Browsing by Author "Bob, Urmilla."

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A critical analysis of current approaches to SMME development and support within the eThekwini Municipal Area.
(2009) Chetty, Anneline.; Bob, Urmilla.
Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are considered to be the engines of growth of any economy. In the light of recent economic events and the recession that is surging rapidly across the globe, more and more attention is being focused on SMME development and support. Whilst there are a number of organisations (both public and private) which provide support to SMMEs within the eThekwini Municipality Area (EMA), the overall impacts of these initiatives on SMME growth and development is minimal and there is a dearth of studies that critically examine business support services for SMMEs which the public and private sectors provided. One of the major reasons for this minimal impact is the lack of communication and coordination between various service providers which often results in fragmentation and duplication of services. This study analyses the support measures offered to SMMEs not only from the perspective of the SMMEs themselves but also examines the perspectives of service providers from both the public and private sectors. This study is also placed within a multi-disciplinary conceptual framework which includes the political economy approach, neoliberalism, the public-private-sector debate and empowerment theories with specific reference to the South African context. This study is unique in that it analyses SMME development and support within the EMA from various perspectives within a single study. The objectives of this study were to investigate the awareness and experiences of SMMEs with regards to their support and development and also to critically examine the attitudes and perceptions of service providers (both public and private) towards SMME development and support. In addition, this study sought to assess the capacity of both the private and public sectors to provide effective support and development to SMMEs. An additional objective of this study was to determine the value placed on support measures by determining SMMEs’ willingness to pay for services provided, but more importantly to determine the attitudes of the public and private sectors towards the payment for services offered. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted. In terms of the latter, quantitative surveys were conducted with 250 SMMEs who attended various fairs and conferences held across the EMA. Semi-structured interviews (qualitative approach) were conducted with representatives from the private and public sectors that provide support or services to the SMMEs in the EMA. In this regard, 53 representatives from the public sector and 50 from the private sector were interviewed. The analysis was undertaken thematically and, where relevant, findings pertaining to the different stakeholders interviewed were compared and discussed. Some of the key findings indicate that SMME respondents were more aware of local government and the services they provide than any other tier of government. Furthermore, SMME respondents within the study did not fully grasp the concept of Business Development Services (BDS) and the associated benefits for their business. SMMEs rely heavily on government to provide services free of charge. The main finding is that private sector service providers are better qualified, positioned and trained to provide BDS than the public sector whose main roles should be that of regulator, facilitator and promoter. Whilst government has been a strong proponent of SMME development and support since 1994, this study presents a strong case for the increased role of the private sector. In addition, this study also motivates that local government through their Municipalities can play a significant role in SMME development and support in partnership with the private sector.
An assessment of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures and challenges faced by environmental officers in EIA implementation in Rwanda.
(2011) Munyazikwiye, Faustin.; Bob, Urmilla.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is one of the most used tools for environmental management since its introduction in 1970s in the United States of America. Being a systematic process that examines the environmental consequences of development actions in advance, it is perceived as one of the tools which can help different nations to achieve sustainable development because of its capabilities to provide necessary information for decision-makers in order to balance economical, social and ecological paradigms of sustainable development in development projects. This research aims to assess the practice of the EIA processes in Rwanda and specifically seeks to identify the major challenges faced by environmental officers in this process. Given the nature of this research, policy review and desktop research methods have been used to study the current EIA procedures in Rwanda while a quantitative survey method was used to collect data and assess the practices of EIA process as well as the challenges faced by environmental officers in Rwanda. All environmental officers (8) who were dealing with EIA in Rwanda before the transfer of the EIA department to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and all consultant companies which have been approved and which have at least done an EIA study in Rwanda (19) were targeted and received questionnaires via emails. All the environmental officers and 12 (63%) of the consultants responded to the questionnaire. The data was captured in the Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) template after being coded and has been analysed thematically. The policy review reveals that the current procedures are being developed given that the EIA process started in 2005. Like many developing countries, implementation remains a key challenge. Institutional arrangements remain to be finalised. In terms of the survey findings, even if EIA officers are more experienced than EIA consultants both have some skill gaps including using Geographical Information System (GIS) and remote sensing, understanding project management and customer care skills. Additionally, they receive very little training and capacity-building opportunities, although they desire these. The main challenges identified related to insufficient baseline data, funding, shortage of staff, lack of adequate resources, instilling environmental awareness among developers (developers perceive EIA as a barrier) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) which is not conducted.
An assessment of land cover change patterns using remote sensing : a case study of Dube and Esikhawini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2012) Bassa, Zaakirah.; Bob, Urmilla.; Ismail, Riyad Abdool Hak.
During the past two centuries, land cover has been changing at an alarming rate in space and time and it is humans who have emerged as the dominant driver of change in the environment, resulting in changes of extraordinary magnitudes. Most of these changes occur due to demands placed on the land by the ever-increasing human population and their need for more land for both settlement and food production. Many researchers underscore the importance of recognizing and studying past land-use and land cover changes as the legacies of these changes continue to play a major role in ecosystem structure and function. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent of land cover changes between 1992 and 2008 in the study areas, Esikhawini and Dube located in the uMhlathuze municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, and to both predict and address the implications of the extent of future changes likely to occur in the area by 2016. Three Landsat satellite images of the study area were acquired for the years, 1992, 2000 and 2008. These images were classified into nine classes representing the dominant land covers in the area. An image differencing change detection method was used to determine the extent of the changes which took place during the specified period. Thereafter, a Markov chain model was used to determine the likely distribution of the land cover classes by 2016. The results revealed that aside from Waterbodies and Settlements, the rest of the classes exhibited a great degree of change between 1992 and 2008, having class change values greater than 50%. With regards to the predicted change in the land cover classes, the future land cover change pattern appears to be similar to that observed between 1992 and 2008. The Settlements class will most likely emerge as the dominant land cover in the study area as many of the other classes are increasingly being replaced by this particular class. The overall accuracy of the classification method employed for this study was 79.58% and the results have provided a good overview of the location and extent of land cover changes in the area. It is therefore plausible to conclude that these techniques could be used at both local and regional scales to better inform land management practices and policies.
