Browsing by Author "Bruwer, Louis Hager"

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    'n Ontleding van die verwagte effek van die nuwe waterwet op besproeiingslandbou in die Breeriviergebied
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1999-12) Bruwer, Louis Hager; Vink, N.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Agricultural Economics.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: This assignment investigates the potential impact of the new Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, on irrigated agriculture in the Breede River area in the Western Cape Provence. The investigation was done with a systems approach, and the following aspects were addressed: a) The geographic context of the investigation is described with particular reference to the physical environment, economic activities, demography and water management. b) A review of water management in 14 other countries is given and conclusions are drawn regarding world tendencies in water legislation and management. c) A comparison between Act 54 of 1956 and Act 36 of 1998 is done in order to arrive at a better understanding of the changes caused by the new Act. d) The role of irrigated agriculture is defined as a part of a bigger system. e) The perceptions of individuals involved in irrigated agriculture in the study area are investigated by means of an opinion survey. f) Conclusions are drawn from the different investigations. The main findings are as follows: a) Existing South African water legislation was no longer il1 keeping with world tendencies. However after the review, the new Water Act is probably one of the most modern water acts in existence. b) The new Water Act will have an influence on the value of agricultural land in the study area. c) The efficiency of use of irrigation water will be improved. d) Investor confidence regarding investment in agriculture in the Breede River area, will be improved as a consequence of the new act. e). The Water Act will lead to an improvement in water quality in the middle and lower Breede River. f) The new act creates a more equitable system of water allocation. The basic conclusions of the investigation on the expected impact of the new Water Act, Act 36 of 1998, on irrigated agriculture in the Breede River area are as follows: (i) In the short term the changes resulting from the new act, will reduce the rate of development as a result of the uncertainties caused by the process of change. (ii) In the longer term the new Water Act will have more benefits than disadvantages for irrigated agriculture in the Breede River area.