
- Description: To date, there has been no published textbook which takes into account changing sociolinguistic dynamics that have influenced South African society. Multilingualism and Intercultural Communication breaks new ground in this arena. Its scope ranges from macro-sociolinguistic questions pertaining to language policies and their implementation (or non-implementation), to micro-sociolinguistic observations of actual language-use in verbal interaction, mainly in multilingual contexts of Higher Education (HE). There is a gradual move for the study of language and culture to be taught in the context of (professional) disciplines in which they would be used, such as Journalism and African languages, Education and African languages, etc. The book caters for this growing market. Because of its multilingual nature, it caters to English and Afrikaans language speakers, as well as the Sotho and Nguni language groups. It brings together various inter-linked disciplines such as Sociolinguistics and Applied Language Studies, Media Studies and Journalism, History and Education, Social and Natural Sciences, Law, Human Language Technology, Music, Intercultural Communication and Literary Studies. The unique cross-cutting disciplinary features of the book will make it a must-have for twenty-first century South African students and scholars and those interested in applied language issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Beyond War, Violence, and Suffering: Everyday Life in the Honde Valley Borderland Communities during Zimbabwe’s Liberation War and the RENAMO Insurgency, c.1960-2016
- Authors: Nyachega, Nicholas
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7023 , vital:21210
- Description: This thesis examines the history of the Honde Valley area, in Mutasa District, along the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border. It uses two historic developments: the Zimbabwe liberation war and RENAMO insurgency to explore daily life and mundane experiences of the borderland communities, mainly from the late 1970s to 2016. Because earlier historians of these two historic developments have been much interested in studying the aspects of violence and suffering, this study extends the focus of analysis to the mundane experiences. I argue that in borderland areas, there are other wartime aspects of life worth investigating other than violence and suffering. In doing so, the thesis deploys the notions of conviviality and the everyday to understand the daily experiences of the Honde Valley communities during the disruptions caused to everyday life by these wars. Admittedly, twentieth century wars in Zimbabwe and Mozambique transformed the area that had previously remained at the fringes of colonial power from 1890-1950, into a new and bitterly contested ‘sharp end’ of the war. Nonetheless, peoples’ experiences during these wars cannot be understood merely in relation to violence and suffering. Furthermore, I argue that although some families were forcibly moved into liberation war “Protected Villages ”, they innovatively designed new mechanisms and alternative lifestyles in response to the state’s routinised control. The thesis concludes that beyond the confines of war-induced violence and suffering, Honde Valley communities used their borderland location to evade the pressures of war and continued with life.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyachega, Nicholas
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7023 , vital:21210
- Description: This thesis examines the history of the Honde Valley area, in Mutasa District, along the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border. It uses two historic developments: the Zimbabwe liberation war and RENAMO insurgency to explore daily life and mundane experiences of the borderland communities, mainly from the late 1970s to 2016. Because earlier historians of these two historic developments have been much interested in studying the aspects of violence and suffering, this study extends the focus of analysis to the mundane experiences. I argue that in borderland areas, there are other wartime aspects of life worth investigating other than violence and suffering. In doing so, the thesis deploys the notions of conviviality and the everyday to understand the daily experiences of the Honde Valley communities during the disruptions caused to everyday life by these wars. Admittedly, twentieth century wars in Zimbabwe and Mozambique transformed the area that had previously remained at the fringes of colonial power from 1890-1950, into a new and bitterly contested ‘sharp end’ of the war. Nonetheless, peoples’ experiences during these wars cannot be understood merely in relation to violence and suffering. Furthermore, I argue that although some families were forcibly moved into liberation war “Protected Villages ”, they innovatively designed new mechanisms and alternative lifestyles in response to the state’s routinised control. The thesis concludes that beyond the confines of war-induced violence and suffering, Honde Valley communities used their borderland location to evade the pressures of war and continued with life.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biogeographical comparison of the emergent macrophyte, Sagittaria platyphylla in its native and introduced ranges
- Kwong, Raelene M, Sagliocco, Jean Louis, Harms, Nathan E, Butler, Kym L, Green, Peter T, Martin, Grant D
- Authors: Kwong, Raelene M , Sagliocco, Jean Louis , Harms, Nathan E , Butler, Kym L , Green, Peter T , Martin, Grant D
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76980 , vital:30652 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2017.05.001
