ResearchSpace :: Browsing by Author "Mutanga, Shingirirai S"

Browsing by Author "Mutanga, Shingirirai S"

Now showing 1 - 14 of 14

Africa's technology options for renewable energy production and distribution
(Africa Institute of South Africa, 2011-12) Amigun, B; Kaggwa, M; Musango, J; Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Simelane, T; Stafford, William HL
This chapter presents a critical appraisal of Africa's modern energy technologies for renewable energy. It highlights issues of scale and location-specific attributes. A critical review of different renewable energies is presented, the state of renewable energy technologies in Africa is discussed and country-specific examples and classifications are listed.
Analysis of the determinants of household’s water access and payments among the urban poor. A case study of Diepsloot Township
(2022-10) Tshililo, FP; Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Sikhwivhilu, K; Siame, J; Hongoro, C; Managa, LR; Mbohwa, C; Madyira, DM
Currently, 91% of the world population has access to clean and safe water. Despite this encouraging development exclusion and marginalisation of the poor appear not only to be deepening but fast spreading. Low-income communities in urban areas are increasingly grappling with issues of reliability, sufficiency, and affordability of potable water. Attaining SDG 6 and its targets goal is a daunting task for most developing nations and limited evidence provide an intrinsic look at water systems for marginalised urban communities. This study investigates factors influencing household water access, its reliability and affordability among the low-income communities. The study administered a structured questionnaire to 500 households to determine key predictors of household water access. Findings show persistent high unemployment levels with most of the people surviving on less than R 3000 (198 USD) a month. Around 66% of households had access to tap water either inside the house or yard, but the water supply was irregular, and most households were not paying for the water. Household water access and payment for water services were influenced by house type, household size and water source with a p value of 0.00, 0.035 and 0.042 respectively. Other variables such as education, employment, and income were not significant predictors of household's water access. The study observed that income, employment, education, gender, drinking tap water, water interruptions, and satisfaction levels did not have a significant relationship with household water payment for water services. The findings of this study highlight the importance of policy in driving water service provision for the successful attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 6.1.
Environmental challenges to meeting sustainable development goals in Southern Africa
(Springer, 2024-01) Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Skhosana, Felix; Mateyisi, Mohau; Thenga, Humbelani F; Naidoo, Sasha; Ramoelo, A; Nangombe, Shingirai S; Lumsden, Trevor G; Von Maltitz, GP; Midgley, GF; Veitch, J; Brümmer, C; Rötte, RP; Viehberg, FA; Veste, M
There is an inextricable link between ecosystem integrity and the potential for achieving sustainable development goals (SDG). This chapter highlights key ecosystem threats and their drivers within the southern African regional context to emphasize the role of earth system science in supporting the achievement of regional sustainable development goals. It describes how some major anthropogenic threats have unfolded in terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems of the region. Earth system science is increasingly contributing to understanding how globally driven climate and environmental changes threaten these ecosystems, and in turn how these impact people’s livelihoods. Long-term changes in rainfall variability, concomitant disruption of hydrological balances, impacts on ocean chemistry, together with more immediate impacts on the frequency and magnitude of extreme climate events are some of the critical global change drivers. While terrestrial ecosystems are already faced with encroachment by novel species, characterized by the proliferation of both invasive alien and endemic woody species, freshwater and marine ecosystems appear more immediately threatened by more local impacts, such as the accumulation of contaminants. Overall, predicted climate and environmental changes are projected to hamper development trajectories and poverty reduction efforts, and possibly exacerbate adverse impacts on human livelihoods.
