Browsing by Author "Watson, Helen Kerr."

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The application of route network analysis to commercial forestry transportation in the north coast of Kwazulu-Natal.
(2005) Stewart, Lissa Anne.; Ahmed, Fethi B.; Watson, Helen Kerr.
Transportation costs of commercial forestry farms in South Africa are generally very high, causing great economic concern. The current roads of the majority of commercial farms, used to transport timber from the compartments to the market (mill), form part of a 'cob-web', high density network. In order to optimise transportation, it is beneficial to eradicate such a high density of road, achieved by adopting the most effective methods and technology. Such methods include that of Route Network Analysis (RNA) which designs a minimalist, yet cost-effective road pattern of a forestry farm. The aim of the study was to determine what data are required to optimise economic and timber transportation, based on the commercial forestry farm of Ntonjaneni, located in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal. Route Network Analysis, which incorporates Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in addition to the current information pertaining to a network, was applied to the Ntonjaneni Farm. The existing data consisted of cadastral shapefile data containing relative attribute data, as well as Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), which were manipulated in order to create a realistic spatial representation of the farm's current transportation network. In addition, the development of project management guidelines to assist the efficient implementation and completion of the analysis was undertaken. The most ideal route from the plantations to the mill was created, avoiding the environmentally buffered rivers and those slopes which were too steep. As a result, the network was greatly improved. The irrelevant roads were removed, and replaced with a less dense route for timber transportation. The results of the RNA reveal that RNA, completed by the project management guidelines, is an effective and environmentally sound means of optimising commercial forestry transportation. However, data relating to the rivers and road slope need to be updated in order for RNA to be effectively performed during future studies.
Assessment of soil erosion in the Mfolozi catchment, Kwazulu Natal implications for land reform.
(1996) Ramokgopa, Raphaahle.; Watson, Helen Kerr.
The Mfolozi, the second largest catchment in KwaZulu Natal, is already severely degraded over substantial areas. Its mean annual sediment load is extremely high and deposits on its floodplain have caused very serious financial losses. Previous studies in the catchment have attributed its soil loss to poor land use practices by peasant farmers. There is a concern that this production will be substantially increased by land use changes incumbent on the land reform programme. In order to ensure that this programme does not lead to increased degradation and exacerbate associated environmental and socio-economic problems, this study identified both subcatchments and land types that are highly susceptible to erosion and already highly eroded. An unpublished map showing the location of 19 categories of erosional forms and three categories of extreme relief features was available for use. The density (and areal extent in the case of badlands) of each of these forms within each of the 16 possible land types within each of the 43 subcatchments, was obtained and related to their dominant physiographic variables. The findings revealed that the catchment is not as severely or extensively eroded as suggested by previous studies. A substantial portion of the former Natal areas, mostly targeted for reallocation, have however, been shown to be unsuitable for this purpose.
An assessment of the problem of vervet monkeys in the former Westville Borough : management implications.
(2005) Ramkissoon, Yuri.; Watson, Helen Kerr.
Urbanisation, a process occurring at an excessive rate per annum, has implications for the natural environment that are vast and varied. One of the most significant is the effect on natural habitats, shaped by habitat destruction and modification. The simplification of ecosystems, homogenisation of landscapes and influence on keystone species are a few impacts on indigenous fauna existing in these habitats. Some species are unable to withstand external disturbances, while other species are more adaptable, and often thrive in these modified, and now optimal, environments. Increasingly, provisions are made to accommodate nature in an urbanising world with tools like Impact Assessments and Opens Space Systems. These procedures however, do little to specifically protect indigenous fauna, progressively categorised as "problem animals" or vermin, like monkeys, which often bear the brunt of attacks by humans who see them as a nuisance and a threat to their well-being. The study therefore aimed to "Assess the nature and extent of the monkey problem in the former Westville Borough", a suburb in the city of Durban, South Africa. Questionnaires administered to residents and interviews done with stakeholders documented their views on the "monkey problem," and the effectiveness of proposed solutions in alleviating these problems. Using orthographic photographs, illustrating land-use change, the rate and nature of habitat destruction experienced in the former Westville Borough between 1974 and 2001 was assessed. Records of injuries to monkeys held by the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), along with letters of complaint regarding monkeys in local newspapers, were collected to assess the nature and frequency of the problem. Resident's opinions implied that the threat of Vervet Monkeys was more perceived then real. Eighty three percent thought monkeys were not a threat to humans. Education and awareness campaigns were thought to be successful in alleviating the problem by 86% of residents and 100% of interviewees. Residents believed that "everyone" should be responsible for the problem while interviewees were divided in opinion but placed most responsibility on local government. An assessment of land-use changed showed a decrease of over 15% in open space provision over a twenty six year period. CROW records showed that the majority of monkey injuries were due to assault or shooting and most often to males between the months of April and July. Conclusions based on the findings of the study emphasise the need for stronger legislation specifically for Vervets and detailed guidelines on both management of and responsibility for the monkeys, with less shifting of blame by stakeholders and authorities. The implementation of education and awareness programs were also advocated, to educate the public on the problem and their role in protecting one of Africa's most valuable assets.
