Species Composition and Biomass Production in Two Communal Coastal Rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
S. Matshawule,
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Rangeland Management ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Herbaceous Species ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Frequency Occurrence ◽  
Study Sites

This study investigated species composition and biomass production of herbaceous plants in two communal rangelands surrounding homesteads areas. In each study area, the rangelands were divided based on the distance from homesteads into near (up to 1 km), middle (> 1–2 km) and far (> 2–3 km) sites. On each site a HVU of 50 m x 20 m was used and six 0.25 m2 quadrants were laid randomly on each HVU. Herbaceous species found within a quadrant were identified, counted and their height and tuft were measured. Herbaceous species were also harvested, bulked and placed into well labelled brown paper bags and oven-dried for 48 hours at 60 oC to determine biomass production. Herbaceous species were also classified according to their palatability ecological status and life form. Data were collected for two seasons over 2014/15 (winter and summer). A total of 20 herbaceous species were identified in the study areas. Of these 17 were grass species. The most common or dominant grass species were T. triandra, C. dactylon, E. capensis, E. plana and S. africanus. At Dyamdyam T. triandra showed the greatest frequency of occurrence at far site than middle and near homesteads sites. The frequency occurrence of S. africanus at Machibi was relatively similar in all the study sites. Density of herbaceous species was significantly lowest on near and bottom sites at Dyamdyam and Machibi, respectively. In both winter and summer, grazing site far and top from homestead had greatest (P <0.05) biomass production at Dyamdyam and Machibi respectively. The biomass production was significantly highest in the summer than the winter across the study sites in both study areas. It can be concluded that composition of herbaceous species and biomass production are significantly dependent on distance and topography from homesteads and seasons. Therefore, any rangeland management practices in communal grazing lands should consider these factors in to consideration during the planning of development progress.

scholarly journals Vegetation Diversity and Soil Physico-chemical Properties Under Traditional Management of Rangeland in Eastern Ethiopia

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dargo Kebede Alemie ◽  
Haftay Hailu Gebremedhin
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Herbaceous Species ◽  
Vegetation Diversity ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Chemical Attributes

The changes of herbaceous vegetation (composition, diversity, richness, evenness, and biomass production) and soil physico-chemical attributes of Harshin rangelands, eastern Ethiopia were examined under continuously open grazed areas and three ages of enclosures group arranged along chronological sequence into: &lt; 5 years (young), 5-10 years (mid) and &gt; 10 years (old). The herbaceous species composition showed a clear pattern of difference between the enclosure and open access grazed areas with desirable species being more prevalent in the enclosures and the undesirable ones being dominant in the open access grazed areas. The principal component analyses (PCA) of herbaceous species composition were accounted distinct across the open grazing young, mid and old enclosure management types. The diversity, richness and biomass production of herbaceous species were significantly different in the study area. The principal component analysis (PCA) of soil physico-chemical attributes showed distinct separation in relation to open grazing and three age enclosure areas. Overall, we found that the increased biomass production in the old enclosures may threat the herbaceous species diversity by dominating by only few species and hence affected the plants which are susceptible for species inter-competition.

scholarly journals Rapid declines in habitat quality and population size of the Liben (Sidamo) Lark Heteromirafra sidamoensis necessitate immediate conservation action

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
PAUL F. DONALD ◽  
GRAEME M. BUCHANAN ◽  
NIGEL J. COLLAR ◽  
YILMA DELLELEGN ABEBE ◽  
MERID N. GABREMICHAEL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Predictive Modelling ◽  
Rangeland Management ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Significant Deterioration ◽  
North East

