Resources
Overview
Overview of AWARD Resources
A variety of materials in various formats can be downloaded and used as either reference material or guidelines for specific practices. This overview brochure explains how the resources are organized. Project activities are arranged according to four colour-coded thematic or focus areas (land, water, climate change, institutional support) – a list of resources relevant to each focus area can be found in that area. Resources can also be searched for according to the type of resource (booklet, technical report, etc.) – see tabs below.
Resource Navigation
Our Olifants: Resilience in the Limpopo Basin
– AWARD
This first overview brochure of the USAID:RESILIM Olifants project as implemented by AWARD explains the project during Phase 1.
Reducing the vulnerability of people and ecosystems in the Olifants catchment
– AWARD
An overview of the USAID:RESILIM Olifants project as implemented by AWARD.
Our Olifants Overview brochure
– AWARD
First overview of the USAID:RESILIM Olifants project as implemented by AWARD in Portuguese.
Understanding the Olifants as a system.
How people think affects what they do.
– Charles Chikunda & Derick du Toit
This brochure explains activity systems theory and how it can be applied to the Olifants catchment for building resilience.
Harnessing monitoring & evaluation for learning. Experiences from the RESILIM-O Program 2019
– Karen Kotschy, Vhutshilo Mudau, Eureta Rosenberg
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL) system was developed by AWARD, MERL staff and members of the program’s reference group, with support from USAID. This brochure describes the basics of the MERL system in this brochure.
Capacity Building for Civil Society Social Learning for Management of the Olifants Catchment
– EMG
This project summary explains the details of the Changing Practice – Olifants course run by the EMG, ELRC and SAWC with AWARD.
LBCIN: Limpopo Basin Curriculum Innovation Network
– Rhodes ELRC
This fold-up brochure explains how the institution partners are involved in the LBCIN.
Curriculum Innovation for Institutions of Higher Learning
– Rhodes ELRC
This project summary provides an overview of the curriculum innovation in six institutions of higher learning.
Flow Tracker. A near real-time flow and dam monitoring app for the Olifants river catchment
– Hugo Retief and Sharon Pollard
Flow Tracker for the Olifants River is the first of its kind. It enables near real-time flow and dam monitoring, and includes a weather forecast facility.
An Integrated Water Resources Decision Support System for the Olifants Catchment: Facilitating real-time monitoring, early warning and systemic decision-making for water resources – INWARDS
– Hugo Retief & Sharon Pollard
First real-time monitoring and integrated water resources management approach for the Olifants Catchment aimed at decision-makers and water resource practitioners.
Networks for Collaborative, Systemic Action in the Middle Olifants River Catchment
– IWR Rhodes & AWARD
This project summary documents the establishment and running of networks for water management in the middle Olifants catchment.
Overview of water quality and quantity in the Olifants River catchment
– Hugo Retief & Sharon Pollard with Neil Griffin, Caroline Palmer, Stephen Mallory
& Manuel Magombeyi
This overview presents an analysis of water quality and quantity for the Olifants River Catchment in a user-friendly format.
Mangrove Restoration & Livelihood Support in Mozambique [Limpopo River Estuary]
– CDS (AGUA) & AWARD
This project summary explains the efforts of project partner CDS in the restoration of the estuarine mangroves in Mozambique.
Using What We Have Wisely! A Water Conservation & Water Demand Management Strategy for Maruleng Municipality
– WA Wegelin & Derick du Toit
Research indicates water losses are in excess of 50% in some municipalities. To address potential water shortages, reduce losses and increase the security of supply, all municipalities need to develop a Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WCWDM) strategy.
Water Conservation & Demand Management under Climate Change
– WRP & AWARD
This project summary gives an overview of water conservation and water demand management in two local municipalities in the Olifants catchment.
A Water Balance for Municipalities … Made Easy
– WA Wegelin, M Raletjena & AWARD
This brochure provides a summary of the guidelines for calculating a municipal water balance with a specific focus on the IWA methodologies adopted, basic information required, audit trails, components of authorised consumption, connections, shortcomings of various key performance indicators, interpretation of results and common errors.
Status Quo of Wastewater Treatment in the Olifants River Basin
– Katy Hansen & Sharon Pollard
This first summary of wastewater management on the basis of the Olifants catchment rather than municipal boundaries gives an idea of the waste-water load in the Olifants system.
The Silent Killer? Wastewater Treatment Plants
– Water Group Pty Ltd & AWARD
A turnaround plan for wastewater management in Mopani District.
A Turnaround Plan for Municipal Waste Water Treatment Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality
– Water Group & AWARD
This project summary documents the development of a turnaround plan for Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality.
Capacity Development of Restoration Practitioners in Geographic Information Systems [GIS]
– Silindile Mtshali, Jan Graf & Reuben Thifhulufhelwi
This report summarizes the GIS capacity development and training of restoration practitioners carried out under the RESILIM O Blyde Restoration Project during 2019.
Capacity Development for Sustainable Forestry Management
– INR & AWARD
This project summary outlines the capacity building programme for plantation managers in the upper Olifants catchment.
Blyde Restoration Custodianship
– K2C & AWARD
This project summary describes a collective partnership to restore the upper reaches of the Blyde River and Klaserie River catchments.
Conservation-Based Entrepreneurship Enhancing Resilience of Ecosystems, People & Biodiversity [Olifants Catchment]
– INR & AWARD
This project summary explains the exploration of conservation-based entrepreneurship in the Legalameetse Nature Reserve with claimant communities.