An assessment of the role of community partnerships in addressing environmental problems in KwaMashu Township, Durban.
(2002) Mcinga, Beverly Nokuthula.; Watson, Helen Kerr.
Partnerships are a recognized tool for addressing local level environmental problems. They involve knowledge-sharing and decision-making by both local authorities and communities. Two different partnerships developed in Durban's KwaMashu Township with a view to addressing environmental problems associated with a degraded small stream viz, the KwaMashu Development Association (KDA) and the KwaMashu Development Initiative (KDI). This thesis describes a study carried out on these two partnerships, comparing their efficacy in resolving the problems and the factors that contributed to the pollution of the stream. Specific environmental circumstances conducive to the degradation of the stream, as well as measures put in place to address them, were identified during a field survey. Semi-structured questionnaires were then used to interview members of the two partnerships to obtain information on how they developed and functioned as a unit. Information was also obtained from respective individuals, regarding their perception of the factors that contributed to the stream degradation and the effectiveness of their rehabilitation efforts. Although the study found both partnerships to be of the leverage type, there were significant differences between the socio-economic profile and political affiliations of members. The KDA partnership received funding for the project whereas the KDI received no funding, but had a vision. The Keep Durban Beautiful Association created an awareness relating to waste and open space management which was imparted to the KDT members and this enabled them to achieve the goals of the project. These different baselines clearly contributed to the differences in the effectiveness of the partnerships.
An audit of veterinary waste management in Durban.
(2003) Muswema, Aubrey Patrick.; Watson, Helen Kerr.; McLean, Michelle.
Since 1994, there have been sweeping changes made to South African policy and legislation, including environmental rights for all people, environmental protection and the consideration of sustainability in all activities. A national policy for medical waste management is being developed and guidelines for the South African Veterinary Council are currently being revised. By auditing contemporary veterinary waste management in one of South Africa's largest cities, this study sought to provide appropriate input into these initiatives. As a study area, the Durban Unicity provided the opportunity to audit a large population of veterinary clinics within a relatively short distance of each other arid also the opportunity to ascertain whether waste management practices were dependent on the socio-economic status of the clinics catchment area. A pilot study was used to inform the design of a questionnaire, which was then administered to thirty-two clinics sampled to represent a range in size of clinic, predominant type of patient treated and catchment socio-economic status. Another questionnaire was administered to four waste disposal companies and one veterinary diagnostics laboratory that removed waste for disposal from veterinary practices. The main findings suggest that there is a health risk to staff and the public, due to the incorrect separation, storage, handling and disposal of sharps, anatomical, contaminated domestic and infectious material. Staff at 6.3% of clinics sampled are not provided with any safety equipment. Most veterinarians (63%) as well as two of the five waste disposal companies audited were not aware of their responsibilities in terms of waste management policy and legislation. Sixty nine percent of the practices sampled reported that employees have either never been trained or have not received training in waste management in the past five years. Domestic waste contaminated with other potentially hazardous waste forms 12% of the total waste stream reported by practices. Even though the results indicate that a, few veterinary practices are mismanaging their waste this has the potential negative impact on staff, the public and the environment. The findings of the study would suggest a need for well communicated, enforceable guidelines outlining sustainable veterinary waste management for practices and waste disposal companies. The study highlights the similarities between veterinary and medical waste and the need to consider this in planning an effective waste management strategy. It also provides guidelines for a sustainable approach to veterinary waste management.
