Browsing by Author "Mahlangu, Isaiah Mahlolani."

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The sustainability and viability of small-scale timber as community economic development : the perceptions of the Entembeni community in Melmoth.
(2004) Mahlangu, Isaiah Mahlolani.; Mubangizi, Betty Claire.; Kaye, Sylvia.
This study was conducted to investigate viability and sustainability of commercial small-scale timber production. Random mushrooming and proliferation of small-scale timber production in KwaZulu-Natal and the lack of available literature on how small-growers perceive sustainability of their own practice prompted the study. Entembeni, a rural community located in northern KwaZulu-Natal, was selected for the study. High levels of illiteracy and increasing unemployment levels characterize the area. Based on a qualitative research design a stratified, random sampling was used to select a representative sample. While an understanding of small-scale timber production tends to focus on smallscale growers as the main role-players, government structures, commercial timber farmers, and contractors play a significant role in regulating and transforming timber production respectively. The study found that small-scale timber production is either hindered or enhanced by the nature and effectiveness of existing institutional arrangements. Distribution of assets is characterized by social inequality based on gender and social status. It was also found that small-growers lack the necessary skills, expertise, land and infrastructure to effectively participate in commercial timber production. Partnerships with the private sector (in the form of contract farming) ensure that small-growers have access to loans, expertise and the markets. Small-growers who are motivated by the prospects of increased income and entrepreneurial development, fail to reach anticipated targets. Reasons for this are numerous. Some small-growers operate in areas of land too small to yield the desired outcomes. Inability for value adding and reliance on large-scale growers and contractors for loans and harvesting and transportation services contributes to small-growers inability to maximize benefits. The study concluded that small-scale timber production in its current state at Entembeni is not viable or sustainable. Viability and sustainability of small-scale timber production can be enhanced through a holistic land use plan and management that provides alternative land use options, not just timber production.
Understanding environmental assessment and public participation process challenges among the vulnerable interested and affected parties : five cases studies from rural KwaZulu-Natal.
(2008) Mahlangu, Isaiah Mahlolani.; Dent, Mark Clifford.
The Public Participation Process (PPP) for Environmental Assessment (EA) is a mandatory procedure to facilitate participation of Interested and Affected Parties (IAAPs) in decision making for proposed development projects. Participation of the vulnerable IAAPs in the PPP is affected by complex challenges. These challenges make it difficult or impossible for Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) to successfully conduct and complete PPPs. This study investigated the nature and impact of the challenges in the decision making process. The study sought to develop an understanding of the challenges and suggest better approaches. Based on purposive sampling, a case study approach was adopted to analyse five PPP cases conducted in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Five key challenges: lack of EA legislation awareness; imbalanced power relations; negative past experience; threat to environmental autonomy; and poor project planning affected the PPP cases analysed in this study. These challenges emanate from internal and environmental factors. The study argues that internal challenges such as a lack of EA legislation awareness can be managed better during the PPPs. However, external challenges such as imbalanced power relations are usually impossible to resolve during the PPP. The modes of communication play a key role in public participation. Word of mouth is appropriate to facilitate participation of the vulnerable IAAPs. A key finding was the combined impact of the challenges and appropriateness of communication mode determines the PPP outcome, with the challenges being significant determining factor. The study maintains that a good understanding of potential challenges associated with development project sites will enable EAPs to design better and more responsive PPP approaches. To achieve this, the study recommends a Dual Approach Planning Model (DAPM). This approach recommends designing the PPP through preplanning information appraisal and prediction of potential challenges to create awareness about potential challenges. The DAPM argues that this awareness will assist EAPs to better estimate the time and to mobilise tools and resources required to manage the challenges, while focusing on successful completion of the PPP. This approach is also adaptive in nature.