ResearchSpace :: Browsing by Author "Musvoto, Constansia D"

Browsing by Author "Musvoto, Constansia D"

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Action-research platforms in water and agriculture: Lessons from three programmes in Africa
(AISA, 2013-05) Tucker, J; Ludi, E; Mason, N; Cullen, B; Lema, Z; Duncan, A; Musvoto, Constansia D; Habtu, S
Stakeholder platforms are popular among agricultural innovation projects. However, there has been limited critical or comparative research on these platforms, exploring what outcomes can be expected and what makes platforms effective or sustainable.This paper considers three projects (EAU4Food, RiPPLE and the Nile Basin Development Challenge) that worked with stakeholder platforms in Africa and draws a number of conclusions. Firstly, platforms can engender real change through action research and joint learning, but they also have high costs in terms of human resources. Facilitation by a trusted person, with dedicated time and resources to provide regular coordination and support to new activites is central. This role goes beyond just organising regular platform meetings. It is also critical to ensure that platforms provide clear benefit to members, to incentivise their participation and to have a way to influence powerholders elsewhere (e.g. in national government) who can act on learning from the platform. This may be achieved by establishing connected platforms at different levels, or by engaging decion-makers through other routes. finally, it is important to be aware that local power dynamics will shape platform activities, e.g. farmers may not feel able to voice their concerns in front of local government officials. Facilitators may choose to remain neutral, or to actively support powerless groups, but should consider the consequences of either choice for platform outcomes.
Applying a transdisciplinary process to define a research agenda in a smallholder irrigated farming system in South Africa
(Elsevier, 2015-07) Musvoto, Constansia D; Mason, N; Jovanovic, Nebojsa; Froebrich, J; Tshovhote, J; Nemakhavhani, M; Khabe, T
Defining an agenda is critical to a research process, and a transdisciplinary approach is expected to improve relevance of an agenda and resultant research outputs. Given the complexity of farming systems, farmer differences and the involvement of different stakeholders, as well as the expectations of research funders, what contributions can be made by different interest groups to the construction of an actionable research agenda that produces locally relevant yet original, empirical and transferable findings? In a case study of smallholder irrigation in South Africa, we analyze how, using a transdisciplinary approach, a balance can be struck between the priorities of different stakeholders in defining a research agenda. A transdisciplinary approach was interpreted to entail full participation of diverse stakeholders and integration of different issues as key features. Stakeholder participation was mediated through formal platforms: the Learning and Practice Alliance (LPA) and the Community of Practice (CoP). Farmers and local extension workers participated through the CoP, while other stakeholders, including the public and private sector participated through the LPA. A five step participatory process aimed at allowing stakeholders to fully understand issues, contribute to and validate the research agenda was followed, utilizing a combination of methods, including field observation, photography and discussion. We observed that farmer and researcher participation occurred along two main continua, which we define as a ‘participation matrix’ – one continuum relating to the contribution of knowledge and information, and the other to decision making. The participation matrix can be used as a reference framework for guiding the transdisciplinary definition of research agendas, to aid in balancing knowledge and priorities including local relevance, ownership, originality, and transferability of findings. We argue that the transdisciplinary process, mediated through structured stakeholder participation, open dialogue and continual validation by all stakeholders was time and resource intensive, but enabled each stakeholder group to contribute to the process distinctly, resulting in a research agenda that integrated different needs and expectations.
Assessment of food losses and waste at the Tshwane market and small scale farms
(2021-02) Ramukhwatho, Fhumulani R; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Musvoto, Constansia D; Polasi, Letlotlo T
Food losses and waste are issues of global concern as they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that agricultural production and marketing contribute a large portion of food waste in the value chain. This paper reports on findings of a research study conducted in Tshwane Fresh Produce Market (TFPM) within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) and on small-scale vegetable farms in Limpopo province. The aim of the study was to assess food losses and waste in a small-scale production context and at a fresh produce market. Questionnaires were used to collect information on the amount of food wasted or lost, reasons for the wastage and methods employed to reduce waste. It was found that food loss varied depending on the crop, and even on the variety of produce. The main causes for food wastage at the farm level are weather conditions, damage from insects and birds. Sixty percent of farmers divert their food waste for animal feeding. On average five thousand tonnes of food is wasted every year in the Tshwane fresh produce market and the main cause of wastage is oversupply by farmers. The study concluded that the highest losses occur at the preharvesting stage and growers often have little control over how much produce is lost.