- Description: Understanding why some plant species become invasive is important to predict and prevent future weed threats and identify appropriate management strategies. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain why plants become invasive, yet few studies have quantitatively compared plant and population parameters between native and introduced range populations to gain an objective perspective on the causes of plant invasion. The present study uses a biogeographical field survey to compare morphological and reproductive traits and abundance between the native range (USA) and two introduced ranges (Australia and South Africa) of Sagittaria platyphylla (Engelm.) J.G. Sm (Alismataceae), a highly invasive freshwater macrophyte. Introduced and native populations differed in sexual reproductive output with the number of achenes per fruiting head and individual achene weight found to be 40% and 50% greater in introduced populations respectively. However, no other morphological traits were found to be consistently different between the native and both introduced ranges, especially after taking into account differences in environmental conditions between the three ranges. Although populations in introduced regions were larger and occupied greater percentage cover, no differences in plant density were evident. Our results suggest that, apart from sexual reproduction, many of the trait patterns observed in S. platyphylla are influenced by environmental and habitat conditions within the native and invaded ranges. We conclude that the enemy release hypothesis best explains the results observed for sexual reproduction. In particular, we hypothesise that a release from natural enemies, specifically a pre-dispersal seed predator, may induce reproductive plasticity in S. platyphylla.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kwong, Raelene M , Sagliocco, Jean Louis , Harms, Nathan E , Butler, Kym L , Green, Peter T , Martin, Grant D
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76980 , vital:30652 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2017.05.001
- Description: Understanding why some plant species become invasive is important to predict and prevent future weed threats and identify appropriate management strategies. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain why plants become invasive, yet few studies have quantitatively compared plant and population parameters between native and introduced range populations to gain an objective perspective on the causes of plant invasion. The present study uses a biogeographical field survey to compare morphological and reproductive traits and abundance between the native range (USA) and two introduced ranges (Australia and South Africa) of Sagittaria platyphylla (Engelm.) J.G. Sm (Alismataceae), a highly invasive freshwater macrophyte. Introduced and native populations differed in sexual reproductive output with the number of achenes per fruiting head and individual achene weight found to be 40% and 50% greater in introduced populations respectively. However, no other morphological traits were found to be consistently different between the native and both introduced ranges, especially after taking into account differences in environmental conditions between the three ranges. Although populations in introduced regions were larger and occupied greater percentage cover, no differences in plant density were evident. Our results suggest that, apart from sexual reproduction, many of the trait patterns observed in S. platyphylla are influenced by environmental and habitat conditions within the native and invaded ranges. We conclude that the enemy release hypothesis best explains the results observed for sexual reproduction. In particular, we hypothesise that a release from natural enemies, specifically a pre-dispersal seed predator, may induce reproductive plasticity in S. platyphylla.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biogeographical comparison of the emergent macrophyte, Sagittaria platyphylla in its native and introduced ranges
- Kwong, Raelene M, Sagliocco, Jean L, Harms, Nathan E, Butler, Kym L, Green, Peter T, Martin, Grant D
- Authors: Kwong, Raelene M , Sagliocco, Jean L , Harms, Nathan E , Butler, Kym L , Green, Peter T , Martin, Grant D
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419287 , vital:71631 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2017.05.001"
- Description: Understanding why some plant species become invasive is important to predict and prevent future weed threats and identify appropriate management strategies. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain why plants become invasive, yet few studies have quantitatively compared plant and population parameters between native and introduced range populations to gain an objective perspective on the causes of plant invasion. The present study uses a biogeographical field survey to compare morphological and reproductive traits and abundance between the native range (USA) and two introduced ranges (Australia and South Africa) of Sagittaria platyphylla (Engelm.) J.G. Sm (Alismataceae), a highly invasive freshwater macrophyte. Introduced and native populations differed in sexual reproductive output with the number of achenes per fruiting head and individual achene weight found to be 40% and 50% greater in introduced populations respectively. However, no other morphological traits were found to be consistently different between the native and both introduced ranges, especially after taking into account differences in environmental conditions between the three ranges. Although populations in introduced regions were larger and occupied greater percentage cover, no differences in plant density were evident. Our results suggest that, apart from sexual reproduction, many of the trait patterns observed in S. platyphylla are influenced by environmental and habitat conditions within the native and invaded ranges. We conclude that the enemy release hypothesis best explains the results observed for sexual reproduction. In particular, we hypothesise that a release from natural enemies, specifically a pre-dispersal seed predator, may induce reproductive plasticity in S. platyphylla.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kwong, Raelene M , Sagliocco, Jean L , Harms, Nathan E , Butler, Kym L , Green, Peter T , Martin, Grant D
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419287 , vital:71631 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2017.05.001"
