Lowveld Of Swaziland Research Articles

Farmer perceptions of climate change impacts on Swaziland’s sugar industry

This study investigates the perceptions of sugarcane farmers on climate change impacts and their potential alternative livelihoods in the Lowveld of Swaziland with the objective of informing research and policy initiatives. The study obtained data mainly from a survey involving supervisor respondents who had 10 years or more practical farming experience in the study area. In addition, historical climate data on rainfall and temperature patterns were generated to triangulate responses on perceptions. Farmer respondents and the historical data confirmed the perceptions on increased drought and flood incidences, severe temperature fluctuations, decreased water availability, increased pests and diseases that have been observed from as far back as 1975. As for alternative livelihoods in the event that sugarcane farming significantly fails, the farmers indicated that they would and were already engaged in diversification systems that include: livestock farming, and growing food and other cash crops. The study concludes that farmers’ perceptions are indeed aligned to emerging global trends on climate change impacts on the agricultural sector in general and the sugarcane industry in particular. Drawing from historical data on rainfall and temperature, we recommend that the government puts in place necessary adaptation measures to minimize foreseeable negative impacts on farmers, especially those engaged in medium- to small-scale operations.

Schistosomiasis knowledge, attitude, practices, and associated factors among primary school children in the Siphofaneni area in the Lowveld of Swaziland.

Schistosomiasis, a worldwide concern, has received attention in Swaziland through control programs such as deworming programs, education programs, and school health programs; however, these programs neglect the importance of monitoring and evaluation strategies such as assessing children's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) and the prevalence of the disease. Children are a high-risk group because of their water contact practices, and need to be informed about schistosomiasis to influence their attitudes and practices. Social and cultural factors are involved in schistosomiasis control because they instill myths and misconceptions about the disease. As a result, children in the community may be comfortable with bad practices. This study aimed to assess the KAPs of schoolchildren on schistosomiasis, and to identify practices that support or hinder the progress of schistosomiasis control. In 2014, a descriptive quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted through questionnaires among Siphofaneni primary schools, an area hit by schistosomiasis in the Lowveld of Swaziland. A logistic regression model was applied to analyze the data. Moderate knowledge, good attitudes, and fairly good practices were observed in the children. However, practices of certain children were risky and they still had some misconceptions. Knowledge was correlated with practice and with predictors of good and bad practices such as male sex, always urinating in water, and always using river water for domestic practices. This study suggests that empowering children with knowledge and attempting to modify their water contact, and improved human waste disposal practices are necessary for schistosomiasis control.

Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Coping Strategies at Malindza, a Rural Semi-Arid Area in Swaziland

The objective of the study was to assess the impacts of climate change faced by rural households in the lowveld of Swaziland, using Malindza as a case study area, and further identify adaptation and coping strategies employed by households. A questionnaire was developed and used to conduct interviews from 160 households randomly selected in four rural communities of the study area. Data were analysed with SPSS software, and reported in forms of tables and figures. More or less all the respondents (99%) were aware of climate change and climate change variability, Sources of information included radios (92.5%), television (5.6%) and agricultural extension officers (2%). The information was however considered inadequate and of short term remedy as it was in the form of daily weather forecast. The perceived effects of climate change included crop failure (99%), loss of livestock (99%) and drying of surface water (99%). Only 9% of the households harvested enough maize to last for a year, and the rest (91%) had to rely on buying maize, exchanging it for labour or receiving food aid. The climate change adaptation strategies practiced included contour ploughing (49%), use of organic fertilisers (29%) and crop rotation (20%). Thirty two percent of the households planted hybrid maize seeds and 15% planted open pollinated maize seeds. Another 26% planted both hybrid maize and open pollinated maize seeds. On the other hand, coping strategies practiced included selling or consuming small livestock and chicken (97%), consuming maize left for seeds (93%) and reducing food intake (23%). It was clear that the effects of climate change in rural areas were severe and needed to be addressed before critical damages like loss of human life manifest. The government should ensure that farmer’s knowledge on climate change and variability is increased through education to improve their adaptive capacity.