Assessment of homegarden agroforestry for sustainable land management intervention in a degraded landscape in South Africa
(2021-12) Musvoto, Constansia D; Kgaphola, Motsoko J; Mwenge Kahinda, Jean-Marc
Agroforestry-based sustainable land management (SLM) interventions provide opportunities for tackling land degradation and its associated socio-economic issues. Agroforestry is not a guaranteed SLM fix as every agroforestry practice is not automatically relevant to each context. It is critical to identify key considerations for ensuring a good fit between agroforestry and the receiving environment. This study identifies and analyses key factors for assessing the context-specific suitability of an agroforestry practice for SLM using a case-study of homegarden agroforestry in a degraded catchment. An analysis of biophysical and socio-economic characteristics of the catchment covering land degradation, SLM aspirations of residents, agriculture and agroforestry activities was conducted through literature review, field observations, GIS and remote sensing, stakeholder engagement and a questionnaire survey. Considerations in agroforestry practice assessment for SLM include agricultural and SLM objectives, which at our study site were increased crop production and arresting soil erosion. Availability of requisite resources, namely land, water and fencing; stakeholder interest in the tree and/or crop planting, species of interest and suitability of the species for the biophysical conditions should also be assessed. We propose a framework for systematically working through the relevant factors and assessing the suitability of an agroforestry practice for SLM intervention in a specific context. Based on the framework, homegarden agroforestry is an appropriate SLM intervention as it could meet stakeholders' SLM and agricultural objectives. Identification and systematic assessment of relevant factors are critical for ensuring the acceptability of agroforestry practice in a locality and the sustainability of associated SLM interventions.
Bringing the integrative aspect of sustainable development into community natural resource management: the case of agricultural land use in Limpopo, South Africa
(WIT Press, 2014-06) Musvoto, Constansia D; Nortje, Karen; Murambadoro, M
Rural communities in South Africa manage natural resources under conditions of resource degradation driven by unsustainable practices. This is against a backdrop of the country adopting the principle of sustainable development and putting in place policies to facilitate integrated decision making, which is pivotal to sustainable development. Sustainable development is an integrative concept with a basis in a ‘whole systems approach’. There are no tools tailored to facilitate integration in community level decision making in South Africa and there is need to develop such tools. In line with the stakeholder approach, users have to be involved in the development of the tools and inform their content. The question is whether community level users are able to adequately inform such tools. The objective of this study was to assess the input of potential community level users into development of a decision support tool for improving integration in natural resource management (specifically agricultural land use) decision making. Stakeholder analysis was used to identify decision makers and their responsibilities and elucidate decision-making processes, criteria, context and characteristics of the tool. The main findings were that (i) community agricultural land use decisions focus on addressing social and economic needs with no consideration for the environment; (ii) users visualised the tool as a set of guidelines for enabling equal consideration of social, economic and environmental factors and expected it to facilitate group decision making, communication and participation of different stakeholders in decision making. Stakeholder expectations for the tool were different. Stakeholder analysis was used to accommodate these different perspectives and reach consensus on issues. Stakeholders were able to provide integral information to developing a tool that is both acceptable to users and addresses the integration principle of sustainable development.
Climate change adaptation as a vehicle for SDG implementation: Experiences from small scale vegetable farming in South Africa
(2018-06) Musvoto, Constansia D
South Africa has adopted a sustainable development path and this is guided by several country level strategies and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Agriculture is central to South Africa's sustainable development, with small scale agriculture having a key role. However, the generic nature of the SDGs makes their operationalization challenging, and their translation into action in a sector such as small scale agriculture is unclear. Small scale farmers face resource constraints due to climate change and are adapting by increasing water and general resource use efficiency. These adaptation actions could provide avenues for implementing some SDGs.
Climate resilience through resource efficiency in smallholder vegetable production in South Africa
(IEEE, 2019-10) Musvoto, Constansia D
Most of the vegetables grown in South Africa are irrigated. Smallholder vegetable farmers face water shortages and other constraints including low yields and high energy costs. This study sought to assist smallholder farmers to address these constraints through enhanced resource use efficiency. It also assessed relevance of these practices for building climate resilience. Data was collected from commercial smallholder vegetable farmers in Limpopo Province and analysed thematically. Farmers recognise the constant fluidity of their environment, noting shifts in rainfall patterns and amounts, increasing temperatures, frequent droughts; and increasing shortages of irrigation water. Higher temperatures necessitate more irrigation and exacerbate water shortages while increasing energy consumption. Competition for water from non-agricultural users is also an issue. Interventions instituted through the study include water conservation through mulching, efficient irrigation management, accurate irrigation scheduling; use of suitable infrastructure and equipment and good crop management. These interventions reduced water consumption and energy use while increasing yield and reducing production costs; and thus enhanced both water, energy and general resource use efficiency. Enhancing water, energy and general resource use efficiency are appropriate responses to climate change as they build resilience and could help sustain production in the face of climate change induced water shortages and rising energy costs. Impacts could be scaled up and sustained through training and capacity building targeted at individual farmer needs and bolstered by information and technical support. Agricultural advisory service providers need to be cognisant of opportunities for building climate resilience presented by generic problems faced by farmers.