An assessment of the Giba Gorge special rating area as a biodiversity stewardship practice.
(2015) Chinzila, Chuma Banji.; Ahmed, Fathima.; Bob, Urmilla.
Traditional conservation practices restricted resources to formally Protected Areas leaving biodiversity lying outside Protected Areas with minimal or no formal management. Increasing evidence of significant biodiversity lying outside Protected Areas, even in urban areas has necessitated innovative strategies for conserving biodiversity for human well-being. One such strategy is the use of a ‘Special Rating Area’ (SRA) legislative instrument to raise funds for managing biodiversity on privately owned properties through a pilot project in the Giba Gorge Environmental Precinct (GGEP). The aim of this study is to assess the Giga Gorge SRA as a biodiversity stewardship practice by understanding the processes of open space management and the impact it has had on local communities, ecosystems and adjacent property. The study was conducted involving the GGEP property owners and the Tshelimnyama community members (local community adjacent to the GGEP) comprising the traditional healers and general community members. The study is guided by the political ecology conceptual framework for understanding environmental issues in the GGEP and how socio-political processes at various scales have shaped the GGEP project. In addition, stakeholder theory provides a framework for exploring relationships among GGEP stakeholders and how their interests are managed. The study uses a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach in data collection and analysis. Analysis of data reveals improvement in the quality of ecosystems during the period 2010 to 2012. Secondly, findings reveal unsustainable natural resource uses such as recreational activities and medicinal plant harvesting. Thirdly, the study highlights negative stakeholder perceptions towards management activities resulting from communication breakdown. Fourthly, findings show that majority of the property owners did not find security concerns in the GGEP open space as factors that would restrict their interactions with the open space and other open space users. Lastly, the study reveals that the GGEP project had no impact on property value. This study recommends that the GGEP management develops and implements research based communication strategies for engaging stakeholders in the processes of managing the GGEP project.
An assessment of the Girinka (one cow per poor family) program and poverty alleviation in Rwanda : a case study of Bugesera District.
(2013) Kayigema, Vincent.; Bob, Urmilla.; Rugege, Denis.
Girinka “one cow per poor family” program has been implemented in Rwanda since 2006 for poverty and child malnutrition reduction. Every poor family receives one dairy cow and the program encourages zero-grazing to combat climate change. Bugesera District of Rwanda is characterized by long dry seasons and it was highly food insecure before the introduction of the Girinka program. However, after the initiation of the Girinka program, research showed poverty reduction in Bugesera District. This study was carried out to assess the impact of the Girinka program on its beneficiaries’ livelihoods and food security in the Bugesera District of Rwanda and its potential contribution to climate resilience. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods have been used in this study. Quantitative method was through household surveys using questionnaires and the qualitative method was through focus group discussion interviews. The study revealed that the Girinka program improved its beneficiaries’ livelihoods by providing manure as source of fertilizer, which resulted in an increase in crop production and food security. It also revealed that the money from the sale of livestock products helped the respondents to improve their livelihoods. The study also showed that child malnutrition has been eradicated in Bugesera District due to the Girinka program. Regarding climate resilience; the study showed that cow dung is used for biogas energy production, which is used as fuel for cooking and lighting and this reduces deforestation and greenhouse gases emissions in the atmosphere. Also, fodder cultivation prevents soil erosion. However, this study revealed that the use of biogas energy by the respondents is still at a low level. It is used by only 0.5% of the respondents. The study also revealed that 13% of the respondents take their cows to graze on the farm, which is prohibited by the program. The study recommends that development organizations support the Girinka program so that all poor people in Rwanda may benefit from the program. Also, it is suggested that environmentalists support research on the Girinka program as one of the climate resilience strategies. Lastly, strict program follow-up is recommended to address challenges faced by the program such inadequate veterinary services and water supply.
An assessment of visitor profiles, consumption patterns and perceptions as well as the state of coastal and marine tourism (specifically beach) sites in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.
(2021) Gounden, Dinolen.; Bob, Urmilla.; Munien, Suveshnee.
Coastal and Marine Tourism (CMT) is the main sub-sector of tourism and has substantial socio-economic and environmental importance. Specifically, CMT is a key economic contributor as well as creating opportunities for social recreational and leisure experiences and promoting conservation and environmental awareness concerning coastal and marine natural resources. However, there are increasing demands on CMT locations that include increases in visitor numbers, residential and business/ industrial demand, natural resource extraction activities, and conservation imperatives. Understanding and balancing these demands are central to sustainable CMT in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal (with its mild climate and more than 600 km coastline with diverse coastal and marine resources and activities) is South Africa’s key CMT destination. There is limited research that undertakes provincial level analyses that focus on demands and impacts. In this context, this study adopts the drivers, pressures, state, impact and response (DPSIR) framework to examine visitor profiles, consumption of coastal and marine activities, and perceptions of CMT locations in 41 selected beaches along KwaZulu-Natal's coastline. One thousand two hundred (1 200) visitor surveys were conducted at selected beach locations in KwaZulu-Natal using the spatially-based, systematic sampling approach. Additionally, the state of the beaches were assessed using an on-site observation checklist. Forty one beaches were purposively chosen for the on-site observations during off-peak and peak periods to consider seasonality. The use of mixed methods is a methodological contribution since there is limited research that integrates both visit surveys and observation assessments at CMT locations. The results indicate that diverse visitors in relation to socio-economic and spatial characteristics visit CMT locations. The main activities that visitors participate in are coastal recreational and leisure activities, with lower participation rates in relation to marine activities. The economic value of CMT emerges with most respondents being overnight visitors and day-trippers compared to local residents. Of importance is that KwaZulu-Natal is the main source market for CMT followed by Gauteng, the main domestic tourism market in the country. Repeat visitation was noted together with generally high levels of satisfaction with beach experiences and locations. The main visitor spend was on food and drinks, and transportation; with accommodation spend also being important in relation to overnight visitors. In relation to the on-site observations, the substantial increase in the numbers of visitors during peak compared to off-peak periods was evident. Of concern was that although signage indicated that there is awareness of aspects that need to be considered to restrict or limit usage at CMT locations, compliance of rules and regulations was almost non-existent, which is a serious concern. Thus, a key recommendation is that the management of CMT beach locations, especially during peak seasons when the number of visitors and consumption increases substantially, needs to be addressed. Training of security personnel to assist with raising awareness and enforcement is particularly important. Improving infrastructure and services (such as better waste management) is also recommended. This study indicates that the demands on CMT beach locations, which are popular destinations, need to be better managed to ensure socio-economic and environmental sustainability.
Biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods : a comparative study of selected conservation approaches in Zimbabwe.
(2014) Chigonda, Tanyaradzwa.; Bob, Urmilla.
Historically, protected areas have operated as islands of biodiversity conservation in isolation from nearby communities. There is, however, a growing consensus that for protected areas to be more effective in conserving biodiversity, particularly in developing countries, they must incorporate the livelihood needs of poor local communities they often share boundaries with. This is because most of these communities historically pre-date the protected areas, have pre-existing rights to resources in them and have often been adversely affected by their designation. Successful protected area management thus depends on the collaboration, involvement and support of local communities. In this context, this study examines biodiversity conservation in Zimbabwe using two case studies, a private protected area (Malilangwe) and a community-conserved area (Mahenye) in terms of their livelihood impacts on local communities. The need to incorporate livelihoods goals into conservation areas in Zimbabwe has further been necessitated by the persistent failure of conventional post-independence rural development initiatives in the country. The study employed the mixed-methods approach in data collection and analysis involving both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interviews, group discussions and observation) techniques. Simple random sampling was used in selecting 150 households for questionnaire interviews from each of the two targeted communities adjacent to the conservation areas, while purposive and snowball sampling were employed in selecting key-informant interviewees. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in analysing quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study identifies various livelihood benefits and costs from the conservation areas to the local communities. There were some similarities and differences in the livelihood impacts of the protected areas. The main livelihood benefits from the conservation areas to the communities included the enhancement of income, health and education; in addition to improved environmental sustainability. Various hindrances to the flow of the livelihood benefits were also identified. Among the livelihood costs from the conservation areas to the local communities included, inter alia, loss of land and livelihoods, destruction of crops by wildlife, devouring of livestock by wildlife and human harassment by wildlife. Such costs were further exacerbated by lack of compensation from the conservation areas. The study recommends various measures for enhancing livelihood benefits from the conservation areas to the local communities which include, inter alia, compensation to communities for livelihood costs incurred from conservation, increased community involvement in conservation decision-making and a widening of the portfolio of livelihood-enhancing initiatives by the conservation areas. The main contribution of this study to the conservation-development discourse in Zimbabwe is that it has shown that, besides the much publicised communal areas management programme for indigenous resources (CAMPFIRE), other conservation approaches such as private protected areas can achieve similar, if not better, livelihood impacts on surrounding communities. The need for policy makers to promote other conservation approaches, besides CAMPFIRE, as alternative and equally effective vehicles for attaining rural development through conservation is thus apparent.
City-to-city learning in urban strategic planning in Southern Africa: unearthing an underground knowledge economy.
(2016) Moodley, Sogendran Mogambary.; Bob, Urmilla.
Despite international evidence strongly suggesting the need for urban strategic planning, most African governments still continue to under-invest in the establishment of bottom-up strategic planning frameworks. The seriousness of the consequences of such inadequate urban strategic planning responses and ineffective governance in developing economies has been flagged by the World Economic Forum (WEF), identifying it as a key global risk in 2015. What is of particular interest in their analysis however is the observation that governments of rapidly growing cities make very little time for learning from other cities to improve their own planning processes. Whilst the above assertion may be true, targeted research on city-to-city learning conducted predominantly in the global North is showing that cities are in fact quietly forming an international web-work of learning representing an almost invisible, underground knowledge economy. Given the highly conspicuous void in empirical research into city-to-city learning in urban strategic planning processes in the (southern) African context, this doctoral study focuses on a United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) case study using the experience of three African cities, Durban in South Africa, Otjiwarongo in Namibia and Mzuzu in Malawi, to shed light on the phenomenon of city-to-city learning. In particular, the research explores what insights are offered by the eThekwini Municipality’s mentorship program with these selected Namibian and Malawian municipalities that begin to inform contemporary learning theory in southern Africa. Rejecting a grand meta-narrative in favor of a more pragmatist, hands-on and bottom-up, context specific interpretation of social reality; the research adopts a multi-conceptual lens by drawing from the urban planning and organizational learning disciplines. The study utilized a mixed methods approach with both qualitative (key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observation) as well as quantitative (census survey of a total of 34 respondents) data integrated into the study. The study yields a set of illuminating results which begins to challenge currently held definitions and learning terminology. More importantly, a learning model is developed with five clearly delineated stages in the city-to-city learning process. In addition, the research is able to distil the valuable lessons emerging from the in-depth case study to propose a broad, but coherent learning framework, with a set of strategic recommendations to guide future city-to-city learning processes. These recommendations which have been shared with the international learning stakeholders are already beginning to transform the learning landscape in southern Africa and beyond.
Climate change learning in an electricity utility: distribution division case study, Eskom, South Africa.
(2018) Govender, Poobalan Troy.; Bob, Urmilla.