Linking changes in small mammal communities to ecosystem functions in an agricultural landscape

Global increases in agricultural production have significant implications for biodiversity and ecosystem processes. In southern Africa, sugarcane production has converted native vegetation into agricultural monocultures. We examined functional group abundance along a conservation-agriculture gradient in the Lowveld of Swaziland. We captured small mammals representing 4 functional groups: omnivores, insectivores, granivores, and herbivores and found evidence of distinct changes in small mammal functional groups across the conservation-agriculture boundary. Granivores declined with increasing distance into the sugarcane and were completely absent at 375m from the boundary while omnivores increased in the sugarcane. Insectivores and herbivores showed no differences between the two land uses; however, during the dry season, there were significantly more insectivores at the conservation-agriculture interface than in the conservation lands. Shifts in small mammal communities have clear implications for ecosystem processes as the removal of granivores from savannah systems can drastically alter vegetative structure and potentially lead to shrub encroachment via reduced levels of seed predation, while abundant omnivorous small mammals can cause significant crop damage and increase the prevalence of vector borne diseases in the environment.

Molossid Bats in an African Agro-Ecosystem Select Sugarcane Fields as Foraging Habitat

Two coexisting species of African molossids, the little free-tailed bat, Chaerephon pumilus, and the Angolan free-tailed bat, Mops condylurus, were studied in the lowveld of Swaziland. Nine C. pumilus and five M. condylurus, all non-lactating females, were radio-tracked in order to investigate their habitat utilization. The results confirmed that both of these species selected to forage over sugarcane fields instead of over the other habitats available in the area: savanna, riparian forest and urban areas. Foraging ranges were relatively large with C. pumilus travelling on average a maximum of 4.2 km from the roost and M. condylurus covering 4.8 km. The mean activity areas ranged from 976 ha (minimum convex polygon) to 1319 ha (95% kernel) for C. pumilus and from 1190 ha (MCP) to 1437 ha (95% kernel) for M. condylurus. Interspecific differences in the mean activity area or maximum distance travelled were not found. The results of this study suggest that these species have a potential role as pest-controlling agents over sugarcane fields.

Molossid bats in an African agro-ecosystem select sugarcane fields as foraging habitat

Two coexisting species of African molossids, the little free-tailed bat, Chaerephon pumilus, and the Angolan free-tailed bat, Mops condylurus, were studied in the lowveld of Swaziland. Nine C. pumilus and five M. condylurus, all non-lactating females, were radio-tracked in order to investigate their habitat utilization. The results confirmed that both of these species selected to forage over sugarcane fields instead of over the other habitats available in the area: savanna, riparian forest and urban areas. Foraging ranges were relatively large with C. pumilus travelling on average a maximum of 4.2 km from the roost and M. condylurus covering 4.8 km. The mean activity areas ranged from 976 ha (minimum convex polygon) to 1319 ha (95% kernel) for C. pumilus and from 1190 ha (MCP) to 1437 ha (95% kernel) for M. condylurus. Interspecific differences in the mean activity area or maximum distance travelled were not found. The results of this study suggest that these species have a potential role as pest-controlling agents over sugarcane fields.

Breeding season of Epomophorus walhbergi in the lowveld of Swaziland

The fruit bat Epomophorus wahlbergi is abundant in the eastern parts of southern Africa, but its breeding biology remains poorly documented. This study aimed to ascertain the breeding season of this species in northeastern Swaziland where 340 individuals were netted over a 21-month period. Subadults were present throughout the year with two peaks, while lactating females were only present between December and May. These contradictory data are consistent with a bimodal birth peak, and the fact that pregnancy and lactation were both difficult to detect in the field.