Implementation of water energy food-health nexus in a climate constrained world: A review for South Africa
(2024-03) Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Mantlana, Khanyisa B; Mudavanhu, Shepherd; Muthige, MS; Skhosana, Felix V; Lumsden, Trevor G; Naidoo, Sasha; Thambiran, Tirusha; John, Juanette
In recent years, the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus has gained significant attention in global research. Spatial inequality in water-energy-food security (WEF) and its impact on public health and how this is affected by climate change remains a grand adaptation challenge. South Africa is extremely vulnerable and exposed to the impacts of climate change due to its socio-economic and environmental context. While alternative nexus types have garnered interest, this paper pioneers an extension of the conventional WEF framework to encompass health, giving rise to the Water-Energy-Food-Health (WEF-H) nexus. Despite a plethora of WEF nexus studies focused on South Africa, a substantial knowledge gap persists due to the lack of a comprehensive overview of the enablers and barriers to realizing the WEF-H nexus. South Africa boasts diverse policies related to water, energy, food, and health; however, their alignment remains an ongoing challenge. This study seeks to bridge this critical gap by conducting an exhaustive review of existing literature. Its primary aim is to delve into the intricate mechanisms that either facilitate or impede the actualization of the WEF-H nexus in South Africa. By synthesizing insights from a wide array of literature sources, this research strives to illuminate the challenges and opportunities stemming from the integration of health considerations into the established WEF nexus framework. This exploration holds immense significance, not only for unraveling the multifaceted interactions between these pivotal sectors but also for guiding policy development and decision-making processes in South Africa towards a more holistic and sustainable approach to resource management.
Integrating project-based infrastructures with long-term greenhouse gas observations in Africa
(2022-05) Bieri, M; Du Toit, J; Feig, G; Maluta, NE; Mantlana, Khanyisa B; Mateyisi, Mohau J; Midgley, GF; Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Von Maltitz, G; Brümmer, C
There is a lack of long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement infrastructures in Africa. This limits our understanding of the temporal dynamics of the biosphere-atmosphere exchange of carbon in response to climate change. Where relevant infrastructures have been established in externally funded research projects, they have often not been successfully transferred to local institutions at project termination, nor maintained in the long term. This leads to loss of capacity and continuity in primary data. We describe a collaborative approach where eddy-covariance (EC) towers for continuous long-term observation of carbon dioxide and energy fluxes were constructed under two consecutive German-funded research projects and designed to complement existing South African infrastructures. They will be transferred to partner institutions at project termination, supported by deliberate capacity building actions for long term sustainability. Joint activities were implemented to i) strengthen technical expertise for infrastructure maintenance, ii) introduce a new generation of academic scientists to the topic, iii) co-develop a training concept to enhance local capacity to continue teaching the topic, iv) improve the uptake and use of data by the research community, v) improve data use and access by stakeholders, and vi) facilitate knowledge exchange between institutions. Co-designed activities included training, apprenticeships and knowledge exchange, student exchange, co-supervision, and public outreach. Following a similar model in international research projects could significantly benefit 1) national capacity for emission inventories, 2) development of long-term GHG observation networks, and 3) the global scientific community via improved availability of data. While we specifically focus on a network of GHG observations, the principles are applicable for the infrastructure to observe other surface/atmosphere exchange processes or other long term observational infrastructure.
Modeling energy requirements for a biogas-supported decentralized Water treatment systems for communities in chambishi (Zambia) and diepsloot (South Africa) townships
(2021-06) Mwandila, G; Mwanza, M; Sikhwivhilu, K; Siame, J; Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Simposya, A
An analytical model to determine energy requirements for a Biogas-supported Decentralized Water Treatment Systems was carried out based on energy consumption in Zambia and energy produced during water reclamation from wastewater in South Africa. For Zambia, the power consumption of the pumps for water abstraction, suction, distribution and treatment was the basis for determining energy required per hour. This energy was provided by biogas which was produced from a mixed feedstock of equal proportions made up of food leftovers, sewage sludge and fecal matter. This energy and amount of feedstock were used to design the biodigester. The model determined that a 1400m3 biodigester with biogas output of 8.6ML/day could yield 57kW electricity. These results compare proportionally very closely with those of the Safi Sana plant which has a 2500 m3 biodigester and produces 100kW electricity. For South Africa, energy requirements were modeled using experimental data obtained from water reclamation of wastewater and using sludge residue to produce biogas for electricity. This experimental model determined that 618ML/day of wastewater could be processed to yield power generation of 4.2MWh, an upscale from the current 97ML of wastewater per day that generates 1.1MWh.