A comparative study of soil erosion in the Umfolozi Game Reserve and adjacent Kwazulu area from 1937 to 1983.
(1990) Watson, Helen Kerr.; De Villiers, G du T.
This thesis describes a comparative study of actual and potential soil erosion in the Wilderness area of the Umfolozi Game Reserve, and a biophysiographically comparable adjacent traditional KwaZulu landuse area. Estimates of temporal and spatial variations in eroded surfaces, sparsely vegetated surfaces susceptible to erosion, and active gullies were obtained from five sets of sequential aerial photographs taken between 1937 and 1983. Estimates of the potential influence of rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, topography, and changes in vegetation communities and landuse practices on these variations, were extrapolated from these aerial photographs as well as from maps, field surveys, records and other studies. Interrelationships between these potential influences, and the extent to which they actually contributed to the temporal and spatial variations in the three 'erosion' surfaces, were assessed visually using a geographic information systems thematic overlay technique, and computationally using a forward stepwise multiple regression procedure.
Enhancing efficiency of biofuels from microalgae using a statistical and mathematical approach.
(2012) Pillay, Kamleshan.; Watson, Helen Kerr.; Maharaj, Manoj Sewak.
Algae are primary producers in aquatic ecosystems and are thus the most important organisms in maintaining ecosystem functioning and stability. The usage of algae by humans is quite extensive; they act as an ingredient in aquaculture feed, a potential biomedical resource, as a fertiliser and as a nutritional source. Recently, algae have been identified as a third generation biofuel feedstock for fuel generation which essentially means that algae are more efficient, net carbon neutral and have less impacts on the environment. Algae as organisms are extremely sensitive to changes in the immediate environment. The interaction of parameters with each other causes minute changes in the environment which may alter the algae biomass present and the lipids that can be extracted from the biomass. The focus of this study is to model and determine which conditions maximise algal biomass and the subsequent lipids that can be extracted from the biomass. This will allow biofuel producers to understand which conditions are the best for harvesting algae in artificial conditions or harvesting algae from the wild. Furthermore, the model developed has broad application for biofuel specialists, pollution remediation specialists and biologists. This model developed is able to determine the present state of the algal bloom and uses the present state to predict the future state of bloom hence determining the optimal conditions to harvest. The model was developed under optimal ranges described by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and designed to replicate the most common combinations of parameters present in the wild. For the purposes of this study, various combinations of parameters within their optimal ranges that is temperature (18 – 24°C), salinity (20 – 24 p.p.t.) and photoperiod (25 – 75% light exposure) were assessed. The model was run for 72 hours with sampling every 6 hours. Every six hours, algal growth was measured by the biomass present (chloro-pigments used as estimators); this was done by fluorescence. Lipids were then extracted from algal biomass using the Bligh and Dyer method (1959). Spline curves were fitted to the data and analysis performed using Mathematica 8.0. It was found that photoperiod was the most important variable in controlling algal growth. Furthermore, lipids extracted from biomass were at their highest when algae were exposed to the conditions 75% light exposure, 21°C and 22 p.p.t. These conditions would allow for the highest amount of biofuel to be produced. Generally, algae biomass trend graphs mimic lipid trend graphs over the 72 hour period that is when lipids are at their maximum, biomass concentrations are at their maximum. It can be concluded from time model that the best time to harvest biomass is 48 hours from the initial start time of algal growth to gain the highest amount of lipids for biofuel production.
Feral cats (Felis catus) in an urban conservancy : University of KwaZulu- Natal, Howard College campus.
(2005) Tennent, Jaclyn Kim.; Downs, Colleen Thelma.; Watson, Helen Kerr.; Bodasing, Marilyn Naomi.
