Masters Degrees (Forest and Wood Science)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Forest and Wood Science) by Author "De Beer, Margareta Caterine"

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    Thes-economic impact of the phasing out of plantations in the Western and Southern Cape regions of South Africa : a case study of three plantations.
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) De Beer, Margareta Caterine; Ham, Cori; Langin, D. W.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Forest and Wood Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study sought to determine the possible socio-economic impacts of the phasing out of nearly 22 500 ha of plantations within the Southern and Western Cape regions of South Africa as a result of a decision made by Government in September 2000. None of the previous studies undertaken focussed on the socio-economic impacts within the specific regions and plantations, but were based on wider environmental and economic considerations. Data was collected in 2007 from three plantations managed by Mountain to Ocean Forestry (MTO) (PTY) LTD: one located in Grabouw (Western Cape) and two in George (Southern Cape), among three different plantation stakeholder groups. These three groups were: (i) Forest Dependent Communities, (ii) Stakeholders among the forestry value chain and (iii) Indirect stakeholders. Within the first group, a total of 70 persons representing households were interviewed. A total of 26 primary and secondary processing company respondents were interviewed. Information on all of the indirect stakeholder groups was gathered, either through interviews with the stakeholders or from data received from MTO. This study indicated that there are significant differences between the potential impacts within the Southern Cape and Western Cape regions. The data collected showed that among communities within the Western Cape, the dependency on the plantations in terms of employment, income and fuelwood is low. This is in stark contrast to the communities within the Southern Cape, who are dependent on the plantations for their employment and income, and as a result will be affected greatly by the phasing out process. Company respondents in the Western Cape were less concerned than their Southern Cape counterparts about the future decrease in timber supply and indicated that they will source timber from elsewhere, whereas companies within the Southern Cape indicated that they would likely have to shut down. The dependency of indirect stakeholders on the plantations to be phased out, and the resulting impact was found to be minimal. The study concluded with an evaluation of an existing nine step plan for the implementation of social and economic actions within natural resource planning. Three main aspects were identified that need to be addressed namely: (i) To increase public awareness and participation among communities and companies to be impacted on by the phasing out process, (ii) Provide necessary training and thus increased skills level of workers who face unemployment; and (iii) The identification of alternative employment opportunities for the unemployed affected by the phasing out process.