Monitoring land Cover Changes and Fragmentation dynamics in the subtropical thicket of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Land cover change trends and fragmentation dynamics in the Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR) and surrounding settlements were monitored for a period of 38 years, in the intervals of 1972-1982, 1982-1992 and 2002-2010. Gaining an understanding of these trends and dynamics is vital for land management and combating desertification. Monitoring land cover change and fragmentation dynamics was conducted using LandSAT MSS, LandSAT4TM and LandSAT 7ETM and SPOT 5 High-resolution Geometric (HRG) imagery. The objected-oriented supervised approach and cross-classification algorithm were used for classification of the satellite imagery and change detection respectively. Landscape fragmentation was analysed using FRAGSTATS 3.3® class level  land metrics. Overall, a decrease in the land area under intact and transformed thicket was realised. Degraded thicket, grassland and bare surfaces increased over the same period. Landscape metric analyses illustrated an increase in vegetation fragmentation over the 38-year period, as demonstrated by an increase in the number of patches (NP) and a decrease in the Largest Patch Index (LPI), particularly for intact and transformed thicket. Baseline land use/cover maps and fragmentation analyses in a temporal framework are valuable for gaining insights into, among other things, carbon stock change trends.Keywords: Land cover change, fragmentation; remote sensing; Geographic information systems (GIS

A Study Of The Grassroots Integrated Development Agency In Uganda

Problem When poverty in Uganda deepened due to the miseries and destabilization caused by economic mismanagement, turbulent politics, and the incessant civil wars in Uganda up to 1985, all public, private, and religious organizations were adversely affected. At the end of 1985, conditions in the Seventh-day Adventist church were characterized by massive poverty among its rural membership, a slow church-growth annual rate of 4.9 percent--the lowest tithe per capita in the Eastern Africa Division (EAD)--and the lowest remuneration scales for pastors in the EAD. In 1986, an indigenous, grassroots organization sprouted in the SDA church under the leadership of a young pastor, James Kaggya. The Integrated Grassroots Development Agency (GRIDA), as it later became known, was established for the purpose of addressing the problem of slow church growth in the SDA church and of widespread poverty in the country. These objectives were accomplished (1) by mobilizing, training, equipping, and empowering lay members to participate in evangelism, church planting, and church construction, (2) by improving the quality of life of poor people in the church and in community by using participatory planning skills and training, to empower participants to plan and execute their own self-help development projects, using locally available resources. Great emphasis was placed on empowering church members (the grassroots ) to stop looking for help from outside but to instead exploit whatever resources were available to them, towards becoming self-reliant. They could accomplish this as individuals or as groups (Action Teams) This study analyzed the effectiveness and efficiency of GRIDA in achieving its goals, and the challenges it encountered in implementing its programs. Method I reviewed all the available literature on GRIDA, visited several grassroots projects, and held unstructured interviews with officers and participants of. GRIDA. Findings were analyzed in light of GRIDA\u27s stated goals and also in the generally accepted church-growth and development principles. The Results The study found that, in general, GRIDA has been effective in achieving at least some of its initial goals. The most tangible objectives, such as increased lay participation in church affairs, substantial church growth through lay participation using grassroots methods, and the proliferation of self-help development projects using local resources, have been attained. However, the program has suffered from lack of sustainability. Many of the new members reverted for lack of nurturing, and several communal projects were never completed. This was due to organizational and methodological challenges. Conclusions Follow-up, disciple-making, and institutional development principles were recommended to GRIDA. If they are implemented, GRIDA will revolutionize the SDA church in Uganda. The potential of GRIDA on the basis of what has been realized is tremendous. It remains to be unlocked and released

Factors affecting the invasion of Pteronia incana (Blue bush) onto hillslopes in Ngqushwa (formerly Peddie) District, Eastern Cape