The resident feral cat (Felis catus) population on the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Howard College campus (HCC) in Durban, South Africa was studied from March 2004 to November 2005. This study was initiated as the HCC is an registered as an urban conservancy and so should be removing alien invasive flora and fauna and conserving the indigenous biodiversity of the campus. This research was undertaken to assist with recommendations for the control and management of feral cats on the HCe. A survey to determine public perceptions and opinions regarding the feral cats was conducted among various communities on the campus. Feral cats from the resident population on the HCC were trapped and fitted with radio-collars in order that their home range sizes and distribution could be determined. Monthly census counts were also carried out in an attempt to calculate population densities of the feral cats on campus, while data on behaviour patterns was collected opportunistically throughout the study period. The survey showed that two extreme views existed on campus regarding the presence of feral cats. The university is a registered conservancy which some feel is no place for this exotic species. However, it is also situated within an urban surrounding and there are some cat enthusiasts among the public who feel that resources should be provided for the feral cats, both nutritionally and financially. While many people were unaware that the feral cats were a cause for concern on the HCC, the majority concluded that a management policy needed to be adopted to control feral cat numbers. Most were against the suggestion of eradicating the cats and strongly agreed with the implementation of a university funded feral cat IV sterilising and feeding programme. Feeding the feral cats, however, needs to be stringently controlled. In this study, the availability of an abundance of food resources was shown to be the primary influencing factor for home range size, cat distribution and population densities. It also had an overriding effect on the feral cats' behaviour patterns and activity levels. Once these had been initially established, other factors such as human activity, reproductive status and gender then came into play. Distribution of the feral cats around campus was not homogenous, and densities differed according to areas on campus. Highest cat densities were recorded in those areas on the HCC where permanent cat feeding stations had been established (usually the developed areas on campus), while no feral cats were sighted in the Msinsi Nature Reserve, a natural bush area on campus were no food resources (other than prey species) is available. Home range sizes of the feral cats were relatively small with a considerable amount of overlap between and within the sexes. There were also no seasonal differences in range sizes and diurnal ranges were only marginally smaller than nocturnal range sIzes. In terms of behaviour, the HCC feral cats were generally inactive, with passive behaviour such as lying down and sitting being most often observed. Although hunting activity was very rarely witnessed, the combined effects of feral cats supported at high densities by supplemental feeding may exert predation pressures that could be detrimental to both local prey and predator populations. Little social interactions were observed by the cats on the HCC. Other studies show that competition is greatly reduced if food is available in abundance and there is no need for territorial disputes if both food and a potential mate are located in close proximity. In the present study, this also means that immigrating feral cats from surrounding neighbourhoods are tolerated; another factor contributing to the increase in feral cat numbers on the campus. These findings suggest that the feral cat population on the HCC is being maintained at higher population densities than would be expected and management initiatives are needed to control the feral cat population at a minimum density through a sterilising and low key feeding programme so that it is acceptable to all concerned parties. However, the decisions need to favour the status of the HCC as a conservancy in an urban area as well as consider the well-being of the students and staffmembers in a public place.
Identifying optimal locations for large scale Jatropha cultivation for biodiesel production in Tanzania's semi arid regions.
(2009) Mudede, Elmah Zvanyadza.; Watson, Helen Kerr.
Rapidly increasing concerns about energy security coupled with detrimental environmental impacts posed by the dependence on fossil fuels, and an urgent need for rural development in Africa are key drivers for the search for fuel alternatives. The international effort into the development of criteria and indicators for sustainable bioenergy production clearly recognizes that bioenergy production must not be at the expense of biodiversity and food security. Owing to its multi-purpose capabilities i.e. its ability to rehabilitate eroded lands, drought resistance as well as its biophysical and maintenance requirements, Jatropha was selected as a potential candidate for the production of biodiesel. Jatropha is not new to the people of Tanzania, the study area of the project. Research has shown that, its associated social, environmental and economic benefits are crucial to economic development of the country. At present, all of Tanzania’s petroleum based products are imported; about 90% of the energy consumed is derived from biomass; road, rail and electricity networks are underdeveloped. Environmental degradation is also a concern in the country. The aim of the study was to identify three optimal locations for large scale Jatropha cultivation for biodiesel production in Tanzania’s semi arid regions. Geographical Information Systems was used to overlay several remotely sensed data from previous research namely semi arid regions delineations, agro-ecological sub-zones that had Jatropha potential as well as the administrative zones of Tanzania. The unavailable and/unsuitable areas were verified against literature and this enabled the areas that were under cultivation, were housing biodiversity or were generally constrained to be filtered out from the study area. The three largest, available and potentially suitable areas that the study identified for large scale Jatropha cultivation occupied about 7.6 million hectares. Assuming an optimal seed yield and an oil content of 35%, these areas are capable of producing about 14.4 million litres of Jatropha oil per annum. Targeting a SADC fuel import substitution of 10%, these 14.4 million litres of Jatropha oil that the three areas will meet about 83% of the country’s energy needs. Owing to the state of electricity generation in Tanzania, these three areas are able to generate about six percent of electricity and this can contribute to some extend to the country energy needs. From the analysis it was clear to note that the production of biodiesel for blending or for electricity generation is going to be economically viable from the three selected regions. The available and suitable areas that were not consolidated within the three selected regions can be used for small scale Jatropha cultivation and their produce can be fed to large scale commercial oil production or they can use the biodiesel to produce their own electricity. Jatropha will have to be irrigated to enhance a viable economic yield; infrastructure will need to be constructed to areas that are not served by roads and railway lines. All of this bodes well for enhancing rural development. The government has already had the foresight to establish the National Biofuels Task Force which will need to monitor investors to ensure no enforced human displacement and/or exploitation in areas where the large scale farms are to be established.