One of the most significant ways in which humans have damaged the environment is the contribution to rapid global warming which causes major changes to the climate on earth, resulting in many negative impacts to humans and the environment. While the world mostly agrees that something needs to be done about climate change, there have been numerous stumbling blocks and setbacks in decisive actions on climate change. Businesses are realising that pro-climate change actions could lead to economic, environmental and health benefits, while also improving the sustainability of the organisation. In order to address climate change, major shifts in public policy and individual behaviour regarding energy, transportation and consumption will have to be made. Improving basic education, climate literacy and public understanding of the local dimensions of climate change are vital for public engagement and support for climate action. This research explored climate change learning in an electricity utility, using the Eskom’s Distribution Division in South Africa. The four objectives of this study included a critical review and assessment of the level of the Distribution Division’s climate change programme and environmental practices, an examination of staff perceptions and attitudes towards climate change and the Distribution Division’s environmental strategies, an examination of the challenges and opportunities presented by the environmental and climate change crisis for business in South Africa and in particular for electricity utilities in Africa, the development of a set of indicators to inform a framework for internal climate change capacity building programmes for electricity utility companies and the formulation of a policy and programme recommendations. Existing literature was reviewed, an online survey was conducted with employees, interviews were held with the key informants and focus group discussions were hosted. The research considered the demographic profile of respondents, attitudes to life and environmental issues, options for managing climate change, who respondents considered responsible for climate change action, who could be trusted to take climate change action and the Distribution Division’s climate change programme and environmental strategies. The findings of this study indicate that the Distribution Division employees considered career, job or employment and education as a higher priority for society. Water pollution was the most important environmental issue that employees experienced or impacted on their lives at present and this issue was also considered the most important issue globally. Furthermore, employees’ selfrated knowledge of climate change was above average and the majority expressed grave concern about climate change. Employees were also of the view that emissions from business or factories were the main cause of climate change. Employees also experienced hotter summers and water shortages which indicated to them that climate change is taking place presently and affects South Africa. The main options for actions that employees put forward were recycling waste and planting of trees. Furthermore, employees trusted themselves the most to take action on climate change and the main choice of format for climate change information that was preferred by employees was talks by experts, using graphs of future trends and pictures of what an area could look like in the future. This research supports the findings of other scholars who indicate that climate change learning and response is generally poor amongst most people, including workers, and that there are some specific interventions that are required to enhance climate change learning in the work environment. A range of options must be considered with the involvement of relevant stakeholders to find practical and meaningful options for climate change learning and response. Hence recommendations were made in this study to address the level of the Distribution Division’s climate change programme and environmental practices, staff perceptions and attitudes towards climate change and the Distribution Division’s environmental strategies, the challenges and opportunities presented by the environmental and climate change crisis for business in South Africa and for electricity utilities in Africa. A set of indicators (Table 6.1) to build the climate change capacity of employees and to minimise business and individual Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions was also developed within the framework for internal climate change capacity building programmes for electricity utilities. The policy and programme recommendations of this study included the prioritising of climate change learning in business with the necessary resources and leadership requirements, as well as a proposal to rebrand climate change to a more impactful, appropriate, relevant and meaningful term linked to human survival.
Communities' perceptions and assessment of biodiversity conservation strategies : the case of protected areas in Kenya.
(2010) Makindi, Stanley Maingi.; Bob, Urmilla.
Protected areas in Kenya constitute 7% of the total land area with over 75% of wildlife in the country being found on private or communal land. Wi th one of the highest population growth rates in the world and facing a range of developmen t issues with limited resources, one of the greatest challenges in Kenya is reconciling and sus taining economic development with biodiversity conservation and sharing the costs and benefits of conservation between individuals, state and the general community. The study was info rmed by the relevant literature and the researcher’s fieldwork which was conducted in 2008 in three categories of protected areas under different governance types and primary management o bjectives in Kenya (Lake Nakuru National Park – government managed, Kimana Community Wildlif e Sanctuary – communally managed, and Kedong Game Ranch – privately managed). The res earch examined the general issues of how local communities in Kenya have embraced differ ent biodiversity conservation strategies. A major emphasis was on identifying those factors inf luencing their attitudes towards conservation approaches and their participation in conservation management institutions. At issue was whether support for a particular conservation strat egy is primarily a function of communities’ experiences with biodiversity decline or their rela tionship with the conservation authorities. The research employed both qualitative and quantitative techniques in gathering the data. A total of 270 community respondents and 45 staff respondents were interviewed. Several demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the local peo ple that include age, gender, educational level and location, amongst others, were found to signifi cantly influence the attitudes of the local people towards the protected areas conservation act ivities. The direction of the influences (whether positive or negative) depended on the mana gement category of the particular protected area. The general findings of the study suggest tha t although local people appreciate the crucial value of biodiversity and the role of protected are as in conserving it, there is some evidence of resentment towards some management activities of th e protected area regulators. Negative attitudes were attributed to perceived problems of living next to the protected areas such as lack of involvement of the local people in the managemen t of the protected areas, restrictive access to and use of resources from the protected areas, hara ssment by the conservation enforcing agents, conflicts with wildlife and lack of compensation fo r damages and losses incurred. Widespread support for the management activities was associate d with perceived benefits to the local populations such as support for educational program mes, social amenities, employment and business opportunities. It is clear from this study that different rationales of conserving biodiversity need to address the issue of protected area management in the context of sustainable development through a combination of conservation s trategies.
A comparative assessment of the socio-economic and spatial factors impacting the implementation of renewable energy in marginalised communities: the case of Inanda and Bergville.
(2016) Munien, Suveshnee.; Bob, Urmilla.; Matthews, Alan Peter.
