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Accurate and timely information on surface water quality and quantity is critical for various applications, including irrigation agriculture. In-field water quality and quantity data from unmanned aerial vehicle systems (UAVs) could be useful in closing spatial data gaps through the generation of near-real-time, fine resolution, spatially explicit information required for water resources accounting. This study assessed the progress, opportunities, and challenges in mapping and modelling water quality and quantity using data from UAVs. To achieve this research objective, a systematic review was adopted. The results show modest progress in the utility of UAVs, especially in the global south. This could be attributed, in part, to high costs, a lack of relevant skills, and the regulations associated with drone procurement and operational costs. The progress is further compounded by a general lack of research focusing on UAV application in water resources monitoring and assessment. More importantly, the lack of robust and reliable water quantity and quality data needed to parameterise models remains challenging. However, there are opportunities to advance scientific inquiry for water quality and quantity accounting by integrating UAV data and machine learning.
Mbulisi Sibanda; Onisimo Mutanga; Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo; Alistair D. Clulow; Cletah Shoko; Dominic Mazvimavi; Timothy Dube; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Application of Drone Technologies in Surface Water Resources Monitoring and Assessment: A Systematic Review of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Global South. Drones 2021, 5, 84 .
AMA StyleMbulisi Sibanda, Onisimo Mutanga, Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo, Alistair D. Clulow, Cletah Shoko, Dominic Mazvimavi, Timothy Dube, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Application of Drone Technologies in Surface Water Resources Monitoring and Assessment: A Systematic Review of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Global South. Drones. 2021; 5 (3):84.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMbulisi Sibanda; Onisimo Mutanga; Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo; Alistair D. Clulow; Cletah Shoko; Dominic Mazvimavi; Timothy Dube; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "Application of Drone Technologies in Surface Water Resources Monitoring and Assessment: A Systematic Review of Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Global South." Drones 5, no. 3: 84.
Under- and over-nutrition co-exist as the double burden of malnutrition that poses a public health concern in countries of the developing regions, including South Africa (SA). Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children under five years are the most affected by malnutrition, especially in rural areas. Major contributing factors of malnutrition include food and nutrition insecurity, poverty, and unhealthy lifestyles. The current study aimed to assess the nutritional status, using selected anthropometric indices and dietary intake methods (repeated 24 h recall and food frequency), of four rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal (SA). Purposive sampling generated a sample of 50 households each in three rural areas: Swayimane, Tugela Ferry, and Umbumbulu and 21 households at Fountain Hill Estate. The Estimated Average Requirement cut-point method was used to assess the prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake. Stunting (30.8%; n = 12) and overweight (15.4%; n = 6) were prevalent in children under five years, whilst obesity was highly prevalent among adult females (39.1%; n = 81), especially those aged 16–35 years. There was a high intake of carbohydrates and a low intake of fibre and micronutrients, including vitamin A, thus, confirming the need for a food-based approach to address malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly vitamin A deficiency.
Laurencia Govender; Kirthee Pillay; Muthulisi Siwela; Albert Thembinkosi Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Four Selected Rural Communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Nutrients 2021, 13, 2920 .
AMA StyleLaurencia Govender, Kirthee Pillay, Muthulisi Siwela, Albert Thembinkosi Modi, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Four Selected Rural Communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Nutrients. 2021; 13 (9):2920.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaurencia Govender; Kirthee Pillay; Muthulisi Siwela; Albert Thembinkosi Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Four Selected Rural Communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa." Nutrients 13, no. 9: 2920.
Providing economic opportunities for youth in agriculture is essential to securing the future of agriculture in Africa, addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality. However, barriers limit youth participation in agriculture and the broader food system. This scoping review aimed to investigate the opportunities and challenges for youth in participating in agriculture and the food system in Africa. This review conducted a scoping review using the PRISMA guideline. Published studies were retrieved from online databases (Web of Science, Cab Direct, and Science Direct) for 2009 to 2019. The findings showed that existing agricultural interventions are production-centric and provide low-income earnings and inadequate social protection. We also found that the youth have pessimistic perceptions about agriculture’s capability of improving their living standards. This could be ascribed to the minimal youth involvement in agricultural activities and the youth’s shared understanding of the agricultural sector’s contribution to general economic growth. From a policy perspective, the literature revealed that current agricultural development programs do not adequately address structural issues underpinning youth participation in the economy. Therefore, to enhance the involvement of youths in agriculture, there is a need for policy implementation in the area of integrated agricultural-based interventions that are context-specific and promote meaningful youth participation in shaping future food systems.
Wendy Geza; Mjabuliseni Ngidi; Temitope Ojo; Adetoso Adebiyi Adetoro; Rob Slotow; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Youth Participation in Agriculture: A Scoping Review. Sustainability 2021, 13, 9120 .
AMA StyleWendy Geza, Mjabuliseni Ngidi, Temitope Ojo, Adetoso Adebiyi Adetoro, Rob Slotow, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Youth Participation in Agriculture: A Scoping Review. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (16):9120.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWendy Geza; Mjabuliseni Ngidi; Temitope Ojo; Adetoso Adebiyi Adetoro; Rob Slotow; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "Youth Participation in Agriculture: A Scoping Review." Sustainability 13, no. 16: 9120.
