Experiences of ecosystem changes on food services of mopane woodland communities in Vhembe, South Africa

Andisa A. Mufungizi, Walter Musakwa, Nelson Chanza

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Mopane woodlands have been shifting. While it is important to understand the spatial patterns that characterise this phenomenon, it is even more important to understand the impacts of shifting Mopane woodlands on rural communities that rely on them. This study sought to establish the impacts of shifting mopane woodlands on the production of indigenous plant food in Ward 12 of Musina local municipality in the Vhembe District municipality in the Limpopo province of South Africa. To accomplish this, the study utilised a hybrid inductive approach involving thematic-based questionnaire interviews and an exploratory view to gain insight into the narratives of focus group participants. Results revealed that seven (7) out of eleven (11) indigenous plant foods are becoming extinct, thereby limiting food sources of indigenous and local people who used to rely on them. The spatial pattern of the plant foods that are still available has now changed as they no longer grow within the reach of local communities. The community members are struggling to adapt to these changes. From these observations, we recommend that local and regional levels’ policies related to natural resource management should consider the unique challenges faced by communities experiencing disruptive ecosystem changes and provide the necessary support for sustainable adaptation.

Original languageEnglish
Article number961
JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment
Volume196
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2024

Keywords

  • Adaptation
  • Climate variability
  • Indigenous food plant
  • Mopane woodlands
  • Shifting ecosystem

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Environmental Science
  • Pollution
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Experiences of ecosystem changes on food services of mopane woodland communities in Vhembe, South Africa'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this