A Guideline for Identifying and Planning Resource-Based Beneficiation Initiatives
– INR
This Z-fold brochure summarises a process for identifying and planning resource-based benefaction initiatives.
Realising the Benefits from Nature: An introduction to business planning
– INR
This Z-fold brochure summarises how to develop a business plan for nature-based business.
Oli Enterprises, Integrating Biodiversity and Entrepreneurship in the Olifants Catchment
– INR
This Z-fold brochure explains the links between biodiversity and entrepreneurship in the Olifants catchment.
How is the Climate Changing in the Olifants River Catchment?
– AWARD
This flyer shares the results of an analysis of historical trends and climate projections for the Olifants River Catchment.
Core Concepts for Climate Change Thinking in the Olifants Catchment
– Ancois de Villiers & Sharon Pollard
In this brochure, simple graphics convey the important concepts behind understanding climate change.
Tabataba ya phetogo ya tlelaemete – A4
– Ancois de Villiers & Sharon Pollard
In this Sepedi brochure simple graphics convey the important concepts behind understanding climate change.
Tabataba ya phetogo ya tlelaemete – A5
– Ancois de Villiers & Sharon Pollard
In this Sepedi brochure simple graphics convey the important concepts behind understanding climate change.
Soil and Water Conservation in Agroecology – What can we as farmers do?
– Sharon Pollard & Derick du Toit
This brochure for farmers and practitioners aims to support the practices of agroecology by providing a simple framework (the five fingers of a hand) for remembering five key agroecology principles
Agriculture Support Initiative Lower Olifants: Project Summary
– AWARD & Mahlathini Development Foundation
Summary of a project for increased adaptive capacity and climate change resilience in eight villages of the Lower Olifants River.
Climate Adaptation in Small-Scale Agriculture [Middle Olifants Catchment]
– AWARD & UKUVUNA
This is a project summary of the AgriSI project in Sekhukhune District, Olifants Catchment.
How is the climate changing the Olifants River Catchment?
– Ancois de Villiers
This brochure shares the results of a localised analysis of historical trends and climate projections for the Olifants River Catchment summarised in the technical brief An analysis of historical and projected climate for the Olifants River Catchment.
Dialogues for Climate Change Literacy & Adaptation
This flyer describes a dialogue process designed to support the embedding of climate change and adaptation discussions across sectors.
Advancing agroecology and farmer managed seed systems in Limpopo BRIEFING, MAY 2020
– ACB, AWARD
At a dialogue on farmer managed seed systems and agroecology, held in Acornhoek, Limpopo on 20-22 January 2020, farmers and support organisations made clear that they want to see more government and policy support for agroecology and farmer managed seed systems.
Go tšwetša pele bolemi bja tirišo ya tlhago le mananeo a dipeu ao a laolwago ke balemi ka Limpopo KABO YA TSHEDIMOŠO, MAY 2020
– ACB, AWARD
Ka dipoledišanong tša mabapi le mananeo a dipeu ao a laolwago ke balemi le ka ga bolemi bja tirišo ya tlhago, tšeo di swerwego Acornhoek, ka Limpopo ka la 20-22 Janeware 2020, balemi le mekgatlo ye e ba thekgago ba ile ba bolela ka fao go kwagalago gore ba nyaka go bona thekgo ye ntši go tšwa go mmušo le thekgo ka ga melawana le mabapi le mananeo a dipeu ao a laolwago ke balemi
U bvelaphanḓa na agirokholodzhi na sisiteme ya vhalimi ya u langa mbeu ngei Ḽimpopo MUTANGANO WA U ṊETSHEDZA MAFHUNGO, MAY 2020
– ACB, AWARD
Kha nyambedzano dza nga ha sisiṱeme ya vhalimi ya u langa mbeu na agirokholodzhi, dzo farelwaho Acornhoek, Ḽimpopo nga 20-22 Phando 2020, vhalimi na madzangano a u tikedza vho zwi bvisela khagala uri vha khou ṱoḓa u vhona thikhedzo khulwane u bva kha muvhuso na kha mbekanyamaitele kha zwa agirokholodzhi na sisiṱeme ya vhalimi ya u langa mbeu, uri vha ḓo shumisana kha u amba na muvhuso kha fhungo iḽ
Tindlela tintshwa ta ku rima ya masiku (agroecology) na maendlelo yo lawula mbewu hi varimi eLimpopo XIVIKO, MAY 2020
– ACB, AWARD
Eka mbhurisano wa maendlelo yo lawula mbewu hi varimi na tindlela tintshwa ta ku rima, lowu a wu khomeriwe eAcornhoek, Limpopo hi ti 20-22 Sunguti 2020, varimi na mihlangano ya nseketelo va swi veke erivaleni leswaku va lava ku vona nseketelo wo lowukulu ku suka eka mfumo na pholisi eka tindlela tintshwa ta ku rima na maendlelo yo lawula mbewu hi varimi, laha va nga tirhaka swin’we ku tihlanganisa na mfumo hi mhaka leyi
Dialogues for Climate Change Literacy & Adaptation [DICLAD]
– AWARD
Extensive research on and implementation of climate change adaptation initiatives over the last few years have revealed fundamental challenges to seeing action-for-change on the ground. In part, this is to do with capacity but most importantly reflects the ‘reified’ nature of how climate change is conceptualized and introduced.