Smallholder farmers face several challenges that limit their access to markets and prevent them from taking advantage of market opportunities. This study sought to provide observed information on households’ involvement in the output market and to analyse the determinants of the level of market participation among smallholder farmers in South Africa. Data (secondary) for this study were collected from a total of 1520 respondents who were selected through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics, t-test and a double-hurdle model were used to analyse factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decisions regarding participation in the agricultural market. The first-hurdle equation of the double-hurdle model showed that gender of the household, family member working on the farm, wealth index, and agricultural assistance had a positive significant impact on the decision of smallholder farmers to participate in the market, while household age and family member with HIV had a negative significant impact. The results of the second-hurdle model showed marital status, educational level of household, wealth index, and access to agricultural assistance had a negative significant effect on the extent of market participation among smallholder farmers, while household size, household age, and family member with HIV had a positive significant impact. The suggestions emanating from the results as to what factors need to be addressed to encourage smallholder farmers to participate in the market indicate that there is a need for government to hire sufficient and skilled extension workers who understand the market related issues. With the help of extension workers and policymakers, government need to organize smallholder farmers into groups that are easy to manage, train, and support. Smallholder farmers’ groups should have their farmers registered, visible, and easily accessible for coordinated government support services. They also need to do more workshops in rural areas to encourage young people to be involved in agriculture. This will lead to sustainable production, alleviation of poverty, improvement of the economy, and food security.
Simphiwe Hlatshwayo; Mjabuliseni Ngidi; Temitope Ojo; Albert Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi; Rob Slotow. A Typology of the Level of Market Participation among Smallholder Farmers in South Africa: Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. Sustainability 2021, 13, 7699 .
AMA StyleSimphiwe Hlatshwayo, Mjabuliseni Ngidi, Temitope Ojo, Albert Modi, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Rob Slotow. A Typology of the Level of Market Participation among Smallholder Farmers in South Africa: Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (14):7699.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSimphiwe Hlatshwayo; Mjabuliseni Ngidi; Temitope Ojo; Albert Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi; Rob Slotow. 2021. "A Typology of the Level of Market Participation among Smallholder Farmers in South Africa: Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces." Sustainability 13, no. 14: 7699.
International agricultural policies to address hunger and malnutrition in the tropics and sub-tropics have typically been based on approaches to the intensification of farming systems effective in industrialised economies where the social, economic, and environmental conditions and the infrastructure are very different to those in Africa. The consequence of this short-sightedness has been that agricultural productivity, dependent on ecosystem services from natural capital, has declined in Africa due to ecological and environmental collapse. This has undermined the livelihoods of the millions of smallholder farmers living on the brink of the cash economy, leading to severe social injustice. This review summarises advances in smallholder agriculture’s sustainable intensification in the tropics and sub-tropics, leveraging the domestication and commercialisation of wild indigenous tree species that produce nutritious, marketable, and useful food and non-food products. These are grown within diversified and multifunctional farming systems together with conventional food staples and local orphan crops to reduce land degradation, pollution, water extraction, and nutrient mining while promoting services such as pollination and other ecological functions. The benefits arising from this approach simultaneously address hunger, malnutrition, poverty, social injustice, and a stagnant economy, as well as important global issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation. Addressing these issues may also reduce the risk of future pandemics of zoonotic diseases, such as COVID-19. This set of serious global issues epitomise our divided and dysfunctional world and calls out for action. Enhancing sustainable smallholder productivity using indigenous and wild foods is an important international policy and business intervention, vital for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the rebalancing of the global economy by restoring natural capital within new African indigenous food industries.
Roger Leakey; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi; Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. African Lives Matter: Wild Food Plants Matter for Livelihoods, Justice, and the Environment—A Policy Brief for Agricultural Reform and New Crops. Sustainability 2021, 13, 7252 .
AMA StyleRoger Leakey, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. African Lives Matter: Wild Food Plants Matter for Livelihoods, Justice, and the Environment—A Policy Brief for Agricultural Reform and New Crops. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (13):7252.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRoger Leakey; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi; Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. 2021. "African Lives Matter: Wild Food Plants Matter for Livelihoods, Justice, and the Environment—A Policy Brief for Agricultural Reform and New Crops." Sustainability 13, no. 13: 7252.
The water-energy-food (WEF) nexus facilitates understanding of the intricate and dynamic interlinkages among the three resources. Its implementation can enhance resource securities and sustainable development. Despite its potential, full adoption of the approach has been hindered by a lack of actionable strategies to guide its practical application. This is attributed to (i) poor data (ii) lack of empirical evidence, (iii) inadequate analytical tools, and (iv) lack of clarity on applicable spatial scale. This study undertook a literature review, coupled with systemic analyses of a WEF nexus analytical model, whose outputs were used as a basis to develop a Theory of Change, an iterative outline for operationalising the approach in the context of southern Africa. The consultative and iterative Theory of Change culminated with the formulation of pathways to (i) overcome the barriers impeding WEF nexus operationalisation, (ii) mitigation of trade-offs while enhancing synergies towards attaining simultaneous resource securities, (iii) poverty alleviation and reduction of inequalities, and (iv) reconciling policy with implementation scale. The WEF nexus operationalisation outcomes are linked to Sustainable Development Goals 2 (zero hunger), 6 (clean water and sanitation), and 7 (affordable and clean energy), with synergies to SDGs 1 (no poverty), 5 (gender equality), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 12 (responsible consumption and production), 13 (climate action), 14 (life below water), and 15 (life on land). Operationalising the WEF nexus through an interactive process can inform sustainable pathways towards resource security, job and wealth creation, improved livelihoods and well-being, and regional integration.
