School of Agriculture

An evaluation of the impacts of urbanisation on Klip River Wetlands degradation, Johannesburg South

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

An evaluation of the impacts of urbanisation on Klip River Wetlands degradation, Johannesburg South Mabale, Katlego Lennon Wetlands are among the most productive and vulnerable ecosystems in the world, serving fundamental ecological functions such as water purification and water supply. They are however deteriorating due to urbanisation-induced factors. Urbanisation which is increasing as people are consistently moving from rural to urban areas for better economic opportunities, has been linked with high rates of anthropogenic activities in urban areas, which interact with natural ecosystems, thus putting pressure on wetlands. This study, therefore, evaluated the impacts of urbanisation on Klip River Wetland (KRW), by linking water quality in the wetland and the socioeconomic dynamics within two communities in the city of Johannesburg municipality, i.e. Protea Glen (PG) and Lenasia (LENZ). Water samples were collected seasonally, during wet and dry seasons, at four monitoring sites, to assess the spatial and temporal dynamics in the wetland's physicochemical and biological characteristics. This was done by, employing Multi-parameter, Spectrophotometer, Ion Chromatography (IC), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and Colilert-18, for assessing the physical, chemical, and biological constituents of the water. The water quality assessment was augmented with community perceptions and attitudes on how urbanisation impact local communities (via closed and open-ended questions), as well as evaluating water degradation factors through field observations and key factors from the open-ended responses. Findings indicated that water degradation is occurring during both wet and dry seasons in the KRW and that there are spatial variations in water quality in the monitored areas of the wetland. Ranking in quality from marginal to poor water quality (S3>S1>S2>S4), with sampling site S4 ranking lowest. Results confirms that KRW quality is influenced by parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate (NO3-), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), manganese (Mn2+), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and total coliforms, which recorded values that did not comply with the South African Water Quality Guidelines (SAWQGs) and the Klip River Catchment’s (KRCs) In-stream Water Quality Guidelines (ISWQGs). The close-ended sociodemographic characteristics of the surveyed community revealed that there were more males (52%) than females (48%), and that there is a relationship between gender and other sociodemographic characteristics such as age, education background, and economic v status. According to the respondents, the most significant influences of urbanisation on KRW include infrastructure (25%), environment degradation (22%), economic activities (19%), and waste disposal (17%), within the communities. These results, together with field observations, linked factors related to urbanisation within the communities that interact with water quality such as traffic congestion, drainage and sewage issues, construction activities, wildfires, mining and industrial activities, and waste. The convergence of these socioeconomic findings, with the water quality assessment, substantiates water quality degradation within the KRW, linked to urbanisation. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated urban planning, water resource management and conservation strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanisation on KRW. Thesis (M.Sc. (Geography and Environmental Science)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025

Analysing the relationship between crude oil prices and food prices in South Africa between 2010 and 2021

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Analysing the relationship between crude oil prices and food prices in South Africa between 2010 and 2021 Mdungwa, Maria Sherly This study analysed “the relationship between crude oil prices and food prices in” South Africa. Data for crude oil prices were sourced from the United States (U.S.) Energy Information Administration (EIA), while data for food prices were obtained from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) for food prices. The analysis was segmented into three periods to account for structural breaks caused by global events: before March 2014, the 2014–2016 Oil Price Collapse, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020. The bound “co-integration test revealed a long-term relationship between crude oil and” food prices across all segments, achieving the first objective of the study. “The ARDL model was employed to estimate” both “the short-term and long-term” effects of crude oil prices on food prices, fulfilling the second objective. The results showed differential effects of crude oil prices on food prices, with high oil-intensive commodities like meat and dairy showing significant effects. In contrast, low oil-intensive categories like cereal, sugar, and vegetable oil exhibited minimal or delayed effects. The Toda-Yamamoto Granger causality test was applied to determine the causal relationship between crude oil prices and food prices, achieving the third objective. Differential causality was found, with unidirectional causality for sugar, cereal, and meat, and bidirectional causality for vegetable oil during the pandemic period. No significant causal relationship was found for dairy in any segment, despite its high oil intensity, suggesting other mitigating factors in the dairy sector. Overall, the results highlight the varied impact of crude oil prices on different food categories over time, with notable distinctions between high and low oil-intensive food categories. Therefore, policy interventions should focus on managing food price inflation, ensuring energy security, and implementing commodity-specific measures to mitigate the impacts of oil price volatility. Thesis (M. Agricultural Management (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025

Assessment of skin quality traits of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus) at Lalele Crocodile Farm in Limpopo Province

