ResearchSpace :: Browsing by Author "Nortje, Karen"

Browsing by Author "Nortje, Karen"

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An assessment for enhancing sustainability in rural tourism products in South Africa
(Taylor & Francis, 2020-09) Haywood, Lorren K; Nortje, Karen; Dafuleya, G; Nethengwe, T; Sumbana, F
Rural tourism contributes towards socio-economic development. In South Africa, rural areas experience significant development challenges with limited opportunities. Rural tourism as an instrumental tool against poverty requires rural tourism products to be not only viable but also sustainable. Presented is a sustainability assessment framework to assist South African enterprises to assess the sustainability of their rural tourism products (RTPs). The framework has two functions: it provides RTP operators with an understanding of all aspects of sustainability for which they are responsible and it provides indicators to measure the sustainability of the product. The indicators are presented as a sustainability scale that acts like a road map to enable operators to improve the sustainability of their RTPs in successive years. The intention and purpose of the framework is to ensure that sustainability is central to the operation of RTPs in South Africa thereby contributing toward sustainable development goals.
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.
Compendium of community and indigenous strategies for climate change adaptation: Focus on addressing water scarcity in agriculture
(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/CSIR, 2019-08) Mwenge Kahinda, Jean-Marc; Bahalokwibale, PM; Budaza, Nwabisa; Mavundla, Simtholile; Nohayi, Ngowenani N; Nortje, Karen; Boroto, RJ
This report makes an inventory of indigenous and community adaptation practices across the world. The inventory was mainly done through literature review, field work and meetings with selected organisations. The case studies documented are categorized in five technologies and practices themes, including: (1) Weather forecasting and early warning systems; (2) Grazing and Livestock management; (3) Soil and Water Management (including cross slope barriers); (4) Water harvesting (and storage practices); (5) Forest Management (as a coping strategy to water scarcity), and; (6) Integrated wetlands and fisheries management. These were then related to the corresponding main agro-ecological zones (AEZ), namely arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, humid, highlands and coastal and wetlands. The AEZ approach was considered as an entry-point to adopting or adapting an existing indigenous strategy to similar areas. Indigenous knowledge provides a crucial foundation for community-based adaptation strategies that sustain the resilience of social-ecological systems at the interconnected local, regional and global scales. In spite of challenges and knowledge gaps, these strategies have the potential of being strengthened through the adoption and adaptation of introduced technology from other communities or modern science. Attention to these strategies is already being paid by several donor-funded organisations, although in an uncoordinated manner. Consequently, this compendium is a first step at providing a comprehensive listing of indigenous strategies for climate change adaptation focussing at addressing water scarcity in agriculture.
The construction of community: inscribing and prescribing multiple voices in the upper Berg River Catchment, South Africa
(CSIR, 2015-10) Nortje, Karen; Steyn, Maronel
This paper looks at the way in which Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), its principles but also the way in which the approach has been interpreted and implemented by water managers, decision-makers and water communities themselves construct and shape interactions, relationships and responsibilities in a very particular way. Using the Berg River and in particular the Berg River Partnership which is located in the Western Cape of South Africa as a case study, this paper examines and problematizes the notion of community (also read stakeholders) and how it emerges within the context of water and an IWRM approach. One of the main tenets of the IWRM process and approach is the inclusions of the local voice, the stakeholders, and particularly "women and the poor". This paper argues that while these are noble and absolutely necessary conditions for the successful implementation of the approach, at the same time these conditions not only prescribes but also inscribes this community and the voices that emerge. Important questions thus arise, such as what kind of inclusivity does this IWRM space create? And does it not create a frequented space for the well-known voices to dominate in an inclusive and thus also justified manner?.
Disaster Risk Management: Collaborative thinking to mobilise proactive support
(2023-06) Steyn, Maronel; Nortje, Karen; Haywood, Lorren K; Mathye, Salamina M
Transboundary crises such as drought and SARS-CoV-2 highlighted the need to move research into practice. Collaborative effort is required by the various role players (e.g., industry, government civil society) to build a resilient system. Using the Cape Town 2016 – 2018 “Day Zero” drought, and through thematic analysis, 17 themes emerged that provided insight into the management of disasters within the larger socio-ecological system and the various key learning for each of the four stakeholder groups (i.e., business, public, civil society and government). It highlighted similarities between Cape Town and other world cities such as Perth. Water stewardship and resilience thinking with regards to investment for disaster risk management are some of the main objectives of the Drought Guidebook.
