Generating incomes from dry forest products case studies from Mwinilunga, Kapiri, and Chongwe district, Zambia

With the increasing demand for forest products due to population growth, urbanization and the opening of global markets, the harvesting and sale of these products has become part of the livelihood strategies of many rural African poor. The low barriers for entry, such as the low cost of production, create the opportunity for very poor households to engage in the trade of many NTFPs. However, the potential of forest based enterprises to contribute to poverty alleviation in African dry forests is not well understood, creating a barrier for effective supporting policies and institutions. This paper presents the findings from a survey conducted in four areas in Zambia. Particular attention is given to the range of products sold by rural households and the opportunities and constraints to participate in this trade. Recommendations to increase returns from forest based enterprises are given

Modeling and verification of valve train dynamics in engines

Thesis (MScEng (Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.This study involved the modeling and verification of the finger follower valve train arrangement with the focus on the non-linear behaviour of high speed valve springs. The project was divided into three phases namely; the measuring of valve train dynamics, modeling of the valve train and the verification of the dynamic models by comparing the results from the two aforementioned two phases. Acceleration and force were measured on a running engine. A force transducer was specially developed for this purpose. Digital signal processing was used in the analysis and implementation of all measured data. The spring model was developed systematically from a solid model, into a finite element model, and finally into a dynamic model. All development steps were continually checked with experiments and calculations. The primary concept used in the spring modeling lends itself to modal analysis theory in conjunction with the superimposing of non-linearities onto a linear model. The dynamic model was verified and good correlations were found, especially at high engine speeds where valve train dynamics play an important role. Parameter adjustments could be made in the dynamic model and the effect that some engine mechanisms, such as engine oil aeration, had on the valve train dynamics were identified. The project was concluded with a case study of a cam profile optimisation project. Dynamic problems were found that would normally not have been identified without the dynamic model

Opportunities for enhancing poor women’s socioeconomic empowerment in the value chains of three African non-timber forest products (NTFPs)

The value chains of three internationally important dry forest NTFPs, namely gum arabic, gum olibanum (frankincense) and honey from Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Zambia respectively, were assessed in terms of the roles played by women and the benefits they obtain from their involvement. Women perform a variety of functions at different stages in the value chains, but their roles tend to be poorly visible and inadequately acknowledged, largely because they are either operating in the informal sector, are part-time employees, or carry out their activities at home between family responsibilities. Where women’s roles are more prominent, this is primarily due to gender orientated interventions by external agencies. Several constraints to fostering women’s empowerment were identified, with some easier to overcome than others. Particularly difficult to address are gender based, social-cultural barriers. Suggestions for enhancing women’s benefits include: greater recognition of informal markets, the opportunities and constraints associated with them, and their position relative to export markets; improved support for collective action where this can provide women with greater voice, negotiating power, and help with economies of scale; more targeted training that addresses areas identified by women as useful and important to them; time-saving technologies and support systems such as child care; and creating greater gender awareness amongst stakeholders

Cultivation of medicinal plants as a tool for biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation in the Amatola region, South Africa

This paper describes the assumptions and results of a study to assess whether cultivation of medicinal plants can serve as a tool for combined biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation. The study was carried out in the Amatola region of Eastern Cape, South Africa, where sustained beliefs in medicinal plant use, also under non-traditional conditions, has resulted in an increase in commercial demands. It was based on the assumption of poverty alleviation not only referring to an increase in income and labour, but also an increase in social capital and human dignity. The study assessed the local perceptions of the use and cultivation of medicinal plants and the need for conservation of these plants, as well as the features of already ongoing cultivation practices and options for increased cultivation. It consisted of participatory assessments in three villages involving around 250 persons and participatory trials with 14 rural women selling medicinal plants on urban markets. The study indicated that the growing demand for medicinal plants is related to the great cultural significance attached to medicinal plants. The growing demand has not only resulted in increased hazard for overexploitation of wild plant populations, but also increased interest in cultivation. Several factors need attention in linking of biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation: (a) selection of specific target groups and the identification of the links between cultivation practices and livelihood conditions, (b) role of cultural factors in medicinal plant use and cultivation, and (c) cultivation by local people being not primarily based on local awareness of the loss of wild species, but on local perceptions about financially lucrative medicinal plants. It is concluded that the scope for cultivation of medicinal plants for combined biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation should not be considered light-heartedly. However, the impact can be positive in case cultivation is considered within the context of protecting and strengthening the cultural values of biodiversity and creating a positive attitude towards biodiversity conservation in genera