Survey of Community Livelihoods and Landscape Change along the Nzhelele and Levuvhu River Catchments in Limpopo Province, South Africa

摘要: Landscape-change studies have attracted increasing interest because of their importance to land management and the sustainable livelihoods rural communities. However, empirical on landscape change its drivers are often poorly understood, particularly, in small communities developing countries such as South Africa. The present study surveyed local community perceptions Nzhelele Levuvhu river catchments Limpopo Province, These areas experienced reform also characterized by environmental degradation, poverty, inequality justice concerns among other issues. Land-cover maps derived from Landsat satellite imagery were used for purposes correlating validating survey data findings results. results showed that education levels, working status marital statistically significant effects (indicated levels income, p < 0.05). Maize, fruits vegetables main cultivated crop varieties area, these crops mainly subsistence meet household self-consumption requirements. Moreover, members stakeholders argue has changed over past 20 years a result urban expansion, deforestation, agricultural diversification forestry intensification. changes largely confirmed land-cover imagery. Soil erosion was identified major threat hazard area. Political, natural, economic cultural factors been underlying observed changes. implications understanding change, coupled with human–nature relationships well informing government policy respect advancing further promotion Overall, proposes multiple stakeholders’ approach ecosystem-based promote landscapes areas.