Access to modern, safe and cost effective energy is undisputed in its ability to facilitate development among poor countries, however, achieving energy security is plagued by challenges. Renewable energies and technologies have been described to address multiple needs and is implemented widely in developing contexts. However, the implementation of renewable energy sources and technologies are rarely guided by an understanding of community and household socio-demographic and energy profiles. Although South Africa displays high levels of electrification, many poor communities fail to sustain their use of modern sources such as electricity due to costs. This results in fuel-switching which is associated with the use of fuels such as fuelwood and paraffin, and raises health and safety concerns, in relation to the health of women and children in particular. Similarly, literature establishes the linkages between income, level of education, household size and reliance on specific energy sources. More importantly, studies show that energy profiles and willingness to adopt renewable energy sources is also influenced by factors such as culture, tradition and energy policy. Additionally, there is a dearth of empirically based studies that profile household energy practices, attitudes and perceptions. This study adopted a comparative approach in examining household energy profiles, practices and needs in relation to peri-urban (Inanda) and rural (Bergville) communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A mixed methodological approach was adopted, and 800 households (400 in Inanda and 400 in Bergville) were profiled in relation to socio-economic conditions, energy profiles, and attitudes and perceptions of renewable energy sources. These findings were complemented by two focus group discussions (one in each of the communities), involving specific activities, including participatory mapping exercises. The households for the survey interviews were chosen using a multi-stage, spatially-based random sampling approach. The focus group discussion participants were purposively chosen. Results show that households and respondents from both communities display significant socio-economic and energy-related stressors, however, these effects are more pronounced within Bergville. The differences in household size and income between Bergville and Inanda resulted in significantly different energy behaviours. Households in Bergville show a higher reliance on collected, cheaper energy sources, for example, fuelwood and dung while Inanda households preferred paraffin, gas and electricity. This study also shows that household income and size, and respondents level of education, sex and employment status influenced level of awareness of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the simulated indicators demonstrate that increases in household income are associated with an upward progression on energy ladders, specifically the increased consumption of and expenditure on modern sources of energy. Although awareness of renewable energy sources was limited, respondents did indicate a willingness to adopt and pay for technologies such as solar panels and cookers. Nevertheless, both groups of respondents associated the use of renewable energies with the idea of being poor. These strong socio-cultural factors may also prevail as potential obstacles in the up-take and use of renewable energy technologies. Additionally, respondents highlighted their reluctance with solar water heaters as they only meet one of their many energy needs. Concern was also raised in relation to the up-take of solar thermal cookers, specifically regarding its size. In this regard, energy policy needs to implement technologies that offer multiple energy services. A key finding of this study is that renewable energy technologies have significant potential in alleviating the energy-related stressors and lived experiences of energy poverty amongst the Bergville and Inanda communities. Moreover, targeted awareness campaigns may also improve the sustained use of these technologies. A key contribution of this study is the establishment of a conceptual model to inform the implementation of renewable energy and associated technologies within the rural and peri-urban contexts of South Africa.
A comparative study of rural community and ecotourism park managers' perceptions of the 2010 FIFA World Cup : case study of Izibukwana and Makhowe communities as well as Tala and Ezulwini private parks, respectively.
(2010) Mbali, Carol Majola.; Bob, Urmilla.
The staging of sport mega-events such as the Football or FIFA World Cup has drawn much attention from different countries, as a result they bid to host such events because of the social, economic and political positive spin-offs associated with them (Swart and Bob, 2004; Grundling and Steynberg, 2008). Deccio and Baloglu (2002) assert that sport mega-events, because of their magnitude and size, have the potential of not only impacting upon the host cities but their impacts can also be felt in the periphery of the host cities. Cornelissen and Swart (2006) specifically state that the winning of the 2010 FIFA bid presents a challenge to the South African government on delivering on its promise of improving the lives of all South Africans through hosting the 2010 event. Rural communities in South Africa remain marginalised and often impoverished. Deccio and Baloglu (2002) argue that most studies about sport mega-events focus on the host city’s resident’s perceptions and neglect the perceptions of the non-host rural communities. This study specifically assesses what rural communities and Park Managers expect (both the costs and benefits) from the 2010 event and how they are planning to use the event to their advantage. This is a particularly neglected area of research in relation to mega-events. Questionnaires were administered to 100 household respondents in two rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal (Izibukwana which is close to Durban, one of the semi-final host cities and Makhowe which is approximately 200 km away from Durban). Telephonic interviews were conducted with the Park Managers (one from Tala Private Park and another from Ezulwini Private Park, in KwaZulu-Natal). The findings of the study reveal perceptions of different stakeholder groups (rural communities and Park managers) about the upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup. The results indicates that the socioeconomic status of the respondents was low because of reasons such as high unemployment rate, lower level of education, low income level and also lack of basic services. Most of the community respondents and both Park managers indicated that the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be the best ever and leave positive legacies for South Africa. However, the Park managers indicated that they do not think that the 2010 event, since it will be a once-off event, will have any positive impacts or leave any legacies for their Parks as they are already well established ecotourism sites. The Park managers also indicated that they are not preparing for the 2010 event since they already have improved infrastructure such as accommodation areas that can cater for the visitors who will be coming for the 2010 event. Furthermore, linkages/ partnerships linked to 2010 do not exist and Park managers do not see this happening. The results also indicate that communities expect direct benefits from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, most community respondents indicated that they can mostly benefit directly from the 2010 event if they can establish a relationship or form partnership with their adjacent Parks. What also emerges as a critical finding is the linkages with tourism enterprises located in or in close proximity to the rural communities. It is envisaged that these linkages need to be strengthened to ensure that socio-economic opportunities related to the hosting of the World Cup are developed in rural areas.
Conservation, forest resources and sustainable rural livelihoods : a case study of Saint Bernard Community, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2007) Buthelezi, Dumisani Lucas.; Bob, Urmilla.