- Description: Understanding why some plant species become invasive is important to predict and prevent future weed threats and identify appropriate management strategies. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain why plants become invasive, yet few studies have quantitatively compared plant and population parameters between native and introduced range populations to gain an objective perspective on the causes of plant invasion. The present study uses a biogeographical field survey to compare morphological and reproductive traits and abundance between the native range (USA) and two introduced ranges (Australia and South Africa) of Sagittaria platyphylla (Engelm.) J.G. Sm (Alismataceae), a highly invasive freshwater macrophyte. Introduced and native populations differed in sexual reproductive output with the number of achenes per fruiting head and individual achene weight found to be 40% and 50% greater in introduced populations respectively. However, no other morphological traits were found to be consistently different between the native and both introduced ranges, especially after taking into account differences in environmental conditions between the three ranges. Although populations in introduced regions were larger and occupied greater percentage cover, no differences in plant density were evident. Our results suggest that, apart from sexual reproduction, many of the trait patterns observed in S. platyphylla are influenced by environmental and habitat conditions within the native and invaded ranges. We conclude that the enemy release hypothesis best explains the results observed for sexual reproduction. In particular, we hypothesise that a release from natural enemies, specifically a pre-dispersal seed predator, may induce reproductive plasticity in S. platyphylla.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biogeomorphic aspects of lichen colonisation in part of western Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
- Authors: Ayres, Gabrielle Alexzena
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Lichen communities -- Queen Maud Land , Lichens -- Ecology -- Queen Maud Land , Polar regions , Ecology -- Polar regions , Antarctica , Ecology -- Antarctica
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/19713 , vital:22477
- Description: Ice-free regions in Antarctica provide natural laboratories for investigating and modelling change in landscapes and ecosystems. The terrestrial ecosystems in western Dronning Maud Land are potentially critical to improve current understanding of polar ecosystems, however, they remain poorly represented and under-protected. Lichen habitats were used to elucidate geomorphic-biological feedbacks that shape the landscape’s topography and biodiversity, which in turn promote environmental heterogeneity. Environmental parameters acting on two landforms were measured to determine the colonisation and growth of lichens in niche habitats. The habitats were identified and characterised, and topographic heterogeneity was found to control lichen colonisation. Micro-topographical niches provide the most stable environments for colonisation, and are preferred habitats. Lichen-habitat interactions were species specific, and closely related to insolation and moisture availability. The bidirectional relationships between rock weathering and lichen colonisation was ascertained. Results showed that lichens are good indicators of landform heterogeneity, but also promote landform heterogeneity. Given the habitat preferences of specific lichen species, they provide proxy to evaluating environmental responses, especially environmental change. The findings of this research are to be used as baseline data for future studies exploring ecosystem development in emerging landforms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ayres, Gabrielle Alexzena
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Lichen communities -- Queen Maud Land , Lichens -- Ecology -- Queen Maud Land , Polar regions , Ecology -- Polar regions , Antarctica , Ecology -- Antarctica
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/19713 , vital:22477
- Description: Ice-free regions in Antarctica provide natural laboratories for investigating and modelling change in landscapes and ecosystems. The terrestrial ecosystems in western Dronning Maud Land are potentially critical to improve current understanding of polar ecosystems, however, they remain poorly represented and under-protected. Lichen habitats were used to elucidate geomorphic-biological feedbacks that shape the landscape’s topography and biodiversity, which in turn promote environmental heterogeneity. Environmental parameters acting on two landforms were measured to determine the colonisation and growth of lichens in niche habitats. The habitats were identified and characterised, and topographic heterogeneity was found to control lichen colonisation. Micro-topographical niches provide the most stable environments for colonisation, and are preferred habitats. Lichen-habitat interactions were species specific, and closely related to insolation and moisture availability. The bidirectional relationships between rock weathering and lichen colonisation was ascertained. Results showed that lichens are good indicators of landform heterogeneity, but also promote landform heterogeneity. Given the habitat preferences of specific lichen species, they provide proxy to evaluating environmental responses, especially environmental change. The findings of this research are to be used as baseline data for future studies exploring ecosystem development in emerging landforms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biological and geophysical feedbacks with fire in the Earth System
- Archibald, S, Lehmann, C E, Belcher, C, Bond, W J, Bradstock, R A, Daniau, A L, Dexter, K, Forrestel, E J, Greve, M, He, T, Higgins, Simon I, Ripley, Bradford S
- Authors: Archibald, S , Lehmann, C E , Belcher, C , Bond, W J , Bradstock, R A , Daniau, A L , Dexter, K , Forrestel, E J , Greve, M , He, T , Higgins, Simon I , Ripley, Bradford S
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61413 , vital:28024 , http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/aa9ead/meta
- Description: Roughly 3% of the Earth’s land surface burns annually, representing a critical exchange of energy and matter between the land and atmosphere via combustion. Fires range from slow smouldering peat fires, to low-intensity surface fires, to intense crown fires, depending on vegetation structure, fuel moisture, prevailing climate, and weather conditions. While the links between biogeochemistry, climate and fire are widely studied within Earth system science, these relationships are also mediated by fuels – namely plants and their litter – which are the product of evolutionary and ecological processes. Fire is a powerful selective force and, over their evolutionary history, plants across diverse clades have evolved numerous traits that either tolerate or promote fire. Here we outline a conceptual framework of how plant traits determine the flammability of ecosystems and interact with climate and weather to influence fire regimes. We explore how these evolutionary and ecological processes scale to impact biogeochemistry and Earth system processes. Finally, we outline several research challenges that, when resolved, will improve our understanding of the role of plant evolution in mediating the fire feedbacks driving Earth system processes. Understanding current patterns of fire and vegetation, as well as patterns of fire over geological time, requires research that incorporates evolutionary biology, ecology, biogeography, and the biogeosciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Archibald, S , Lehmann, C E , Belcher, C , Bond, W J , Bradstock, R A , Daniau, A L , Dexter, K , Forrestel, E J , Greve, M , He, T , Higgins, Simon I , Ripley, Bradford S