Disaster Risk Management: Collaborative thinking to mobilise proactive support
(2023-06) Steyn, Maronel; Nortje, Karen; Haywood, Lorren K; Mathye, Salamina M
Transboundary crises such as drought and SARS-CoV-2 highlighted the need to move research into practice. Collaborative effort is required by the various role players (e.g., industry, government civil society) to build a resilient system. Using the Cape Town 2016 – 2018 “Day Zero” drought, and through thematic analysis, 17 themes emerged that provided insight into the management of disasters within the larger socio-ecological system and the various key learning for each of the four stakeholder groups (i.e., business, public, civil society and government). It highlighted similarities between Cape Town and other world cities such as Perth. Water stewardship and resilience thinking with regards to investment for disaster risk management are some of the main objectives of the Drought Guidebook.
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.
Engaging the Community
(LiveDiverse, 2011-03) Jacobs-Mata, Inga M; Nortje, Karen; Claassen, Marius
As part of the LiveDiverse South African case study, extensive fieldwork is being conducted in the rural setting of the Vhembe district in the Limpopo Province, on cultural and spiritual beliefs and attitudes relating to sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity. Preliminary findings show that in order to address the challenges of biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods, expertise from a diverse set of interdisciplinary backgrounds is needed. Creating a balance between technical, natural and social science is critical to developing relevant and impact driven analytical frameworks and solutions to better understand the role of beliefs, values and attitudes in perceptions of biological, socio-economic and cultural-spiritual vulnerability. This transdisciplinary approach fosters ownership at the community level and helps to produce relevant and community-friendly policy recommendations. The project team members are engaging people about their traditions, spiritual beliefs, food patterns, interaction with nature, and have gained considerable insights into VhaVenda culture
European Union’s LiveDiverse project – interplay between livelihoods and biodiversity in the South African case study area
(2010-10) Funke, Nicola S; Jacobs-Mata, Inga M; Nortje, Karen; Claassen, Marius; Steyn, Maronel
The interconnectedness of biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods for many societies around the world is constructed by the complexities of vulnerability and resilience. Society is faced by a plethora of challenges that include poverty reduction, health improvement, conflict resolution, biodiversity protection, retaining cultural diversity and achieving sustainable livelihoods. By understanding the interface of livelihoods and biodiversity, we can holistically assess the vulnerability of livelihoods and how this can be reduced through improved policy capacity, while at the same time conserving and husbanding biodiversity. This includes securing income for people in marginalised rural areas. In South Africa, the importance of understanding this interface is all the more critical due to the high premium placed on agriculture and resource utilisation for socio-economic development.
Evidence based policy-making: A review
(Academy of Science of South Africa, 2010-04) Strydom, FW; Funke, Nicola S; Nienaber, S; Nortje, Karen; Steyn, Maronel
The process of facilitating the uptake of evidence, for example, scientific research findings, into the policymaking process is multifaceted and thus complex. It is therefore important for scientists to understand this process in order to influence it more effectively. Similarly, policymakers need to understand the complexities of the scientific process to improve their interaction with the scientific sphere. This literature review addresses those factors that influence the uptake of scientific evidence into policymaking, the barriers to using science in policymaking, as well as recommendations for improved science–policymaking interaction. A visual diagram of the gears of a car is used to convey the message of the complexities around the engagement between science and policymaking. It is concluded that the issue of evidence-based policymaking remains unresolved and questions for future research on the science–policy interface are raised.
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.
How do we improve synchronization between land and water reform?
(Water Research Commission, 2014-07) Nortje, Karen; Funke, Nicola S; De Lange, Willem J
A completed study initiated, managed and funded by the Water Research Commission (WRC) and led by the CSIR is delving into the successes of land reform and water allocation reform in the Maruleng local municipal area.
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.
LiveDiverse: Case study area, Greater Kruger South Africa
(2011-01) Nortje, Karen
The paper is a case study on sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity in developing countries.
Malawi Public Health Emergency and Preparedness Workshop
(2018-09) Claassen, Marius; Nortje, Karen; Le Roux, Wouter J
Over four days, workshop participants collaboratively identified opportunities to improve interagency cooperation, enhance the institutional framework, and strengthen capacity for public health emergency prevention and response in Malawi. The event included discussion on broad technical topics in water, sanitation and hygiene, preventive medicine, and societal issues. A one-day emergency response table top exercise allowed participants to work through a possible scenario and discover strengths and weaknesses of current plans. Findings and recommendations from the table top exercise focused on enhancing cooperation between civilian and military organizations in Malawi.
Perspectives on water security in the South African context
(2017-12) Funke, Nicola S; Nortje, Karen; Meissner, Richard; Steyn, Maronel; Ntombela, C; Masangane, W
This presentation focuses on different perspectives of water security in the South Africa context. The authors link a number of key international perspectives on the topic of water security to official South African government and academic discourse on the subject, and also interrogate on the ground interpretations of water security, held by applied scientists and water resources managers.