A comparative analysis of yield gaps and water productivity on smallholder farms in Ethiopia, South Africa and Tunisia
(Wiley, 2018-01) Jovanovic, Nebojsa; Musvoto, Constansia D; De Clercq, W; Pienaar, C; Petja, B; Zairi, A; Hanafi, S; Ajmi, T; Mailhol, JC; Cheviron, B
Agriculture in developing countries will have to transform and increase production by an estimated 70% in order to meet demands by 2050. Although well-managed commercial farms offer little manoeuvring space for increasing agricultural water productivity, smallholder farms usually operate at low input costs and therefore provide ample opportunities to reduce the potential yield gap through agricultural intensification. The aim of this paper is to analyse and compare yields and water productivities obtained in field and modelling experiments in Ethiopia (maize, garlic, onion), South Africa (tomato) and Tunisia (tomato, potato, wheat). Innovative agricultural practices were introduced on smallholder farms: irrigation scheduling and NPS Zn fertilization in Ethiopia; high-yielding cultivar, drip irrigation, mulching and organic amendments in South Africa; and crop water modelling in Tunisia. In general, crop yields increased up to eight times with innovative practices compared to current conventional farming practices. Crop water productivities were fairly stable within the same experiments, but increased with innovations, indicating that intensive farming can be more environmentally sustainable than conventional farming. Intensive farming systems in a resource-rich environment (high radiation levels, relatively fertile, deep and well-drained soils), combined with technology transfer and capacity building could be seen as viable strategies to secure food for smallholders and communities in African rural areas, as well as to improve water utilization in water-scarce catchments.
Could small scale vegetable production contribute to a green economy in South Africa?
(Africa Green Media, 2015-02) Musvoto, Constansia D
South African agriculture is dominated by the large scale commercial sector. However, the government of South Africa recognises the potential role of small scale farming in the economy of the country and in job creation. South Africa has adopted the principle of a green economy, and is in the process of transitioning to a low carbon, resource efficient economy. The green economy - a response to the challenges of sustainable development, integrates social, economic and environmental objectives. It also endeavours to improve human well-being and social equity while protecting the environment. One of the essential elements of human well-being is food security, and this places agriculture at the core of a green economy. Agriculture is well placed to contribute to a green economy as many agricultural activities potentially offer solutions to the social, economic and environmental challenges that South Africa and the rest of the world face. Rural communities in different parts of South Africa practise small scale farming, and some produce a variety of vegetables for sale. A case study of small-scale vegetable production in Tzaneen highlights that this activity provides employment, contributes to food security, uses water efficient irrigation methods and produces for sale. Some of the practices on these farms are compatible with a green economy, and with interventions that improve alignment with green economy principles, small scale vegetable production could contribute to a green economy and open up options for people who currently have very few opportunities for participating in the economy.
The dream of a green economy: cover story
(SA ePublications, 2015-12) Musvoto, Constansia D
The green economy, with its underlying philosophy of reducing the dependence of economic development on the increased consumption of and damage to natural resources is a tool for achieving sustainable development. Globally, a green economy supported by agriculture (an agricultural green economy) is particularly highlighted as offering potential solutions to current social, economic and environmental challenges which humanity faces. These challenges include food insecurity, climate change and increasing inequalities. The government of South Africa recognises the potential role of agriculture, in particular small scale farming in the country's green economy and in job creation. At present, most of the documented information on the green economy is theoretical in nature, with little information on green economy practice. Research conducted by the Natural Resources and the environment unit of CSIR identified the availability of relevant and credible project level information as being critical for green economy implementation, with two categories of information being vital: (i) contextual information that builds an understanding of the green economy and thus flexibility in its implementation; and (ii) operational information. Green economy implementation guidelines should provide this type of information. For South Africa to move beyong intent and make the green economy a reality, investments are needed. However, before investing in necessities such as infrastructure and equipment, it is necessary to build capacity to implement projects. Provision of relevant guideline information to those involved in implementation (both directly and indirectly) is a key part of capacity building.