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61413 , vital:28024 , http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/aa9ead/meta
- Description: Roughly 3% of the Earth’s land surface burns annually, representing a critical exchange of energy and matter between the land and atmosphere via combustion. Fires range from slow smouldering peat fires, to low-intensity surface fires, to intense crown fires, depending on vegetation structure, fuel moisture, prevailing climate, and weather conditions. While the links between biogeochemistry, climate and fire are widely studied within Earth system science, these relationships are also mediated by fuels – namely plants and their litter – which are the product of evolutionary and ecological processes. Fire is a powerful selective force and, over their evolutionary history, plants across diverse clades have evolved numerous traits that either tolerate or promote fire. Here we outline a conceptual framework of how plant traits determine the flammability of ecosystems and interact with climate and weather to influence fire regimes. We explore how these evolutionary and ecological processes scale to impact biogeochemistry and Earth system processes. Finally, we outline several research challenges that, when resolved, will improve our understanding of the role of plant evolution in mediating the fire feedbacks driving Earth system processes. Understanding current patterns of fire and vegetation, as well as patterns of fire over geological time, requires research that incorporates evolutionary biology, ecology, biogeography, and the biogeosciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biological children's experiences and perceptions about having foster children in their households: a case study of Zwelitsha township
- Authors: Ntshongwana, Zintle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foster children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social work with teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Foster parents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3033 , vital:28240
- Description: Most research studies focus on foster children or foster parents, there is dearth of research on the impact of fostering on biological children. This aim of this study was to fill the gap in the literature regarding the experiences of biological children sharing a home with foster children. It also investigated how biological children perceive foster care and challenges encountered by children under foster care. This was achieved through a qualitative research approach. The study was conducted at Zwelitsha Township in King Williams Town. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with thirty biological children of foster parents and ten social workers in practice. Two focus group discussions were held with twenty foster parents. A focus group discussion guide was used in collecting information during the discussions. Purposive sampling was used in the study and data was analysed according to themes. The major findings revealed that fostering has both positive and negative impacts on biological children and the foster family. Biological children find foster care placement as helpful to children whose parents cannot provide care and protection for children. They gain and learn new knowledge through fostering and are happy about their new siblings in the family since they have companionship. On the other hand, minority of biological children were ambivalent about foster care as they were uncertain between altruistic feelings of making a difference in the lives of needy children against the negative outcomes of fostering. One biological child was negative about foster care. This participant did not like the idea of fostering and did not describe any personal positive outcomes resulting from his fostering experiences. The findings revealed that biological children are unable to voice out their views and ideas regarding foster care placement. The findings also revealed that biological children are not passive observers on how fostering influences their daily lives. Instead, they use strategies to influence fostering processes, especially to protect their foster siblings for the fostering process to be successful, while also having feelings of responsibility for their foster siblings. The findings further suggest that despite the complex nature of the fostering task, professionals should recognise and acknowledge the input of biological children to fostering. It is, therefore, suggested more training should be provided to foster parents to continually include the opinions of their own children in fostering decisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ntshongwana, Zintle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Foster children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social work with teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Foster parents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3033 , vital:28240