Distribution and abundance of the herringbone leaf-miner, Ophiomyia camarae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) in selected areas of Swaziland

The distribution and abundance of Ophiomyia camarae was determined in three ecological regions, i.e., highveld, middleveld, and lowveld of Swaziland. Within each region, sites were selected based on Lantana camara L. density, with 10 plants randomly chosen per sampling site. Ten leaves from each shrub were collected and assessed for any damage caused by the herringbone leaf-miner. Relative abundance, based on the number of shrubs damaged by the herringbone leaf-miner, was scored per site. Three lantana varieties were observed during the sampling period. There were significant differences in mean leaf damage due to leaf-miner activity between varieties (P=0.0162), with 46±4.89% leaves of the pale pink variety damaged compared to 23±5.56 and 21±3.53% leaves of the orange and pink varieties, respectively. While there were no restrictions in terms of distribution, the highest levels of O. camarae populations were observed in the middleveld (P=0.0012), suggesting that this region had the most suitable environmental conditions for this natural enemy. Overall, the abundance was significantly different between regions (P=0.006) and months (P=0.000), with April scoring the highest population levels. Based on our observations, the variation in environmental conditions has an influence on the activity of O. camarae, with the middleveld having the most suitable conditions

The influence of riparian vegetation on the distribution and abundance of bats in an African savanna

Riparian habitats are known to be important for bats across the world, however this is largely unstudied in Africa. We investigated the community structure of bats in riparian areas and the surrounding savanna landscape in Swaziland's lowveld using mist nets and a harp trap. We found riparian sites overall had higher bat activity, diversity, species richness and abundance. One species (Epomophorus wahlbergi) accounted for 52.6% of captures. Seasonality had no effect on overall captures, nor did distance from nearest riparian habitat for savanna sites. Echolocation guilds were correlated with vegetation characteristics, with CF (constant frequency), FM (steep frequency-modulated) and FM-QCF (broadband FM) bats more frequently captured at sites with denser undergrowth than QCF (quasi-constant frequency or narrowband FM) bats; conversely, QCF bats were more frequently caught at sites with lower canopy cover than other bats. Our findings suggest that although bats discriminate between microhabitats, they do not respond to larger-scale habitat features in the way that other taxa, such as birds, are found to. In conclusion it appears that riparian areas are important foraging sites for bats within African savannas.

Chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation of common tree forages in the semi-arid rangelands of Swaziland

Browse plants play an important role in providing feed for livestock in semi-arid rangelands of Africa. Chemical composition and in vitro ruminal fermentation of leaves collected from Acacia burkei, Acacia tortilis, Acacia nilotica, Dichrostachys cinerea and Ehretia obtusifolia in communal grazing lands in the lowveld of Swaziland is presented. Leaves were collected from trees located on two soil types ( i.e., lithosol and vertisol) in the communal land but it had no effect on the chemical composition of tree leaves. The NDFom and ADFom content were highest in D. cinerea and A. burkei and lowest in E. obtusifolia and A. nilotica. Crude protein (CP) contents ranged between 108 g/kg and 122 g/kg DM. D. cinerea had the highest Ca and Mg content, while A. tortilis had the lowest. There were marked variations in K level amongst browse species, with A. tortilis (9.1 g/kg DM) having the highest value. The P, Zn and Fe did not differ between browse species. Soil type and tree species interaction impacted in vitro fermentation parameters. Extent of fermentation, as measured by 48 h cumulative gas production, and organic matter degradability was highest in E. obtusifolia leaves and lowest in D. cinerea leaves within soil type. Fermentation efficiency, as measured by partitioning factors, was highest in A. nilotica leaves. Leaves of E. obtusifolia could be a valuable supplementary feedstuff for ruminant livestock due to its in vitro fermentation characteristics as well as low fibre and moderate CP levels.

Association between avian communities and vegetation structure in a low-lying woodland-savanna ecosystem in Swaziland