Dhesigen Naidoo; Luxon Nhamo; Sylvester Mpandeli; Nafisa Sobratee; Aidan Senzanje; Stanley Liphadzi; Rob Slotow; Michael Jacobson; Albert T. Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Operationalising the water-energy-food nexus through the theory of change. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2021, 149, 111416 .
AMA StyleDhesigen Naidoo, Luxon Nhamo, Sylvester Mpandeli, Nafisa Sobratee, Aidan Senzanje, Stanley Liphadzi, Rob Slotow, Michael Jacobson, Albert T. Modi, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Operationalising the water-energy-food nexus through the theory of change. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2021; 149 ():111416.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDhesigen Naidoo; Luxon Nhamo; Sylvester Mpandeli; Nafisa Sobratee; Aidan Senzanje; Stanley Liphadzi; Rob Slotow; Michael Jacobson; Albert T. Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "Operationalising the water-energy-food nexus through the theory of change." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 149, no. : 111416.
Funders and governments are promoting climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as key to agricultural adaptation under climate change in Africa. However, with its progressions still at the policy level and framework description, there is a need to understand the current developments and activities conducted within the CSA research field. We conducted a scientific mapping and analyses of CSA research studies in Africa to understand the (i) thematic trends, (ii) developments, (iii) nature of collaboration networks, and (iv) general narratives supporting the adoption and application of CSA in Africa. Results show that several African countries had endorsed CSA as an approach to addressing agricultural productivity challenges, supporting adaptation strategies, and building resilience to climate change. However, a majority do not have national Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plans (CSAIPs). Additionally, CSA research in Africa is still developing, with only a few countries dominating the research outputs. For a successful implementation of CSA, a framework provided by the CSAIPs must be established to guide the processes. This will provide a framework to guide the integration of government programs, policies, and strategic plans by combining other inputs from stakeholders to support decision making and implementation of CSA.
Paul Barasa; Christina Botai; Joel Botai; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. A Review of Climate-Smart Agriculture Research and Applications in Africa. Agronomy 2021, 11, 1255 .
AMA StylePaul Barasa, Christina Botai, Joel Botai, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. A Review of Climate-Smart Agriculture Research and Applications in Africa. Agronomy. 2021; 11 (6):1255.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaul Barasa; Christina Botai; Joel Botai; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "A Review of Climate-Smart Agriculture Research and Applications in Africa." Agronomy 11, no. 6: 1255.
The challenges emanating from the rapid urbanisation of the Gauteng City-Region in South Africa require innovative strategies to transform the urbanised province into a climate action and adaptation centre. We provide an analysis of the impacts of rapid urbanisation in the Gauteng City-Region, highlighting major challenges related to (i) land use management, (ii) service delivery (water, energy, food, and waste and sanitation), and (iii) social cohesion, applying geospatial techniques to assess spatio-temporal changes and variations in land surface temperatures. Massive impervious surfaces, rising temperatures, flooding and heatwaves are compounding the challenges associated with rapid urbanisation in the city region. We provide an outline of the response pathways towards a sustainable and resilient city-region and inform policy on formulating coherent adaptation urban planning strategies. If not well managed, rapid urbanisation could be a huge environmental and human health risk and a threat to sustainable cities by 2030. Nexus planning is proposed to provide the basis to achieve urban resilience as it integrates distinct, but interlinked sectors, considering both ecological and built infrastructures, in a balanced and integrated manner.
Luxon Nhamo; Lameck Rwizi; Sylvester Mpandeli; Joel Botai; James Magidi; Henerica Tazvinga; Nafiisa Sobratee; Stanley Liphadzi; Dhesigen Naidoo; Albert T. Modi; Rob Slotow; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Urban nexus and transformative pathways towards a resilient Gauteng City-Region, South Africa. Cities 2021, 116, 103266 .