SummaryThe Critically Endangered Liben Lark (formerly Sidamo Lark) is known only from the Liben Plain of southern Ethiopia, where rapid grassland deterioration is driving the species towards extinction. Fieldwork on the Liben Plain in May 2009 to assess changes in habitat and population since June 2007 recorded a significant deterioration in habitat and decline in numbers. In both 2007 and 2009, birds were associated with areas with greater than average grass cover, and in 2007 with areas of higher grass. However, between 2007 and 2009 there was a significant decline in grass cover and height, a 40% decline in number of birds recorded along repeated transects, and a contraction of 38% in the occupied area of the Liben Plain. Moreover, the cover of bare ground increased more in areas where the species was recorded in 2007 than at random points, suggesting a more rapid degradation of the best sites. There was also a loss to arable agriculture of 8% of the grassland present in 2007. Invading fennel plants increased in number and area on the plain but did not appear to influence the distribution of the lark. An analysis of NDVI showed that grassland deterioration could not be explained by drought, and the most likely explanation is that grassland quality is suffering from overgrazing. Predictive modelling suggests that, apart from a smaller and politically insecure area some 500 km to the north-east near Somalia, there is no suitable habitat for this species elsewhere in the Horn of Africa. As a matter of extreme urgency, cattle exclosures need to be established on the Liben Plain to allow grassland regeneration. This may require the ploughing of land to reduce soil compaction and re-sowing with local grass species. In the longer term, further degradation of the plain should be prevented by, for example, clearing encroaching scrub to increase grassland area and reduce grazing pressure, and by developing sustainable rangeland management practices. These actions have the full and active support of local pastoralists.

scholarly journals Changes in Herbaceous Species Composition in the Absence of Disturbance in aCenchrus biflorusRoxb. Invaded Area in Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shimane W. Makhabu ◽  
Balisana Marotsi
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Herbaceous Species ◽  
High Tolerance ◽  
Perennial Species ◽  
The Third ◽  
Disturbed Areas ◽  
Game Reserve ◽  
Vegetation Characteristics

A-nine year study was carried out to investigate changes in herbaceous species composition in an area invaded byCenchrus biflorusRoxb, an exotic invader grass species. The study ensued termination of livestock and human activities in the area when residents of the area were relocated to another area. Vegetation characteristics from the disturbed sites (previous occupied areas) and undisturbed sites (previously unoccupied areas) were determined. The results show thatC. biflorushas high tolerance to disturbance. It comprised the larger proportion of grasses in disturbed sites at the inception of the study. However, it decreased in abundance with time in disturbed areas and was absent in the undisturbed areas, suggesting that its ability to invade undisturbed sites is limited. Perennial species successfully reestablished on the third year after termination of disturbance. The study reveals thatC. biflorusinvasion in the Kalahari ecosystem can be controlled by termination of disturbances.

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.

Đặc điểm của thảm thực vật vùng đất cát nội đồng ngập nước tại huyện Phong Điền tỉnh Thừa Thiên Huế

2019 ◽  
Vol 127 (4A) ◽  
pp. 53-63
Author(s):  
Truong Hieu Thao ◽  
Hoang Ho Dac Thai
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Site Condition ◽  
Sandy Area ◽  
Shrub Community ◽  
Peat Swamp ◽  
Study Sites

Thảm thực vật vùng đất cát nôi đồng ngập nước theo mùa tại huyện Phong Điền tỉnh Thừa Thiên Huế dựa vào cấu trúc tổ thành được phân thành 4 quần xã đó là: Quần xã cỏ ẩm nằm ven các trằm; Quần xã cây bụi trên vùng cát trũng; Quần xã Tràm trên vùng ngập nước thường xuyên và định kỳ; Quần xã cây gỗ lớn trên đầm lầy than bùn.Mỗi một quần xã đặc trưng bởi một nhóm loài thực vật ưu thế khác nhau, cấu trúc khác nhau đặc thù cho dạng lập địa tạo nên sự đa dạng về thực vật vùng cát nói chung, và vùng đất cát nội đồng ngập nước nói riêng. Những kết quả đã đạt được là cơ sở dữ liệu về thực vật vùng cát, giúp cho công tác bảo tồn, phục hồi hệ sinh thái vùng cát sau này.Plants of submerged inner sandy area (coastal sandy and sandune areas) is divided 4 flora communities, they are Moist grasslands on the edge of the lake; Shrub community in low-lying inner sandy area; Melaleuca community on submerged inner sandy area and sandy seasonally inundated; Wood community on peat swamp, submerged inner sandy area. Site condition based causes flora communities with corresponding of species composition and ecological structures, make up the diversity of the submerged inner sandy flora system. These results contributed a database on the sandy plants for conservation, ecological based restoration in study sites.

