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Browsing by Author "Nahman, Anton"

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Are developing countries ready for first world waste policy instruments?
(2007-10) Godfrey, Linda K; Nahman, Anton
The findings of on-going research conducted within South Africa on waste policy instruments shows that while typical command-and-control instruments lack effective monitoring and enforcement, alternative policy instruments such as economic or information based strategies, are either slow to find favour or fail soon after implementation. Developing countries, such as South Africa, face a number of challenges to the successful implementation of alternative, first world, waste policy instruments including institutional challenges (financial and human resources); insufficient political support; an unsupportive legal environment; lack of clarity regarding the role of government and the intention of policy, leading to a lack of ownership and to ineffective policy; and a lack of supporting data. However, these challenges do not imply that there is no place for such instruments in developing countries. Instead, what is needed in the implementation of waste policy instruments in developing countries is a stage-based, tailored approach, which takes cognisance of identified challenges in their design and implementation, thereby recognising the realities of developing country circumstances.
Beyond GDP: towards a green economy index
(Taylor & Francis, 2016-02) Nahman, Anton; Mahumani, BK; De Lange, Willem J
Worldwide, there is increasing recognition of the need for countries to pursue a "green economy". Given the broad (economic, social and environmental) objectives of a green economy, and the limitations associated with mainstream measures of economic growth (such as gross domestic product), an alternative or expanded set of indicators is required for measuring progress toward a green economy. Ideally, these indicators should be comprehensive enough to reflect the broad objectives of a green economy; but at the same time be presented in such a way that is easily understood and communicated, and useful to policy makers. This paper aims to address these needs by developing a composite index for measuring overall progress toward a green economy, based on twenty-six indicators reflecting green economic principles and criteria across the economic, social and environmental dimensions. The index will enable comparison of a country¿s green economic performance both over time and relative to other countries. Furthermore, the index is constructed in such a way as to allow for disaggregation, i.e. for scores on individual components to be seen at a glance, such that areas of specific concern can be easily identified and addressed, and progress in each area monitored over time. The index was tested on data from 193 countries, and the resulting country rankings assessed.
The Circular Economy as Development Opportunity: Exploring Circular Economy Opportunities across South Africa’s Economic Sectors
(CSIR, 2021-12) Godfrey, Linda K; Nahman, Anton; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Trotter, Douglas; Khan, Sumaya; Nontso, Zintle; Magweregwede, Fleckson; Sereme, Busisiwe V; Okole, Blessed N; Gordon, Gregory ER; Brown, Bernadette; Pillay, Boyse; Schoeman, Chanel; Fazluddin, Shahed; Ojijo, Vincent O; Cooper, Antony K; Kruger, Daniel M; Napier, Mark; Mokoena, Refiloe; Steenkamp, Anton J; Msimanga, Xolile P; North, Brian C; Seetal, Ashwin R; Mathye, Salamina M; Godfrey, Linda K
The intention of this book is to present the CSIR’s position and interpretation of the circular economy, and to use it to drive discussions on where immediate circular economy opportunities are achievable in South Africa. Opportunities that can be harnessed by business, government and civil society. These circular economy opportunities are framed in this book within the context of the current challenges facing various economic sectors. The CSIR has selected seven, resource intensive sectors – mining, agriculture, manufacturing, human settlements, mobility, energy and water – for further assessment. Many of these economic sectors have seen significant declines over the past years, with agriculture, manufacturing, transport and construction all showing negative growth pre-COVID. These are all sectors under economic stress and in need of regeneration. South Africa stands on the threshold of profound choices regarding its future development path. Transitioning to a more circular economy provides the country with the opportunity to address many national priorities including manufacturing competitiveness, food security; sustainable, resilient and liveable cities; efficient transport and logistics systems; and energy and water security, while at the same time decarbonising the economy. The transition to a circular economy provides the country with an opportunity for green and inclusive development to be the cornerstone of a post-COVID economic recovery. The titles of this book chapters are the following: Chapter 1: Driving economic growth in South Africa through a low carbon, sustainable and inclusive circular economy. Chapter 2: Placing the South African mining sector in the context of a circular economy transition. Chapter 3: Supporting food security and economic development through circular agriculture. Chapter 4: Supporting the development of a globally competitive manufacturing sector through a more circular economy. Chapter 5: Creating resilient, inclusive, thriving human settlements through a more circular economy. Chapter 6: Facilitating sustainable economic development through circular mobility. Chapter 7: Decoupling South Africa’s development from energy demand through a more circular economy. Chapter 8: Decoupling South Africa’s development from water demand through a circular economy.