A land suitability assessment for sugarcane cultivation in Angola : bioenergy implications.
(2007) Ackbar, Leena S.; Watson, Helen Kerr.
Bio-energy is a source of clean, renewable energy and is seen as a promising endeavor in mitigating and abating climate change. Its use brings various social, environmental and economic benefits and particularly for Africa, bio-energy offers opportunities to improve energy security and reduce dependence on foreign exchange earnings, which would bring Africa’s poor closer to a secure energy future. A predominant source of bio-energy supply is in the form of specific bio-energy crops, of which sugarcane, sweet sorghum and maize are examples. This study focused on the cultivation of sugarcane for bio-energy purposes and aimed to delimit areas suitable for cane cultivation in Angola. Sugarcane was selected as the bio-energy feedstock due to its variety of by-products which includes bio-ethanol for gasoline blending and bagasse for electricity co-generation. Due to its high agricultural productivity, sugarcane was the favoured bio-energy feedstock. Angola was selected as the study area due to its large areas of non-forest agricultural land which affords significant capacity for bio-energy production. Geographic Information Systems was used as the key tool in identifying areas suitable for sugarcane cultivation. As this study serves to promote social, economic and environmental sustainability, areas which are currently under food production, protected areas as well as areas of biological significance were filtered out from the study area. The areas identified following this step was an indication of areas which are potentially available and suitable to grow sugarcane without environmental constraints. However, in order to determine the viability of establishing sugarcane farms at the areas identified, a further selection process was conducted, considering the non-biophysical factors influencing sugarcane production. These included proximity to roads, transport infrastructure, areas greater than 10 000 hectares and population data. This inspection resulted in three areas being selected as potentially suitable for sugarcane cultivation. The selected areas cover 0.9% of the study area, covering 10 614 km2 of land. Although this may be a small percentage of the study area, potentially suitable areas are concentrated in eight provinces in the south, central and northern regions. In addition, as this study focused on irrigated agriculture, slope and proximity to rivers were analysed as these are the two main considerations influencing irrigation at the selected areas. Results indicate that Angola’s irrigation potential is largely unexploited and due to the vast network of rivers flowing through the country, irrigated agriculture appears encouraging. An analysis of Angola’s transport infrastructure highlights concern over the poor condition of roads which may be an impediment in establishing sugarcane farms at the suggested areas. However, processing capacity at each of the selected areas appears encouraging as each of the selected areas has the potential to house a minimum of three mills in its manufacturing phase. Furthermore, the large population base at each of the selected areas, a low HIV prevalence rate and an unemployment level of 50%, indicates a great likelihood of available workforce for each of the selected areas. These findings suggest that Angola has a considerable capacity for agricultural expansion, especially into bio-energy which is a promising endeavour in uplifting the social welfare of its citizens as well as a sound financial and development option contributing to the sustainable development of the country. Several recommendations have emanated from the results obtained in the study of which includes the encouragement of establishing international co-operations between Angola, the North and Brazil in order to bring scientific, technical and agronomic expertise into the country for bio energy development.
A policy implementation analysis of soil conservation practices by shallholder farmers in the Blantyre agricultural development division of Malawi.
(2003) Kambauwa, Gertrude J.; Watson, Helen Kerr.