AMA StyleLuxon Nhamo, Lameck Rwizi, Sylvester Mpandeli, Joel Botai, James Magidi, Henerica Tazvinga, Nafiisa Sobratee, Stanley Liphadzi, Dhesigen Naidoo, Albert T. Modi, Rob Slotow, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Urban nexus and transformative pathways towards a resilient Gauteng City-Region, South Africa. Cities. 2021; 116 ():103266.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuxon Nhamo; Lameck Rwizi; Sylvester Mpandeli; Joel Botai; James Magidi; Henerica Tazvinga; Nafiisa Sobratee; Stanley Liphadzi; Dhesigen Naidoo; Albert T. Modi; Rob Slotow; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "Urban nexus and transformative pathways towards a resilient Gauteng City-Region, South Africa." Cities 116, no. : 103266.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) acknowledge the inter-linkages between human wellbeing, economic prosperity, and a healthy environment and, hence, are associated with a wide range of topical issues that include the securities of water, energy and food resources, poverty eradication, economic development, climate change, health, among others. As SDGs are assessed through targets to be achieved by 2030 and monitored through measurable indicators, this study applied the nexus planning model to monitor and evaluate progress towards SDGs using South Africa as a case study. The study highlighted pathways to ensure socio-ecological sustainability and environmental health by establishing the connectivity between SDGs and nexus approaches. The linkages between SDGs and nexus planning facilitated the sustainable management of resources in an integrated manner. They addressed the cross-sectoral synergies, value-addition, and trade-offs within interlinked sectors. The connectedness of current challenges facing humankind (climate change, rapid urbanisation, migration, and the emergence of novel infectious diseases) require transformative approaches that address these cross-cutting challenges holistically. Managing the intricate relationships between distinct but interconnected sectors through nexus planning has provided decision support tools to formulate coherent strategies that drive resilience and sustainability. The established linkages between nexus planning and SDGs have strengthened cross-sectoral collaboration and unpacked measures for cooperative governance and management through evidence-based interventions. As food production, water provision, and energy accessibility are the major socio-economic and environmental issues currently attracting global attention; the methodology promotes attaining sustainability by 2030.
Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi; Luxon Nhamo; Tendai Chibarabada; Goden Mabaya; Sylvester Mpandeli; Stanley Liphadzi; Aidan Senzanje; Dhesigen Naidoo; Albert Modi; Pauline Chivenge. Assessing Progress towards Sustainable Development Goals through Nexus Planning. Water 2021, 13, 1321 .
AMA StyleTafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Luxon Nhamo, Tendai Chibarabada, Goden Mabaya, Sylvester Mpandeli, Stanley Liphadzi, Aidan Senzanje, Dhesigen Naidoo, Albert Modi, Pauline Chivenge. Assessing Progress towards Sustainable Development Goals through Nexus Planning. Water. 2021; 13 (9):1321.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi; Luxon Nhamo; Tendai Chibarabada; Goden Mabaya; Sylvester Mpandeli; Stanley Liphadzi; Aidan Senzanje; Dhesigen Naidoo; Albert Modi; Pauline Chivenge. 2021. "Assessing Progress towards Sustainable Development Goals through Nexus Planning." Water 13, no. 9: 1321.
The AquaCrop model was calibrated and validated for canola (Brassica napus) under Moistube irrigation (MTI) and various water regimes [(i) 100%, (ii) 75%, and (iii) 55% of crop water requirement (ETc )] over two seasons, 2019 and 2020. The normalised root mean square (nRMSE), Model Efficiency (EF), R 2, and the Willmot’s index of agreement (d) statistics were used to evaluate the model’s efficiency in simulating biomass (B), canopy cover (CC), yield (Y), and harvest index (HI). The calibration results indicated the model simulated with accuracy the CC (under 100% ETc R 2 = 0.99, EF = 0.92, nRMSE = 6.4%, d = 0.98) and 75% ETc (R 2 = 0.99, EF = 0.92, nRMSE = 10.3%, d = 0.98). The model simulated CC well for validation for 100% ETc (R 2 = 0.97, EF = 0.93, nRMSE = 22.5%, d = 0.98) and 75% ETc (R 2 = 0.84, EF = 0.45, nRMSE = 59.2%, d = 0.86) irrigation regimes. Final biomass simulations were reasonably good under 100% ETc , 75% ETc , and 55% ETc irrigation regimes (R 2 > 0.90, d > 0.65). The study showed the usefulness of AquaCrop for assessing yield response of canola to full and deficit irrigation scenarios under MTI.
Tinashe Dirwai; Aidan Senzanje; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Calibration and Evaluation of the FAO AquaCrop Model for Canola (Brassica napus) under Varied Moistube Irrigation Regimes. Agriculture 2021, 11, 410 .
AMA StyleTinashe Dirwai, Aidan Senzanje, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Calibration and Evaluation of the FAO AquaCrop Model for Canola (Brassica napus) under Varied Moistube Irrigation Regimes. Agriculture. 2021; 11 (5):410.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTinashe Dirwai; Aidan Senzanje; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "Calibration and Evaluation of the FAO AquaCrop Model for Canola (Brassica napus) under Varied Moistube Irrigation Regimes." Agriculture 11, no. 5: 410.
Rainfall and air temperature variability pose the greatest risk to environmental change. Past trends in rainfall and air temperature facilitate projecting future climate changes for informed policy responses. We used a combination of the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and observed data from 1968 to 2017 to assess changes in rainfall, moisture stress, and air temperature variability over time on bioclimatic regions of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, South Africa. Indicators used included consecutive dry days (CDDs), consecutive wet days (CWDs), very heavy rainfall days (R20), monthly maximum daily maximum air temperature (TXx), monthly minimum daily minimum air temperature (TNn), the total number of rainfall days, and monthly air temperature averages. Trends in rainfall and moisture stress are notable in different bioclimatic regions across the province. However, these trends are diverse, in general, and spatially different across and within the bioclimatic regions. Further, related rainfall indicators do not respond in the same way as would be expected. Air temperature trends were consistent with global trends and land–air temperature anomalies. Although daytime air temperatures showed a positive trend, extreme air temperature events and increases are predominant in inland regions. Night-time air temperatures showed an upward trend in most stations across KZN. Local weather-and-climate related characteristics are evolving due to climatic variability and change. The study shows that changes in climatic activities are detectable at a local level from existing historical weather data; therefore, adaptation strategies should be contextualised to respond to local and area-specific challenges.