No Civil Action Without Support: Principles for Practice:
The Civil Society Organisations Support Initiative
– Derick du Toit, Stella Horgan, William Mponwana & Tebogo Mathebula
This guideline is for supporting civil society organisations (CSOs) to develop action competence in addressing community problems. The principles are gathered from CSOs in the Olifants catchment, South Africa.
Catchment Management Forums: A Guideline for Developing Charters of Agreement
– Derick du Toit, Derek Weston & Eddie Riddel
Guidelines to establish and run forums according to agreed principles.
Co-Management of Protected Areas
– AWARD
The focus of this policy and practice brief is on co-management of protected areas using the experience gained in Legalameetse.
Community participation and engaging with government
– Lilian Goredema, Charles Chikunda, Thabang Mohale
These guidelines are for communities that have claimed land in protected areas within South Africa, and are in the process of negotiating or have already negotiated partnerships with the government management agencies for managing protected areas.
A Guideline to Legislation Influencing Co-Management
– Lilian Goredema
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide an overview of the key laws and policies that influence co-management in South Africa, for communities who have claimed land in protected areas.
Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality Biodiversity Sector Plan Handbook 2019
– Deborah Vromans, Stephen Holness, Derick du Toit and William Mponwana
To ensure sustainable development, biodiversity must, by law, be taken into account when developing spatial planning tools (e.g. spatial development frameworks, land use schemes) or when authorizing land development applications (e.g. rezoning applications, environmental impact assessments). These guidelines aim to assist spatial planners with these tasks.
Maruleng Local Municipality Biodiversity sector plan handbook 2019
– Deborah Vromans, Stephen Holness, Derick du Toit and William Mponwana
To ensure sustainable development, biodiversity must, by law, be taken into account when developing spatial planning tools (e.g. spatial development frameworks, land use schemes) or when authorizing land development applications (e.g. rezoning applications, environmental impact assessments). These guidelines aim to assist spatial planners with these tasks.
A Guide to the Spatial Planning & Land Use Management Act [SPLUMA]
– William Mponwana
An easy reference to the most important law governing spatial planning in South Africa.
Understanding Land Use Planning as an Activity System A Guideline for Spatial Planners
– Charles Chikunda, William Mponwana & Derick du Toit
The RESILIM biodiversity working group adopted an activity system approach for the integration of biodiversity into land-use planning. This document summarises this approach.
Embedding Climate Change Adaptation within Local Government
– AWARD
The focus of this policy and practice brief is on embedding climate change in municipal planning and actions.
Field book: Exploring Biodiversity in Landuse Planning & Enterprise Development for the Moletele Youth Programme
– William Mponwana & Derick du Toit
This is a fieldbook made up of six modules for exploring biodiversity, land use planning and enterprise development based on biodiversity.
AgriSI: Water & Soil Conservation Training Manual Olifants Catchment
– Erna Kruger
This training manual cover soils and water conservation techniques. Learning activities include learning workshops with theoretical and participatory inputs, demonstrations and smallholder farmer experimentation and design.
Who are we? Profiles of Civil Society Organisations of the Olifants Catchment
– Derick du Toit, Stella Horgan, Tebogo Mathebula, Admire Mohlala
We introduce some of the members of the Civil Society Organisation Support Initiative and the work they do in the Olifants catchment.
Olifants River Catchment Civil Society Organisations Position Statement Jan 2018
– Olifants CSOs
This booklet provides a statement of position developed by over 80 CSOs operative in the Olifants catchment.
Changing Practice Project Assignments
Corporate Compliance of the Twickenham Mine
– Elton Thobejane & Provia Sekome
This project investigates corporate compliance with environmental legislation.
Calcite Legacy Dump on the Highveld
– Elvis Komane & Nthabiseng Mahlangu
This project investigates the management of a calcite dump on the Highveld.
Waste and Water Context and New Knowledge
– Tshepo Sibiya, Kedibone Ntobeng & Chistina Mothupi
This project investigates the impact of disposable nappies on water resources in the Olifants catchment.
Sustainable Food Security in Four Villages
– Thelma Nkosi with Bernerd Ngomane
This project investigates what needs to happen with regard to food security in four rural villages.
Water and Mines Context and New Knowledge
– Mmathapelo Thobejane, Tokelo Mahlakoane, Eustine Matsepane
This project investigates the potential impact of a mine on local water resources.
Being a Voice for the Brugspruit Wetland
– Susan Boledi, lorraine Kakaza & Collen Jolobe
This project investigates the potential impacts of a shopping mall on local water resources.
Food Security to Reduce Poverty
– Caroline Rathakolo & Nelson Thaba
This project investigates the food security options in rural residential areas.
Maruleng Municipality: A Profile of the Municipal Area
– Wehnke van der Merwe & Derick du Toit
This overview of Maruleng Municipality is focused on how to make environmental planning more explicit within the integrated spatial planning processes. A systemic approach identifies the complexity and interconnectedness of the major drivers in the area.
Systemic, Social Learning Approaches to Water Governance and Sustainability in the Olifants River Catchment (Limpopo)
– Sharon Pollard, Hugo Retief & Jai Clifford-Holmes
A booklet for water resource practitioners and managers interested in the theories and practice of systems and social learning approaches. A new whole-catchment approach that sees people as part of governing water.
Keeping the Olifants River Flowing: Systemic, collective action during the most severe drought on record
– Sharon Pollard, Edward Riddell, Hugo Retief
Monitoring river flow and adjusting river operations is an essential management function but even more so during times of drought. We share the efforts of AWARD, SANPARKS & National DWS to keep the Olifants River flowing during the worst drought on record.
