Acacia dealbata invasion and clearing in Upper Tsitsana communal areas of South Africa: human perceptions and ecological impacts
- Authors: Coka, Nwabisa
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Acacia dealbata , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Invasive plants Control South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434876 , vital:73113
- Description: The number of invasive alien plants in South Africa and globally continue to increase mostly due to increased human movement and climate change. It is estimated that approximately 10 000 hectares of South Africa’s terrestrial land is invaded by invasive alien species. Recent studies have reported that invasion by invasive alien plants cost South Africa billions of Rands every year through loss of water and ecosystem services. Although much has been done to understanding invasion trends, patterns, and processes in South Africa, little is knowns regarding human benefits linked to alien plant invasion as well as human perceptions regarding management interventions, particularly clearing by the national Working for Water programme. This thesis took a socio-ecological approach to assess (i) local people perceptions and knowledge of Acacia dealbata invasion and clearing, and (ii) extent of grazing grass diversity and composition recovery following A. dealbata clearing. To answer the above-mentioned objectives, both qualitative (face-to-face interviews) and quantitative (vegetation surveys) methods were used in grasslands located in upper Tsitsana catchment, South Africa. Results from the 165 interviews conducted in six villages show that most villagers are aware of A. dealbata in the area, but do not know that it is an invasive alien plant. Respondents accrue several benefits from the plant that include firewood (98% across all villages), construction pools (34% across all villages), and shade (3% across all villages). Respondents identified several costs associated with A. dealbata invasion, such as roots damage to houses (37% across all villages), hindering growth of crops (15% across all villages), and takes up yard space (29% across all villages). Most of the villages ranked the effects of A. dealbata on grazing as highly severe. Villages indicated that the Working for Water clearing programme presents them with socio-economic benefits such as employment and money. Some villagers noted that the clearing of A. dealbata in the area restores grazing grass (62% across all villages) and water (32% across all villages). Based on these interview survey results, the study concludes that A. dealbata has both costs and benefits that support local people’s livelihoods; therefore, its management should consider views for local users. Grass surveys conducted in 1 m2 quadrats that were replicated 15 times across four paired A. dealbata cleared and grassland sites showed that the removal of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native grasses. Of the 14 different grazable grass species that were identified across all quadrats only one (Bulbostylis sp.) is not palatable to livestock. Although grass cover was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the grasslands than the cleared patches, grass richness was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the cleared patches an indication that recovery of different grasses is taking place. Based on these vegetation survey results; the study concludes that recovery of grazing grasses after A. dealbata clearing four years ago is following a positive trajectory as the cleared sites are looking like the grassland sites. Overall, the study recommends that management of A. dealbata in Tsitsana landscape requires a socio-ecological approach to understand user benefits whilst at the same time developing measure to control the plant. The study has provided evidence that A. dealbata clearing facilitates passive restoration of grazing grass and local villages are aware of these restoration benefits. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Coka, Nwabisa
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Restoration ecology South Africa Eastern Cape , Acacia dealbata , Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Working for Water Programme , Invasive plants Control South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434876 , vital:73113
- Description: The number of invasive alien plants in South Africa and globally continue to increase mostly due to increased human movement and climate change. It is estimated that approximately 10 000 hectares of South Africa’s terrestrial land is invaded by invasive alien species. Recent studies have reported that invasion by invasive alien plants cost South Africa billions of Rands every year through loss of water and ecosystem services. Although much has been done to understanding invasion trends, patterns, and processes in South Africa, little is knowns regarding human benefits linked to alien plant invasion as well as human perceptions regarding management interventions, particularly clearing by the national Working for Water programme. This thesis took a socio-ecological approach to assess (i) local people perceptions and knowledge of Acacia dealbata invasion and clearing, and (ii) extent of grazing grass diversity and composition recovery following A. dealbata clearing. To answer the above-mentioned objectives, both qualitative (face-to-face interviews) and quantitative (vegetation surveys) methods were used in grasslands located in upper Tsitsana catchment, South Africa. Results from the 165 interviews conducted in six villages show that most villagers are aware of A. dealbata in the area, but do not know that it is an invasive alien plant. Respondents accrue several benefits