A comparative cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of single-use plastic shopping bags and various alternatives available in South Africa
(2022-09) Stafford, William HL; Russo, Valentina; Nahman, Anton
The pervasive use of plastics, coupled with inadequate waste management systems in many countries, has led to widespread leakage of plastics into the environment. In South Africa, the predominant type of shopping bags are single-use plastic bags; but paper, biodegradable plastic and re-usable bags have emerged as alternatives. To compare these alternatives in terms of environmental impacts across the whole product life cycle, we carried out a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) of 16 shopping bag types available in South Africa. The comparison includes single-use plastic, bioplastic and paper bags, as well as re-usable bags (typically made from plastic in South Africa). The functional unit was based on the estimated annual volume of groceries purchased per capita. An attributional LCA was carried out using the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint(H) method, with 18 mid-point impact categories. In addition, given the lack of an impact category for plastic pollution in existing methods, we developed a mid-point indicator based on the persistence of plastics (and other materials) leaked to the environment (Persistence of leaked material, PersistenceLM). Specific attention was placed on modelling end-of-life and waste management in the South African context. Economic-based allocation at the point of substitution was used to apportion environmental impacts to virgin and recyclate material, and the production of recyclate was modelled using system expansion.
Costs of food waste along the value chain: evidence from South Africa
(Elsevier, 2013-11) Nahman, Anton; De Lange, Willem J
In a previous paper (Nahman et al., 2012), the authors estimated the costs of household food waste in South Africa, based on the market value of the wasted food, as well as the costs of disposal to landfill. In this paper, we extend the analysis by assessing the costs of food waste throughout the entire food value chain, from agricultural production through to consumption at the household level. First, food waste at each stage of the value chain was quantified in physical units (tonnes) for various food commodity groups. Then, weighted average representative prices (per tonne) were estimated for each commodity group at each stage of the value chain. Finally, prices were multiplied by quantities, and the resulting values were aggregated across the value chain for all commodity groups, to obtain the total cost of food waste in South Africa. The total cost of food waste across the food value chain was estimated at R61.5 billion per annum (approximately US$7.7 billion); equivalent to 2.1% of South Africa¿s annual gross domestic product. The bulk of this cost arises from the processing and distribution stages of the fruit and vegetable value chain, as well as the agricultural production and distribution stages of the meat value chain. These results therefore provide an indication of where interventions aimed at reducing food waste should be targeted to achieve the maximum benefit.
Costs of food waste along the value chain: Evidence from South Africa: Presentation
(2013-09) Nahman, Anton; De Lange, Willem J
We estimate the costs of food waste throughout the entire food value chain, from agricultural production through to consumption at the household level, in economic terms. First, food waste at each stage of the value chain was quantified in physical units (tonnes) for various food commodity groups. Then, weighted average representative prices (per tonne) were estimated for each commodity group at each stage of the value chain. Finally, prices were multiplied by quantities, and the resulting values were aggregated across the value chain for all commodity groups. In this way, the total cost of food waste across the food value chain in South Africa was estimated at R61.5 billion per annum (approximately US$7.7 billion); equivalent to 2.1% of South Africa's annual gross domestic product. The bulk of this cost arises from the processing and distribution stages of the fruit and vegetable value chain, as well as the agricultural production and distribution stages of the meat value chain. These results therefore provide an indication of where interventions aimed at reducing food waste should be targeted.
