Is aquatic invertebrate endemism in the Western Cape region of South Africa related to the fynbos blackwaters?

The south-western Cape of South Africa has a very endemic, specialized terrestrial flora and aquatic fauna. It has been argued that the high degree of endemism is related to the origin of the fauna, the multiplicity of habitats present and the harsh water chemistry characterized by low pH. The aim of this project was to look at the relationship between pH and endemism. Specifically I asked if there is a trichopteran and ephemeropteran fauna confined to the Cape and if this is true, I attempted to find out whether it is the acidic waters or its biogeographical origin that limits its distribution. I also attempted to identify a group of species that occurs at a wide range of pH values (i.e. pH insensitive) and another group that is intolerant of acidic waters. This was done by looking at historical data on species distribution and the pH ranges at which they were found, and these data then re-analysed in the light of fieldwork performed on the Breede River in the western Cape. A number of species within different genera ( e.g. Lithogloea, Leptecho and Agapetus) appears to be confined to the Cape. Their distribution is determined by both their origin and water chemistry conditions, which are characterised by low pH and pure, silt-free water. A warm stenothermal group, comprising Leptonema, Elassoneuria and Eatonica spp. is limited to the subtropical regions of South Africa, where water is alkaline. A eurythermal, pH-insensitive group that includes Castanophlebia calida, Ecnomus and Cheumatopsyche spp has a widespread distribution throughout the country. Lastly, there appears to be another eurythermal group ( e.g. Pseudopannota macu/osa, Pseudocloeon glaucum) that is intolerant of low pH values. As research is continuously discovering new species and new distribution records for old ones, it is likely that the above categories will need revision as more data are collected

Pollination ecology of Mesembs

Mesembryanthemaceae is one of the main plant families in the Succulent Karoo biome of South Africa. While its pollination ecology still remains largely unstudied, the system is thought to be overall generalised. This study sought to verify whether Mesemb species flowering during September and October in Vrolijkheit Nature Reserve have generalised or specialised pollination interactions. The determinants of insect choice to a particular plant species were investigated and possible mechanisms adopted by different plant species to prevent interspecific pollen transfer were explored. The system was found to have a generalisation level of 24.7%, indicating that one of four possible interactions actually took place. A relatively high degree of overlap in insect visitors was found between the three white-flowered species (Mesemhryanthemum longistylum, Phylloholus grossus and P. splendens). Colour was one of the main determinants of insect choice, whereby Drosanthemurn speciosum, the only red-flowered species in the study showed the highest degree of specialisation. Both scent and nectar production were relatively important in attracting flower visitors. Seasonality in flowering appeared to be a very important mechanism used to reduce overlap in insect visitors, especially among intrageneric species and those that had flowers of the same colour. Daily patterns in scent and nectar production also appeared to play a role in lowering pollinator-sharing. Given the general floral structure of most Mesemb flowers, these mechanisms are likely to be very important in contributing to species reproductive isolation and the low occurrence of hybrids recorded in natural conditions

Are large-scale collaborations worth it? : a longitudinal study of researchers’ perceptions over a 5 year program CARIAA-ASSAR

The paper looks at experiences of participants in the large-scale, five-year collaborative research project, Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR), midway and at the end of the project. It explores the benefits and limitations of transdisciplinary collaborations and the extent to which these can be outweighed through better programme design. The Collaborative Adaptation Research Initiative in Africa and Asia (CARIAA) – ASSAR project supported the involvement of more than 250 researchers and practitioners. Figure 7 depicts the top five most cited challenges from each survey. The University of Cape Town was project lead, and housed the project management unit.UK’s Department for International Development (DFID

Inside story : lessons from mainstreaming climate change in Namibia

This inside story forms part of the CDKN Knowledge for Change series, which reflects on the common challenges, lessons, and successes CDKN and its partners have encountered in facilitating evidence-based decision-making to accelerate climate action. The aim of this work is to better understand how knowledge and evidence on climate change can inform and translate into policy and implementation. This refection process has investigated different tools and approaches for enhancing the use of knowledge in decision-making, the barriers encountered in facilitating change, and lessons useful for others who navigate similar challenges.Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherland

