Assessing the impacts of small-holder farming activities on Wetland Area in Nzhelele Agricultural Hub in the Vhembe District; Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Wetlands play a crucial role in supplying essential ecosystem products and services, yet they are threatened by several anthropogenic activities. Wetlands are at risk of crop production which depend on the reliability of water supply. The effects of farming on wetlands are a result of the exploitation of wetland resources and the extensive usage of fertilizers. Notwithstanding the alleged role that farming plays in the destruction and degradation of wetlands, wetland area fluctuations and anthropogenic impacts over time and across regions have not been adequately assessed. The aim of this case study research was to assess the impacts of small-holder farming activities on wetland area in Makhado Local Municipality, in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. Data was collected through interviews and the main data collection tools were a questionnaire, Landsat 8 satellite and UAV images of 2014, 2018 and 2022. The participants of the study included a variety of individuals such as farmers, household heads, extension officer (Mulimisi) and of the community. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyze the survey data. Analysis of satellite imagery was done using Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage Geographic Information System (ArcGIS) (Version 10.1) and Earth Resources Data Analysis System ERDAS Imagine (version 2015) software packages. The results show that farming is the major activity within the wetland area over the years 2014 to 2022 which increased from 96 hectares to 181 hectares. Throughout the study period, there have been significant changes to the wetland region. The main contributory factors were the expansion of agriculture (cultivation), increased food demand due to population growth and local water deficit. There is insufficient assistance and mentoring provided by the government to the community and to small-holder farmers when it comes to land use reform and awareness building among villagers and farmers about the importance of wetlands. The results also show that 78.3% of the respondents are not aware that farming has impacts on wetland areas while 17.7% of the respondents are aware. Lack of knowledge has been identified as one of the major factors contributing to the environmental effects of land use change in the wetland area. This study suggested that to manage wetland resources properly, local small-holder farmers and the local community should both be targeted for awareness campaigns and initiatives.