An assessment of the thatch harvesting programme at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park

[摘要] English: In many African countries, poverty rates often swelling beyond the national average are most prevalent in those rural communities bordering protected areas. As a result, national parks are progressively expected to navigate past the conventional primary focus on biodiversity protection to also, whilst conserving biodiversity, contribute towards improving the well-being of those communities adjacent to conservation areas. One such initiative is the thatch harvesting programme at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in South Africa. As the sustainable impact of this programme had not yet been evaluated, this study served to explore the extent to which the thatch harvesting programme had aided in augmenting the well-being of its beneficiaries. Applied within both a quantitative and qualitative context, an outcome analysis was used to determine the degree of this programme‟s success, the challenges that it faces, the extent to which it has improved the well-being of the participating beneficiaries, the degree to which it has reached the intended population, and finally, how the benefits of this programme might be enhanced in the future. With this in mind, the five dimensions of well-being as described by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment were pertinently used to determine the programmes impact on the direct beneficiaries, and an evaluation of the impact of this programme on the park, the broader community, as well as on the commercial buyers that purchased the thatch, was also piquantly explored. Upon analysis, a number of key findings emerged.�?The programme has indeed improved the beneficiaries�?well-being by augmenting their material well-being, health, social relations, and environmental safety, subsequently providing them with more freedom of choice. However, very few of the beneficiaries used the income generated from participating in the programme to pursue sustainable economic activities.�?This programme faces several administrative and logistical issues such as lack of sufficient advertising, delayed permit retrieval, unclear selection processes, and lack of supervision during harvesting.The impact of this programme on the ecosystem of the harvested areas has not yet been quantified.�?Anecdotal evidence points towards grass being illegally harvested. Therefore, benefits that should extend to the local communities are contracted.�?Many beneficiaries lack the knowledge, skills and training regarding correct harvesting methods. This restricts accrued benefits and threatens the programmes long-term sustainability.Drawing from this, there are a number of ways in which the impact of this programme may be further endorsed. Strengthen the administration process of the programme by:a) Ameliorating the application process for beneficiaries.b) Extending the period for harvesting.c) Establishing clear boundaries of allocated harvesting areas.d) Supervising, monitoring and regulating the harvesting process.e) Developing clear communication lines between stakeholders and potential sponsors.f) Supplementing advertisements for the programme.Augment an inclusive decision-making approach by:a) Involving and supporting participation of the beneficiaries in the decision-making process.b) Edifying beneficiaries regarding the need to protect the ecosystem services of the park.c) Promoting conservation practice amongst the beneficiaries.Promote workshops and training sessions by:�?Involving beneficiaries and engaging outside companies to offer training and/or workshops for the beneficiaries.�?Creating a stimulating entrepreneurial environment.Extend the impact of the programme through future research by:�?Exploring potential entrepreneurial readiness.�?Identifying specific adaptive management approaches.�?Monitoring a greater number of potential areas supporting grass species suitable for harvesting.In conclusion, although there are some significant challenges faced by the thatch harvesting programme, it has nonetheless augmented the overall well-being of its beneficiaries. However, specific interventions need to be considered in order to further improve the beneficiaries�?access to capital, therefore enhancing their capability to meet and sustain their needs.

[发布机构] University of the Free State