Predicted Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources of the Olifants River catchment
– Sharon Pollard and Hugo Retief (Eds) with Tendai Sawunyama, Stephen Mallory & Taryn Kong
A user-friendly overview of the predicted impacts of climate change on the water resources in the Olifants Catchment.
Natural Resource Management Programmes in the Olifants Catchment
– Jan Graf
NRMPs form part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), a nationwide government programme aimed at creating labour-intensive employment and skills development for previously disadvantaged people. Here we introduce some of the NMRPs in the Olifants Catchment.
Systemic, Social Learning Support for the Co-Management of the Legalameetse Nature Reserve
– Sharon Pollard, Charles Chikunda, Thabang Mohale & Lilian Goredema
Co-management is potentially an innovative and exciting model for addressing issues of socio-economic redress and upliftment, land reform and past injustices, and conservation. Here is an overview of a project launched in Legalameetse Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province.
Three Natural Resource-Based Beneficiation Models to Demonstrate Opportunities to Diversify & Optimise Benefits from Legalameetse Nature Reserve
– INR
Natural resources can provide the landowner with non-monetary and financial opportunities. This document summarises 3 beneficiation models aimed to address livelihood needs and re-connect communities to their environment.
Planning and Caring for Biodiversity in Land Use – A Beginners Guide
– Derick du Toit, William Mponwana, Deborah Vromans and Stephen Holness
The importance of integrating biodiversity and conservation into land-use planning is demonstrated using the example of Maruleng Local Municipality, Limpopo Province.
Caring for our Biodiversity – Made Easy. An overview of Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) maps for the BaPhalaborwa and Maruleng local municipalities
– Derick du Toit, William Mponwana, Deborah Vromans
The importance of integrating biodiversity and conservation into land-use planning is demonstrated using the example of Maruleng Local Municipality, Limpopo Province.
CBA series #2 Land management guidelines: an introduction
– Derick du Toit, William Mponwana, Deborah Vromans
A summary of recommended guidelines for managing Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs) and Ecological Support Areas (ESAs).
CBA series #3 A Step by Step Guide: Integrating Biodiversity into Land Use Planning
– Derick du Toit, William Mponwana, Deborah Vromans
Integrating biodiversity into environmental impact assessments and land use change applications.
CBA series #4 Developing Environmental Policies to Protect Biodiversity
– Derick du Toit, William Mponwana, Deborah Vromans
Municipalities can develop policies or by-laws concerning spatial planning, land development and land use; and for enforcing its land use scheme. The CBA Map and land use guidelines can be incorporated into these policies. Here is how.
CBA series #5 Biodiversity Integration into Municipal Spatial Planning
– Derick du Toit, William Mponwana, Deborah Vromans
The Biodiversity Sector Plan (as part of the District Bioregional Plan) should be used in various multi-sectoral planning procedures to promote sustainable development, especially at the municipal level. Here is how.
CBA series #6 Glossary of Biodiversity & Spatial Planning Terms
– Derick du Toit, William Mponwana, Deborah Vromans
A comprehensive glossary of terms used in biodiversity and spatial planning.
CBA series #7 Biodiversity and Climate Change
– Derick du Toit, William Mponwana, Deborah Vromans, Ancois de Villiers
Municipalities are seen as key role players in developing climate change strategies and contributing to the green economy. Biodiversity protection is part of that process.
Critical Biodiversity Areas Mapbook for BaPhalaborwa Municipality. Supporting land-use planning and decision-making in Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas for sustainable development
– Deborah Vromans, Stephen Holness, Derick du Toit and William Mponwana
This is a Mapbook for BaPhalaborwa municipality. It zooms into the municipal area allowing for non-GIS users to understand where CBA categories are located in the landscape for property in the municipal area. The map book can be used by all sectors and professionals involved in land use planning and decision-making, including non-governmental organizations and the public.
Critical Biodiversity Areas Mapbook for Maruleng Municipality. Supporting land-use planning and decision-making in Critical Biodiversity Areas and Ecological Support Areas for sustainable development
– Deborah Vromans, Stephen Holness, Derick du Toit and William Mponwana
This is a Mapbook for Maruleng municipality. It zooms into the municipal area allowing for non-GIS users to understand where CBA categories are located in the landscape for property in the municipal area. The map book can be used by all sectors and professionals involved in land use planning and decision-making, including non-governmental organizations and the public.
Climate Change: Understanding scenarios, RCP, PPM
– Sharon Pollard & Ancois de Villiers
Climate change scenarios for the Olifants catchment and technical terms are explained in simple terms.
Climate Smart Agriculture – Lower Olifants Catchment
– AWARD & Mahlathini Development Foundation
This booklet explains the RESILIM O AgriSI project in the lower Olifants Catchment.
Medicinal & Edible Herbs used by Farmers in the Lower & Middle Olifants Catchment (English and Sepedi)
– Bigboy Mkhabela
Here is a simple guide to some of the edible medicinal herbs that small-scale farmers in the Olifants are growing. It is in both English and Sepedi.
