scholarly journals Short Communication: Local perceptions about utilization of invasive alien species Opuntia ficus-indica in three Local Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
LULEKA MDWESHU ◽  
A. Maroyi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Short Communication ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Local Perceptions ◽  
Opuntia Ficus Indica ◽  
Local Municipalities

Abstract. Mdweshu L, Maroyi A. 2020. Short Communication: Local perceptions about utilization of invasive alien species Opuntia ficus-indica in three Local Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Biodiversitas 21: 1653-1659.  Opuntia ficus-indica is a succulent plant species categorized as invasive in South Africa but has both commercial and non-market uses. This study evaluated local people’s perceptions about utilization of O. ficus-indica in three local Municipalities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Data on the local perceptions on O. ficus-indica in the study area were documented through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews via questionnaires with households between June 2018 and August 2019. A sample of 150 participants chosen using snowball-sampling method provided information on utilization of O. ficus-indica. The importance of O. ficus-indica as a useful plant species was ubiquitously perceived, with all participants reporting its contribution as an important component of their livelihood needs and more than three quarters (88.0%) were using the species on a regular basis. Close to half of the respondents (49.3%) regarded O. ficus-indica as an important source of cash income. The positive socio-economic contributions of O. ficus-indica need to be taken into account when evaluating the costs and benefits resulting from invasions caused by alien plant species.

scholarly journals Medicinal Plants Used by the Inhabitants of Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-166
Author(s):  
Zingisa Thinyane ◽  
Alfred Maroyi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Pharmaceutical Products ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Snowball Sampling

Plant species used as herbal medicines play an important in the provision of primary healthcare in several rural communities. The current study was aimed at documenting medicinal plants used by the inhabitants of Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Information on medicinal plants used for primary healthcare was collected through open-ended interviews with a sample of 124 participants selected via snowball-sampling technique between April 2017 and May 2018. A total of 34 plant species and one fungus species representing 20 families were used in the treatment of 13 different human diseases. The major diseases treated by the documented species included respiratory system, pain, sores and wounds, infections and infestations, digestive system, blood and cardiovascular system, fever and malaria, general ailments, reproductive system and sexual health and mental disorders. Popular herbal medicines with relative frequency citation (RFC) values exceeding 0.50 included Bulbine frutescens, Clivia miniata var. miniata, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Centella asiatica, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis, Leonotis leonurus, Agapanthus africanus and Datura stramonium. Such repository of medicinal plants and fungi reinforces the need for an evaluation of their biological activities as a basis for developing future medicines and pharmaceutical products.

Distribution, life history, host specificity and suitability of an undescribed Chrysolina species (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) for the biological control of Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Compositae)

1991 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Adair ◽  
J. K. Scott
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Biological Control ◽  
Host Specificity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Adult Emergence ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Site Location ◽  
A Site

AbstractIn host specificity tests using 81 plant species from 27 families, an undescribed Chrysolina sp. completed its development only on Chrysanthemoides monilifera, a serious weed of native vegetation in Australia. Minor exploratory feeding, mostly by adults, occurred on 35 plant species. The Chrysolina sp. is restricted to the eastern Cape Province of South Africa where it occurs on Chrysanthemoides m. pisifera, a subspecies not yet recorded in Australia. Chrysanthemoides m. monilifera and C. m. rotundata, both naturalized in Australia, were accepted as hosts by Chrysolina sp., but adult emergence was lower on the latter subspecies. A climate comparison between a site location for Chrysolina sp. and stations within the Australian distribution of Chrysanthemoides monilifera has identified potential release sites that may be suitable for the insect. Chrysolina sp. was approved for release in Australia in 1989 and releases were initiated in 1990.

scholarly journals A preliminary report on the use of FAMACHA© for haemonchosis in goats in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa during the late autumn / early winter period : short communication

2007 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Sri Jeyakumar
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Preliminary Report ◽  
Short Communication ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Early Winter ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Late Autumn ◽  
Resource Poor ◽  
Study Sites

From May to July 2005 a study was conducted on the prevalence and effects of haemonchosis in goats farmed on communal grazing belonging to resource-poor farmers at two study sites, namely Mlungisi (26°53'E, 31°53'S) and Ezibeleni (26°58'E, 31°53'S), situated within the Chris Hani District Municipality in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The usefulness of the FAMACHA© system for identifying goats needing treatment was confirmed. It allowed stock owners to identify badly affected goats accurately, as borne out by the agreement between FAMACHA scores and corresponding haematocrits.

scholarly journals Plants Used for the Traditional Management of Cancer in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: A Review of Ethnobotanical Surveys, Ethnopharmacological Studies and Active Phytochemicals

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (15) ◽  
pp. 4639
Author(s):  
Idowu Jonas Sagbo ◽  
Wilfred Otang-Mbeng
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Cancer Information ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Anticancer Activities ◽  
Traditional Management ◽  
Cancer Management

Cancer occurrence is rapidly increasing all over the world, including in developing countries. The current trend in cancer management requires the use of herbal remedies since the majority of anticancer drugs are known to be costly, with unwanted side effects. In the Eastern Cape province, the use of medicinal plants for cancer management has been climbing steadily over the past two decades due to their cultural belief, low cost, efficacy, and safety claims. With the aim of identifying some potential anticancer plants for probable drug development, this study was undertaken to review plants reported by ethnobotanical surveys in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa for the traditional management of cancer. Information regarding plants used for cancer management in the Eastern Cape province was obtained from multidisciplinary databases and ethnobotanical books. About 24 plant species belonging to twenty families have been reported to be used for the traditional management of cancer in the Eastern Cape province. Among the anticancer plant species, only 16 species have been explored scientifically for their anticancer activities. This review authenticated the use of anticancer plant species in the Eastern Cape province and, therefore, identified several promising unexplored species for further scientific evaluation.