- Description: Most research studies focus on foster children or foster parents, there is dearth of research on the impact of fostering on biological children. This aim of this study was to fill the gap in the literature regarding the experiences of biological children sharing a home with foster children. It also investigated how biological children perceive foster care and challenges encountered by children under foster care. This was achieved through a qualitative research approach. The study was conducted at Zwelitsha Township in King Williams Town. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with thirty biological children of foster parents and ten social workers in practice. Two focus group discussions were held with twenty foster parents. A focus group discussion guide was used in collecting information during the discussions. Purposive sampling was used in the study and data was analysed according to themes. The major findings revealed that fostering has both positive and negative impacts on biological children and the foster family. Biological children find foster care placement as helpful to children whose parents cannot provide care and protection for children. They gain and learn new knowledge through fostering and are happy about their new siblings in the family since they have companionship. On the other hand, minority of biological children were ambivalent about foster care as they were uncertain between altruistic feelings of making a difference in the lives of needy children against the negative outcomes of fostering. One biological child was negative about foster care. This participant did not like the idea of fostering and did not describe any personal positive outcomes resulting from his fostering experiences. The findings revealed that biological children are unable to voice out their views and ideas regarding foster care placement. The findings also revealed that biological children are not passive observers on how fostering influences their daily lives. Instead, they use strategies to influence fostering processes, especially to protect their foster siblings for the fostering process to be successful, while also having feelings of responsibility for their foster siblings. The findings further suggest that despite the complex nature of the fostering task, professionals should recognise and acknowledge the input of biological children to fostering. It is, therefore, suggested more training should be provided to foster parents to continually include the opinions of their own children in fostering decisions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biology and rearing of Ectomyeolis ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) carob moth, a pest of multiple crops in South Africa
- Thackeray, Sean R, Moore, Sean D, Strathie, Lorraine W, Kirkman, Wayne, Hill, Martin P
- Authors: Thackeray, Sean R , Moore, Sean D , Strathie, Lorraine W , Kirkman, Wayne , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59799 , vital:27652 , https://doi.org/10.4001/003.025.0474
- Description: Ectomyeolis ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), carob moth, is a pest of several crops in South Africa. A laboratory culture was established from field-collected larvae infesting mummified pecan nuts. Biological parameters of larvae reared on an artificial diet were measured. The insect goes through five larval instars, and the head capsule sizes of the five instars were determined to be <0.34 mm, 0.35-0.64 mm, 0.65-0.94 mm, 0.95-1.14 mm and >0.15 mm for the five instars, respectively. The insect was reared individually and communally in glass vials, the latter to develop a mass-rearing technique. Developmental time from neonate to pupa was significantly slower when larvae were individually reared (38.18 ±1.2 days) compared to when they were communally reared (24.6 ± 0.65 days). A microsporidian infection (Nosema sp.) was recorded in the culture, causing significantly (fy6 = 14.99, P = 0.0082) higher mortality of communally reared larvae (76.25 % ± 11.87) than individually reared larvae (24.9 % ± 9.6).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Thackeray, Sean R , Moore, Sean D , Strathie, Lorraine W , Kirkman, Wayne , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59799 , vital:27652 , https://doi.org/10.4001/003.025.0474
- Description: Ectomyeolis ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), carob moth, is a pest of several crops in South Africa. A laboratory culture was established from field-collected larvae infesting mummified pecan nuts. Biological parameters of larvae reared on an artificial diet were measured. The insect goes through five larval instars, and the head capsule sizes of the five instars were determined to be <0.34 mm, 0.35-0.64 mm, 0.65-0.94 mm, 0.95-1.14 mm and >0.15 mm for the five instars, respectively. The insect was reared individually and communally in glass vials, the latter to develop a mass-rearing technique. Developmental time from neonate to pupa was significantly slower when larvae were individually reared (38.18 ±1.2 days) compared to when they were communally reared (24.6 ± 0.65 days). A microsporidian infection (Nosema sp.) was recorded in the culture, causing significantly (fy6 = 14.99, P = 0.0082) higher mortality of communally reared larvae (76.25 % ± 11.87) than individually reared larvae (24.9 % ± 9.6).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biomass yield, nutrient content and silage quality of three forage sorghum (Sorghum Bicolour (L.) varieties grown in the semi-arid region of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Gwantshu, Vuyolwethu Hamilton
- Authors: Gwantshu, Vuyolwethu Hamilton
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sorghum -- Varieties -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sorghum -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9545 , vital:34368
- Description: The study determined the biomass yield, nutrient content and silage quality of forage sorghum varieties. Three varieties were used (King, PAN 868, and PAN 888), in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks and three replicates per treatment at the University of Fort Hare research farm. The research study was conducted during the 2016/2017 growing season. The forages were harvested at flowering stage of growth. Biomass yields of fresh forage and dry matter yield were measured. Sub-samples were then dried, milled and analysed for nutrient content. Furthermore, the forage sorghum was ensiled and the silage was analysed for fermentation parameters and nutrient content. The fresh and dry matter biomass yield showed no significant differences (P>0.05) among the varieties. The highest fresh biomass yields were observed in PAN 888 variety was 13400 kg/ha, King had 12600 kg/ha and PAN 868 had 12600 kg/ha. The dry matter yield observed in PAN 888 was 4300.00 DM kg/ha, PAN 868 had 3633.33 DM kg/ha and King yielded 3533.33 DM kg/ha. The different sorghum varieties showed a significant (P<0.01) difference in some chemical composition parameters namely DM, NDIN and NSC. The different sorghum varieties had significant difference (P<0.01) in the silage fermentation parameters of pH, starch and lactic acid. The sorghum silage varieties were significantly (P<0.01) different in the starch fermentation with values of 0.001percent. The sorghum silage varieties were significant different for fermentation of lactic acid with values ranging from 1.99 to 2.62percent. However, PAN 868 and PAN 888 were not different from each other. Similarly, all varieties were different (P<0.05) in the pH with values ranging from 4.16 to 4.53. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in CP, Fat, NDF, ADF, Hemicellulose, Ash, and ADIN content of the silages. The mineral composition (macro and micro) of the silage were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the varieties. In conclusion, the dry matter production and nutrient content of the three forage sorghum varieties were not significantly different. The silage fermentation quality showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the three sorghum varieties. Therefore, according to the results of this study PAN 888 is the recommended variety to grow in the semi-arid region of the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gwantshu, Vuyolwethu Hamilton