April 2021
Uthaka Energy prevented from mining coal in Mabola;The Moletele Youth Programme grows wings;Recent research published; Olifants Dam update; and more…
March 2021
Uthaka Energy prevented from mining coal in Mabola;The Moletele Youth Programme grows wings;Recent research published; Olifants Dam update; and more…
February 2021
AWARD moves office; National Siltation Management Strategy for Dams; Enterprise development for small scale farmers; Resources Protection & SecurityThe RESILIM O program; Resilience through systemic approaches; Permaculture Explorers launch their Tala Table Network; Lowveld rivers report & more…
January 2021
The RESILIM-O program; Resilience through systemic approaches; Permaculture Explorers launch their Tala Table Network; Lowveld rivers report & more…
November / December 2020
RESILIM program final report and program closure; RESILIM-O Resources library; Project partners; Moletele Youth; Organic endorsed veg; & more…
October 2020
Tala Table – a winner, MTN award for AWARD, Enterprise Development training…
September 2020
Freshwater biodiversity; failure to plan is a plan to fail; light at the end of the tunnel; liquid manure and tower gardens & an Olifants Dam update…
August 2020
Going for organic in Sekororo; the Tala Table; AWARD webinar stats; dam levels dropping…
July 2020
Getting to grips with freshwater biodiversity; Hoedspruit PGS annual meeting; Dam and Olifants river updates and RESILIM-O Technical Reports available…
June 2020
Food parcels, Webinar Wednesdays Wetlands at work, Funds bypass small-scale food production, and more…
May 2020
AWARD launches webinar series; steps in to help the needy; good news on support for small-scale food production; we need your help & more
April 2020
Lockdown, not shutdown; Lobbying for more small-scale food production; Tracking rural villages activities & more
March 2020
Resource Pack ready; Mangroves in Mozambique; Support for Maruleng; What farmers base decisions on; Greater Kruger Strategic Dev Framework & more
February 2020
Busy month for Legalameetse Nature Reserve & the new landowners; Ecosystem goods & services of the Sand River catchment; Moletele Youth Project & more
January 2020
PGS Hoedspruit launched, mangroves in Mozambique, ward councillors get it right, action from our sub-grant programme, the Olifants spikes & a farewell…
November / December 2019
AWARD Nov/Dec Newsflash: Annual report; Farewell to Reference Group; Co-management in Legalameetse; Blyde restoration & more…
October 2019
Legalameetse Culture Festival, university students prepare for climate change… and so do farmers, a new CC resource…
September 2019
Ecological Restoration Conference; Going organic; Learning to co-manage; Beneficiation; Integrated strategic planning with KNP; and more…
August 2019
Mangroves in Mozambique, Farmers on climate-change, Climate change adaptation, expanded restoration partnership and more…
July 2019
Innovative water disinfection, Molotele Youth Project, Biodiversity planning…
June 2019
Olifants River level dropping, High Altitude Champs, Governance of LNR, Talking Climate Change, draft National CC Adaptation Strategy…
May 2019
Mangrove Restoration, Farmer Support, Biodiversity in Spatial Planning, Water Workshop at Southern Cross…
April 2019
This is AWARD’s first newsletter. As it is the first, it is a ‘bumper edition’ that gives an overview of programme highlights and outlines work in AWARD’s main activity areas. Future newsletters will highlight recent AWARD activities in short newsflashes…
A special focus on water as a human right in South Africa
A South Africa has placed the right to sufficient water as a Constitutional right in its Bill of Rights. But what does that mean? It places a legal obligation on the government to ensure that all people living in South Africa have the right to sufficient water. The Constitution does not say very much about the obligation, it leaves that to be defined and qualified in other legal instruments…
Crossroads: A game of decisions and consequences
A game of scenarios to develop decision-making skills… players need to make choices by considering social, environmental and economic consequences when making decisions about land use and natural resource use. The game frames decisions in a fun and participatory way, encouraging interaction and discussion. It is often in discussions that real learning takes place. Click to download each of the PDFs below: 1. Overview 2. Instructions 3. Cards
Process design for social learning and transformation in RESILIM O
An overview of the ‘Spiral Model’ which is a process design for social learning and transformation that has been successfully used in the RESILIM O programme.
Guideline for CMF Charter development
This presentation provides an overview on how to develop guidelines for developing a charter for a Catchment Management Forum
Designing back from practice: Keeping the Olifants River and benefits flowing through systemic, collective action approaches during the worst drought on record
– Dr Sharon Pollard, Hugo Retief and Dr Eddie Riddel
This abstract describes the use of a systemic, collective approach to keeping the Olifants River flowing during the worst three-year drought on record. Without this, flows in the lower catchment would have failed impacting on livelihoods and ecosystems both locally and downstream into the iconic Kruger National Park and Mozambique.
AWARD: An Introduction
AWARD: An Overview
A 6-minute video outlining the work of the Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD) in the Olifants River Catchment…
AWARD: A focus on water quality
How can we monitor water quality and ensure compliance? A 6-minute video outlining the work of the Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD)…
AWARD & working with Climate Change
How do we build resilience to climate change? A 5-minute video outlining the work of the Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD)…
Putting Biodiversity Back on the Map
– 27 May 2020 – 1h32m
Biodiversity has either not been ‘on the map’ for municipal town planners or it has taken a back-seat when it comes to making land-use decisions. Given that well over half of all biodiversity is estimated to occur outside of national and provincial parks in Southern Africa, there is an important role for municipalities to play in biodiversity conservation, recognition for the role of ecosystem services and the role played by ecological infrastructure in risk reduction. In this webinar…
Maintaining transboundary flows and governance in the Olifants River Basin in the face of increasing risk
– 3 June 2020 – 1h34m
Global concerns over declining freshwater resources are widely evident. The Olifants Basin – shared between South Africa and Mozambique – exhibits many of these concerns: declining water quality and flow, non-compliance with national and international benchmarks, weakening governance and capacity and unlawful use all juxtaposed against increasing livelihood insecurity, increasing demands and the need to provide…
A conversational, systemic approach for building local climate change capacity
– 10 June 2020 – 1h34m
In Southern Africa, local climates are heating up. A great deal of work is being done on developing ‘simple resources’ and ‘tool boxes’ for climate change capacity and action. However, climate concepts can be deeply alienating and overwhelming, both for local government officials who are tasked with developing climate preparedness and for the diverse stakeholder groups from vastly divergent socio-economic …….