Mendy Ndlovu; Alistair Clulow; Michael Savage; Luxon Nhamo; James Magidi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. An Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Variability and Change in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Atmosphere 2021, 12, 427 .
AMA StyleMendy Ndlovu, Alistair Clulow, Michael Savage, Luxon Nhamo, James Magidi, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. An Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Variability and Change in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Atmosphere. 2021; 12 (4):427.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMendy Ndlovu; Alistair Clulow; Michael Savage; Luxon Nhamo; James Magidi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "An Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Variability and Change in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa." Atmosphere 12, no. 4: 427.
The economic potential of African leafy vegetables (ALVs) remains obscured by a poorly developed value chain. This scoping review assembled and examined scattered knowledge generated on ALVs across southern Africa, focusing on production, processing, marketing, and consumption. Two electronic databases (Scopus and Web of Science) were screened, and a total of 71 relevant studies were included and evaluated. The review provides a state of the art on knowledge related to utilisation of ALVs across the entire value chain. The findings show that functional properties are of prime importance in the production and consumption of ALVs. However, the lack of improved germplasm and a non-existent seed supply system are significant production bottlenecks. Pests and diseases affecting the productivity of ALVs remain mostly unexplored. Sun-drying and boiling were the most reported post-harvest processing methods, suggesting that traditional processing methods are still prominent. Many studies also confirmed the predominance of informal markets in the trading of ALVs as they fail to penetrate formal markets because of poor product positioning and exclusion from produce demand and supply forecasts. The inception of cultivar development, mechanised processing methods, and market linkages will enhance the profitability of ALVs in the region. This review enhances the gaining of insight into the state of different value chain components will assist in upscaling production, value addition of products, and enhance marketing efficiency. There is a great opportunity for basic and applied research into ALVs.
Admire Shayanowako; Oliver Morrissey; Alberto Tanzi; Maud Muchuweti; Guillermina Mendiondo; Sean Mayes; Albert Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. African Leafy Vegetables for Improved Human Nutrition and Food System Resilience in Southern Africa: A Scoping Review. Sustainability 2021, 13, 2896 .
AMA StyleAdmire Shayanowako, Oliver Morrissey, Alberto Tanzi, Maud Muchuweti, Guillermina Mendiondo, Sean Mayes, Albert Modi, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. African Leafy Vegetables for Improved Human Nutrition and Food System Resilience in Southern Africa: A Scoping Review. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (5):2896.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdmire Shayanowako; Oliver Morrissey; Alberto Tanzi; Maud Muchuweti; Guillermina Mendiondo; Sean Mayes; Albert Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "African Leafy Vegetables for Improved Human Nutrition and Food System Resilience in Southern Africa: A Scoping Review." Sustainability 13, no. 5: 2896.
South Africa is a water scarce country, with 98% of available water resources already allocated. In addition, only 12% of the land is considered suitable for growing rainfed crops, making commercial agriculture production heavily dependent on irrigation. Current climate projections suggest that South Africa will experience increased frequency of drought events over the next century. This will have notable implications for food security, especially in rural communities that still depend on rainfed production for their livelihoods. In this work, we evaluate water sustainability for seventeen major crops produced in South Africa under current climatic and management conditions as well as under future climate scenarios. We map the spatial distribution of source- and crop-specific water use, and asses their sustainability in terms of water debt repayment time (i.e., the time needed to renew water resources used for annual crop production). We find high water debts in the Western and Eastern Cape regions, revealing unsustainable production due to irrigation in arid areas. Results from climate change scenarios suggest an intensification of such pressure on water resources and allow us to identify crop types and locations where production is likely to be more (or less) sustainable under future climatic conditions, a key step to informing land use planning decisions.
Sara Bonetti; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi; Rob Slotow; Carole Dalin. Water sustainability of South African crop production under current and future climatic conditions. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleSara Bonetti, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Rob Slotow, Carole Dalin. Water sustainability of South African crop production under current and future climatic conditions. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Bonetti; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi; Rob Slotow; Carole Dalin. 2021. "Water sustainability of South African crop production under current and future climatic conditions." , no. : 1.
Improvements in irrigated areas’ classification accuracy are critical to enhance agricultural water management and inform policy and decision-making on irrigation expansion and land use planning. This is particularly relevant in water-scarce regions where there are plans to increase the land under irrigation to enhance food security, yet the actual spatial extent of current irrigation areas is unknown. This study applied a non-parametric machine learning algorithm, the random forest, to process and classify irrigated areas using images acquired by the Landsat and Sentinel satellites, for Mpumalanga Province in Africa. The classification process was automated on a big-data management platform, the Google Earth Engine (GEE), and the R-programming was used for post-processing. The normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) was subsequently used to distinguish between irrigated and rainfed areas during 2018/19 and 2019/20 winter growing seasons. High NDVI values on cultivated land during the dry season are an indication of irrigation. The classification of cultivated areas was for 2020, but 2019 irrigated areas were also classified to assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on agriculture. The comparison in irrigated areas between 2019 and 2020 facilitated an assessment of changes in irrigated areas in smallholder farming areas. The approach enhanced the classification accuracy of irrigated areas using ground-based training samples and very high-resolution images (VHRI) and fusion with existing datasets and the use of expert and local knowledge of the study area. The overall classification accuracy was 88%.