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Assessment of skin quality traits of Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus) at Lalele Crocodile Farm in Limpopo Province Mahaole, Aron Swahlane Walter Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) are widely distributed across Africa, and they sometimes conflict with humans as they prey on people and livestock. Crocodile skins are used to produce expensive luxury products such as belts, shoes, bags and clothes. However, smallholder crocodile farmers sometimes fail to cover their costs because of a high number of crocodile skins being downgraded. Hence, the current study intended to shed information on skin quality traits of Nile crocodiles and their economic values, which might help crocodile farmers and breeders in selecting traits to achieve premium skin grades. This study was conducted at Lalele Crocodile Farm using 177 Nile crocodile skins. The skins were graded on a grading scale of 1 to 4 using quality traits such as double scaling (DS), skin cuts or holes (SC), irregular scales (IS), skin scars or scratches (SS), wrinkles (W), missing legs (ML), skin osteoderms (SO), skin infections (SI), skin blemish (SB) and skin lesions (SL). Frequencies and percentages were used to summarise evaluated skins and Spearman’s correlations were used to determine the associations between the skin price and skin quality traits. Stepwise and multiple regression analyses were used to develop a model to estimate skin price. The results showed that only 3% of the skins were of first grade while the remaining were made up of 34%, 32% and 31% of second grades, third grades and rejects, correspondingly. The study revealed that skin price had a positive highly significant correlation with belly weight (BW) and body length (BL) (p<0.01), and a negative highly significant correlation with SG, DS, SS and SB (p<0.01), but a negative significant correlation with IS (p<0.05). The stepwise regression model with IS and skin grade (SG) was the best fitted model to estimate Nile crocodile skin prices. The study concludes that there is relationship between skin price and skin quality traits. Hence, minimizing the occurrence of the traits correlated to the skin price of Nile crocodiles can help farmers to better skin grades for higher financial returns. However, more studies should be conducted to investigate the factors causing occurrence of skin quality traits that cause downgrading and use them to guide farmers. Similar studies should be conducted on skins of different animal species. Thesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025

Farmers perceptions on the application of climate change adaption strategy : a case study of small scale maize farmers in Ward 27 of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Farmers perceptions on the application of climate change adaption strategy : a case study of small scale maize farmers in Ward 27 of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa Mkansi, Ntlharihani Deon The agricultural sector in South Africa plays an essential role in promoting rural development, reducing poverty, and ensuring food security. However, climate change poses a significant challenge to agriculture, impacting water availability, food supply stability, and overall ecosystem health. To address these concerns, adaptation strategies such as adjusting planting schedules and employing soil and water conservation practices are increasingly seen as vital for the long-term sustainability of farming operations. Although these strategies are well-documented globally, there is limited research on their implementation and perceived effectiveness among small- scale maize farmers in specific South African regions, such as ward 27 of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality in Limpopo Province. The study's aim was to explore small-scale maize farmer’s perception on the application of climate change adaptation strategies in ward 27 of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The first objective of the study was to profile the socio-economic characteristics of small-scale maize farmers in Ward 27 of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. The second objective was to evaluate the small-scale maize farmers perception on the application of climate change adaptation strategies in the study area and the third objective was to determine factors influencing the small-scale maize farmers perception on the application of climate change adaptation strategies in the study area. Data was collected from 130 small-scale maize farmers using snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics results showed that the average age of the farmers was 57 years. Approximately 61% of the small-scale maize farmers in Ward 27 of Greater Giyani local Municipality were female and 39% were male. The study identified strategies used by small-scale maize farmers to enhance the risks of climate change. The most dominant strategy adopted was crop diversification (32.4%), followed by changing planting times (19.4%). Farmers also practiced efficient water management, including rainwater harvesting (12.6%) and improved irrigation methods (14.6%). Additionally, 10.7% used climate-resilient crop varieties. Other practices included adjusting plant spacing and pest control (3.2%) and applying mulching, composting, and organic manure (7.1%) to maintain soil fertility. The least-adopted strategy was other practices such as adjusting plant spacing and pest control. vi To fulfil the second objective, a Likert scale along with descriptive statistics were employed to evaluate the perceptions of small-scale maize farmers regarding climate change adaptation strategies. Findings showed that about 55.1% of the farmers held positive views about the perceptions of the application of climate change adaptation strategies whereas 33.2% expressed negative perceptions. Additionally, 11.7% of the farmers were uncertain about the effectiveness or feasibility of implementing these adaptation strategies. Lastly, a Binary logistic regression model was applied to analyse the factors influencing small-scale maize farmers' perceptions of climate change adaptation strategies. The results from this model indicated that several variables significantly impacted these perceptions in Ward 27 of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality. Key factors included marital status, employment status, access to weather forecast information, and membership in farmers' cooperatives. Based on empirical findings, it is suggested that the government enhance access to weather forecast information, improve employment opportunities for small-scale farmers, and strengthen access to farmer cooperatives to support climate resilience in agriculture. Improving the dissemination of accurate weather forecasts through local agricultural extension services and mobile technology can help farmers make informed decisions, thereby reducing vulnerability to climate variability. Additionally, launching targeted programs for employment in climate-resilient agricultural strategies and providing training in sustainable techniques can promote job creation and investment in adaptation strategies. Finally, encouraging the formation of agricultural cooperatives can facilitate collective bargaining and resource sharing, enabling farmers to adopt climate-smart practices more effectively. These recommendations are consistent with national strategies designed to improve food security, alleviate poverty, and promote sustainable livelihoods in response to climate change. Thesis (M. Sc. Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025