FARMING FOR THE FUTURE WITH SMALL-SCALE FARMING
– 17 June 2020 – 1h42m
‘Small-scale farming’, ‘backyard gardening’, ‘village food production’… call it what you will, this kind of agriculture has received inadequate attention – and is even scorned – as a means of building regional food security. Despite some lip service, the lack of meaningful engagement is evidenced in the lack of support by government departments, financial institutions, markets and even consumers. However, …..
POWER TAKEN, POWER GIVEN AND CO-MANAGEMENT OF PROTECTED AREAS
– 24 June 2020 – 1h22m
Globally, there is a trend towards decentralization of management rights to communities and the public, with community involvement in protected areas being seen as a way to reduce costs and conflict and increase the legitimacy of protected areas. Co-management is potentially an innovative model for addressing issues of socio-economic redress and upliftment, land reform and past injustices…..
RESILIM-OLIFANTS: Resilience in the Limpopo Basin Program – Final Report
Building improved transboundary governance and management of the Olifants Catchment of the Limpopo Basin for enhanced resiliency of its people and ecosystems to environmental change through systemic and participatory approaches.
Agriculture Support Initiative Farmer Support for Building Agroecological Skills & Farmer Networks for Collective Action Amongst Small-Scale Farmers in the Olifants Basin
– Derick du Toit and Bigboy Mkhabela (with inputs from Erna Kruger, John Nzira, Cryton Zazu, Sharon Pollard and Ancois de Villiers)
Small-scale farming is an important activity in the middle and lower parts of the Olifants River catchment. Despite this, small-scale farmers farm in a world of challenges which have negatively affected the value and perception attached to agriculture as a viable household livelihood option or contributor to food security. In our experience, there is little sense of pride, collective identity or empowerment which, we argue, is a major constraint to farmers realising their true place in society.
Monitoring Progress – Farmer Field Visits under the AgriSI Project
– Bigboy Mkhabela & Dr Cryton Zazu
This is a record of field visits to small scale farmers involved in agroecology in the Olifants catchment
Support to Farmers and Local Facilitators -AgriSI Project
– Bigboy Mkhabela & Dr Crayton Zazu
The AGRI SI project team provides support for local faciltators and young farmers in the Olifants catchment
Farmers are Doing Things in the Lower Olifants -AgriSI
– Betty Maimela & Erna Kruger
Farmers have analysed the impact of climate change on their livelihoods and developed adaptation strategies to build their capacity to adapt. They have implemented a range of agroecological practices to improve their production capacity and build resilience in their system, to heat and water stress in their gardening and field cropping situations
Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting & Learning for the USAID RESILIM-O Program – MERL Framework
– Eureta Rosenberg with input from Karen Kotschy, Jane Burt, Vhutshilo Mudau, Derick du Toit & Sharon Pollard
This document describes the approach taken to Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Learning (MERL) in the RESILIM-O (Resilience in the Olifants Basin) program which is implemented through a cooperative agreement between USAID Southern Africa and AWARD (the Association for Water and Rural Development). It describes and provides the rationale for the approach to monitoring and evaluation, which was formulated in 2014
Embedding Climate Change in Municipal Planning and Actions
– Dr Sharon Pollard, Dr Taryn Kong, and Ancois de Villiers
The project, Embedding climate change in municipal planning and actions, was developed and implemented to address an identified gap in capacity development of local government within the Olifants River Catchment on climate change adaptation. This gap was a concern because, in the current policy and practice of the South African government’s action on climate change, local government is regarded to be at the forefront of implementing plans and strategies.
Understanding the Value of Natural Capital & the Return on Investment from Environmental Management Understanding Business Risks & Trade-offs
– Fonda Lewis, Michelle Browne & Sian Oosthuizen Institute of Natural Resources
The RESILIM-O Restoration and Rehabilitation programme has to date highlighted a number of priorities for building resilience in the Olifants Basin, which have highlighted the need to address the negative impact of forestry operations in the catchment on biodiversity and water resources in the Blyde and Klaserie sub-catchments.
Co-Management: Reconciling Land Restitution, Biodiversity Conservation & Poverty Alleviation in Olifants Catchment
– Karen Kotschy, Sarah Findlay & Chris Williams
Since the dawn of democracy in 1994 the South African government has struggled to reconcile the issue of land restitution with two of its other primary concerns, namely widespread poverty and biodiversity conservation. The emerging global discourse on community-centred conservation and co-management, with its strong ties to poverty alleviation and rural economic development, provides a framework within which all three of these seemingly conflicting problems can be addressed, with clear benefits for sustainable development and resilience.
Protected Areas in the Olifants Catchment
– Karen Kotschy, Brandon Anthony, Samantha Gerber and Kgomotso Thomas
The Olifants River catchment contains many protected areas, especially in the lower portion and along the escarpment. The escarpment is considered high priority in terms of the National Protected Area Expansion Strategy because it supports several rare or important species and vegetation types and is especially important for climate change resilience due to the range in altitude.