Agriculture contributes about 70 percent of Malawi's Gross Domestic Product and sustains the livelihood of over 85 percent of the rural population. Soil erosion, which has reached alarming proportions, is threatening this resource base. Despite being rated the most serious environmental problem, soil erosion research lags behind in the listing of agricultural research priorities, particularly with regard to factors influencing the implementation of soil conservation policy and legislation. This study aimed to assess the impact of such policy implementation on smallholder farmer soil conservation practices. A postal, self administered, structured questionnaire was used to interview twenty-three farmers and fourteen agricultural extension staff members. The questions were designed to assess the influence of their perceptions of soil erosion as a problem and its causes. They also sought to assess how effectively relevant policy had been implemented before and after independence. Socio-economic information was additionally elicited from the farmers. After preliminary analysis of these questionnaires, ten days was spent in the field verifying data collected. A Spearman's Rank correlation analysis at 95 percent confidence level was carried out between various components of the farmers' socioeconomic profile data and their responses to the perception questions. Perceptions regarding different aspects of soil erosion and conservation were found to be influenced by the sex, age and educational level of respondents. The study revealed that both farmers and extension staff perceived soil erosion as a problem, had a sound knowledge of the mechanics of the process and attributed it to anthropogenic factors. While both farmers and extension staff attributed declining yields and fertility to accelerated soil erosion, they appeared to have difficulty in identifying physical indicators of such activity in the field. The study also revealed that both believed the top-down approach of the pre-independence period and the post-independence to 1990 period, had been partially effective. Since 1990, policy implementation has become more effective as a result of a more democratic governance and increased extension staff awareness of sustainability concepts which stress the need to incorporate the aspirations of farmers in a bottom-up implementation. This awareness led to the formulation of a new soil and water conservation policy in 1996 which ensures the voices of decision makers are taken into account in policy review. Once legislated, this policy bodes well for further improvements in soil conservation efforts in Malawi. However, the study also revealed that effective implementation of this policy will be dependent on the government providing adequate support and skills to both extension staff and farmers.
Towards developing an environmental management system for Michaelhouse Boys' School in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2002) Molapo, Keneiloe.; Watson, Helen Kerr.
Educational institutions are obliged in tenns of the Constitution as well as a number of National Policies to manage their environment in a sustainable manner and to provide a healthy environment for the employees and learners. Michaelhouse is also obliged by the Constitution and National Policies to manage its environment in a holistic manner. Michaelhouse is a private boy's school situated in the Balgowan valley in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. For this reason and for the school's own individual gain, the school's management wishes to fulfill two objectives. First, to produce environmentally sensitive citizens. Second, to acquire the expertise to administer the school in an environmentally sensitive and holistic manner. Although Michaelhouse has had an environmental discussion group since 1996, issues were discussed on an ad hoc basis. Likewise, there have been a number of environmental initiatives in the school, however these initiatives were fragmented. Due to the fragmented initiatives, the management realised the need for environmental management. The school approached the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Natal, Durban for assistance in this regard. Two projects were fonnulated to meet the school's set goals. The first was an Environmental Education (EE) project to fulfil the first objective. The second project aimed to fulfil the second objective, that is, to acquire the expertise to administer the school in an environmentally sensitive manner is described in this thesis. An Environmental Management System (EMS) was identified as the best system to ensure sound environmental management perfonnance. The baseline information provided in this thesis is expected to contribute towards the development of this EMS. South African legislation at the national level with regard to environmental management was reviewed in order to ascertain how environmental problems are dealt with. In order to obtain the necessary information, the study involved three distinct tasks. The first was the pilot study to detennine the way the questionnaire would be structured and the type of questions to be asked. The second was development of the school's environmental mission statement. The third, an environmental audit which had two components; administering of questionnaires to the residents and the inspection of the school's environment. The three main problems identified in the school were the management of water, waste and vegetation. The supply of water was found adequate for the entire school and the water quality acceptable. The only problem found was excess use of water due to multiple uses in the school. It is proposed that a water policy be developed which will include the monitoring of water use. Two types of waste were identified, solid waste and low-medium hazardous waste. The former requires proper management which includes reintroducing recycling, but also other methods were recommended to be incorporated in the waste management process such as minimisation and re-use. Low-medium hazardous waste requires disposal in an appropriate manner and the use of a designated landfill was recommended. With regard to vegetation, the study dealt with the significance of exotic and indigenous trees in the school. The main problem found was that exotic tree stumps are undermining the sewage pipes. The researcher was not able to deal with this issue due to lack of expertise in this field, but it was recommended that the assistance of experts be requested to trace the location of these pipes. In order to have control over the environmental concerns and the environment at large, the development of an environmental policy for Michaelhouse School was found necessary. It was considered essential because it is a building block for an EMS. The policy was developed in collaboration with the School's Environmental Committee. This baseline information contained in this thesis will provide a means of assessing the performance of an EMS once it is put in place. It is therefore concluded, that for the EMS to be effective, it should include all sectors of the entire school property and it was recommended that a full audit be conducted of other sectors of the school.