The community structure and population density of birds was studied at 10 sites in three broad woodland types in the lowveld of Swaziland. Birds were surveyed on a monthly basis at 12 locations per site using a standard point count technique. Each site was surveyed over a 12-month period. Vegetation characteristics of each location were recorded. Both cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling using bird densities, grouped the sites into two main habitats: riparian and nonriparian. The non-riparian habitat was further divisible into Acacia savanna and broadleaved woodland. A similar classification was obtained using vegetation characteristics. Principal components analysis (PCA) of the vegetation characteristics was conducted. The first axis (accounting for 57.7% of the total variation) represented variation in tree cover below 3.5m and grass cover above 0.25m. The second axis (24.8%) represented variation in tree cover above 3.5m and grass cover below 0.25m. These two axes accounted for 82.5% of the total variation. In general, the Acacia sites had lower tree cover and high grass cover, the broadleaved woodland sites had higher tree cover below 3.5m, and the riparian sites had the highest tree cover. Acacia savanna recorded the highest species richness of birds (128 species) with lower numbers recorded in riparian (101) and broadleaved woodland (94). A total of 161 species of birds was recorded across all sites, of which 48 species were recorded on fewer than four occasions, and 51 species were recorded in all three habitats. Of the remaining species, 14 species were confined to Acacia savanna, 14 species to riparian, and two species to broadleaved, woodland. Broadleaved woodland supports a depauperate, but indistinct, avian community compared to that of Acacia savanna; riverine forest, in contrast, supports a different set of species.

Population densities and community structure of birds in riverine forest in the lowveld of Swaziland

Population density and community structure of birds were studied at three sites in riverine forest in the lowveld of Swaziland. Birds were surveyed monthly using a standard point count technique. A total of 101 species of birds was recorded. Species richness at the three sites ranged between 70-76 species. Population density was similar at the three sites and ranged between 24.0-31.2 birds ha-1. Biomass of birds was also similar at the three sites. Resident birds accounted for 74% of all species, but made up 97% of the individuals and biomass. There was a relatively large number of vagrant species, but they only accounted for <1% of the individuals and biomass. Species richness of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants was low, and they contributed little to total bird density or biomass. In terms of diet, the majority of birds were insectivorous, followed by the mixed diet category. Frugivores, though few in number, contributed significantly to biomass. Granivorous species and raptors contributed insignificantly. The avifauna of riverine forest in Swaziland is compared with similar habitats in southern Africa and with that of Acacia savanna and broadleaved woodland in Swaziland.

Population densities and community structure of birds in broadleaved woodland in the lowveld of Swaziland

Population density and community structure of birds was studied at three sites in broadleaved (combretaceous) woodland in the lowveld of Swaziland. Birds were surveyed monthly using a standard point count technique. A total of 94 species of birds was recorded. Species richness at the three sites ranged between 57 and 73 species. Population density was similar at the three sites and ranged from 11.8 to 13.9 birds/ha. Biomass of birds was also similar at the three sites. Resident birds only accounted for 49% of all species, but made up 85% of the individuals and 82% of the biomass. There was a relatively large number of vagrant species, but they only accounted for 10% of the individuals and 14% of the biomass. Species richness of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants was low, and they contributed little to the bird density or biomass. In terms of diet, most birds were insectivorous, with mixed diet and granivorous species contributing approximately equally to biomass. Frugivorous species and raptors contributed little. The avifauna of broadleaved woodland in Swaziland is compared with that of other broadleaved woodlands in southern Africa and with that of Acacia savanna in Swaziland. Broadleaved woodland in Swaziland appears to support an avifauna which is depauperate compared to that of Acacia savanna, but not distinct from it.

Population densities and community structure of birds in Acacia savanna in the lowveld of Swaziland

The community structure and population density of birds was studied at four sites in Acacia savanna in the lowveld of Swaziland. Birds were surveyed monthly between June 1998 and May 1999 using a standard point-count technique. A total of 128 species of birds was recorded in Acacia savanna (of these, population estimates were calculated for 107 species). Species richness was similar at the four sites, as was total bird population density (when the highly mobile finches and canaries were excluded from calculations). Bird densities increased from winter to summer and then declined in autumn. These seasonal changes in density are expected, and are due to an influx of migrants and newly-fledged offspring in late spring and summer. In contrast to species richness and population density, species composition varied between the four areas. This finding suggests that Acacia savanna is not as homogenous as commonly thought. The conservation implications of this are discussed.