Governance & Co-Management in the Legalameetse Nature Reserve Development of a Collaborative Vision, Institutional Arrangements & Roles & Responsibilities 
– Sharon Pollard; Thabang Mohale
Co-management agreements were outlined in a three-day “Visioning Workshop” held from the 5th to 7th November 2019 at Hoedspruit. Details are provided in this report
Ecosystem Services Assessment Upper Sand River Catchment
– Myles Mander, Jan Graf, Silindile Mtshali, Reuben Thifhulufhelwi, Noxolo Mbebe, Nick Theron & Stephen Holness
The Lowveld Plantations covering the Upper Sand River Catchment has been earmarked for land restitution to communities who were removed from the area in the past. The project employed the EcoFutures participatory modelling process to develop a better understanding of the possible trade-offs by modelling a suite of plausible future land-use scenarios.
Capacity Development for Water Conservation & Water Demand Management – Maruleng Municipality
– Willem Wegelin & Derick du Toit
This study focuses on the enhancement of long-term water security and protection, climate change adaptation and catchment resilience through the reduction of water losses, non-revenue water and the improvement of water use efficiency
Capacity Development for Water Demand & Water Conservation Management Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality
– Willem Wegelin & Derick du Toit
This study focuses on the enhancement of long-term water security and protection, climate change adaptation and catchment resilience through the reduction of water losses, non-revenue water and the improvement of water use efficiency
Overview of Wastewater Treatment in South Africa
– Katy Hansen
Based on a literature review, this report explains key concepts and practices associated with wastewater treatment and outlines wastewater management and governance in South Africa. The basic components of wastewater treatment—from collection and transport to treatment and discharge—are described along with major managerial and operational tasks, including planning, operating, monitoring, maintaining, and financing.
Catchment Management Forums – Report on the Forum of Forums
– V Munnik, J Burt, D Du Toit. D & L Price
This report emanates from a two-day workshop that brought together current participants in Catchment Management Forums (CMFs) and potential or future participants in CMFs, as well as officials and a limited number of researchers, in order to effect historical redress in the water sector.
Review of Environmental Water Requirements & Related Information for the Olifants Catchment
– Alison Joubert & Cate Brown Southern Waters Ecological Research and Consulting CC.
The report covers existing determinations of Environmental Water Requirements (EWR) and aquatic ecosystem services, plus relevant information from the livelihoods, ecosystem services, and risks assessments to populate and calibrate a DRIFT (Downstream Response to Imposed Flow Transformations ) Decision Support System (DSS). The DSS is used to predict the likely impacts associated with flow scenarios on the riverine ecosystem, and on people who depend on it for services, livelihoods and other benefits.
Overview of the Olifants Catchment (2014)
– Sharon Pollard & Ariane Laporte
A contextual profile for the Olifants catchment in 2014 covers a broad spectrum of features in this report
Resilience: Questions of Language, Power and Agency
– Leigh Price
This technical report describes the discourses surrounding the use of the word “resilience”. It divides these discourses broadly into three groups: naturalistic discourses, anti-naturalistic discourses and discourse hybrids.
Data Report for RESILIM Olifants: A Case Study 2014 Methods & summary of key data
– Stephen Holness
This study examines the spatial patterns of poverty and local direct natural resource dependency for the South African portions of the Olifants Catchment. The study also collates basic census data on demographic characteristics for use in other components of the RESILIM project.
Overview of Community Based Natural Resource Management in Mozambique & Literature Review
– Alan Gardiner, South African Wildlife College
This report focuses on CNRM efforts in Mozambique and includes a comprehensive literature search.
Summary of Natural Resource Management Laws & Policies relevant to the Olifants Catchment
[South Africa & Mozambique]
– Clara Bocchino
A summary of natural resource management laws and policies relevant to the Olifants catchment in South Africa and Mozambique.
Summary of Natural Resource Management Laws & Policies relevant to the Olifants Catchment [South Africa & Mozambique]
– Clara Bocchino
A summary of legislation and policy provided in an easy access Excel format.
A consolidated vision for the Upper, Middle and Lower Olifants catchment Civil Society Organisations
– AWARD
This easy to access EXCEL worksheet provides a consolidated vision statement for civil society organisations of the Olifants catchment.
Supporting Learning: The Spiral Approach to Professional Support Initiatives
– Derick du Toit
This technical report introduces a reflexive learning approach to professional support initiatives for natural resource practitioners.
Municipal Support Initiative Impacts of Urbanisation on Catchments & Mitigation Measures Under Climate Change [Ba-Phalaborwa & Maruleng Local Municipalities]
– Sam Braid, Linda Rossouw & Derick du Toit
As land-use activities directly impact on the environment, the local government must consider these impacts, including water runoff, quantity and quality. The consequences of non- or poor management have impacts on our riverine systems and potential negative impacts on human settlements downstream.
The Role of Municipal Spatial Planning in Managing Water Quality Impacts [Ba-Phalaborwa & Maruleng Local Municipalities]
– Sam Braid, Linda Rossouw & Derick du Toit
Local governments are responsible for stormwater management and as such, they are responsible to ensure the quality of the stormwater reaching rivers or a water resource body does not pollute the resource. Here is an introduction.
Municipal Support Initiative: Guidelines for Spatial Planners in Stormwater Runoff Management
– Sam Braid, Linda Rossouw & Derick du Toit
These guidelines provide the basic principles for municipal stormwater management.