The factors that influence the invasion of hillslopes by the shrub Pteronia incana in the communal rangelands of Ngqushwa (formerly Peddie) district were investigated. Mgwalana, one of the catchments in the district where encroachment by the species is widespread, was chosen. The study combined field observations with image analysis based on high resolution infrared imagery. The catchment was flown and high resolution infrared images (1mx1m) were taken using a Kodak DCS420 digital, colour-infrared camera. The images were analysed using Idrisi32 and Kilimanjaro GIS versions. The ability of different vegetation indices to separate P. incana from the other cover types was investigated. Field observations of the degree of P. incana invasion in relation to, inter alia, soil surface conditions, slope angle and visible forms of erosion were made. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of 20m spatial resolution was used to derive terrain parameters. The presence and absence of P. incana in relation to slope gradient and aspect were determined. The combined influence of the two terrain parameters and land use on the invasion was also investigated. The Topographic Wetness Index (WI), a component of the TOPMODEL was derived from the DEM and its relationship with the spatial distribution of P. incana was explored. Soil moisture dependencies for P. incana and grass species as well as surrogates for runoff under the shrub and adjacent bare areas were determined in the field. A high level of classification accuracy confirmed the reliability of digital camera imagery for spatial analyses. Distinct spectral separability for the surface vegetation cover types was achieved by means of the Perpendicular Vegetation Index (PVI) as opposed to the ratio based vegetation indices (NDVI, SAVI and MSAVI). The absence/presence of P. incana was noted to be strongly influenced by slope angle and aspect. The probability for P. incana occurrence increased with slope steepness and southerly slope orientation. Abandoned and grazing lands were identified as the main invasion hotspots. Blanket invasion of the former signified the high susceptibility of abandoned land to P. incana invasion. The combined influence of land use, slope gradient and aspect was also noted to have promoted the invasion. This is borne out by the concentration of the invasion on abandoned steep slopes with a southerly orientation. Local topographic variations were identified as having a strong bearing on P. incana spatial distribution. The topographically driven WI confirmed this relationship, such that P. incana was associated with the low WI values of convexities. Differences in the moisture dependencies between P. incana and grass species were demonstrated by the greater rooting depth of the former. During field surveys, soil surface crusting was noted as inherent to P. incana patchiness. The coupling between local topography and soil surface crusting underpins soil moisture variability at hillslope and patch scales respectively. This in turn determines the competition between P. incana and grass species and the eventual replacement of the latter by the former. A close spatial correlation between fully established P. incana and severe forms of soil erosion was observed. Loss of patchiness and expansion of inter-patch bare areas promote runoff connectivity erosion. As most of the runoff becomes run out, hillslopes tend towards dysfunctional systems. Greater soil moisture storage after rainstorms under P. incana tussocks than the adjacent bare areas signifies the shrub’s water harvesting capabilities. The tussocks could thus serve as a starting-pointbuilding- block for the rehabilitation of dysfunctional hillslope systems

Topographic thresholds in gully development on the hillslopes of communal areas in Ngqushwa Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa

The relationships between the spatial distribution of gully erosion and topographic thresholds in the form of slope angle, position and configuration, as well as land use change in the form of abandoned lands were examined in several affected catchments of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Land use and permanent gullies were mapped, digitized from orthophoto maps in Arc/info 3.5.2 GIS and converted to shapefiles using ArcView 3.2 GIS. Relationships between the mapped phenomena and topographic variables were sought using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in Idrisi Kilimanjaro GIS. A comparison between areas with a high potential for gullying and actual gully erosion was made using the Stream Power Index (SPI) as a surrogate for critical flow shear stress. Field surveys were also conducted to assess the present condition of the gullied sites as well as to validate DEM derivations. Seventy five percent of the gullied area was noted to lie on abandoned lands. A predominance of gullying in concave bottom lands was also identified. The SPI values highlighted a distinct preferential topographic zone for gully location. A conceptual model depicting the interaction between land use and topographic parameters to induce gully erosion was developed. This should assist local authorities to develop a policy regarding management of abandoned lands

A reconstruction of the history of land degradation in relation to land use change and land tenure in Peddie district, former Ciskei