Elim Workshop Proceedings: Improving coordination and integration of agricultural land use in restitution areas of Makhado Municipality
(CSIR, 2011-08) Nortje, Karen; Musvoto, Constansia D; Murambadoro, M
On 29 August and 01 September 2011 the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in conjunction with Nkuzi Development Association held two workshops with local stakeholders in the case study area of Elim and surrounds. These workshops form part of a larger study being conducted by the CSIR which looks at building sustainable agrarian social ecological systems through an integrative landscape approach. There was more than one purpose to these workshops. The academic and technical purpose of the workshops was to discuss coordination and integration of agricultural land use, in order to identify what has worked, what is desirable and what options exist for improving coordination and integration of agricultural land use in order to support food security and income generation without degrading the environment. The second purpose relates more to the social co-learning among stakeholders during the workshop. By creating and facilitating the exchange and sharing of knowledge and experiences, the stakeholders, through participating in the workshop, had an opportunity to learn more about their neighbours, their challenges and hopes and plans for the future. It also gave them the opportunity to learn that their neighbours share some of the obstacles they face and that by thinking together and combining their knowledge, suitable and relevant ideas can emerge that are to the benefit of all.
Green economy implementation in the agriculture sector: moving from theory to practice
(Springer, 2019-01) Musvoto, Constansia D; Nortje, Karen; Nahman, Anton; Stafford, William HL
Focusing on agriculture, this book analyses a developing country green economy implementation context and provides a practical framework for implementing crop production green economy projects. The book addresses a distinct gap as currently there are no guidelines available for planning and implementing green economy projects in the agriculture sector.The book combines information from desktop reviews with field research on vegetable production in a green economy context in South Africa to bridge the gap between the theoretical green economy concept and practical implementation issues that would be encountered at project level. It includes a step-by-step process for translating abstract green economy principles into actions on the ground, so that the potential benefits of a green economy are realizable.
A guideline for green economy implementation in the agriculture sector
(2017-08) Musvoto, Constansia D
The CSIR has developed a guideline for implementing green economy projects in the agriculture sector. The guideline is available for use by agricultural practitioners; and is a tool for translating the principles of a green economy into tangible benefits for people through agricultural projects.
Impact of land use and land cover change on land degradation in rural semi-arid South Africa: Case of the Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality
(2023-05) Kgaphola, Motsoko J; Ramoelo, A; Odindi, J; Mwenge Kahinda, Jean-Marc; Seetal, Ashwin R; Musvoto, Constansia D
In semi-arid regions, interactions between biophysical and socio-economic variables are complex. Such interactions and their respective variables significantly alter land use and land cover, degrade landscape’s structure, and impede the efficacy of the adopted land management interventions. This scenario is particularly prevalent in communal land tenure system or areas managed by a hybrid of traditional and state led institutions. Hence, this study sought to investigate the impacts of land use and land cover changes (LULCCs) on land degradation (LD) under communal rural districts, and the key drivers of habitat fragmentation in the Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality (GSDM), South Africa. The study used the wet and dry season multi-temporal remotely sensed image data, key-informant interviews, and workshop with tribal council to determine the major drivers of LULCC and LD. Results revealed that mines and quarries, subsistence and commercial cultivation, and thicket/dense bush LULCs declined significantly during the study period. These LULCs mostly declined in wet season, with loss in vegetation cover highly prevalent. Specifically, the highest conversions were from shrub/grassland to bare soil, thicket/dense bush to shrub/grassland, and shrub/grassland to residential, respectively. Generally, LULCC affected vegetation productivity within the study area, with increased negative NDVI values observed during the dry season. The findings from key informants and the tribal council workshop emphasized that soil erosion, abandonment of cropland, and injudicious land use (i.e. overgrazing and consequent bush encroachment) have severely degraded the land. The study also established that the degrading land can be attributed to the weakening local communal land management system, particularly the weakening tribal councils. The study recommends an urgent need for collaborative (i.e. government, tribal authorities, and land users) land management through designing relevant multi-stakeholder LD mitigation measures.