James Magidi; Luxon Nhamo; Sylvester Mpandeli; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Application of the Random Forest Classifier to Map Irrigated Areas Using Google Earth Engine. Remote Sensing 2021, 13, 876 .
AMA StyleJames Magidi, Luxon Nhamo, Sylvester Mpandeli, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Application of the Random Forest Classifier to Map Irrigated Areas Using Google Earth Engine. Remote Sensing. 2021; 13 (5):876.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJames Magidi; Luxon Nhamo; Sylvester Mpandeli; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "Application of the Random Forest Classifier to Map Irrigated Areas Using Google Earth Engine." Remote Sensing 13, no. 5: 876.
The water-energy-food (WEF) nexus is a cross-sectoral approach to resource management and sustainable development. We propose a framework for linking the WEF nexus to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing SDG 2, 6 and 7. We further propose indices and models to evaluate WEF nexus performance. A systematic analysis of existing WEF nexus frameworks in academic and gray literature resulted in the development of a South African framework that considers the three sectors as well as technological innovation, human well-being, the SDGs, and different drivers of the WEF nexus. It is proposed that this framework be utilized as a point of departure for future research related to the WEF nexus in South Africa. Future research on the WEF nexus should focus on (i) developing an integrated model and indices to assess WEF resources in South Africa and creating a WEF nexus database; (ii) translating existing knowledge to inform policies for integrated sustainable resource management; and (iii) undertaking participatory research to demonstrate the applicability of the WEF nexus at the local level, focusing on the poor. The development of a WEF nexus model and indices is a pathway for unlocking the value of existing Resources data indices to integration generate sustainability new datasets.
T. Mabhaudhi; G. Simpson; J. Badenhorst; A. Senzanje; G. P. W. Jewitt; V. G. P. Chimonyo; S. Mpandeli; L. Nhamo. Developing a Framework for the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in South Africa. Climate Change and Water Resources in Africa 2021, 407 -431.
AMA StyleT. Mabhaudhi, G. Simpson, J. Badenhorst, A. Senzanje, G. P. W. Jewitt, V. G. P. Chimonyo, S. Mpandeli, L. Nhamo. Developing a Framework for the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in South Africa. Climate Change and Water Resources in Africa. 2021; ():407-431.
Chicago/Turabian StyleT. Mabhaudhi; G. Simpson; J. Badenhorst; A. Senzanje; G. P. W. Jewitt; V. G. P. Chimonyo; S. Mpandeli; L. Nhamo. 2021. "Developing a Framework for the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in South Africa." Climate Change and Water Resources in Africa , no. : 407-431.
Lack of cereal nutritional water productivity (NWP) information disadvantages linkages of nutrition to water–food nexus as staple food crops in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study determined the suitability of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) genotypes to alleviate protein, Zn and Fe deficiency under water-scarce dryland conditions through evaluation of NWP. Sorghum genotypes (Macia, Ujiba, PAN8816, IsiZulu) NWP was quantified from three planting seasons for various sorghum seed nutrients under dryland semi-arid conditions. Seasons by genotypes interaction highly and significantly affected NWPStarch, Ca, Cu, Fe, and significantly affected NWPMg, K, Na, P, Zn. Genotypic variations highly and significantly affected sorghum NWPProtein, Mn. Macia exhibited statistically superior NWPprotein (13.2–14.6 kg·m−3) and NWPZn (2.0–2.6 g·m−3) compared to other tested genotypes, while Macia NWPFe (2.6–2.7 g·m−3) was considerably inferior to that of Ujiba and IsiZulu landraces under increased water scarcity. Excellent overall NWPprotein, Fe and Zn under water scarcity make Macia a well-rounded genotype suitable to alleviating food and nutritional insecurity challenges in semi-arid SSA; however, landraces are viable alternatives with limited NWPprotein and Zn penalty under water-limited conditions. These results underline genotype selection as a vital tool in improving “nutrition per drop” in semi-arid regions.
Sandile Hadebe; Albert Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Assessing Suitability of Sorghum to Alleviate Sub-Saharan Nutritional Deficiencies through the Nutritional Water Productivity Index in Semi-Arid Regions. Foods 2021, 10, 385 .
AMA StyleSandile Hadebe, Albert Modi, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Assessing Suitability of Sorghum to Alleviate Sub-Saharan Nutritional Deficiencies through the Nutritional Water Productivity Index in Semi-Arid Regions. Foods. 2021; 10 (2):385.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSandile Hadebe; Albert Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "Assessing Suitability of Sorghum to Alleviate Sub-Saharan Nutritional Deficiencies through the Nutritional Water Productivity Index in Semi-Arid Regions." Foods 10, no. 2: 385.