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sorghum -- Varieties -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sorghum -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9545 , vital:34368
- Description: The study determined the biomass yield, nutrient content and silage quality of forage sorghum varieties. Three varieties were used (King, PAN 868, and PAN 888), in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks and three replicates per treatment at the University of Fort Hare research farm. The research study was conducted during the 2016/2017 growing season. The forages were harvested at flowering stage of growth. Biomass yields of fresh forage and dry matter yield were measured. Sub-samples were then dried, milled and analysed for nutrient content. Furthermore, the forage sorghum was ensiled and the silage was analysed for fermentation parameters and nutrient content. The fresh and dry matter biomass yield showed no significant differences (P>0.05) among the varieties. The highest fresh biomass yields were observed in PAN 888 variety was 13400 kg/ha, King had 12600 kg/ha and PAN 868 had 12600 kg/ha. The dry matter yield observed in PAN 888 was 4300.00 DM kg/ha, PAN 868 had 3633.33 DM kg/ha and King yielded 3533.33 DM kg/ha. The different sorghum varieties showed a significant (P<0.01) difference in some chemical composition parameters namely DM, NDIN and NSC. The different sorghum varieties had significant difference (P<0.01) in the silage fermentation parameters of pH, starch and lactic acid. The sorghum silage varieties were significantly (P<0.01) different in the starch fermentation with values of 0.001percent. The sorghum silage varieties were significant different for fermentation of lactic acid with values ranging from 1.99 to 2.62percent. However, PAN 868 and PAN 888 were not different from each other. Similarly, all varieties were different (P<0.05) in the pH with values ranging from 4.16 to 4.53. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in CP, Fat, NDF, ADF, Hemicellulose, Ash, and ADIN content of the silages. The mineral composition (macro and micro) of the silage were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the varieties. In conclusion, the dry matter production and nutrient content of the three forage sorghum varieties were not significantly different. The silage fermentation quality showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the three sorghum varieties. Therefore, according to the results of this study PAN 888 is the recommended variety to grow in the semi-arid region of the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Acacia mearnsii De Wild stem bark and its antinociceptive properties
- Avoseh, Opeyemi N, Oyedeji, Opeoluwa O, Aremu, Olukayode, Nkeh-Chungag, Benedicta N, Songca, Sandile P, Oyedeji, Adebola Omowunmi, Mohan, Sneha, Oluwafemi, Oluwatobi S
- Authors: Avoseh, Opeyemi N , Oyedeji, Opeoluwa O , Aremu, Olukayode , Nkeh-Chungag, Benedicta N , Songca, Sandile P , Oyedeji, Adebola Omowunmi , Mohan, Sneha , Oluwafemi, Oluwatobi S
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Metal nanoparticles , Acacia mearnsii , Nociceptive pain
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1528 , vital:37774 , https://doi.org/10.1080/17518253.2017.1287310
- Description: The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using the hydrosol extract of the dry stem bark of Acacia mearnsii as reducing and capping agents, and their antinociceptive properties are hereby reported. By varying the temperature and reaction time, the temporal evolution of the optical and morphological properties of the as-synthesized material was investigated. The NPs were characterized by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and x-ray diffractometry (XRD) The optical analyses show that the position of the maximum surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak is red-shifted as the reaction temperature decreased. The TEM micrographs show that the as-synthesized Ag-NPs are spherical while the X-ray diffraction shows that the material is highly crystalline with face-centered cubic structures. The anti-inflammatory efficacy, analyzed by the formalin model, indicates that the as-synthesized Ag-NPs are very effective, with an inhibition rate of about 76%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Avoseh, Opeyemi N , Oyedeji, Opeoluwa O , Aremu, Olukayode , Nkeh-Chungag, Benedicta N , Songca, Sandile P , Oyedeji, Adebola Omowunmi , Mohan, Sneha , Oluwafemi, Oluwatobi S
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Metal nanoparticles , Acacia mearnsii , Nociceptive pain
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1528 , vital:37774 , https://doi.org/10.1080/17518253.2017.1287310
- Description: The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using the hydrosol extract of the dry stem bark of Acacia mearnsii as reducing and capping agents, and their antinociceptive properties are hereby reported. By varying the temperature and reaction time, the temporal evolution of the optical and morphological properties of the as-synthesized material was investigated. The NPs were characterized by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and x-ray diffractometry (XRD) The optical analyses show that the position of the maximum surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak is red-shifted as the reaction temperature decreased. The TEM micrographs show that the as-synthesized Ag-NPs are spherical while the X-ray diffraction shows that the material is highly crystalline with face-centered cubic structures. The anti-inflammatory efficacy, analyzed by the formalin model, indicates that the as-synthesized Ag-NPs are very effective, with an inhibition rate of about 76%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biotic and abiotic factors promoting the development and proliferation of water hyacinth (eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laub.) in the Wouri Basin (Douala-Cameroon) and environs, with implications for its control
