Working for Water [South Africa]
- Creation:
- Update:
- Compiler: Klaus Kellner
- Editor: –
- Reviewer: Fabian Ottiger
approaches_2338 - South Africa
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Expand all Collapse all1. General information
1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Approach
Key resource person(s)
SLM specialist:
Barac Anuschka
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Wilhelmsplatz 1, 37073 Göttingen
Germany
SLM specialist:
SLM specialist:
de Wet Sarone
Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education
South Africa
SLM specialist:
Fulls Erich
Department of Agriculture (Gauteng)
South Africa
SLM specialist:
Lepin Edward
South Africa
Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)
Georg August Universität Göttingen (Georg August Universität Göttingen) - GermanyName of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)
Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Develo (Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Develo) - South AfricaName of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)
Potchefstroom Universiteit vir CHO (Potchefstroom Universiteit vir CHO) - South Africa1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT
The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:
Yes
1.4 Reference(s) to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Technologies
Silt fences to trap sediment in areas affected … [South Africa]
Silt fences together with brush packing were introduced to reduce sediment transport and restoration of gully erosion in the Potlake nature reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa.
- Compiler: Dirk Pretorius
Use of sediment retention fibre rolls (SRFR) and … [South Africa]
Sediment retention fibre rolls (SRFR) and erosion blankets were deployed to stabilise steep slopes after vegetation cover was destroyed by fire, near the town of Knysna in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
- Compiler: Dirk Pretorius
Reshaping of gully erosion through integration of silt … [South Africa]
The rehabilitation of active gully erosion by re-sloping the banks of the gully in an effort to manage the energy of the water entering the system. Bare soil is protected from erosion by covering it with erosion blankets, brush packing and the establishment of silt fences.
- Compiler: Dirk Pretorius
Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) planting within riplines for thicket … [South Africa]
The restoration of the thicket biome in the Eastern Cape is assisted by planting ‘spekboom’ (elephant bush) (Portulacaria afra), an indigenous succulent plant within contour lines/riplines on degraded hillslopes. The increased vegetation cover reduces runoff and soil loss.
- Compiler: Dirk Pretorius
2. Description of the SLM Approach
2.1 Short description of the Approach
Government funded restoration/rehabilitation initiative as part of Working for Water project. Aim was to eradicate alien invasive.
2.2 Detailed description of the Approach
Detailed description of the Approach:
Aims / objectives: The aim was to eradicate alien invasive species and then to revegetate the area in order to recover the natural grazing for livestock. Community participation plays a very important role, making them aware of the importance of restoring degraded rangelands. The approach for applying SWC technologies included making use of community members (at a daily wage) to carry out the labour intensive technologies and thus also playing a part in increasing community awareness.
2.3 Photos of the Approach
2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
Country:
South Africa
Region/ State/ Province:
Gauteng
Map
×2.6 Dates of initiation and termination of the Approach
Indicate year of initiation:
1996
Year of termination (if Approach is no longer applied):
2000
2.7 Type of Approach
- project/ programme based
2.8 Main aims/ objectives of the Approach
The Approach focused mainly on SLM with other activities (Job creation and capacity building of SWC technicians. Improvement of grazing and vegetation cover, in order to conserve soil and water.)
On-site or on-farm technology application, thus making community aware of positive effect of restoration technology. To see to it that job creation occurs in surrounding communities.
The SLM Approach addressed the following problems: The evaluation of a restoration trail after the control of alien woody invasive vegetation in the Gauteng Province and to restore degraded rangeland to nearest original state before degradation took place (= improve grazing).
2.9 Conditions enabling or hindering implementation of the Technology/ Technologies applied under the Approach
availability/ access to financial resources and services
- hindering
No funds available for restoration.
Treatment through the SLM Approach: Apply more cost effective approaches or apply for funds.
legal framework (land tenure, land and water use rights)
- enabling
The existing land ownership, land use rights / water rights helped a little the approach implementation: Land users did not liked what happened, do not think the approach will work. Some appreciation for what is being done.
knowledge about SLM, access to technical support
- hindering
Equipment used is too labour intensive and take a lot of time.
Treatment through the SLM Approach: If enough funds were available, mechanical equipment could be used (faster and more effective).
other
- hindering
Involvement of community.
Treatment through the SLM Approach: Negotiation and awareness programmes.
3. Participation and roles of stakeholders involved
3.1 Stakeholders involved in the Approach and their roles
- local land users/ local communities
Working land users were work equally divided between men and women (Volunteers from communities for
- national government (planners, decision-makers)
DAF and Provincial Department of Agriculture (initiative an
- international organization
Funding
3.2 Involvement of local land users/ local communities in the different phases of the Approach
Involvement of local land users/ local communities | Specify who was involved and describe activities | |
---|---|---|
initiation/ motivation | passive | public meetings |
planning | passive | |
implementation | external support | Mainly: responsibility for major steps; partly: casual labour |
monitoring/ evaluation | passive | |
Research | passive | on-farm |
3.3 Flow chart (if available)
3.4 Decision-making on the selection of SLM Technology/ Technologies
Specify who decided on the selection of the Technology/ Technologies to be implemented:
- SLM specialists alone
Explain:
directive (top-down). Identify by DARF.
Decisions on the method of implementing the SLM Technology were made by by SLM specialists alone (top-down). directive (top-down).
4. Technical support, capacity building, and knowledge management
4.1 Capacity building/ training
Was training provided to land users/ other stakeholders?
Yes
Specify who was trained:
- land users
- SWC specialists, extensionists/trainers
Form of training:
- on-the-job
- demonstration areas
Subjects covered:
Ecological principles, restoration technologies.
4.2 Advisory service
Do land users have access to an advisory service?