There is a growing body of literature that outlines a contemporary view of the role of forests and forestry in rural development. The most common argument highlighted by the contemporary literature indicates that forests provide a wide variety of important products, both for subsistence purposes and as sources of income. This study is based on the premise that an understanding of the issues that relate to access and utilization of forest resources and their management cannot be neglected in the field of rural development, more especially in the African context wherein much of the population is still defined as rural dwellers. Furthermore, given the paradigm shifts that have been witnessed in both the approaches to rural development and natural resource management over the years, it is necessary to examine how forestry has responded to new demands, particularly in relation to its contribution to rural livelihoods. This study intended to examine the conservation and management of forest resources and their impact on sustaining rural livelihoods by using the case study of the Saint Bernard community in the Nhlazuka village in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal province. In Saint Bernard, a communal system of managing community resources such as trees and forests forms an integral part of decision-making. The study looked at the management of both the natural and plantation forests and their impact on the livelihoods of rural communities, especially in communally owned areas. Given the nature of this study, both qualitative and quantitative methods of social science research were employed to generate data relating to the research objectives and questions. Qualitative participatory techniques used include the ranking exercise, mental mapping and venn diagram. Quantitative data was mainly obtained through a questionnaire survey. The primary data was supplemented with the secondary data relating to the focus of this study.
Delegate perceptions and responsible environmental behaviour at the COP 17 event.
(2013) Moodley, Kovilen.; Bob, Urmilla.; Munien, Suveshnee.
The attitudes, perceptions and environmentally responsible behaviour of delegates (tourists) at the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an area in which little or no academic research was undertaken from an academic, tourism perspective. This dissertation presents the results of a Green Survey undertaken during this climate change conference, focusing on the attitudes, perceptions and responsible practices of delegates in order to obtain a better understanding of tourism related impacts. Forms of tourism used as the conceptual basis were MICE, event tourism, sustainable tourism and responsible tourism integrated with socio-psychological behavioural theories. COP 17 was held in Durban (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) from the 28 November to 8 December, 2011 over 14 days. It was one of the many high-level international meetings on climate change, sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Delegates involved in the formal discussions included representatives of the world's governments, international organisations and civil society. Several thousand attendees (visitors and local residents) participated in separate discussions and events organised by civil society to highlight environmental and climate injustices and the concerns of the poor. Interviews were conducted at the conference venues, where COP 17 was held, that is, the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC). The study endeavoured to understand the socio-economic and demographic profile of delegates. An additional objective was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of delegates on various environmental issues related to climate change and its impact on tourism. An attempt was also made to determine whether there were any significant relationships between socio- demographic variables, knowledge and attitudes/ perceptions, and the behaviour of delegates. A structured questionnaire survey of 825 official delegates was undertaken and face-to-face interviews were conducted. The research survey used a non-probability, purposive, spatially-based systematic sampling techniques. The interviews were conducted in the ICC precinct (open spaces) and the first delegate was purposively selected. Subsequently, every fifteenth respondent was interviewed. The results indicate that despite delegates’ awareness of environmental best practices and having a good knowledge of environmental issues, there was inconsistency in behaviour due to a range of factors such as situational, internal and external aspects. Moreover, there was a gap in environmental behaviour practiced at home and whilst travelling. The majority of the delegates agreed that COP 17 had major environmental impacts in terms of energy consumption, air pollution, solid waste and overconsumption of water. Most respondents also stated that they engaged in environmentally responsible practices sometimes or always. It was also found that education had a significant relationship (p=0.000) on all environmental best practices whilst age and gender was only related to certain best practices. Additionally, knowledge of a few environment issues was significantly related to certain environmental best practices. Lastly, age was strongly related to the most number of behavioural practices and knowledge had significant relationships to numerous behavioural practices at home and while at the tourist destination. The study shows that socio-demographic variables, such as level of education, were important determinants of COP 17 delegates’ attitudes and environmentally friendly practices whilst traveling and at home.
Environmental conflicts and women's vulnerability in Africa.
(African Journal of Conflict Resolution, 2010) Perry, Edwin C.; Potgieter, Cheryl.; Bob, Urmilla.
This article examines environmental conflicts and women’s vulnerability in Africa. Environmental resources are critical to poor women’s productive and reproductive lives in Africa. Environmental resources diversify livelihoods and are key to the survival strategies women adopt. Environmental conflicts are of concern in several parts of Africa and they have gendered impacts that need to be considered. This article focuses on two main aspects. The first examines the linkages between environmental conflicts, women’s vulnerability and gender-based violence. The second considers environmental conflicts, access to resources and women’s vulnerability. In particular, the focus is on the way in which conflicts restrict women’s access to and control of environmental resources. Additionally, the impacts of environmental degradation which tend to characterise environmental conflicts are considered. The article also briefly discusses women’s responses and adaptation strategies to the challenges they confront in relation to environmental conflicts.
Environmental management in the hotel and lodge sector in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2013) Sucheran, Reshma.; Bob, Urmilla.
The tourism industry has emerged as one of the key economic drivers in Africa and remains as one of the few growth industries in the world. The industry has well-documented, significant socio-economic and environmental impacts, many of which are not positive and result in enduring problems at destinations. This is particularly acute in countries such as South Africa where socio-economic inequities are high and historical patterns of development have resulted in most people being marginal from the tourism sector. The accommodation sector is one of the main players in terms of tourism and benefits the most from this industry. However, very few studies have critically examined this sector in terms of environmental management. It is the lacunae in the research that this study aims to address. The main objectives of the study were to investigate the nature and extent of environmental management in hotels and lodges in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The primary data collection was undertaken via the use of surveys to 60 accommodation managers and 400 hotel guests. In-depth interviews were also undertaken with key tourism industry stakeholders. The main findings of the research indicated that although participants were aware of the detrimental environmental impacts of the accommodation sector, environmental management programs were very much in its infancy. Hotel managers were enthusiastic about environmental management but were unable to implement environmental programs and actions due to a number of challenges and constraints. Environmental issues were also not a high priority for hotel guests in the study. The study concludes that environmental issues in the accommodation sector needs to be re-examined and measures need to be put in place to address the sector’s negative impact on the environment.