- Voukeng, Sonia Nadege Kenfack
- Authors: Voukeng, Sonia Nadege Kenfack
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7644 , vital:21281
- Description: The Wouri River, situated in the Wouri Basin, is one of the main rivers of the Littoral Region in the city of Douala in Cameroon. It is a source of income and food for the population living around these areas. Since the 1990s, the fishing, transportation, irrigation and sand extraction activities have been impeded by the invasion of aquatic plants, specifically water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes [Mart.] Solms-Laubach: Pontederiaceae). Introduced in 1997 to the shore of Lake Chad, water hyacinth has invaded almost 114 ha of the Wouri Basin. Furthermore, Douala, the economic capital of the Cameroon and location for more than 70% of the country’s industries, uses the Wouri River and its tributaries to deposit its effluent and waste, which has worsened the problem of water hyacinth. This thesis examined the ecological and socio-economic impacts of water hyacinth in the Wouri Basin and its possible control. An increase in the nutrients in the water has provided water hyacinth with appropriate conditions for its fast growth during both the rainy and dry seasons. The availability of nutrients in these areas is enhanced by the constant, daily tidal fluctuation of water, providing enough water to the plant for easy nutrient uptake. A survey of the impacts of water hyacinth on aquatic plant communities in the Wouri Basin showed that this plant is able to out-compete native species. Assessment of the impact of water hyacinth on the abundance and diversity of plant communities indicated that at some invaded sites, 65% of the vegetation consisted of water hyacinth. Species found in association with water hyacinth with a high level of abundance-dominance were Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) (another invader), Commelina benghalensis L. (Commelinaceae) and Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam.) Hitchc. & Chase (Poaceae). This component of the study also showed that habitats rich in water hyacinth were poor in diversity, while habitats without water hyacinth were rich in diversity, thus raising awareness of the importance of monitoring invasive aquatic weeds along the Wouri Basin, and of implementing correct control management of all invasive aquatic weeds. Communities living along the invaded rivers are well aware of the range of problems caused by the weed; because as the rivers and water bodies used for fishing, transportation, and sand extraction are progressively invaded by the weed, the riparian population is the first to feel the impact. The impact on people has been noticeable, with an increase in diseases, such as malaria, cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid, filariasis, schistosomiasis, scabies and yellow fever increasing the need for a medicine and hospitalization. Economic losses due to the management of invasive aquatic weeds were recorded, and the Ministry of Environment spent an estimated US$1 200 000 between 2010 and 2015 to manage this scourge. In 2016, an amount of US$160 000 was transferred to these regions to manage invasive aquatic weeds, especially water hyacinth, although manual clearing is still the only method used to control this weed. Isolation of fungi from diseased water hyacinth plants in the Wouri Basin revealed several fungal species, most of which have been isolated from water hyacinth species in water bodies elsewhere, which showed a higher diversity during the dry season than during the rainy season. These fungi included Acremonium zonatum (Sawada). W. Gams (Hypocreaceae), Alternaria eichhorniae Nag Raj & Ponnappa (Pleosporaceae), Chaetomium sp., Colletotrichum sp., Curvularia pallescens Boedjin (Pleosporaceae), Curvalaria sp., Epicoccum nigrum Link (Pleosporaceae), Fusarium sp., Pithomyces chartarum fBerk. & M. A. Curtis) M. B. Ellis (Montagnulaceae), to a lesser extent Myrothecium roridum Tode ex Fr. (Incertae sedis) and Nigrospora sp. Although never released in Cameroon, arthropod biological control agents (Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) and N. bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera, Curculionidae)) were present, but their populations were relatively low. The slow spread of the insect population was explained by several factors, among them the tidal fluctuation of water, which has an impact on the population growth of the weevils. Whilst adults may be able to survive tidal fluctuations, larvae are severely impacted by them, contributing to the slow success of biological control. In this study, a significant increase in pathogen-induced disease severity and incidence was noted when Neochetina eichhorniae weevils were present, possibly because larvae tunnelling on the petiole created openings for the penetration of fungal spores. This study highlights the negative impacts of water hyacinth, on the environment, people, and thus economy of Cameroon. The presence of biological control agents and pathogens offers Cameroon the possibility of initiating and properly implementing the biological control option, or an integrated management solution, to manage water hyacinth in the Wouri Basin, and in the rest of Cameroon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Voukeng, Sonia Nadege Kenfack
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7644 , vital:21281