Imperatives for an agricultural green economy in South Africa
(AOSIS, 2015-01) Musvoto, Constansia D; Nortje, Karen; De Wet, Benita; Mahumani, BK; Nahman, Anton
Globally, there are social, economic and environmental challenges related to sustainable development; these challenges include climate change, the need to feed a rapidly increasing population, high rates of poverty and environmental degradation. These challenges have forced us to rethink the way in which development takes place, resulting in the emergence of the concept of a ‘green economy’. A green economy results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing risks to the environment. It is based on principles which integrate social, economic and environmental considerations. South Africa has adopted the principle of green economic growth, and agriculture is one of the sectors that will drive this growth. Agriculture could address some of the sustainable development problems, but there are challenges related to resource availability, environmental impacts of agriculture and climate change. For agriculture to support a green economy it has to be productive, contribute to economic growth and not undermine the environment, social and cultural systems. The information base and policies required to support a green economy in general, and/or an agriculture-supported green economy have not yet been developed, as the green economy is an emerging concept in South Africa as well as globally. The generation of such information requires analysis and synthesis of green economy principles and agricultural imperatives into generic principles and practices for facilitating agriculture’s contribution to the green economy. In this paper, we conduct this analysis and synthesis and highlight the defining aspects of an agricultural green economy.
An integrated approach to secure multiple ecosystems benefit through sustainable land management in the productive but degraded landscapes of South Africa
(2016-10) Mwenge Kahinda, Jean-Marc; Musvoto, Constansia D; Archer van Garderen, Emma RM; Dhavu, K; Seopa, J
Over 80% of South Africa's land is used for agriculture with livestock herding being the dominant rural land use. Approximately 1.5 million hectares of land in South Africa is degraded leading to the loss of ecosystem services. Arresting land degradation and achieving sustainable land management (SLM) is critical for ensuring ecosystem integrity, as well as continued productivity and benefits to livelihoods. While the long-term preferred solution is to reduce the costs of ecological restoration in South Africa and increase the productivity of the land, this requires an innovative approach to SLM and should entail: i) enhancing the capacity of government, institutions and local communities to mainstream SLM into policies, plans and programmes; and ii) implementing climate-smart ecosystem rehabilitation and management measures. To address the challenges of increasing food production, building resilient livelihoods, while rehabilitating critical ecological functions, a research project titled: 'Securing multiple ecosystems benefit through SLM in the productive but degraded landscapes of South Africa' has recently been launched. The project uses scientific understanding, institutional and human capacities to put in place land management, livestock and agricultural production systems that simultaneously increase primary productivity, rehabilitate land and ecosystems and build resilience of natural resource dependent communities. The research is carried out in three South African landscapes (Eastern Cape province, Karoo and Olifants sub-basin) and addresses: (1) the micro-meso level that considers the key-factors that affect horizontal up-scaling; (2) the meso-macro level (vertical up-scaling) for SLM, targeted at enhancing the quantitative understanding of the (future) impact of continued land degradation at multiple scales; and (3) the enabling environment, which deals with policies, human and institutional capacity required for effective implementation of SLM.
Measuring conditions and trends in ecosystem services at multiple scales: the Southern African millennium ecosystem assessment (SAFMA) experience
(Royal Society, 2005-01) Van Jaarsveld, AS; Biggs, R; Scholes, RJ; Bohensky, E; Reyers, B; Lynam, T; Musvoto, Constansia D; Fabricius, C
The Southern African Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (SAfMA) evaluated the relationships between ecosystem services and human well-being at multiple scales, ranging from local through to sub-continental. Trends in ecosystem services (fresh water, food, fuel-wood, cultural and biodiversity) over the period 1990-2000 were mixed across scales. Freshwater resources appear strained across the continent with large numbers of people not securing adequate supplies, especially of good quality water. This translates to high infant mortality patterns across the region. In some areas, the use of water resources for irrigated agriculture and urban-industrial expansion is taking place at considerable cost to the quality and quantity of freshwater available to ecosystems and for domestic use. Staple cereal production across the region has increased but was outstripped by population growth while protein malnutrition is on the rise. The much-anticipated wood-fuel crisis on the subcontinent has not materialized but some areas are experiencing shortages while numerous others remain vulnerable. Cultural benefits of biodiversity are considerable, though hard to quantify or track over time. Biodiversity resources remain at reasonable levels, but are declining faster than reflected in species extinction rates and appear highly sensitive to land-use decisions. The SAfMA sub-global assessment provided an opportunity to experiment with innovative ways to assess ecosystem services including the use of supply-demand surfaces, service sources and sink areas, priority areas for service provision, service 'hotspots' and trade-off assessments.