An examination of the natural resource asset base of rural households : a case study of KwaDube, a rural community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2013) Furusa, Zanele.; Bob, Urmilla.
The spotlight on rural developed and sustainable livelihoods has increased over the years. Additionally, the importance of natural resources (specifically in poorer contexts and rural areas that have limited infrastructure and services) is well documented. This research focuses on examining the natural resource asset base of rural households in KwaDube, a rural community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It argues that natural resources are central to rural households. The research further asserts that, for rural households to have sustainable livelihoods, their natural resources should be available, diverse and accessible. A diverse natural resource asset base provides rural households with a variety of strategies and means for strong livelihood outcomes and coping mechanisms during times of shocks and stress. The research establishes that KwaDube has 28 natural resources used by households of which land is the primary resource. However, households of KwaDube have limited control and access to land and other natural resources in their community. Research further establishes that due to the influence of patriachal traditions which favor men over women in the allocation of resources and opportunities, there is limited equitable access to natural resources. Added to the impact of partriarchy, this study observes that the other main challenge to natural resource accessibility and use is the continuity of Apatheid policies and traditional administrative arrangements which provided access and entitlements to specific groups of people at the expense of others (age, race and gender). The research notes the numerous challenges faced by rural households that highlight their inability to have adequate resources. There is generally very little if any ownership in the form of private property. The available natural resources such as land, forests and water are public property and are degraded. There are inadequate laws protecting use of public property, hence households find themselves exposed to over-consumed natural resources associated with the tragedy of the commons. Diminishing resources mean households continue to struggle to build strong natural resource asset bases. Consequently, households adopt livelihood strategies that are survivalist in nature such as seeking jobs elsewhere, diversifying their income by engaging in off-farm employment and engaging in petty trade using some of the natural resources in KwaDube.
Family poultry studies in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2002) Dlamini, Sanele Orance.; Slippers, S. C.; Bob, Urmilla.; MacGregor Richard Gavin.
This work was in two parts, the first part was an on-farm survey of family poultry production and the second study was on-station research which investigated the replacement of maize by bread waste in layer diets. The on-farm survey was an analysis of family poultry production practices and the socio-economic factors that have an impact on subsistence poultry production under household conditions. This study was designed to make a contribution to the understanding of family poultry production and to assist in improving production levels. This was one way towards assisting the long-term sustainability of subsistence animal production, which contributes to household food security endeavours in South Africa. The on-station trial was conducted in order to determine the biological response and economic advantages of laying birds being fed high levels of bread waste. This study was exploratory in nature and was aimed at providing a viable alternative energy feed ingredient that could contribute to maize replacement in layer diets. Therefore, the study was not intended to compare maize against bread, but rather sought to make a contribution by exploring an alternative energy feed ingredient suitable for use in layer diets under small-scale poultry production scenarios, depending on the extent of damaged or stale bread availability. The study on family poultry was qualitative and involved three main methodologies, participatory rural appraisal (PRA), case study and agro-technical measurements. The results revealed that these fowls were kept primarily for usage during cultural ceremonies. Other secondary roles involved subsistence consumption as meat, eggs and sometimes, these chickens are sold as a source of immediate income. The flock size was considerably influenced by the principal household husbandry practices undertaken. The major husbandry practices included indoor laying, hen tethering (holding) and early chick separation and such family poultry practices were associated with larger flocks. The extent of family poultry husbandry practices indicated that approximately 62% of the households practiced forced in-door hen laying, 50% of the households engaged the hen tethering practices, while only 25% practiced early chick separation. These husbandry practices in the various households make a contribution to family poultry production in terms of flock size. The majority of households fed primarily yellow maize grain and kitchen waste to chickens as a supplement to the range of feed resources obtained through scavenging. The peak breeding and production season for family poultry occurs during the autumn to winter season. Many factors influence the peak production period and they include predation (hawks , dogs and cats), feed availability and weather conditions . Hawk predation tends to be low at this time of the year because the hawk hibernates while undergoing molting. Furthermore, the period coincides with low grass cover, which minimizes the incidence of predation by wild animals, as they become more conspicuous. The incidence of chicken diseases at this time tends to be minimal because of persistent cold weather conditions which do not promote development of most infectious chicken diseases, like Newcastle disease, sores and many of the respiratory diseases. Moreover, feed availability during this period of the season tends to be high and the feed is in the form of post-harvest maize grain waste . Approximately 38% of households treated the most problematic Newcastle disease with traditional herbs as opposed to 13% and 25% who used conventional medication and vaccination practices respectively. In the on-station trial, diets were formulated in such a way that maize was replaced by bread in layer diets at the levels of 0, 20,40, 60, 80 and 100% respectively. The production variables which were measured included egg weight, egg production and feed intake. Egg output, rate of lay and feed conversion efficiency were subsequently derived from the above variables, and used to ascertain the biological response and the economic implications for maize replacement in terms of the cost of the layer diet. This study revealed that layer diets with increasing levels of bread content lead to a linear decline in biological response of cage laying hens. The economic analysis consistently indicated that better marginal returns (Rand) could be obtained at 0 and 20% maize replacement by bread in the diet. However, the use of high levels of bread, greater than 20% leads to unfavourable economic returns due to a decline in most biological variables. In situations where maize is not easily available or excessively expensive, bread waste could serve as an alternative energy source in layer diets.
How green is green? : a socio-spatial analysis of the status of green spaces within the eThekwini Municipality.
(2014) Pillay, Sarushen.; Naidoo, Sershen.; Bob, Urmilla.; Gebreslasie, Michael Teweldemedhin.
