The Impact of Nandoni Dam construction on selected indigenous plant diversity: A case study in Thulamela Municipality within Vhembe District of Limpopo Province South Africa.

Abstract

The study assessed the impact of Nandoni Dam construction on selected indigenous plant species (IPS) diversity: A case study in Thulamela Municipality within Vhembe District. The construction of Nandoni Dam started in 1998 and was completed in 2005. The research focused on the following three specific objectives: to examine the selected IPS diversity before dam construction, to determine whether some selected IPS diversity were protected after dam construction, and to assess the community’s perceptions on the need to develop long-term management plans for the conservation of selected IPS diversity. The literature reviewed concentrated on the background of the study, problem statement, justification of the study, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and other studies. Under the methodology of data collection and research design, both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used. Primary data collection includes field surveys, interviews, and observations. Secondary data were collected from documentary reviews, library books, published articles, theses, etc. Permission was requested and granted by the traditional leaders of Tshiulungoma, Budeli, Dididi, and Mulenzhe villages, which were affected by the construction of Nandoni Dam. For systematic data analysis, the researcher used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25, narrative, and ethnography. Government officials were visited and communicated face-to-face and telephonically. Ethical consideration was granted by UHDEC. Results: Documentation of selected IPS diversity before 1998; photos of submerged and protected selected IPS diversity after dam construction in 2005. Recommendation: Community environment alliance, public community education on EIA reports, and conservation of selected IPS diversity.