Yes
Specify whether advisory service is provided:
- on land users' fields
- at permanent centres
Describe/ comments:
Name of method used for advisory service: Demonstration; Key elements: Rural community appraisal, participatory rural approach; 1) Advisory service was carried out through: government's existing extension system. Extension staff: specifically hired project employees 3) Target groups for extension: technicians/SWC specialists; Activities: People in charge of field work etc.
Advisory service is inadequate to ensure the continuation of land conservation activities; Except for being inadequate, there are not enough funds available to continue the activities. Expert advise from specialists after evaluation is also needed to be adequate.
4.3 Institution strengthening (organizational development)
Have institutions been established or strengthened through the Approach?
- yes, a little
Specify the level(s) at which institutions have been strengthened or established:
- local
Specify type of support:
- capacity building/ training
4.4 Monitoring and evaluation
Is monitoring and evaluation part of the Approach?
Yes
Comments:
bio-physical aspects were regular monitored through measurements
economic / production aspects were ad hoc monitored through observations
area treated aspects were regular monitored through measurements
no. of land users involved aspects were ad hoc monitored through observations
management of Approach aspects were ad hoc monitored through observations
There were no changes in the Approach as a result of monitoring and evaluation: One site establishment for restoration purposes, thus no changes where made because no future project is planned in area in near future.
4.5 Research
Was research part of the Approach?
Yes
Specify topics:
- ecology
- technology
Give further details and indicate who did the research:
Soil related research and analyses and also restoration technology application information.
Research was carried out on-farm
5. Financing and external material support
5.1 Annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach
If precise annual budget is not known, indicate range:
- < 2,000
Comments (e.g. main sources of funding/ major donors):
Approach costs were met by the following donors: international (Donors): 10.0%; government (national - Water Affairs (DAF)): 80.0%; national non-government (University): 10.0%
5.2 Financial/ material support provided to land users
Did land users receive financial/ material support for implementing the Technology/ Technologies?
Yes
5.3 Subsidies for specific inputs (including labour)
- equipment
Specify which inputs were subsidised | To which extent | Specify subsidies |
---|---|---|
machinery | fully financed | |
tools | fully financed | |
- agricultural
Specify which inputs were subsidised | To which extent | Specify subsidies |
---|---|---|
seeds | fully financed | |
fertilizers | fully financed | |
Biocides | fully financed | |
If labour by land users was a substantial input, was it:
- paid in cash
Comments:
Job creation and community involvement.
5.4 Credit
Was credit provided under the Approach for SLM activities?
No
6. Impact analysis and concluding statements
6.1 Impacts of the Approach
Did the Approach help land users to implement and maintain SLM Technologies?
- No
- Yes, little
- Yes, moderately
- Yes, greatly
To layout contours to prevent erosion and serve as catchment for water. Establishment of grass also served as stabiliser to prevent erosion and also serves as fodder in addition.
Did other land users / projects adopt the Approach?
- No
- Yes, little
- Yes, moderately
- Yes, greatly
Unsure.
6.3 Sustainability of Approach activities
Can the land users sustain what has been implemented through the Approach (without external support)?
- yes
If yes, describe how:
Most land users benefited from the approach and they are either in direct vicinity or were part of the job creation. They know the benefit of the results from restoration obtained and this might have inspired them to carry on. If some funds were to be available (from the land users themselves) they might be able to continue the approach by themselves and they know they will benefit from it.
6.4 Strengths/ advantages of the Approach
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view |
---|
Job creation. (How to sustain/ enhance this strength: Appoint members could involve rest of community to help look after restored area (improved grazing).) |
Training. (How to sustain/ enhance this strength: Community members learnt a lot about conservation and they can now carry on with it on their own (they have the knowledge).) |
Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view |
---|
Job creation. (How to sustain/ enhance this strength: Appoint a community member to look after the area and see that if is managed.) |
Awareness and training. (How to sustain/ enhance this strength: Personal improvement to understand how to take care of land and how to improve it.) |
Inter-cultural co-operation. |
6.5 Weaknesses/ disadvantages of the Approach and ways of overcoming them
Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view | How can they be overcome? |
---|---|
Not enough communication between specialists and community members on important factors. | Better communication from start of approach or project. |
Linguistic abilities not sufficient (especially on side of specialists). | To obtain some simple linguistic abilities, such as how to greet and ask approach related questions. |
SWC technology application must not be built on job creation incentives (only), but must be sustainable in the long term without incentives (job creations) by the land users. |
7. References and links
7.1 Methods/ sources of information
- field visits, field surveys
- interviews with land users
Links and modules
Expand all Collapse allLinks
Silt fences to trap sediment in areas affected … [South Africa]
Silt fences together with brush packing were introduced to reduce sediment transport and restoration of gully erosion in the Potlake nature reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa.
- Compiler: Dirk Pretorius
Use of sediment retention fibre rolls (SRFR) and … [South Africa]
Sediment retention fibre rolls (SRFR) and erosion blankets were deployed to stabilise steep slopes after vegetation cover was destroyed by fire, near the town of Knysna in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
- Compiler: Dirk Pretorius
Reshaping of gully erosion through integration of silt … [South Africa]
The rehabilitation of active gully erosion by re-sloping the banks of the gully in an effort to manage the energy of the water entering the system. Bare soil is protected from erosion by covering it with erosion blankets, brush packing and the establishment of silt fences.
- Compiler: Dirk Pretorius
Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) planting within riplines for thicket … [South Africa]
The restoration of the thicket biome in the Eastern Cape is assisted by planting ‘spekboom’ (elephant bush) (Portulacaria afra), an indigenous succulent plant within contour lines/riplines on degraded hillslopes. The increased vegetation cover reduces runoff and soil loss.
- Compiler: Dirk Pretorius
Modules
No modules