Salient ingredients for direct water reclamation from treated municipal wastewater for potable reuse: Diepsloot Township case study
(2023-05) Lufuno Nemadodzi, L; Sikhwivhilu, K; Jalama, K; Moothi, K; Bambo, M; Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Siame, J
Across the world population growth, expansion of economic activities and climate change have become a concern for future water supply. To address the issue, many countries are investigating strategies to augment current water supplies. Water reclamation has been identified as a plausible sustainable solution to meet potable water supply demand, in turn achieving SDG 6.3. This study identifies some of the critical success factors for consideration of municipal waste water reclamation. This was undertaken in the growing township of Diepsloot, in Johannesburg (South Africa). Diepsloot is densely populated with over 350,000 people as recorded in 2022. As a result, water shortages are common due to insufficient bulk water facilities to supply the area. A direct potable water reclamation plant from treated municipal wastewater has been proposed to augment the water supply. Aqueous Material Balance (AqMB)®, a process modelling simulator software for water treatment processes to predict water quality and quantity, was used to design and simulate the water reclamation plant process. Our findings show that, the quantity and quality of water, as well as the choice of treatment technology are key. The simulations treatment process proposed here-in indicated successful removal of the contaminants to acceptable SANS 241:2015 drinking water standards. The variation in seasonal feed data did not show any difference in the performance of the proposed process. Furthermore, the plant has the potential to provide 109 L/day of clean water per person for a population of 350,000. Therefore, direct potable water reclamation shows great potential to augment current water supply to support growing populations where natural water sources are scarce.
Status of water security in inland South African cities
(2020-12) Simelane, T; Chikozho, C; Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Managa, LR; Tshililo, F; Dabata, R
Most cities in South Africa are in dire need of water security. Intervention measures to reduce the risk of water shortages now and the near future are urgently needed. This can possibly be attained through the diversification of water sources and the application of smart or digital technologies to reduce water wastage. Meaning that, cities which are at risk of water scarcity may consider a variety of alternative means, which includes smart technologies and efficient use of recycled water to meet the ever-increasing demand. In this study the status of water security and sanitation in two inland cities (i.e. Mbombela (Nelspruit) and Polokwane (Pietersburg)) was investigated. A gap between supply and demand for water to households was found to be large. The primary demand for water derives from households that are connected to the municipal reticulation system and used for drinking and sanitation. Water security concerns were found to be from households in need of water supply and unmeasured demands from informal settlements that are illegally connected to the system. The uncertain nature of water availability due to climate change meant that the risk of water insecurity in studied cities was high. To ameliorate this, municipalities need to adopt new ways of managing water. This may include the use of digital technologies and the promotion of harvesting rainwater as an alternative source. Maintenance of existing infrastructure is highly recommended to improve efficiencies in water usage. Overall, results reflect the high risk of water security in Mbombela and Polokwane. Of great concern is the need to manage water to improve the efficiency of its use to meet the ever-increasing demand.