Relevance of national and local government policy to sustainable community natural resource management in South Africa
(WIT Press, 2011-12) Musvoto, Constansia D; Nortje, Karen; Murambadoro, M; Dube, S
Development in South Africa is guided by the principle of sustainability, and this is underpinned by integration, which is the consideration of social, economic and environmental factors in decision making. Policies are in place at national and local government level to ensure integration. A key integration instrument at municipality level (the lowest unit of local government) is the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), a strategic planning tool meant to guide all planning and management in a municipality. At national level, the National Environmental Management Act, in particular its philosophy of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) is supposed to provide guidance on sustainable development. In municipalities, communal natural resource management decisions are made at community level. There are no instruments to guide this decision making to ensure integration. This study analysed natural resource management decision making at community level, focussing on agricultural land use. The objectives were (i) to assess whether agricultural land use decision making incorporated integration principles and (ii) to assess applicability of the IDP and IEM as instruments for incorporating integration into community level decision making. Information was collected through a review of national and local government policies and interviews at municipal and community levels. Decision making was found to be focused on addressing social and economic needs with little consideration for the environment. The IDP had no relevance to community level decision making while the principles of IEM could be applied to incorporate integration into decision making.
Selected environmental impacts of energy use by the automobile sector: Findings from a project focussed on Johannesburg and Cape Town
(2009-06) Mapako, M; Oliver, D; Covary, N; Mdluli, T; Musvoto, Constansia D
The transport sector is the major consumer of liquid petroleum fuels, and a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. It had been estimated to contribute 11% of total national greenhouse gas emissions. It is thus a significant contributor to climate change and air pollution with the attendant negative impacts on the climate and human health. In view of this, the South African National Energy Research Institute (SANERI) supported a project, executed by the CSIR, to look at the impact of energy use in the transport sector on the environment, particularly air quality. This paper is intended to provide information about the project, its findings and recommendations. The paper is based on limited air quality monitoring and pollutant dispersion modelling and analysis work by the Climatology Research Group at the University of the Witwatersrand, with a smaller soil and water contamination monitoring and analysis component. by Starplex Environmental Solutions. A review of relevant policies and strategies of the two cities was undertaken and two stakeholder workshops were held to discuss findings and to formulate recommendations for policymakers. The two cities were found to have generally different levels of pollutants at the sites monitored and significant differences in their approaches to future transport planning with a view to minimising negative environmental impacts. The lessons from the examination of the different approaches, together with those from other cities can inform future national level transport policy planning. Recommendations around regulatory, legal, technological, fiscal, and awareness issues are provided from the findings of the project and subsequent stakeholder dialogue
Social-ecological system understanding of land degradation in response to land use and cover changes in the Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality
(2023-02) Kgaphola, Motsoko J; Ramoelo, Abel; John Odindi, J; Mwenge Kahinda, Jean-Marc; Seetal, Ashwin R; Musvoto, Constansia D
Land degradation is a major risk to the sustainability and functioning of socioecological systems (SES), especially in arid/semiarid regions. By understanding a system and its interlinkages, the socioecological approach offers an innovative way to explore degradation. This is achieved through a synergistic analytical approach to improve the ability of identifying and understanding systems, predicting their behaviour, and modifying them to achieve the desired effects. This research provides a roadmap for an integrated interdisciplinary approach that is a critical factor in understanding the drivers of land degradation. It can be used to determine appropriate land management action. The aim of this study was, therefore, to apply an integrated SES approach to a degraded rural semiarid context to address the land degradation problem using the Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality in South Africa as a case study. The Drive Pressure State Condition and four Responses (DPSCR4) framework (modified from Drive Pressure State Impact and Response (DPSIR)) was used as the SES to assess land degradation. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions with local pastoralists and traditional authorities, and the scientific literature were triangulated to systemically analyse DPSCR4. Land degradation neutrality (LDN) was integrated into the framework to draw conclusions on sustainable land management (SLM). The results show that the main anthropogenic activities driving land degradation are overgrazing, land tenure, poverty and disenfranchisement, unsustainable land use, and cropland abandonment, which favour bush encroachment. Natural factors such as topography, dispersive duplex soils, and climate variability and change predispose the district to soil erosion and gully formation. In combination with human activities, this exacerbates land degradation. The study recommends measures to enable informed integrated land use planning and management using the DPSCR4 and LDN frameworks to improve landscape conditions in rural semiarid regions and provide sustainable livelihoods for the rural poor in developing countries who depend on natural resources.

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