Costs of food waste in South Africa: Incorporating inedible food waste
(Elsevier Ltd, 2015-06) De Lange, Willem J; Nahman, Anton
The economic, social and environmental costs of food waste are being increasingly recognised. Food waste consists of both edible and inedible components. Whilst wastage of edible food is problematic for obvious reasons, there are also costs associated with the disposal of the inedible fraction to landfill. This is the third in a series of papers examining the costs of food waste throughout the value chain in South Africa. The previous papers focused on the edible portion of food waste. In this paper, costs associated with inedible food waste in South Africa are estimated, in terms of the value foregone by not recovering this waste for use in downstream applications, such as energy generation or composting; as well as costs associated with disposal to landfill. Opportunity costs are estimated at R6.4 (US$0.64)billion per annum, or R2668 (US$266) per tonne. Adding this to the previous estimate for edible food waste of R61.5billion per annum (in 2012 prices; equivalent to R65billion in 2013 prices) results in a total opportunity cost of food waste in South Africa (in terms of loss of a potentially valuable food source or resource) of R71.4 (US$7.14)billion per annum, or R5667 (US$567) per tonne. Thereafter, estimates of the costs associated with disposal of this food waste to landfill, including both financial costs and externalities (social and environmental costs), are taken into account. These costs amount to R255 (US$25) per tonne, giving rise to a total cost of food waste in South Africa of R75billion (US$7.5billion) per annum, or R5922 (US$592) per tonne. This is equivalent to 2.2% of South Africa's 2013 GDP.
The costs of household food waste in South Africa
(Elsevier, 2012-11) Nahman, Anton; De Lange, Willem J; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Godfrey, Linda K
Food waste is problematic for a number of reasons, including the loss of a potentially valuable food source or resource for use in other processes (e.g. energy generation or composting), wasted resources and emissions in the food supply chain, and problems associated with the disposal of organic waste to landfill. This paper quantifies the household food waste stream in South Africa, in order to draw attention to the magnitude of the problem. In addition, it estimates the economic (monetary) value of the wasted food, as well as the costs associated with disposing putrescible food waste to landfill, in order to highlight the associated costs to society. Costs associated with the loss of a potentially valuable food source are valued using a weighted average market price of the wasted food. Costs associated with the disposal of food waste to landfill are quantified based on estimates of the financial and external costs associated with landfilling. For household food waste alone, the costs to society associated with these two food-waste related problems are estimated at approximately R21.7 billion (approximately US$2.7 billion) per annum, or 0.82% of South Africa¿s annual GDP. These costs are therefore significant, particularly considering that household food waste accounts for less than 4% of total food losses across the food supply chain.
Economic instruments for solid waste management in South Africa: opportunities and constraints
(Elsevier, 2009) Nahman, Anton; Godfrey, Linda K
This paper presents results from a survey of waste management authorities regarding the opportunities and constraints associated with the implementation of economic instruments for solid waste management in South Africa. Almost all respondents felt that EIs could lead to reduced waste generation and increased diversion of waste from landfill to recycling, and that they should eventually be implemented in the field of SWM in SA, although opinions varied as to the appropriate timeframe for implementation. The general consensus was that a number of fundamentals had to be in place first. However, this does not imply that the potential of EIs should be ignored. Instead, institutional limitations must be taken into account in the selection, design and implementation of such instruments. Indeed, it is proposed that EIs can be designed and implemented in an innovative, incremental way whereby capacity and experience are gradually developed over time.
Environmental and resource economics in South Africa: status quo and lessons for developing countries
(Academy of Science of South Africa, 2009-09) Nahman, Anton; Wise, R; De Lange, Willem J
The paper reviews the potential contributions of environmental and resource economics (ERE) to the achievement of sustainable development in developing countries and highlights the limitations associated with applying ERE within a developing country context, using examples from South Africa. The researchers found that ERE has much to offer in helping to overcome the challenges associated with sustainable development in developing countries, but that the developing country context needs to be taken into account before applying tools and methods that were designed with the developed country context in mind. In particular, the unique and often complex social-ecological context of developing countries needs to be more thoroughly integrated and accounted for when providing policy and management prescriptions.