Status of water security in inland South African cities
(2020-12) Simelane, T; Chikozho, C; Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Managa, LF; Tshililo, F; Dabata, T
Most cities in South Africa are in dire need of water security. Intervention measures to reduce the risk of water shortages now and the near future are urgently needed. This can possibly be attained through the diversification of water sources and the application of smart or digital technologies to reduce water wastage. Meaning that, cities which are at risk of water scarcity may consider a variety of alternative means, which includes smart technologies and efficient use of recycled water to meet the ever-increasing demand. In this study the status of water security and sanitation in two inland cities (i.e. Mbombela (Nelspruit) and Polokwane (Pietersburg)) was investigated. A gap between supply and demand for water to households was found to be large. The primary demand for water derives from households that are connected to the municipal reticulation system and used for drinking and sanitation. Water security concerns were found to be from households in need of water supply and unmeasured demands from informal settlements that are illegally connected to the system. The uncertain nature of water availability due to climate change meant that the risk of water insecurity in studied cities was high. To ameliorate this, municipalities need to adopt new ways of managing water. This may include the use of digital technologies and the promotion of harvesting rainwater as an alternative source. Maintenance of existing infrastructure is highly recommended to improve efficiencies in water usage. Overall, results reflect the high risk of water security in Mbombela and Polokwane. Of great concern is the need to manage water to improve the efficiency of its use to meet the ever-increasing demand.
A system dynamics approach to understanding the biofuels socio-technical transition
(Pretoria: Human Sciences Research Council, also the Africa Institute of South Africa, 2018) Stafford, William HL; Simelane, T; Kwagga, M; Mutanga, Shingirirai S
Biofuels are renewable energy sources that are alternatives to the current fossil fuels which dominate energy supply systems. Since energy is a domestic necessity and also a factor of production (enabling a variety of services such as transportation, heating, and food production), the widespread production and use of biofuels can facilitate low-carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive economic development. However, biofuels do not automatically deliver these development benefits. If managed incorrectly, biomass can be harvested at unsustainable rates, lead to increased emissions and environmental pollution, displace food security and livelihoods, and increase poverty. Therefore, appropriate management and governance will be needed to ensure that the transition towards biofuels is tailored to the local social, economic, and ecological context in order to achieve sustainable development benefits. Responding to this challenge dictates that new concepts and research tools be applied to represent and model the complex nature of biofuels systems. In addition, a multi-level perspective is needed to reveal the scale and levels of hierarchy in the system, and understand the diffusion and market uptake of biofuels. This chapter uses system dynamics tools and a multi-level approach in order to reveal the various factors that will influence the transition to biofuels as part of a new socio-technical system, and to identify components that will regulate the behaviour of the system. Different stages of the biofuels system (biofuel feedstock production, biofuels production, and biofuels market uptake) were analysed using causal loop diagrams in order to identify influencing variables and important regulating feedback loops that determine the systems behaviour. This revealed that the transition to a sustainable biofuels future would require a spectrum of wide-ranging, interrelated changes in technology, markets, social and cultural preference, policy and governance. Due to the complexities and scale of a biofuels transition, a coordinated response from government, business and civil society will be needed support the biofuels transition and reorient development towards a green economy and sustainable development path.
Systems dynamics approach for modelling South Africa’s response to COVID-19: A “what if” scenario
(2021-02) Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Ngungu, M; Tshililo, FP; Kaggwa, M
Background: Many countries in the world are still struggling to control COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 28, 2020, South Africa reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Sub- Sahara Africa. The country took aggressive steps to control the spread of the virus including setting a national command team for COVID-19 and putting the country on a complete lockdown for more than 100 days. Evidence across most countries has shown that, it is vital to monitor the progression of pandemics and assess the effects of various public health measures, such as lockdowns. Countries need to have scientific tools to assist in monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of mitigation interventions. The objective of this study was thus to assess the extent to which a systems dynamics model can forecast COVID-19 infections in South Africa and be a useful tool in evaluating government interventions to manage the epidemic through 'what if' simulations. Design and Methods: This study presents a systems dynamics model (SD) of the COVID-19 infection in South Africa, as one of such tools. The development of the SD model in this study is grounded in design science research which fundamentally builds on prior research of modelling complex systems. Results: The SD model satisfactorily replicates the general trend of COVID-19 infections and recovery for South Africa within the first 100 days of the pandemic. The model further confirms that the decision to lockdown the country was a right one, otherwise the country's health capacity would have been overwhelmed. Going forward, the model predicts that the level of infection in the country will peak towards the last quarter of 2020, and thereafter start to decline. Conclusions: Ultimately, the model structure and simulations suggest that a systems dynamics model can be a useful tool in monitoring, predicting and testing interventions to manage COVID-19 with an acceptable margin of error. Moreover, the model can be developed further to include more variables as more facts on the COVID-19 emerge.