A history of land degradation is reconstructed in a part of the dividing ridge between the Great Fish and Keiskamma rivers, in Peddie District, former Ciskei. The study entails a comparative investigation of the progressive changes in land use, vegetation and soil erosion in three tenure units, namely: former commercial farms, traditional and betterment villages. Analysis of the sequential aerial photography of the area for 1938,1954, 1965, 1975 and 1988 is employed. This is backed by groundtruthing exercises. Data thus obtained are quantified, and linkages between degradation, anthropogenic and physical factors are derived using PC ARC/INFO GIS. Differences in land tenure systems emerge as the main controlling factor to variations in land degradation. Confinement of vegetation diminution and erosion to traditional and betterment villages is observed at all dates. Scantily vegetated surfaces and riparian vegetation removal are a characteristic feature of both areas throughout the study period. 'Betterment,' introduced in the early 1960s to curb land degradation is, instead observed to exacerbate it, particularly soil erosion. Trends in land use change are characterised by the abandonment of cultivated land, which is noted to coincide with a sharp rise in population. Erosion intensification into severe forms particularly between 1965 and 1975, coincident with a period of extreme rainfall events, emerges as the most significant degradation trend. A close spatial correlation between abandoned cultivated land and intricate gullies is identified. So is the case between grazing land and severe sheet erosion. Within the grazing lands, an examination of erosion and categories of vegetated surfaces reveals that erosion occurs predominantly on the scanty vegetation category. Such erosion-vegetation interaction largely explains the non-recovery of the scanty vegetation category, even during periods of intense rainfall. Extensive channel degradation is evident along stream courses with scanty riparian vegetation. Physical factors are noted to have a significant bearing on erosion. The high prevalence of erosion on the Ecca group of rocks confirms its erosion-prone nature. Pockets of colluvium and alluvium accumulation in the steep bottomlands are identified as the sites of the most severe gully erosion. Field surveys at some of the sites indicate that a dolerite sill through the area forms a boundary of colluvium accumulation and the upslope limit to gully incision. That these sites are recognised as formerly cultivated land, portrays the interaction between physical and anthropogenic variables with regard to inducing degradation in the area

Topographic controls on the invasion of Pteronia incana (Blue bush) onto hillslopes in Ngqushwa (formerly Peddie) district, Eastern Cape, South Africa

The role of topographic factors in the invasion of hillslopes by Pteronia incana, an unpalatable shrub, was investigated. The study combined field observations with image analysis based on high-resolution infrared imagery. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of 20 m spatial resolution was used to derive terrain parameters. The Topographic Wetness Index (WI), a component of the TOPMODEL, was derived from the DEM and its relationship with the spatial distribution of P. incana was explored. The absence/presence of P. incana was noted to be strongly influenced by slope angle and aspect. The probability for P. incana occurrence increased with slope steepness and southerly slope orientation. Abandoned and grazing lands were identified as the main invasion hotspots on hillslopes. The combined influence of slope gradient and aspect, and land use was noted to have promoted the invasion. This is borne out by the concentration of the invasion on abandoned steep slopes with a southerly orientation. The WI confirmed the bearing local topographic variations have on P. incana spatial distribution such that, P. incana was associated with the low WI values of convexities. The coupling between local topography and soil surface crusting underpins soil moisture variability. This in turn determines the competition between the patchy P. incana and grass species and the eventual replacement of the latter by the former. Restoration efforts of the invaded lands should focus on trapping of sediment and litter, and moisture retention on the inter-patch bare areas

Colonic duplication with recto-urethral fistula: Elusive diagnosis and successful treatment in a resource-limited setting

AbstractA 3-year-old Ugandan boy presented with 18 months of constipation and 12 months of pneumaturia and fecaluria. Physical exam revealed abdominal distension and a palpable mass anterior to the rectum. Previous contrast enema had been non-diagnostic, and a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) had confirmed a recto-urethral fistula. After surgical evaluation, a computed tomography (CT) scan suggested colonic duplication, and a laparotomy was performed for rapidly progressive bowel obstruction. A tubular colonic duplication with fecal impaction was found, necessitating fecal disimpaction and a double divided colostomy. Two months later at re-laparotomy, the septum between the duplicated colonic lumens was found to extend proximally to the mid transverse colon and distally to the upper rectum, and was divided. No urethral fistula was identified, and the colostomy was recreated. At a third operation, the colostomy was reversed. The patient is well at one-year follow up, without evidence of recurrent fistula or stricture. This case shows that colonic duplication in children can be an elusive diagnosis. Often, a variety of radiographic studies may be needed and may be difficult to interpret. In cases with colo-urinary fistula, the fistula may respond to fecal diversion without requiring operative repair. Management in a resource-limited setting can still yield positive outcome