Participatory processes build adaptive capacity and agency and can help transform systems : an ASSAR cross-regional insight

The research assessed interpretations of system transformation in climate change and development circles, as well as types of participatory processes, in order to better understand the potential for pathways to adaptation. The scale and speed of climate change events require systemic and behavioural changes that are major departures from current mindsets. Universal principles of social justice, human rights and Sustainable Development Goals could serve as pillars of reference against which to consider the implications of possible transformations. Existing power imbalances in climate governance structures at local to global levels demonstrate that power relations need re-balancing.UK Government’s Department for International Development (DfID

Effective adaptation means different things to different people : an ASSAR cross-regional insight : 2014-2018

This Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR) research identifies eleven conceptual framings that influence how adaptation effectiveness is defined and measured. Each is distilled into a “principle for effective adaptation” which can be used in designing, funding, implementing and evaluating adaptation actions. The case study of two villages in the Tamil Nadu (India) looks at how expansion of groundwater irrigation has led to dramatic shifts in cropping. A second case study analyzes Namibia’s multi-level governance arrangements through which a National Drought Policy was enacted. These case studies highlight tensions and trade-offs in livelihood choices and outcomes.UK Government’s Department for International Development (DfID

Global warming of 1.5°C and higher brings profound challenges to semi-arid regions : an ASSAR cross-regional insights

This paper, prepared by Adaptation at Scale in Semi-Arid Regions (ASSAR) provides country briefs and embedded links to specific reports on Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Mali, and Ghana in terms of: 1) changes in local temperature, rainfall, and climate extremes, and 2) expected impacts on vulnerable socio-economic sectors, such as agriculture, water, health and fisheries – based on an extensive literature review and subsequent analyses. Semi-arid regions are classified as areas where evapotranspiration exceeds rainfall, and are therefore prone to water scarcity and water stress.UK Government’s Department for International Development (DfID

Vulnerability to groundwater drought in semi-arid areas of western Ahmednagar District, India

This work was carried out under the Collaborative Adaptation Research Initiative in Africa and Asia (CARIAA), with financial support from the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DfID) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada.When groundwater storage capacities and water-flow potential is low, inconsistent and highly variable, and when these aquifer characteristics intersect with low levels of rainfall and unsustainable water-use patterns, they have the potential to severely cripple agrarian livelihoods and compromise people’s wellbeing. These hardships can be further aggravated by existing social vulnerabilities and inequities, such as those tied to gender, age, socio-economic status and caste. Making matters even worse are market price fluctuations, decreasing land holding sizes due to fragmentation of households, and the high dependence of farmers on loans to meet the increasing input costs of agriculture

Forward-looking, inclusive governance arrangements across different scales are a critical enabler for adaptation : an ASSAR cross-regional insight

The paper concentrates on issues of governance in semi-arid regions, with a focus on what forms of governance will enable effective adaptation. Adaptation governance remains largely fragmented in semi-arid regions. Finances, knowledge, and human capital are required to support necessarily decentralized government structures. This decentralization needs to focus on socio-cultural and ecological aspects such as local perceptions of risk and resource degradation. In semi-arid regions, traditional and customary institutions can play an important role in natural resource management and adaptation response.UK Government’s Department for International Development (DfID

CARIAA Working Paper no. 24

This series is based on work funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) through the Collaborative Adaptation Research Initiative in Africa and Asia (CARIAA). CARIAA aims to build the resilience of vulnerable populations and their livelihoods in three climate change hot spots in Africa and Asia. The program supports collaborative research to inform adaptation policy and practice.During 2014–2018, the Collaborative Adaptation Research Initiative in Africa and Asia (CARIAA) supported four transdisciplinary research consortia involving more than 40 institutions across 15 countries. Drawing on participant surveys, technical reports and focus group discussions, this paper identifies three sets of lessons.UK Ai