The politics of establishing catchment management agencies in South Africa: the case of the Breede-Overberg catchment management agency
(Resilience Alliance, 2016) Meissner, Richard; Funke, Nicola S; Nortje, Karen
We reflect on the politics of establishing catchment management agencies in South Africa with a specific focus on the Breede-Overberg Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA), which was recently replaced by the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency (BGCMA). We do so by applying the framework of adaptive comanagement and its institutional prescriptions: collaboration, experimentation, and a bioregional approach. We start by introducing the history of this catchment management agency (CMA) and then describe the establishment of CMAs in South Africa in general and that of BOCMA in particular. We follow the framework for rule types and types of river basin organizations set out by the editors of this special feature with reference to adaptive comanagement where applicable. We then discuss the politics and strategies involved in the introduction of the CMA concept to the National Water Act and the latest developments around these institutions in South Africa. This is followed by reflections on what can be surmised about BOCMA’s democratic functioning and performance to date. We conclude by reflecting on the future of operations of the new BGCMA and CMAs in South Africa in general. While our research shows that BOCMA’s establishment process has featured several elements of adaptive comanagement and its institutional prescriptions, it remains to be seen to what extent it is possible to continue implementing this concept when further developing and operationalizing the BGCMA and the country’s other CMAs.
Principles for internalising systems resilience into business management and value creation
(2019) Haywood, Lorren K; Nahman, Anton; De Wet, Benita; Nortje, Karen; Van Der Watt, C; Kelling, NK
This article introduces principles for internalising the concept of social ecological systems resilience into business management and value creation. It is no longer enough for businesses to simply reduce their impact on the environment. Businesses need to refocus their strategies and management within the limits of their social ecological system, such that they not only create value for their immediate stakeholders, but also create value that enables systems resilience to be built and maintained. Resilience thinking shifts sustainability towards business operating within the limits of the social ecological system in which they exist so that business is able withstand disturbances and uncertainty in the light of global change. The intention of the principles is to improve the ability of integrated thinking and management within businesses; such that businesses expand the scope of the system for which value is created, beyond the organisation itself, to the broader social ecological system in which they operate. In light of global change, and the increasing complexity of risks with which businesses are faced, addressing the broader system is crucial in order for businesses to improve their adaptive capacity, and therefore to ensure their own long term sustainability. The principles include a systems principle, risk and adaptation principle, decoupling principle, restoration principle, well-being principle, collaborative governance principle, and innovation and foresight principle. Managers are encouraged to build these principles in their business strategies, governance, performance and integrated reporting. The principles are being developed into a maturity tool for easy application by managers.
Reflections on the State of Research and Technology in South Africa’s Marine and Maritime Sectors
(The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Pretoria (CSIR), 2014) Funke, Nikki S; Claassen, M; Meissner, R; Nortje, Karen; Funke, Nikki S; Claassen, M; Meissner, R; Nortje, Karen
In his 2014 State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma highlighted the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment. Addressing this challenge, in particular through the implementation of the National Development Plan, is a key priority for the South African government. Key economic drivers that are of significance for the marine and maritime sectors are tourism, the Green Economy, infrastructure development and manufacturing. Maximising the potential of these drivers can substantially increase the ability of the marine and maritime sectors to contribute to South Africa’s economy. South Africa has not fully exploited its marine and maritime economy, which justifies the emerging emphasis on the South African ocean economy. The South African government has an important role to play in promoting the development of this economy through establishing an enabling policy environment, and ensuring effective regulation and appropriate resource allocation. Research and development (R&D) in marine and maritime industries, as well as research and academic organisations, produce marine and maritime-related knowledge and technology. This focus on R&D gives impetus to the development of the country’s marine and maritime resources and has the potential to contribute to the growth of the ocean economy. South Africa’s oceans and coasts should be developed in a responsible manner to facilitate the sustainable utilisation of marine and maritime resources and secure the long-term growth of the ocean economy. Knowledge and technology play an important role in understanding the ocean, its resources and how to utilise these resources in a responsible manner to ensure their continued availability for generations to come. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has a key role to play in supporting growth in the marine and maritime sectors through ensuring safety of life and property at sea, preventing and combatting pollution from ships, and promoting the Republic’s maritime interests. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) also has an important role to play in building and developing the ocean economy, for instance, through its Socio-economic Partnerships Programme, which enhances growth and development priorities through targeted science and technology interventions and the development of strategic partnerships with other government departments, industry, research institutions and communities. The DST is also involved in various marine science research initiatives that have the potential to link basic research to applied research, increase human capital, develop R&D and build closer links with industry. This book endeavours to contribute to these objectives by presenting diverse contributions to reflect on the state of R&D and technology in South Africa’s marine and maritime sectors. Its contribution lies in making the practical application of R&D and technology in the marine and maritime sectors explicit, and highlighting the ways in which this can be strengthened and improved.
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.

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