Rapid Assessment Of Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) Terrestrial Biodiversity

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Taal Volcano ◽  
Ecological Barriers ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Terrestrial Biodiversity

With the exponential rise of human activities in the past decades, majority of studies conducted in Taal Volcano Protected Landscape (TVPL) are geared towards the conservation and preservation of Lake Taal’s remaining biodiversity. However, the current structure and assemblage of its terrestrial biotic communities remain relatively unstudied. In this study, we conducted biodiversity censuses in the four sites in TVPL to provide baseline information regarding the community structure of the selected study sites. Comparison of the plant diversity in Taal Volcano Crater Island and Romandan Falls within the forested areas of Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas reveal that both sites support remarkably different vegetation, with the former supporting a smaller floral diversity. The fairly small number of animal samples present difficulty in providing conclusive findings to the wildlife structure of the two study sites. However, the presence of 11 animal species exhibit valuable results in determining the ecological status of TVPL. It is deduced that several ecological barriers exist between the sites, which is attributed to their unique terrestrial biota.

Comparing peripherally inserted central catheter-related practices across hospitals with different insertion models: a multisite qualitative study

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjqs-2020-011987
Author(s):  
Sarah L Krein ◽  
Molly Harrod ◽  
Lauren E Weston ◽  
Brittani R Garlick ◽  
Martha Quinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Vascular Access ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Patient Discharge ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Appropriateness Criteria ◽  
Placement Decisions ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Discharge Education

BackgroundPeripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) provide reliable intravenous access for delivery of parenteral therapy. Yet, little is known about PICC care practices or how they vary across hospitals. We compared PICC-related processes across hospitals with different insertion delivery models.MethodsWe used a descriptive qualitative methodology and a naturalist philosophy, with site visits to conduct semistructured interviews completed between August 2018 and January 2019. Study sites included five Veterans Affairs Medical Centres, two with vascular access teams (VATs), two with PICC insertion primarily by interventional radiology (IR) and one without on-site PICC insertion capability. Interview participants were healthcare personnel (n=56), including physicians, bedside and vascular access nurses, and IR clinicians. Data collection focused on four PICC domains: use and decision-making process, insertion, in-hospital management and patient discharge education. We used rapid analysis and a summary matrix to compare practices across sites within each domain.ResultsOur findings highlight the benefits of dedicated VATs across all PICC-related process domains, including implementation of criteria to guide PICC placement decisions, timely PICC insertion, more robust management practices and well-defined patient discharge education. We also found areas with potential for improvement, such as clinician awareness of PICC appropriateness criteria and alternative devices, deployment of VATs and patient discharge education.ConclusionVascular access nurses play critical roles in all aspects of PICC-related care. There is variation in PICC decision-making, care and maintenance, and patient education across hospitals. Quality and safety improvement opportunities to reduce this variation are highlighted.

scholarly journals The Use of Biological Indices for the Assessment of the River Quality (Ruda River, Poland)

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneta Spyra ◽  
Justyna Kubicka ◽  
Małgorzata Strzelec
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Benthic Invertebrates ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Human Pressure ◽  
Dam Reservoir ◽  
River Quality ◽  
Water Field ◽  
Study Sites