How youth in Uganda experience televised HIV and AIDS education

This study investigates how youth in Uganda experience televised HIV and AIDS educational programmes. Television is the medium that can be used to address the resurgence of HIV and AIDS in Uganda. The factors responsible for the resurgence include prevention fatigue and the saturation of HIV and AIDS messages in the media. The audio-visual component of television makes it possible to convey HIV and AIDS messages innovatively through education-entertainment. Despite its potential, television has not played a leading role in conveying HIV-related knowledge, skills, and attitudes to urban youths. The study required looking at the televised HIV and AIDS educational programmes from the perspective of young people. In line with the interpretivist and social constructivist framework, the primary source of information about the programmes is the experiences of young people who are the target audience. A qualitative research approach was used in the study and an instrumental case design in particular was employed in data collection. Data were collected through focus group discussions, personal interviews, document analyses and participant observations. Findings have revealed that young people can learn about HIV and AIDS from both educational programmes and television soaps. While they undergo sexual socialisation through television soaps, they have the capacity to distinguish between fiction, fantasy and reality. However, they dislike the didactic and authoritarian approaches that are used in the educational programmes. An important finding is that communication gaps characterise televised HIV and AIDS educational programmes. Some of the prevention messages and the values propagated by television HIV and AIDS education are detached from the experiences and world views of the youths. This could be attributed to insufficient knowledge on the part of HIV and AIDS educators regarding the way in which youth experience televised HIV and AIDS programmes.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010.Early Childhood Educationunrestricte

Hydrocoele: A Silent Disability Affecting Quality of Life in Katakwi District in Uganda

Background: Katakwi district is one of the rural districts in eastern Uganda in Teso Sub Region. The district is heavily infested with filarial worms a major cause for hydrocoele and elephantiasis if the infection is left  untreated. Hydrocoele in Katakwi district are still a big cause of silent morbidity though it’s an operable condition with good outcome. Individuals affected with large hydrocoele are socially withdrawn, with inability to walk and work, leading to severe poverty to the extent that they cannot afford to pay for surgery and basic needs in their lives This is also associated with a negative impact on their sexual lives with broken marriagesMethods: Between 12th and 16th August 2013, a surgical camp was  organized in Teso Sub Region during which free surgery was offered to patients suffering from surgical conditions.Results: A total of 400 patients reported and were screened. Of these, 90 patients were booked for surgery but only 57 patients were operated during the camp. Their ages ranged from 5 to 75 years, of the 57 patients who were operated on, 23 had hydrocoele 5 of them presenting with had bilateral hydrocoele while 3 patients had concurrent hydrocoele and hernia.Conclusion: The prevalence of hydrocoele in Katakwi district is high and it’s a big ccausese of silent morbidity and disability’Key words: Hydrocoele, Surgical cam

Colorectal Polyposis in a 15 Year Old Boy in Uganda - Case Report

Colorectal polyps usually present as rectal bleeding and are associated with increased risk of colorectal carcinoma. This is a 15 year old boy who presented with painless rectal bleeding for 9 years and mass protruding from the anus for 2 years after passing stool. He had history of 3 nephews with similar symptoms. On clinical assessment an impression of Adematous familial colorectal polyposis was made and biopsy was taken from the mass that revealed inflammatory polyps. He subsequently had a total colectomy and ileall pouch anal anastomosis with good outcome. In absence of endoscopic surveillance and diagnostic services diagnosis of colorectal polyposis syndromes is a challenge because clinicians rely on digital rectal assessment and examination under anesthesia.Key words: polyposis, polyps, Ugand