Estimating the magnitude of food waste generated in South Africa
(Sage Publications on behalf of International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), 2012-08) Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Nahman, Anton
Throughout the developed world, food is treated as a disposable commodity. Between one third and half of all food produced for human consumption globally is estimated to be wasted. However, attempts to quantify the actual magnitude of food wasted globally are constrained by limited data, particularly from developing countries. This paper attempts to quantify total food waste generation (including both pre-consumer food losses and post-consumer food waste) in South Africa. The estimates are based on available food supply data for South Africa and on estimates of average food waste generation at each step of the food supply chain for sub-Saharan Africa as reported in Gustavsson et al. (2011). The preliminary estimate of the magnitude of food loss and food waste generation in South Africa is in the order of 9.04 million tonnes per annum. On a per capita basis, overall food loss in South Africa in 2007 is estimated at 177 kg/capita/annum and consumption waste at 7 kg/capita/annum. However, these preliminary figures should be used with caution and are subject to verification through ongoing research.
Extended producer responsibility for packaging waste in South Africa: Current approaches and lessons learned
(Elsevier, 2010) Nahman, Anton
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a policy concept aimed at extending producers’ responsibility for their products to the post-consumer stage of their products’ life cycle. One of the outcomes of an effective EPR programme is to move waste management up the waste hierarchy away from final disposal in favour of recycling, minimisation and avoidance. This paper examines various approaches to implementing EPR for various types of packaging waste in South Africa, focusing in particular on their effectiveness in stimulating the recovery of post-consumer packaging material for recycling. In particular, the approaches adopted in the plastic bag, steel beverage can, glass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) industries are examined. It is found that voluntary industry initiatives (as in the can, glass and PET industries) are far more effective than mandatory, government-imposed regulations (as in the plastic bag industry) in stimulating recovery. It is suggested that this can be explained by the particular types of market failure affecting recycling markets; namely information failure, technical constraints, search costs, etc; which act as barriers to the development of a viable recycling industry. In such cases, it is in the industry’s own best interests to overcome such failures, e.g. through voluntary implementation of EPR.
External costs of sand mining in rivers: evidence from South Africa.
(2009-05) De Lange, Willem J; Nahman, Anton; Theron, A
The valuation of estuarine goods and services serves to highlight the degree to which estuaries contribute to human well-being and to show that the social cost of activities which contribute to estuary degradation could be greater than the private gains. Researchers applied this notion to a list of estuaries in the eThekwini municipal area of South Africa to estimate private gains and social costs of sand mining enterprises. Sand mining in rivers is an important source of raw material for the construction industry, but impacts on sediment yield in estuaries, and therefore on estuarine functioning and service provision. Researchers confirmed the presence of negative externalities in the sand mining industry that are not reflected in the market price of sand, implying that the sand resource is currently being over-exploited, to the detriment of estuarine ecological functioning and long term social well-being. These external costs are estimated at the estuary level for the study area. An assessment of the viability of alternative sand supply sources to serve the growing demand in the construction industry is consequently recommended.
Food packaging in South Africa: reducing, re-using and recycling.
(Malnor (Pty) Ltd, 2009) Nahman, Anton
Food packaging is essential for maintaining food quality, freshness and integrity. It also allows for convenient transport, storage and sale in discrete quantities. Finally, it can be used as a means of product differentiation, marketing and information dissemination. Increased consumption and the lack of a recycling culture in South Africa have resulted in an ever-increasing volume of used packaging reaching landfill sites. This has led in one case to government regulation of an industry, and in other cases to the establishment of voluntary industry recycling initiatives. The effectiveness of the industry-led initiatives in stimulating recycling, and the apparent failure of the regulations, seem to suggest that voluntary initiatives undertaken by industry are likely to be more successful than regulation in achieving recycling targets. However, given the need to reduce packaging production as well as to recycle, and given that industry is unlikely to reduce production voluntarily; there is a need for regulation, or at least mutually-agreed targets for reduction, in addition to voluntary recycling initiatives.
Food waste in South Africa and Saudi Arabia
(Taylor & Francis, 2020-01) Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Nahman, Anton; Barjees, M; Salemdeeb, R; Nizami, A-S; Reynolds, C
The food waste reduction potential within the countries of Middle East and Africa is large and understudied. Countries in the region are faced with food security and sovereignty issues, with over 50% of food imported in some countries. Due to the many differences between these countries, this chapter highlights the state of food waste in two prominent countries: South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Both South Africa and Saudi Arabia have their own food waste challenges and solutions. This chapter summarises the current state of food waste research in each country, and reports the estimated volumes of food waste in South Africa and Saudi Arabia along with any notable policy developments.