from the plant that include firewood (98% across all villages), construction pools (34% across all villages), and shade (3% across all villages). Respondents identified several costs associated with A. dealbata invasion, such as roots damage to houses (37% across all villages), hindering growth of crops (15% across all villages), and takes up yard space (29% across all villages). Most of the villages ranked the effects of A. dealbata on grazing as highly severe. Villages indicated that the Working for Water clearing programme presents them with socio-economic benefits such as employment and money. Some villagers noted that the clearing of A. dealbata in the area restores grazing grass (62% across all villages) and water (32% across all villages). Based on these interview survey results, the study concludes that A. dealbata has both costs and benefits that support local people’s livelihoods; therefore, its management should consider views for local users. Grass surveys conducted in 1 m2 quadrats that were replicated 15 times across four paired A. dealbata cleared and grassland sites showed that the removal of A. dealbata facilitates the recovery of native grasses. Of the 14 different grazable grass species that were identified across all quadrats only one (Bulbostylis sp.) is not palatable to livestock. Although grass cover was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the grasslands than the cleared patches, grass richness was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the cleared patches an indication that recovery of different grasses is taking place. Based on these vegetation survey results; the study concludes that recovery of grazing grasses after A. dealbata clearing four years ago is following a positive trajectory as the cleared sites are looking like the grassland sites. Overall, the study recommends that management of A. dealbata in Tsitsana landscape requires a socio-ecological approach to understand user benefits whilst at the same time developing measure to control the plant. The study has provided evidence that A. dealbata clearing facilitates passive restoration of grazing grass and local villages are aware of these restoration benefits. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
The distribution and perceptions of invasive alien plants in small towns in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Seboko, Tshepiso Collen
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Land use South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants Control South Africa Eastern Cape , Public opinion South Africa Eastern Cape , Urban ecology (Biology) South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:65669
- Description: Invasive alien plants (IAP) of different life forms have major effects on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, economies, and livelihoods worldwide. There is evidence that IAP are rapidly increasing around the world, and the negative impacts associated with them are expected to worsen due to continuing land transformation, climate change, and urbanisation. Yet, information on the distribution, abundance, knowledge, and perceptions of IAP is limited, especially in small towns. Most previous research has largely focused on rural settings and larger cities, thus hindering the effective control and management of IAP in smaller urban settings. It is therefore important to assess the distribution of IAP to provide useful information to guide clearing and mitigation efforts to reduce the impacts and proliferation of IAP in smaller urban settings. Consequently, the aim of the study was to determine the distribution, composition, abundance, and perceptions of woody IAP in small towns in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa and assess how and why they may differ within and between towns. To achieve this aim, a drive by road survey was undertaken across all suburbs and land use types in 12 small towns located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The 12 randomly selected small towns were, Adelaide, Alexandria, Barkley East, Bedford, Burgersdorp, Cathcart, Kirkwood, Middelburg, Paterson, Somerset East, St. Francis Bay and Willowmore. All woody IAP visible from the surveyed roads were counted across all suburbs and land use types within each town. A total of 38 427 woody IAP were enumerated, with 56 species across different land use types and suburbs in all towns. Affluent suburbs accounted for 58% of the IAP enumerated, while the Reconstructed Development Programme (RDP) suburbs accounted for only 5%. In terms of the land use type, most of the IAP were encountered in the residential areas (54%), as compared to, road verges (32%) and public urban green spaces (PUGS) (14%). Of the 12 towns, Middleburg had the highest number of woody IAP, with 5 573 individuals, while Paterson had the lowest number with 947. The most common IAP species across all towns was Melia azedarach with 4 384 individuals, followed by Pinus elliotti (4 051), and Jacaranda mimosifolia (3 640). Spathodea campanulata, Ardisia crenata, and Parkinsonia aculeata had the lowest number of individuals with only two individuals each across all towns. This study also assessed the knowledge, perceptions, and willingness of urban residents to control IAP in their home yards using household surveys. A total of 240 household surveys were administered in the 12 towns. The results showed that more than half of the respondents (59%) had no knowledge of IAP, while 14% had neutral knowledge and only 2% had high knowledge. Forty percent of the respondents agreed that IAP pose a problem to the environment whilst 11% did not think IAP posed a problem to the environment, and 49% stated that they do not know. Most of the respondents (91%) perceived IAP positively, and stated that they benefit from the IAP, with the most mentioned benefit being shade (50%). Almost two-thirds of the respondents (65%) were willing to report on the IAP in their yards to the relevant authorities that deal with the control and management of IAP. Over half (56%) of the respondents were willing to have the IAP removed from their gardens, with the most stated reason for removal was because the IAP caused damage to property (13%). Respondents thought that the local government (35%) or district government (30%) should be responsible for the control and management of IAP. Overall, the study showed that IAP species were most common in residential land use type and affluent suburbs. These findings can assist the relevant authorities that deal with IAP, regarding which plant species, suburbs, and land use types to prioritise regarding awareness and investment for control and management. This will also help explore alternative indigenous species that can be used as replacements that may offer the same benefits derived from IAP by urban residents. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Seboko, Tshepiso Collen
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Invasive plants South Africa Eastern Cape , Land use South Africa Eastern Cape , Invasive plants Control South Africa Eastern Cape , Public opinion South Africa Eastern Cape , Urban ecology (Biology) South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:65669
- Description: Invasive alien plants (IAP) of different life forms have major effects on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, economies, and livelihoods worldwide. There is evidence that IAP are rapidly increasing around the world, and the negative impacts associated with them are expected to worsen due to continuing land transformation, climate change, and urbanisation. Yet, information on the distribution, abundance, knowledge, and perceptions of IAP is limited, especially in small towns. Most previous research has largely focused on rural settings and larger cities, thus hindering the effective control and management of IAP in smaller urban settings. It is therefore important to assess the distribution of IAP to provide useful information to guide clearing and mitigation efforts to reduce the impacts and proliferation of IAP in smaller urban settings. Consequently, the aim of the study was to determine the distribution, composition, abundance, and perceptions of woody IAP in small towns in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa and assess how and why they may differ within and between towns. To achieve this aim, a drive by road survey was undertaken across all suburbs and land use types in 12 small towns located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The 12 randomly selected small towns were, Adelaide, Alexandria, Barkley East, Bedford, Burgersdorp, Cathcart, Kirkwood, Middelburg, Paterson, Somerset East, St. Francis Bay and Willowmore. All woody IAP visible from the surveyed roads were counted across all suburbs and land use types within each town. A total of 38 427 woody IAP were enumerated, with 56 species across different land use types and suburbs in all towns. Affluent suburbs accounted for 58% of the IAP enumerated, while the Reconstructed Development Programme (RDP) suburbs accounted for only 5%. In terms of the land use type, most of the IAP were encountered in the residential areas (54%), as compared to, road verges (32%) and public urban green spaces (PUGS) (14%). Of the 12 towns, Middleburg had the highest number of woody IAP, with 5 573 individuals, while Paterson had the lowest number with 947. The most common IAP species across all towns was Melia azedarach with 4 384 individuals, followed by Pinus elliotti (4 051), and Jacaranda mimosifolia (3 640). Spathodea campanulata, Ardisia crenata, and Parkinsonia aculeata had the lowest number of individuals with only two individuals each across all towns. This study also assessed the knowledge, perceptions, and willingness of urban residents to control IAP in their home yards using household surveys. A total of 240 household surveys were administered in the 12 towns. The results showed that more than half of the respondents (59%) had no knowledge of IAP, while 14% had neutral knowledge and only 2% had high knowledge. Forty percent of the respondents agreed that IAP pose a problem to the environment whilst 11% did not think IAP posed a problem to the environment, and 49% stated that they do not know. Most of the respondents (91%) perceived IAP positively, and stated that they benefit from the IAP, with the most mentioned benefit being shade (50%). Almost two-thirds of the respondents (65%) were willing to report on the IAP in their yards to the relevant authorities that deal with the control and management of IAP. Over half (56%) of the respondents were willing to have the IAP removed from their gardens, with the most stated reason for removal was because the IAP caused damage to property (13%). Respondents thought that the local government (35%) or district government (30%) should be responsible for the control and management of IAP. Overall, the study showed that IAP species were most common in residential land use type and affluent suburbs. These findings can assist the relevant authorities that deal with IAP, regarding which plant species, suburbs, and land use types to prioritise regarding awareness and investment for control and management. This will also help explore alternative indigenous species that can be used as replacements that may offer the same benefits derived from IAP by urban residents. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
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