- Description: The Wouri River, situated in the Wouri Basin, is one of the main rivers of the Littoral Region in the city of Douala in Cameroon. It is a source of income and food for the population living around these areas. Since the 1990s, the fishing, transportation, irrigation and sand extraction activities have been impeded by the invasion of aquatic plants, specifically water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes [Mart.] Solms-Laubach: Pontederiaceae). Introduced in 1997 to the shore of Lake Chad, water hyacinth has invaded almost 114 ha of the Wouri Basin. Furthermore, Douala, the economic capital of the Cameroon and location for more than 70% of the country’s industries, uses the Wouri River and its tributaries to deposit its effluent and waste, which has worsened the problem of water hyacinth. This thesis examined the ecological and socio-economic impacts of water hyacinth in the Wouri Basin and its possible control. An increase in the nutrients in the water has provided water hyacinth with appropriate conditions for its fast growth during both the rainy and dry seasons. The availability of nutrients in these areas is enhanced by the constant, daily tidal fluctuation of water, providing enough water to the plant for easy nutrient uptake. A survey of the impacts of water hyacinth on aquatic plant communities in the Wouri Basin showed that this plant is able to out-compete native species. Assessment of the impact of water hyacinth on the abundance and diversity of plant communities indicated that at some invaded sites, 65% of the vegetation consisted of water hyacinth. Species found in association with water hyacinth with a high level of abundance-dominance were Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) (another invader), Commelina benghalensis L. (Commelinaceae) and Echinochloa pyramidalis (Lam.) Hitchc. & Chase (Poaceae). This component of the study also showed that habitats rich in water hyacinth were poor in diversity, while habitats without water hyacinth were rich in diversity, thus raising awareness of the importance of monitoring invasive aquatic weeds along the Wouri Basin, and of implementing correct control management of all invasive aquatic weeds. Communities living along the invaded rivers are well aware of the range of problems caused by the weed; because as the rivers and water bodies used for fishing, transportation, and sand extraction are progressively invaded by the weed, the riparian population is the first to feel the impact. The impact on people has been noticeable, with an increase in diseases, such as malaria, cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid, filariasis, schistosomiasis, scabies and yellow fever increasing the need for a medicine and hospitalization. Economic losses due to the management of invasive aquatic weeds were recorded, and the Ministry of Environment spent an estimated US$1 200 000 between 2010 and 2015 to manage this scourge. In 2016, an amount of US$160 000 was transferred to these regions to manage invasive aquatic weeds, especially water hyacinth, although manual clearing is still the only method used to control this weed. Isolation of fungi from diseased water hyacinth plants in the Wouri Basin revealed several fungal species, most of which have been isolated from water hyacinth species in water bodies elsewhere, which showed a higher diversity during the dry season than during the rainy season. These fungi included Acremonium zonatum (Sawada). W. Gams (Hypocreaceae), Alternaria eichhorniae Nag Raj & Ponnappa (Pleosporaceae), Chaetomium sp., Colletotrichum sp., Curvularia pallescens Boedjin (Pleosporaceae), Curvalaria sp., Epicoccum nigrum Link (Pleosporaceae), Fusarium sp., Pithomyces chartarum fBerk. & M. A. Curtis) M. B. Ellis (Montagnulaceae), to a lesser extent Myrothecium roridum Tode ex Fr. (Incertae sedis) and Nigrospora sp. Although never released in Cameroon, arthropod biological control agents (Neochetina eichhorniae Warner (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) and N. bruchi Hustache (Coleoptera, Curculionidae)) were present, but their populations were relatively low. The slow spread of the insect population was explained by several factors, among them the tidal fluctuation of water, which has an impact on the population growth of the weevils. Whilst adults may be able to survive tidal fluctuations, larvae are severely impacted by them, contributing to the slow success of biological control. In this study, a significant increase in pathogen-induced disease severity and incidence was noted when Neochetina eichhorniae weevils were present, possibly because larvae tunnelling on the petiole created openings for the penetration of fungal spores. This study highlights the negative impacts of water hyacinth, on the environment, people, and thus economy of Cameroon. The presence of biological control agents and pathogens offers Cameroon the possibility of initiating and properly implementing the biological control option, or an integrated management solution, to manage water hyacinth in the Wouri Basin, and in the rest of Cameroon.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Bird-Monk Seding
- Authors: Rampolokeng, Lesego
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5049 , vital:20758
- Description: This novella is made up of interlinked stories from a rural township in the North West province. The stories of this surface-tranquil place are told through descriptive passages, vignettes, snatches of dialogue, profiles and picture-postcards, all organically interwoven and entwined, and rendered in non-linear fashion. They are set in shebeens, shops, farmlands and the dusty empty spaces of the South African landscape, peopled by police, tourists, and prostitutes of all sorts. The pervasiveness of violence in all forms has the fictional narrator reflecting on the violence of his own past. A smattering of musicians' musings gleaned from interviews and album liner-notes helps him navigate his way through this morass, the rage and frustration that simmers beneath it all.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Rampolokeng, Lesego
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5049 , vital:20758
- Description: This novella is made up of interlinked stories from a rural township in the North West province. The stories of this surface-tranquil place are told through descriptive passages, vignettes, snatches of dialogue, profiles and picture-postcards, all organically interwoven and entwined, and rendered in non-linear fashion. They are set in shebeens, shops, farmlands and the dusty empty spaces of the South African landscape, peopled by police, tourists, and prostitutes of all sorts. The pervasiveness of violence in all forms has the fictional narrator reflecting on the violence of his own past. A smattering of musicians' musings gleaned from interviews and album liner-notes helps him navigate his way through this morass, the rage and frustration that simmers beneath it all.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017