Exploring rangeland integrity to support ecosystem-based livelihoods in the Eastern Cape

B Gusha and D Gwapedza
April 2022 – March 2024
Sponsor: Water Research Commission
Collaborators:  O Gwate (老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 of Free State)

This project used biophysical and social dynamics for livelihood advancement in the socio-ecological systems to understand the landscape for improved ecosystem services. Within this project, we assessed rangeland integrity (productivity and degradation) using ecosystems assessment and modelling methodologies. We conducted a community assessment on perceptions of the rangelands’ importance as an ecosystem service provider, and management of rangeland. We coalesced findings from the scientific and social assessment to propose rangeland management practices, which will be shared with the community through our project partner, Lima. As part of the project, we encouraged communities to form a livestock association that manages grazing, livestock care and market-related information. The aims of the project were to:

1. To determine the productivity and extent of rangeland degradation in the communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape.
2. To apply a spatially distributed hydrological model to estimate the catchment water balance and link this to ecosystem/rangeland productivity and community water supply needs.
3. To conduct a social assessment to determine community perceptions of rangeland changes over time, species changes, and general ecosystem services from the rangeland, and how these could be enhanced to improve livelihoods.
4. To facilitate rangeland management practices (plans), propose the formation of livestock associations, and the reinstatement of traditional rangeland management practices.

Last Modified: Tue, 06 Aug 2024 12:01:01 SAST