Valuation of indirect use of benefits of woodland resources, case study : Hlabisa area, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2005) Madonsela, Nqobile Vicky.; Watson, Helen Kerr.
Many rural households in southern Africa rely on a range of woodland resources for their livelihoods. In addition to direct use values, rural households also obtain indirect use benefits from the woodlands resources. These include ecological services such as soil protection and nutrient cycling; and social values such as shade and aesthetic values. The value of woodland resources to rural households in southern Africa has been researched extensively. Most of these studies assess direct use values, which are expressed in monetary terms. In contrast, there are fewer studies that assess indirect use values of woodland resources, and even fewer studies that assess non-monetary values. Non-monetary valuation is important to add to the knowledge gained through monetary valuation studies. This study was undertaken as part of a national investment by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) on Sustainable Woodlands Utilization and Management in the country. The aim of this study was to establish monetary and non-monetary values associated with indirect use benefits of woodland resources in three rural villages in northern KwaZulu-Natal. A pilot study was undertaken to pre-test the data collection techniques before the main survey. The Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) were used to investigate monetary and non-monetary values during the pilot study. Data collection techniques involved interviews using semi structured questionnaires, direct observation, group discussions and resource mapping. The pilot study established that, due to its inherent properties, CVM was not the best method for this particular context (rural area in a developing country). In comparison, PRA techniques were more useful in obtaining meaningful data on the value of indirect-use benefits of woodlands. The main survey was undertaken using PRA techniques that included, in addition to the techniques used during the pilot study, contingent ranking. Interpretive categorization was used to analyze qualitative data. Quantitative data analysis involved the description of data, and results presented using descriptive statistics, tables and graphs. Excel spreadsheets were used for data storage and processing. The study established that rural households were acutely aware of the indirect-use benefits of woodland resources. Respondents were able to describe indirect use benefits in terms of social functions and ecological services provided by woodlands. Age, gender and remoteness of village seem to influence the value assigned to the identified woodland benefits. Ranking of the indirect use benefits revealed higher values for ecological services compared to social functions. Female respondents generally assigned greater values for both ecological and social services, compared to their male counterparts. All respondents concurred that the contribution that woodlands make to their livelihoods is Significant. The aim of the study was to investigate monetary and non-monetary values of indirect use benefits of woodland resources. The first part of the aim was not achieved, due to the incompatibility of the CVM to the study area (illiterate and semi-literate respondents in a rural setting). In terms of non-monetary values the study succeeded in demonstrating that rural households value woodland services highly, through their contribution to their livelihoods and well-being. The study concluded that the entire contribution of woodland resources to rural households is still not fully comprehended. To ensure the sustainability of woodland resources, the need to fully understand their contribution to rural livelihoods remains.
A viable strategy to sugar cane lignocellulosic bio-ethanol development in Southern Africa.
(2004) Qwabe, Sabatha Thulane.; Garland, Gerald George.; Watson, Helen Kerr.