The influence of public perception on acceptance of potable water reclamation schemes: The case of Diepsloot township, Johannesburg
(2024-02) Tshililo, FP; Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Gumbo, D; Sikhwivhilu, K; Chikozho, C
While a considerable amount of research in several parts of the world has already demonstrated reclaimed water safety and reliability for various uses, its acceptance and use by communities and households in South Africa remains very low. In this article, we use quantitative and qualitative data from a community-level cross-sectional perception survey that was carried out from 2018 to 2019 to assess water users’ willingness to accept reclaimed water as an alternative source of water for domestic purposes in Diepsloot township as well as the main factors influencing respondents’ perceptions. Results of this study show that there is high acceptance of reclaimed water for domestic uses. Respondents with higher levels of education were more likely to accept reclaimed water than those with lower levels of education. The assumption that the water they were using was already mixed with wastewater also increased water user’s acceptance levels. The results of the study suggest that governments, municipalities, and other key actors in the water and sanitation sector should first work towards building community trust and confidence when establishing water reclamation projects for domestic use, particularly through strategic communication and awareness-raising initiatives before they can expect widespread community acceptance.
Uncertainty in disaster risk management: A reflection on cyclone idai using the systems thinking approach
(Springer, 2021-07) Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Lunga, W; Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Nhamo, G; Dube, K
The increasing frequency of disasters induced by anthropogenic and natural hazards has epitomised the complex nature of dealing with uncertainty. Cyclone Idai-induced floods in Southern Africa had a series of foreseeable and unforeseeable risks that affected vulnerable communities in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Thus a key question to address is what systems and mechanisms can vulnerable countries to disasters apply to effectively respond and mitigate challenges posed by disasters. The effects of Cyclone Idai during and after the disaster across the human and physical spheres of society as alluded to in this chapter highlight the need for suitable tools that can assist in unpacking the complexity of disaster management challenges. Adopting a mixed method approach, this chapter proposes systems thinking as a tool that can be applied in disaster risk reduction, taking into consideration that communities constitute intersected and intra- and interdependent subsystems. This chapter advances the need for disaster risk reduction which goes beyond linear approaches of risk management to non-linear frameworks. Essentially, the chapter applies complex systems thinking to enrich existing approaches by recognising known/knowable and unknown risks as well as the interconnectivity between policy, institutions and the society.
Uncertainty in disaster risk management: A reflection on cyclone Idai using the systems thinking approach
(Springer, Cham, 2021-07) Mutanga, Shingirirai S; Lunga, W; Nhamo, G; Dube, K
The increasing frequency of disasters induced by anthropogenic and natural hazards has epitomised the complex nature of dealing with uncertainty. Cyclone Idai-induced floods in Southern Africa had a series of foreseeable and unforeseeable risks that affected vulnerable communities in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Thus a key question to address is what systems and mechanisms can vulnerable countries to disasters apply to effectively respond and mitigate challenges posed by disasters. The effects of Cyclone Idai during and after the disaster across the human and physical spheres of society as alluded to in this chapter highlight the need for suitable tools that can assist in unpacking the complexity of disaster management challenges. Adopting a mixed method approach, this chapter proposes systems thinking as a tool that can be applied in disaster risk reduction, taking into consideration that communities constitute intersected and intra- and interdependent subsystems. This chapter advances the need for disaster risk reduction which goes beyond linear approaches of risk management to non-linear frameworks. Essentially, the chapter applies complex systems thinking to enrich existing approaches by recognising known/knowable and unknown risks as well as the interconnectivity between policy, institutions and the society.

Browsing by Author "Mutanga, Shingirirai S"

Results Per Page

Sort Options