scholarly journals Public Awareness and Perceptions of Invasive Alien Species in Small Towns

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1322
Author(s):  
Nolwethu Jubase ◽  
Ross T. Shackleton ◽  
John Measey
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Local Perceptions ◽  
The Public ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Demographic Covariates

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a growing threat globally and cause a variety of ecological, economic, and social impacts. People can introduce IAS and facilitate their spread, and can also implement, support, or oppose their management. Understanding local knowledge, awareness, and perceptions are therefore crucial if management and policy are to be effective. We administered questionnaires to members of the public in eight small towns along the Berg River Catchment in the biodiverse fynbos biome of South Africa. We aimed to assess: (1) awareness of IAS by the general public, (2) local perceptions of the impacts associated with IAS, (3) whether awareness of IAS is correlated with demographic covariates and IAS density, and (4) people’s willingness to detect, report, and support IAS management. Overall, 262 respondents participated in the survey. Most respondents (65%) did not know what IAS are, and 10% were unsure. Many respondents also perceived IAS as beneficial. Using a logistic regression, we found that IAS density, educational level, and gender influenced people’s knowledge and perceptions about IAS in the region. There were a small number (4%) of respondents currently detecting and reporting IAS, but many respondents were interested to learn more. We concluded that people living in small towns in the Western Cape of South Africa remain largely unaware of IAS and their impacts. It is crucial to increase awareness-raising initiatives, and build support and engagement in management of IAS in small towns.

scholarly journals Short Communication: Ethnobotanical study of wild and cultivated vegetables in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred Maroyi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Short Communication ◽  
Spinacia Oleracea ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Ethnobotanical Study ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract. Maroyi A. 2020. Short Communication: Ethnobotanical study of wild and cultivated vegetables in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Biodiversitas 21: 3982-3988.  Vegetables are an important component of agricultural biodiversity required for providing a wide range of ecosystem goods and services. The current study was undertaken in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa to document wild and cultivated vegetables. Research data were collected by means of interviews and field surveys carried out in different seasons with one hundred and thirty-eight randomly selected participants. During the interviews, we documented information on names of edible vegetables, uses, plant parts consumed, and their preparation. A total of 32 species belonging to 26 genera and 15 families were recorded in the study area. The plant families with highest number of vegetable species were Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, and Solanaceae with at least four species each. The main uses of vegetables identified in the study area were leafy vegetables (59.4%), edible fruits and tubers (21.9% each), culinary herbs or spices (12.5%), edible seeds (9.4%) and edible stems (6.3%). The species which were categorized as important with relative frequency of citation (RFC) values >0.3 were Brassica oleracea, Solanum tuberosum, Cucurbita moschata, Spinacia oleracea, and Cucurbita maxima. Both vegetable species collected from the wild and conventional vegetables cultivated in home gardens are important to livelihoods needs of the local people.

scholarly journals Alien Plants in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa: Perceptions of Their Contributions to Livelihoods of Local Communities

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 5043 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zizipho Atyosi ◽  
Luambo Jeffrey Ramarumo ◽  
Alfred Maroyi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Prunus Persica ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Alien Plant Species ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Management Protocol

Invasive alien plant species are plant species that establish themselves outside their native distributional range. The current study documented utilization of alien plant species in the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. Information about utilization of alien plant species was gathered through interviews conducted with 120 participants, which included 13 traditional healers, 27 herbalists, ten farmers and 70 laypeople. Ethnobotanical importance of documented species was assessed through evaluation of use value (UV), fidelity level (FL) and relative frequency citation (RFC). A third of the participants (33.3%) perceived alien plant species as undesirable, while 71.1% of the participants argued that alien plant species had beneficial effects. A total of 26 alien plant species were recorded, seven species being fruit trees, followed by ornamental plants (five species), fodder and herbal medicines (four species each), construction materials, erosion control and vegetables (two species each). The popular alien plant species with UV > 0.1, RFC > 0.4 and FL > 4.0% included Amaranthus spinosus, Cannabis sativa, Cereus jamaracu, Harrisia balansae, Opuntia engelmannii, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia monocantha and Prunus persica. Information on perceptions of local communities in the Eastern Cape province on the contributions of alien plant species to livelihood needs is an important stage of initiating a management protocol that incorporates public perceptions and values associated with alien plant species.

Influence of Knowledge Management Practices on Public Service Delivery by Municipalities

Mousaion ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charleen Musonza ◽  
Ndakasharwa Muchaonyerwa
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Eastern Cape Province ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Public Service Delivery

This study examines the influence of knowledge management (KM) practices on public service delivery by municipalities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The study sought to determine the factors that have triggered the implementation of KM practices; the effectiveness of KM practices towards public service delivery; and the extent to which KM practices have influenced public service delivery by municipalities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in this study. Quantitative data were collected through a survey questionnaire administered to a sample of 202 employees at the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Qualitative data were collected through observations and interviews of 2 senior managers. The data collected gave a response rate of 72 per cent. The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed descriptively and presented verbatim respectively. The results indicated that the internal and external factors included in this study have contributed to the implementation of KM practices in the municipality. Furthermore, the effective use of KM practices has increased the organisational KM initiative, as well as the provision of services such as electricity, education, transport, and social services by the municipality. The study recommends the establishment of KM awareness and the establishment of an integrated system that will assist in effective knowledge sharing, retention and acquisition across municipalities in the Eastern Cape.

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