Notwithstanding the dispersed nature of the water, energy and food (WEF) nexus scholarship in the African continent, its strategic importance to the African agenda has gained widespread attention in research and planning circles. In this regard, the bibliometric science mapping and content analysis of the WEF nexus scientific publication trends, the conceptual, intellectual and social structures, as well as the inherent paradigmatic shifts in the WEF nexus body of knowledge in the African continent have been undertaken, using the nexus body of literature accessed from the Web of Science and Scopus core collection databases. The review results confirmed that, whilst the WEF nexus scholarship has expanded since 2013, there is also evidence of growth in the conceptual, intellectual and social structures of the WEF nexus in the African continent. These shifts have resulted in the emergence of hot topics (subfields) including modelling and optimization, climate variability and change, environmental ecosystem services sustainability, and sustainable development and livelihoods. The review further determined that these structures have evolved along two main perspectives of WEF nexus research development, i.e., the interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary domains. In support of the interpretation of the visual analytics of the intellectual structure and changing patterns of the WEF nexus research, the shifts in positivist, interpretivist and pragmatic paradigmatic perspectives (these are underpinned by the ontology, epistemology, and methodology and methods) are considered when explaining WEF nexus research shifts: (a) From the unconnected silo paradigms that focus on water, energy and food (security concerns) to interconnected (and sometimes interdependent or nested) linkages or systems incorporating environmental, social-economic and political drivers (also viewed as subfields) in a bid to holistically support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the African continent; and (b) in the evaluation of the WEF nexus scholarship based on novel analytical approaches. We contend that whilst the theories of science change underpin this apparent expansion, the macro-economic theory will find use in explaining how the WEF nexus research agenda is negotiated and the Integrative Environmental Governance (IEG) is the duly suited governance theory to bridge the inherent disconnect between WEF nexus output and governance processes uncovered in the literature. Overall, operational challenges and opportunities of the WEF nexus abound, transitioning the WEF nexus research to practice in Africa, motivating the need to take advantage of the scholar–practitioner research underpinnings, as contemplated in the transdisciplinary research approach, which is characterised by the dual quest for new knowledge and considerations of use. Yet, there is need for more coordinated and collaborative research to achieve impact and transition from WEF nexus thinking to WEF nexus practice.
Joel Botai; Christina Botai; Katlego Ncongwane; Sylvester Mpandeli; Luxon Nhamo; Muthoni Masinde; Abiodun Adeola; Michael Mengistu; Henerica Tazvinga; Miriam Murambadoro; Shenelle Lottering; Isaac Motochi; Patrick Hayombe; Nosipho Zwane; Eric Wamiti; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. A Review of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus Research in Africa. Sustainability 2021, 13, 1762 .
AMA StyleJoel Botai, Christina Botai, Katlego Ncongwane, Sylvester Mpandeli, Luxon Nhamo, Muthoni Masinde, Abiodun Adeola, Michael Mengistu, Henerica Tazvinga, Miriam Murambadoro, Shenelle Lottering, Isaac Motochi, Patrick Hayombe, Nosipho Zwane, Eric Wamiti, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. A Review of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus Research in Africa. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (4):1762.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJoel Botai; Christina Botai; Katlego Ncongwane; Sylvester Mpandeli; Luxon Nhamo; Muthoni Masinde; Abiodun Adeola; Michael Mengistu; Henerica Tazvinga; Miriam Murambadoro; Shenelle Lottering; Isaac Motochi; Patrick Hayombe; Nosipho Zwane; Eric Wamiti; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "A Review of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus Research in Africa." Sustainability 13, no. 4: 1762.
Globally, lightning causes significant injury, death, and damage to infrastructure annually. In comparison to the rest of the world, South Africa has one of the highest incidences of lightning-related injuries and deaths. The latest available lightning detection techniques and technologies are reviewed and include current research in South Africa and South Africa’s lightning detection challenges. Technological advances have contributed towards improving lightning detection and monitoring activities in many countries. South Africa has made considerably more progress in the field of lightning research than other African countries and possesses one of the three ground-based lightning detection networks in the southern hemisphere. However, despite these developments, rural communities in South Africa, and indeed in Africa, remain vulnerable to lightning, the occurrence of which is predicted to increase with climate change. A large proportion of the population of African countries resides in rural areas, where citizens participate in subsistence farming, and built infrastructure is not lightning safe. We recommend a call for the integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge as well as for the development of a participatory early warning system. Investigations into determining the most effective way to utilise existing monitoring networks – but with warning dissemination to rural communities – are also required. Lastly, future research on the development of lightning-safe rural dwellings or shelters, especially in lightning prone areas, is needed.
Maqsooda Mahomed; Alistair D. Clulow; Sheldon Strydom; Michael J. Savage; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Lightning monitoring and detection techniques: Progress and challenges in South Africa. South African Journal of Science 2021, 117, 1 .
AMA StyleMaqsooda Mahomed, Alistair D. Clulow, Sheldon Strydom, Michael J. Savage, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Lightning monitoring and detection techniques: Progress and challenges in South Africa. South African Journal of Science. 2021; 117 (1/2):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaqsooda Mahomed; Alistair D. Clulow; Sheldon Strydom; Michael J. Savage; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "Lightning monitoring and detection techniques: Progress and challenges in South Africa." South African Journal of Science 117, no. 1/2: 1.