In the current era, oil deficit countries around the world seriously consider shifting dependence from conventional gasoline to renewable bio-ethanol fuel in the transport industry. Arguably, blending l0vol% dry ethanol with 90vol% unleaded gasoline enables ethanol fuel to penetrate the fuel market at relatively lower development costs. Despite creating an important market for the ethanol industry, fuels containing dry ethanol of differential proportions multiply the local risks associated with fuel combustion. Making a sale of one drop of ethanol fuel, for example, is intrinsically tied to the sale of more drops of imported gasoline. Furthermore, an increase (decrease) in conventional fuel prices directly influences a decline (increase) in daily sales of ethanol fuel. Blending bio-ethanol fuel with conventional gasoline in various proportions fails to address the multifaceted fossil fuel crisis in oil deficit countries. Although reducing bio-ethanol production costs can buffer fuel prices to a significant degree when blended in higher ratios, industrial competition for bio-feedstock is a serious limitation for bio-ethanol development in all parts of the globe. Nevertheless, advances in biotechnology may allow the use of a wide range of cheaper ethanol feedstocks (e.g. lignocellulose) leading to an important reduction in ethanol production costs. Temporal and spatial variability of lignocellulosic ethanol potentials in the sugar industry is investigated over southern Africa as a whole. The influence of extremely low (high) production of sugar cane on the potentials development of lignocellulosic ethanol plants is demonstrated in this work. Characterization of bioethanol fuel markets on the basis of blending with gasoline is undertaken at the subcontinental scale. The connectivity between development, consumption per capita, population growth, bio-ethanol energy demand, as well as the critical limits of land stock potentials is examined in this study. On the basis of the special influence that each of the processes indicated above have on bio-ethanol fuel development, an integrated approach toward optimizing the total value of bio-ethanol fuel in the region is formulated. This approach allows the investigation to determine whether critical and beyond critical conditions of land stock lead to a collapse of a human consumption type or whether bio-ethanol fuel development is a totally viable process. Finally, this work ascertains whether sustainable biofuel development is an oxymoron because human development demands a constantly growing fuel consumption per capita, or because of increasing the lower limit, with an infinite upper limit for human development, or as a product of the combined effects of increasing human population with a higher consumption rate per capita of non-growing and non-developing land stock units.
A waste management and sanitation audit of the South African National Defence Force in rural deployments in Maputoland : a case study.
(2004) Varaden, Roshni.; Watson, Helen Kerr.
ant national legislation on the disposal of waste and waste disposal sites has been promulgated to regulate the dumping of unwanted materials. This development poses major legal compliance problems for the South African National Defence Force (S.A.N.D.F.) deployments in rural areas. The absence of municipal services to these areas and the unavailability of municipal dumpsites do not facilitate adherence to legislation. The development of an integrated waste management system for Defence represents an attempt to ensure compliance with national legislation. An overview and assessment of current waste management practices in the S.A.N.D.F. is provided in this document. The literature review focussed on the theory of waste management, the current situation with regard to sanitation in rural areas and a review of pertinent legislation, and provided the foundation for the development of questionnaires. The study then explored aspects of waste management and sanitation that were taken into consideration in preparing for operations . Data collection entailed interviews with senior members of the S.A.N.D.F. who are responsible for the planning of such projects. Thereafter an investigation was conducted into the waste management practices employed during deployments to rural areas. Data collection in this respect involved the administration of questionnaires to soldiers at temporary bases and during patrols, as well as an audit of the waste generated at the temporary bases, noting how refuse was managed under these conditions. These methods of primary data collection included interviews with various government and non-government officials. Interviews with senior members of the S.A.N.D.F. revealed that the planning and preparation for operations are core-function focused and that the integration of waste management and sanitation in the planning process is minimal and inadequate . The data obtained from questionnaires administered to the soldiers revealed that current waste management practices at the temporary bases and during patrols are considered to be satisfactory to the soldiers, as they are of the opinion that "we are doing the best we can under such circumstances". The waste audit revealed that ninety-eight percent of the waste generated in the study area is recyclable. Consequently, this study recommends that waste management methods be integrated into the planning process. Furthermore it is recommended that environmental education be included as a compulsory module during basic training and re-training for all members of the S.A.N.D.F., i.e. from senior management down to the most junior level. A long-term solution to improve on the current waste management practices is recycling. With regard to sanitation, the Director of Sanitation of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (D.W.A.F.) suggested that relevant members of the S.A.N.D.F. meet with members of D.W.A.F. and the Umkhanyakude Regional District Council, to discuss the inclusion of the S.A.N.D.F. in the current sanitation-provision projects in the study area. Short-term solutions were that the S.A.N.D.F. liaise with the G.I.S. section at D.W.A.F. This section will be able to provide the S.A.N.D.F. with information on the location of boreholes and hand-pumps (the only source of drinking water for the local population). The S.A.N.D.F. must ensure that waste disposal sites and field toilets, commonly referred to as go-karts, are located away from these water sources and, whenever possible, on higher ground.