AbstractRecognition of the deteriorating conditions of rivers worldwide has called for increased efforts to improve the ecological quality of impacted river systems. This is particularly important in areas that have suffered from a significant impact of human pressure on the ecological status of water. Field studies were conducted in the Ruda River in an area that had undergone anthropogenic disturbances. The objectives of our survey were to test the biological metrics based on benthic macroinvertebrates at four study sites. Spring and autumn surveys of benthic invertebrates indicated that based on the BMWP and BMWP(PL) indices, water quality was higher in comparison with the value of Multimetric index at all of the sites that were studied. Our results revealed that the water quality was higher at the study sites that are located above the dam reservoir based on both the chemical and biological parameters. This study also indicated that both spring and autumn constitute appropriate periods for carrying out monitoring studies. The values of multimeric index indicated the same water quality (except for site 1) in both sampling periods. Anthropogenic transformations of a riverbed influence the flora and fauna and affect the ecological status of rivers.

Accountability in the financial management practices of school principals

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agrippa Madoda Dwangu ◽  
Vimbi Petrus Mahlangu
Keyword(s):  
Financial Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
School Principals ◽  
School Principal ◽  
Department Of Education ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to investigate the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms employed in financial management practices of school principals in the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education. The strengths and weaknesses of the systems and mechanisms of the processes to hold school principals accountable are explored in detail in this study. The argument that this article seeks to advance is that accountability of the school principal to the school governing body (SGB) does not yield the best results in terms of efficiency. It creates a loose arrangement in terms of which the school principal takes part in financial mismanagement in schools.Design/methodology/approachData collection was made through semi-structured interviews whose purpose was to draw experiences from SGBs, particularly the finance committees who are in fact the sub-committees of the SGBs; as well as literature review. The finance committee is made up of the chairperson of the SGB, the secretary of the SGB, the treasurer of the SGB, and the financial officer who is a clerk responsible for the keeping and the management of financial records of the school. The process started with semi-structured interviews, then transcribing, coding, developing themes, making meaning of the themes and subsequently developing a principle.FindingsMechanisms employed by schools and the Department of Education to hold principals accountable for their financial management practices fail to make them fully accountable and effectively face the consequences of acts on their part that are illegal and unlawful. The mechanisms need a great deal of overhauling. The argument that this article seeks to advance is that this account of the school principal to the SGB does not yield the best results in terms of efficiency. It creates a loose arrangement in terms of which the school principal easily gets away with a crime when financial mismanagement occurs in the school.Research limitations/implicationsParticipants could possibly not be comfortable and willing, to tell the truth as it is. Participants might have the fear that telling the truth could land them in trouble with the law. Whilst participants were assured by the researchers of their anonymity and the confidentiality of the information given by them, there was no guarantee that the fear of being exposed would subdue completely. There was also a possibility that some participants would not be willing to say the truth as it is for fear of being victimised by other participants for exposing the status quo in their schools.Practical implicationsThe findings and recommendations from this study may be used by the Department of Basic Education as a source of information for policymakers and stakeholders to understand the effectiveness of their mechanisms to ensure the accountability of school principals on issues of financial management. On the basis of this study, policymakers will then be able to revisit their policies for the purpose of strengthening them. The principal is therefore responsible for the day-to-day administration and management of school funds because of this mandatory delegation. However, when things go wrong, it is the SGB that is held liable.Social implicationsSchool principals hold dual accountability in terms of which they are accountable to the employer only in so far as their professional responsibilities are concerned on financial management in the first instance. They are by no means accounting officers in schools. In the second instance, they are fully accountable to the SGB for issues relating to financial management. Section 16A of SASA lists the functions and responsibilities for which the principal as an employee of the Department of Basic Education, and in his official capacity as contemplated in Sections 23(1) and 24(1) (j) of the same Act, is accountable to the head of department (HOD).Originality/valueThe study provides a theoretical and empirical contribution to the existing literature on the effectiveness of the mechanisms employed to ensure the accountability of school principals in their financial management practices in schools. It offers practical recommendations putting in place mechanisms that effectively hold school principals wholly accountable for their financial management practices in schools. Most of the time, it is easy for the principal to get away with a crime even in instances where he or she is called upon to account for alleged financial mismanagement.

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