In agriculture, land use and land classification address questions such as “where”, “why” and “when” a particular crop is grown within a particular agroecology. To date, there are several land suitability analysis (LSA) methods, but there is no consensus on the best method for crop suitability analysis. We conducted a scoping review to evaluate methodological strategies for LSA. Secondary to this, we assessed which of these would be suitable for neglected and underutilised crop species (NUS). The review classified LSA methods reported in articles as traditional (26.6%) and modern (63.4%). Modern approaches, including multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods such as analytical hierarchy process (AHP) (14.9%) and fuzzy methods (12.9%); crop simulation models (9.9%) and machine learning related methods (25.7%) are gaining popularity over traditional methods. The MCDM methods, namely AHP and fuzzy, are commonly applied to LSA while crop models and machine learning related methods are gaining popularity. A total of 67 parameters from climatic, hydrology, soil, socio-economic and landscape properties are essential in LSA. Unavailability and the inclusion of categorical datasets from social sources is a challenge. Using big data and Internet of Things (IoT) improves the accuracy and reliability of LSA methods. The review expects to provide researchers and decision-makers with the most robust methods and standard parameters required in developing LSA for NUS. Qualitative and quantitative approaches must be integrated into unique hybrid land evaluation systems to improve LSA.
Hillary Mugiyo; Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo; Mbulisi Sibanda; Richard Kunz; Cecilia R. Masemola; Albert T. Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Evaluation of Land Suitability Methods with Reference to Neglected and Underutilised Crop Species: A Scoping Review. Land 2021, 10, 125 .
AMA StyleHillary Mugiyo, Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo, Mbulisi Sibanda, Richard Kunz, Cecilia R. Masemola, Albert T. Modi, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. Evaluation of Land Suitability Methods with Reference to Neglected and Underutilised Crop Species: A Scoping Review. Land. 2021; 10 (2):125.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHillary Mugiyo; Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo; Mbulisi Sibanda; Richard Kunz; Cecilia R. Masemola; Albert T. Modi; Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi. 2021. "Evaluation of Land Suitability Methods with Reference to Neglected and Underutilised Crop Species: A Scoping Review." Land 10, no. 2: 125.
Several neglected and underutilised species (NUS) provide solutions to climate change and creating a Zero Hunger world, the Sustainable Development Goal 2. Several NUS are drought and heat stress-tolerant, making them ideal for improving marginalised cropping systems in drought-prone areas. However, owing to their status as NUS, current crop suitability maps do not include them as part of the crop choices. This study aimed to develop land suitability maps for selected NUS [sorghum, (Sorghum bicolor), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), amaranth and taro (Colocasia esculenta)] using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in ArcGIS. Multidisciplinary factors from climatic, soil and landscape, socio-economic and technical indicators overlaid using Weighted Overlay Analysis. Validation was done through field visits, and area under the curve (AUC) was used to measure AHP model performance. The results indicated that sorghum was highly suitable (S1) = 2%, moderately suitable (S2) = 61%, marginally suitable (S3) = 33%, and unsuitable (N1) = 4%, cowpea S1 = 3%, S2 = 56%, S3 = 39%, N1 = 2%, amaranth S1 = 8%, S2 = 81%, S3 = 11%, and taro S1 = 0.4%, S2 = 28%, S3 = 64%, N1 = 7%, of calculated arable land of SA (12 655 859 ha). Overall, the validation showed that the mapping exercises exhibited a high degree of accuracies (i.e. sorghum AUC = 0.87, cowpea AUC = 0.88, amaranth AUC = 0.95 and taro AUC = 0.82). Rainfall was the most critical variable and criteria with the highest impact on land suitability of the NUS. Results of this study suggest that South Africa has a huge potential for NUS production. The maps developed can contribute to evidence-based and site-specific recommendations for NUS and their mainstreaming. Also, the maps can be used to design appropriate production guidelines and to support existing policy frameworks which advocate for sustainable intensification of marginalised cropping systems through increased crop diversity and the use of stress-tolerant food crops.
Hillary Mugiyo; Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo; Mbulisi Sibanda; Richard Kunz; Luxon Nhamo; Cecelia R. Masemola; Caroline Dalin; Albert T. Modi; Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi. Multi-criteria suitability analysis for neglected and underutilised crop species in South Africa. PLOS ONE 2021, 16, e0244734 .
AMA StyleHillary Mugiyo, Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo, Mbulisi Sibanda, Richard Kunz, Luxon Nhamo, Cecelia R. Masemola, Caroline Dalin, Albert T. Modi, Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi. Multi-criteria suitability analysis for neglected and underutilised crop species in South Africa. PLOS ONE. 2021; 16 (1):e0244734.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHillary Mugiyo; Vimbayi G. P. Chimonyo; Mbulisi Sibanda; Richard Kunz; Luxon Nhamo; Cecelia R. Masemola; Caroline Dalin; Albert T. Modi; Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi. 2021. "Multi-criteria suitability analysis for neglected and underutilised crop species in South Africa." PLOS ONE 16, no. 1: e0244734.