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.
Impacts of marine plastic on ecosystem services and economy: State of South African research
(South African Association For The Advancement Of Science, 2020-05) Arabi, Sumaiya; Nahman, Anton
In addition to its direct impacts on marine ecology and biota, marine plastic debris can affect the delivery of ecosystem services, with resulting impacts on human well-being, society and the economy. It is important to quantify these impacts in economic terms, so as to be able to provide evidence-based support for an appropriate policy response. We review the South African literature on the impacts of marine plastic debris on ecosystem services and on the economy, in order to identify relevant knowledge gaps. The gaps are found to be significant. Some research has been conducted in terms of impacts relating to recreation, aesthetics and tourism and the costs of beach and harbour clean-ups. However, there is a significant lack of research regarding impacts on ecosystem services relating to fisheries and aquaculture, heritage, habitat provision, biodiversity, and nutrient cycles. There is also a significant lack of research regarding direct economic impacts on the transport/shipping and fisheries industries, indirect economic impacts (such as costs associated with health-related impacts), and non-market costs (e.g. impacts on scenic, cultural and spiritual values). More research is needed in South Africa to address these gaps, in order to inform policy aimed at addressing plastic waste and marine plastic debris.
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.
Implementing the waste management hierarchy: Applying the SASCOST model to determine indicative costs of separation at source
(2018-10) Nahman, Anton; Oelofse, Suzanna HH
The SASCOST model is a tool for comparing the costs and benefits of alternative options for implementing a Separation at Source (S@S) recycling programme. S@S is a crucial step in implementing the waste management hierarchy. The model can be used by municipalities as a Decision Support Tool to identify the most cost-effective option for implementing S@S in different areas; based on the specific context of each area. In this paper, we apply the model to provide some indicative information on the unit costs of implementing S@S in a range of different municipal contexts, as well as the total cost of rolling out S@S nationwide. The results indicate that the cost of implementing S@S varies significantly depending on the type of collection system (post separation, truck and trailer, separate vehicle or ‘rich bag’), and on the type of municipality. For example, based on hypothetical data, the additional cost of implementing a separate vehicle system ranges from R17 per household per month (Category A municipalities), to R60 per household per month (Category B4 municipalities); based purely on financial costs. Aggregating these costs to the national level, the results suggest that the costs of rolling out S@S nationwide would range from approximately R4 billion to R6.2 billion, depending on the type of collection system. However, there are also some benefits and savings associated with S@S, which should also be taken into account in decision making. In particular, when socio-economic and environmental impacts are included, there is a big swing toward all systems yielding significant net benefits.
Informing policy on grocery carrier bags: Evidence from a life cycle sustainability assessment
(2021-02) Nahman, Anton; Russo, Valentina; Stafford, William HL
The environmental impacts of plastic waste have received significant attention from both policy makers and the general public. A number of countries have banned certain single-use plastic products, including plastic carrier bags. However, alternatives to plastic carrier bags come with their own set of impacts. The economic, social and environmental impacts associated with plastic bags should be assessed alongside those of the various alternatives, across their respective life cycles. This paper presents results from a Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of 16 different grocery carrier bag options in South Africa. The aim was to compare the bags in terms of environmental and socio-economic performance, and to inform policymakers, retailers and the general public about which type of bag is “best” in the South African context. Environmental indicators were based primarily on the ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment methodology. However, current life cycle assessment methodologies exclude indicators relating to the impacts of plastic pollution. We therefore developed a new indicator, namely persistence of plastic material in the environment, as a proxy for impacts associated with plastic pollution. We also added two key socio-economic indicators; namely employment and affordability. Overall, reusable plastic bags (particularly the 70 µm HDPE bag) perform better than singleuse bags, assuming that they are reused at least 3 to 10 times. The best performing singleuse bag is the common 24 µm HDPE bag with 100% recycled content. Biodegradable bags perform poorly overall, except on the plastic pollution indicator. Single-use bags perform best in terms of employment, particularly paper bags.

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