Globally, urbanisation is occurring at an alarming rate and urban green spaces are increasingly recognised as essential components in the quest to achieve sustainable urban landscapes. This study, which involved a socio-spatial analysis of the status of green spaces within the eThekwini Municipality (located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa), offers a unique opportunity in terms of urban conservation research. The objectives of the study were to examine the socio-economic characteristics and the perspectives of residents on the use and value of green spaces within the eThekwini Municipality using areas surrounding the Bluff Conservancy (all situated within the SDA) as illustrative examples; to develop a spatial representation of the quality/ integrity of selected green spaces within the eThekwini Municipality in relation to land-use patterns; to examine the appropriateness of the typology presently used by the eThekwini Municipality to describe the status of green spaces and to compare the same with Adapted typologies in order to determine the level of deviation; and lastly, to generate recommendations on the conservation and management of these green spaces. A variety of socio-spatial analysis methods were used to collect and analyse primary data. Data was obtained using Geographical Information System mapping and a questionnaire in order to ascertain resident perceptions towards their surrounding green spaces. Thereafter, secondary spatial data acquired from the eThekwini Municipality was processed and subjected to a range of analyses to evaluate the efficacy of the typology presently used by the Municipality to assess the quality/ integrity of green spaces. Six random green space types (settlement, tree crops, woodland, forest, grassland and thicket) were selected and first examined using the eThekwini typology and thereafter with the Adapted typology, developed as part of this study. The results suggested that almost all respondents (75.50%) frequently utilised green spaces in their community, with most respondents favouring the use of recreational and social green spaces (for example, parks, sports field and the golf course). However, respondents also identified numerous challenges associated with accessing and using green spaces; crime, pollution and lack of maintenance in particular, were shown to hamper the optimal use and integrity of a number of green spaces. Additionally, it was found that respondents use of green spaces was not dependent on their gender and income but was significantly influenced by their education. Furthermore, though most respondents indicated that they frequently engage in environmentally-friendly practices, only a small proportion of respondents (9.75%) were aware of the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (which is a programme that formally allows for the creation and preservation of green spaces). In terms of the spatial analyses, the results revealed that selected green spaces within the Municipality when classified using a more discriminatory typology (Adapted typology), can be shown to contain micro-habitats that are either more degraded or more intact than that reflected by the typology presently used by the eThekwini Municipality. It was found that the five thicket green space sites assessed using the eThekwini typology collectively deviated by approximately 60% from that assessed using the more discriminatory Adapted typology. Overall, it was evident that quality based land cover differed minimally to moderately when selected green space types were compared using the two typologies. This resulted in some green micro-habitats within larger green spaces being potentially misclassified in terms of their ecological integrity when using the eThekwini typology and, possibly not being prioritised for conservation and/ or restoration. The combination of social and spatial results obtained and interpreted in this study was used to generate recommendations for the conservation and management of green spaces within the eThekwini Municipality. Evidence from the social survey clearly showed that respondents expressed a willingness and desire to have and use green spaces. Therefore, it is recommended that the eThekwini Municipality increase the number of green spaces, preferably within densely populated communities as well as improve existing greenery within the Municipality. In addition, these areas should be made more accessible and useable and have value added benefits to communities who are intrinsically supporting them. Furthermore, it was found that the current typology used for the classification of green spaces within the eThekwini Municipality is not discriminative enough to allow for effective management and conservation. This suggests the need for a more nuanced classification of green spaces within the Municipality which ensures that quality characteristics are adequately incorporated into the assessment of these environments.
An investigation of the socio-economic impacts of ecotourism in rural areas : a case study of Nompondo, a community bordering the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2015) Nsukwini, Sakhile Bongamandla.; Bob, Urmilla.
Community involvement seems to be a key element of both nature conservation and ecotourism and is largely perceived to include public participation in decision-making and communities’ receipt of benefits from ecotourism. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) communities have suffered a great desertion economically in the past and it is one of the disadvantaged regions in KwaZulu-Natal. The aim of this study was to investigate the socio-economic impacts of ecotourism in rural areas adjacent to HiP with specific reference to the Nompondo community. Triangulation (a multi-method approach) was used to examine the extent and nature of interaction between the Nompondo community and the management of HiP, to examine attitudes and perceptions of the communities towards HiP, including resources within the Park that are likely to impact on the lives of Nompondo community as well as the role of communities in the development and promotion of tourism in HiP. The study of the Nompondo community adjacent to HiP indicates that this community benefits in various ways but not to their level of satisfaction. The study indicates that members of the Nompondo community are allowed access to resources such as meat, thatching grass, firewood and water. Participation in the operation and management of HiP was yet another benefit that was identified. However, this was limited with a few households and community leaders generally participating. In addition, the results show that a range of opportunities for positive interactions with the Park's management/staff include job opportunities through the expanded public works programme, good working relations and joint problem solving. It should be noted that despite the opportunities created, these do not sufficiently meet the demands in the community where poverty and unemployment remain high. Ecotourism development as a benefit was discovered through two specified areas, namely, interaction with the tourists as well as the desire to have more tourists visiting the community and the establishment of other tourist facilities in the community. The respondents also cited opportunities for tourism and related incomes, which include sale of handicraft products, job opportunities and cultural activities. These, however, generally provide inconsistent and low income revenue streams. Furthermore, education/training programmes were also cited. In addition, natural resource management including the establishment of the Umkhombe (white rhino) ecotourism project and participation in decision-making were also identified as specific benefits. The socio-economic impacts in all the identified specified areas except with participation in the management of HiP where local communities are not fully involved were positive. This indicates that there is a need to involve communities residing adjacent to protected areas, particularly the Nompondo community, in the operation and management of the Park as well as other community-based tourism endeavours in order to uplift the quality of their lives.