A Mammal Survey of the Lower Usuthu Basin, Swaziland

The Lower Usuthu River Basin is set in the lowveld of Swaziland. The predominant vegetation types are mixed broadleaf woodland in the western lowveld and Acacia savanna in the eastern lowveld. The mammalian fauna of the Lower Usuthu Basin has been poorly documented. The study set out to survey mammals of the Lower Usuthu Basin using appropriate sampling techniques. A total of 45 species of mammals were recorded, or presumed to occur, in the study area, of which 10 species are of special conservation status both within Swaziland and in the southern african region. On Swazi Nation Land, species diversity and population sizes of mammals, especially the antelopes, were very low. Large-scale reduction of habitat may affect the conservation status of many mammals in the Lower Usuthu Basin. UNISWA Research Journal of Agriculture, Science and Technology Vol. 4 (1) 2000: pp 55-61

Ixodid ticks and other ectoparasites of wild ungulates in Swaziland: regional, host and seasonal patterns

Ixodid ticks and other ectoparasites were collected from impala ( Aepyceros melampus ). blue wildebeest ( Connochaetes taurinus ), kudu ( Tragelaphus strepsiceros ), common duiker ( Sylvicapra grimmia ) and warthog ( Phacochoerus aethiopicus ) in the Mlawula-Mbuluzi-Simunye Nature Reserve and Protected Area complex and Hlane Wildlife Sanctuary in the Swaziland lowveld, and from blue wildebeest and warthog in Malolotja Nature Reserve in the highveld from October 1985 to August 1986. The most commonly collected ticks were Amblyosomma hebraeum, Boophilus decoloratus, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, R evertsi evertsi, R maculatus, R muehlensi and R simus . The diversity and intensity of infestation were greater in the lowveld, where the ectoparasite community was similar to that reported from these host species in the eastern Transvaal lowveld and Kwazulu/Natal. A hebraeum was collected throughout the year, but the largest samples were in October and November when the animals were in poor condition. The seasonal occurrence of R. appendiculatus adults on impala was later than that reported for other host species, possibly owing to seasonal changes in habitat use. Seasonal changes in habitat use and temperature effects on pre-oviposition and development of the eggs may have caused the seasonal patterns in the occurrence of B. decoloratus .

Effects of rainfall intensity and antecedent moisture on the steady‐state infiltration rate in a semi‐arid region

Abstract. The infiltration and runoff responses of degraded and non‐degraded semi‐arid land surfaces were investigated by rainfall simulation in the Lowveld of Swaziland. The hydrological response of the soil was controlled by changes in the properties of the soil surface, the nature of which was dependent upon rainfall intensity and antecedent moisture, as well as upon soil type and condition. Rather than there being one final steady‐state infiltration rate for a given soil type and condition (i.e. a constant of soil response), the final rates achieved were variable for each soil type and condition, and depended upon rainfall intensity and antecedent moisture. The implications of this for soil use and management in terms of infiltration measurement and runoff assessment are considered.

Schistosomiasis in Swaziland--a comparative study of three irrigated estates.

The prevalence of Schistosomiasis and the distribution of the snail intermediate hosts on three adjoining irrigated estates in the lowveld of Swaziland was investigated. The prevalence rates of Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni among estate employees was lower than anticipated and there was a marked difference between the prevalence rates of S. mansoni between estates. The reasons for this and the influence of water supplies and agricultural practice on the prevalence of schistosomiasis are discussed.

Some Swaziland Examples Of Localised Control Of Base Levels: The Lower Umbeluzi

Summary The soil toposequence occurring over most of the basalt region of the Eastern Swaziland Lowveld is described and compared with that found in the Umbeluzi basin. From ’relict hydromorphic features. it is inferred that the soils in the Umbeluzi basin were subject to a prolonged and fairly recent period of high walertables, which did not obtain in the neighbouring river basins. It is thought that there was a local hiatus in Quaternary dissection and the lowering of base- and ground water table levels. The possibility that this hiatus was caused by a hard rock band in the Lebombo ignimbrites downstream is examined.

A Soil and Irrigability Survey of the Lower Usutu Basin (South)in the Swaziland Lowveld.

A Soil and Irrigability Survey of the Lower Usutu Basin (South)in the Swaziland Lowveld.