Masters Degrees (Forest and Wood Science)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Forest and Wood Science) by Subject "Agroforestry -- Research"

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    Agroforestry development and implementation in South Africa: an assessment of selected case studies
    (2016-12) Guiney, Itchell Sandy; Ham, Hannel; Ham, Cori; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Forest and Wood Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Agroforestry (AF) is the integrated approach of producing trees and agricultural crops and/or livestock in a single system on the same piece of land. Elements of AF have been practiced in South Africa (SA) since the late 1800’s, through what’s known as the Taungya system. AF has numerous environmental, economic and social benefits. However, there is limited research in SA to qualify and validate these benefits. The available information and research on AF practices in SA is also highly fragmented, difficult to access or out-dated. There is also no formal national policy or strategy that directly addresses the development and implementation of AF in SA. This national study composed of two phases. The first phase consisted of an assessment of AF development and implementation at the national level where a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to key stakeholders and individuals, involved in the development, promotion and implementation of AF in SA. The second phase entailed the assessment of selected AF projects, using a combination of case studies and survey methods. The results and outcomes of the study provided qualitative and quantitative data on AF development and implementation in SA. This include an analysis of the extent and geographical distribution of AF projects; the major AF systems and practices used; the main barriers factors that hinder the development and implementation of AF. The key organisations developing and implementing AF were defined and an assessment of the main direct and indirect goods and services derived from AF. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) associated with AF projects; and the design and diagnosis (D&D) of AF systems were also identified. The study concluded that AF systems are currently being developed and implemented in SA at various scales, level and with multiple management objectives, but potential to expand does exist. Several goods and services are also derived from AF systems, which make it a viable sustainable production alternative to conventional production. However, there are a number of barriers (institutional, technical, economic, policy/governance and social) affecting AF adoption, which need to be addressed. One of the recommendations is the development of a national AF policy and strategy. Furthermore, the top ranking national level barriers, which were identified and assessed through the research study, should be addressed. A more comprehensive assessment of the extent and distribution of AF in SA are also required. Finally, a detailed quantitative assessment of the AF goods and services and addressing the outcomes from the D&D of AF case studies in SA is needed.