Economic Water Productivities Along the Dairy Value Chain in South Africa: Implications for Sustainable and Economically Efficient Water-use Policies in the Dairy Industry

Abstract Climate change, population growth and industrial activities continue to threaten water security, especially in the semi-arid regions. Demand management policies are essential in minimising the effects of acute water shortages. Such policies require information on household water consumption patterns and their behavioural practices. This study examines household water consumption behaviour and the adoption of water-efficient appliances in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study uses probit regression models to analyse survey data collected from 889 households during the period November 2017 to February 2018. Results show that while most households do not have water-efficient appliances installed in their homes, they do practise water-efficient behaviour. Older respondents as well as males and lower-income respondents are found to be more likely to practise efficient water-use behaviour. However, biographical variables do not generally influence the adoption of water-efficient appliances. These results are essential for policy-makers when formulating targeted water demand management policies. Thus, policy-makers should focus more on younger people, women and higher-income households when developing campaigns on efficient water-use behaviour.

Download Full-text

Water Footprint Accounting Along the Wheat-Bread Value Chain: Implications for Sustainable and Productive Water Use Benchmarks

Water ◽

10.3390/w10091167 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1167 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Pascalina Matohlang Mohlotsane ◽

Enoch Owusu-Sekyere ◽

Henry Jordaan ◽

Jonannes Barnard ◽

Leon van Rensburg

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Water Use ◽

Value Chain ◽

Water Footprint ◽

Wheat Bread ◽

Significant Shift ◽

Blue Water ◽

Total Water ◽

Correct Judgment ◽

Farm Level

Efficient and wise management of freshwater resources in South Africa has become critical because of the alarming freshwater scarceness. The situation requires a thorough examination of how water is utilized across various departments that use water. This paper reports on an examination of the water footprint and economic water productivities of the wheat-bread value chain. The assessment methodology of the Water Footprint Network was employed. The findings reveal that 954.07 m3 and 1026.07 m3 of water are utilized in the production of a ton of wheat flour in Bainsvlei and Clovelly in South Africa. The average water footprint for wheat bread was 954.53 m3 per ton in Bainsvlei and 1026.53 m3 per ton in Clovelly. More than 99% of the water is used in producing the grain at the farm level. The processing stage of the value chain uses less than 1% of the total water footprint. About 80% of all the water utilised along the wheat bread value chain is attributed to blue water. The findings revealed a significant shift from green water consumption to higher blue water use, and this is a major concern for water users and stakeholders along the wheat-bread value chain, given that blue water is becoming scarce in South Africa. The groundwater contributes about 34% and 42% of the average total water footprint of wheat at the farm level in Clovelly and Bainsvlei, respectively, suggesting the need to have an idea of the contribution of groundwater in water footprint evaluation and water management decision of farmers. This insight will aid in minimizing irrigation water use and pressure on groundwater resources. A total of ZAR 4.27 is obtained for every m3 of water utilized along the wheat-bread value chain. Water footprint assessment has moved away from sole indicator assessment, as a deeper awareness of and insight into the productive use of water at different stages has become vital for policy. To make a correct judgment and to assess the efficient and wise use of water, there is a need for catchment- or region-specific water footprint benchmarks, given that water footprint estimates and economic water productivities vary from one geographical area to another.

Download Full-text

Limitations to Efficient Water Use in Crop Production

10.2134/1983.limitationstoefficientwateruse ◽

1983 ◽

Cited By ~ 52

Keyword(s):

Water Use ◽

Crop Production ◽

Efficient Water Use

Download Full-text

Regional Industrialisation Research Project: Case Study on the Mining Capital Equipment Value Chain in South Africa and Zambia

SSRN Electronic Journal ◽

10.2139/ssrn.2716029 ◽

2015 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Judith Fessehaie

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Value Chain ◽

Research Project ◽

Capital Equipment

Download Full-text

The Global Food Value Chain and Competition Law and Policy in BRICS Countries: Insights from Selected Value Chains in South Africa

SSRN Electronic Journal ◽

10.2139/ssrn.3103599 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Teboho Bosiu ◽

Reena Das Nair ◽

Anthea Paelo

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Value Chain ◽

Competition Law ◽

Value Chains ◽

Brics Countries ◽

Law And Policy ◽

Food Value ◽

Global Food

Download Full-text

Social interaction in water demand management implementation

Water Science & Technology Water Supply ◽

10.2166/ws.2005.0112 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 5 (3-4) ◽

pp. 295-301

Author(s):

J.S. Buckle

Keyword(s):

Social Interaction ◽

Water Use ◽

Water Demand ◽

Water Cycle ◽

Demand Management ◽

Community Members ◽

Water Demand Management ◽

Education Project ◽

Broad Concept ◽

Efficient Water Use

This article describes a successful awareness and education project undertaken in an East Rand township by the Water Cycle Management Section of Rand Water. The Project's focus was to create awareness in the community of the broad concept of water cycle management within an environment and to transfer skills to community members (facilitators) who could then assist in ensuring effective and efficient water use.

Download Full-text