Municipal Support Initiative: Guidelines for Spatial Planners in Managing Riparian Zones under Climate Change [Ba-Phalaborwa & Maruleng Local Municipalities]
– Sam Braid, Linda Rossouw & Derick du Toit
These guidelines provide the basic principles for managing riparian zones for spatial planners.
Capacity Development for Water Conservation & Water Demand Management in Maruleng Municipality
– WA Wegelin & Derick du Toit
Maruleng local municipality has no WCWDM programmes while its water losses and non-revenue water are in excess of 40% and it is unlikely that water services can be sustained unless urgent WCWDM interventions are undertaken. Here is how the RESILIM project approached this challenge.
Capacity Development for Water Conservation & Water Demand Management in BaPhalaborwa Municipality
– WA Wegelin & Derick du Toit
BaPhalaborwa municipality has a non-revenue water profile in excess of 60% and it is unlikely that water services can be sustained unless urgent WCWDM interventions are undertaken. Here is how the RESILIM project approached this challenge.
Water Conservation & Water Demand Management in the Olifants Catchment – A Pilot Project
– WA Wegelin & Derick du Toit
In this technical report, we introduce a pilot study that was launched to understand water loss and its management within local municipalities in the Olifants catchment.
Overview of the Olifants catchment 2014
– Sharon Pollard & Ariane Laporte
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Olifants catchment with facts and figures from 2014.
Overview of Wastewater Treatment in South Africa
– Katy Hansen
Based on a literature review, this report explains key concepts and practices associated with wastewater treatment and outlines wastewater management and governance in South Africa.
Ecosystem Restoration DEA Natural Resource Management Programmes: A case study
This report profiles available information on the main NRMPs operating in the Olifants catchment. It includes processes and operations around planning/prioritization, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and feedback.
Enhancing Alien & Invasive Species Identification & Control – Resources & training opportunities
– Jan Graf & Fonda Lewis
We introduce some resources to assist in the identification of alien and invasive plant species.
Improving Transboundary Alien Invasive Species Management & Securing Gains – Supporting strategy for developing a post-handover agreement between DEA-NRMP & land owners
– Fonda Lewis, INR
This document explores opportunities and partnerships for the successful transfer of plantations to communities.
Overview of Forestry Management Legislation & Standards
– Jan Graf & Fonda Lewis
This document provides an overview of the South African Principles, Criteria, Indicators and Standards [PCI&S] for sustainable forest management, and of national legalisation relevant to sustainable forest management [SMF].
A Tool for Drafting Invasive Species Monitoring, Control & Eradication Plans – Enhancing the identification & control of alien & invasive species
– Fonda Lewis
The law requires the drafting of Invasive Species Monitoring, Control and Eradication Plans. Here we explain the requirements in simple terms.
Exploring Opportunities & Partnerships for Successful Transfer of the Lowveld Plantations
– Fonda Lewis
In this report we explore opportunities and partnerships for transfer of the Lowveld Plantations to communities.
Protected Areas in the Olifants Catchment
– Karen Kotschy with Brandon Anthony, Samantha Gerber & Kgomotso Thomas
This technical report provides an overview of the protected areas in the Olifants catchment.
Co-Management: Reconciling Land Restitution, Biodiversity Conservation & Poverty Alleviation in Olifants Catchment
– Karen Kotschy with Sarah Findlay & Chris Williams
In this case report, we look at how land restitution, poverty and biodiversity conservation might be reconciled through co-management agreements.
Governance & Co-Management in the Legalameetse Nature Reserve Development of a Collaborative Vision, Institutional Arrangements & Roles & Responsibilities
– Sharon Pollard & Thabang Mohale
This is a workshop report of the “Visioning & Governance for the Co-Management of Legalameetse Nature Reserve” on 4th – 7th November 2019.
Integrating Biodiversity & Environmental Issues into Municipal Landuse Planning in the Olifants Catchment
– Karen Kotschy & Derick du Toit
This report provides an overview of the assessment of how well municipalities in the Olifants are integrating biodiversity and environment into their planning instruments.
Review of Socio-Ecological Issues in Municipal Planning Instruments – Olifants Catchment Part 1: Evaluation methodology
– Deborah Vromans
A methodology for analysing municipal planning instruments for the inclusion of environmental and biodiversity issues is presented.
Review of Socio-Ecological Issues in Municipal Planning Instruments – Olifants Catchment
Full Report
– Deborah Vromans
A full report on the inclusion of environmental and biodiversity issues municipal planning instruments for the Olifants catchment.
Literature Search: Biodiversity and related issues in the Olifants Catchment
– Alan Gardiner
A partial overview of biodiversity-related literature for the Olifants catchment including South Africa and Mozambique.
Protected Areas in the Olifants catchment
– Karen Kotschy with Brandon Anthony, Samantha Gerber & Kgomotso Thomas
This technical report provides an overview of the protected areas in the Olifants Catchment in 2015.
Natural Resources & Land Use: Ga-Mametja village in Olifants catchment
– Shonisani Netshishivhe & Jan Graf
The report documents land use, natural resource use, and governance arrangements in the Ga-Mametja village with potential implications for environmental degradation and livelihoods of people.
Literature Review of Climate Resilience in the Mozambique Portion of the Limpopo/Olifants River Basin
– Verde Azul
This document presents an analysis of environmental and social issues arising in the literature related to the Limpopo River Basin in Mozambique.
Climate Change Adaptation Option Review Global, National & Olifants Catchment
– Taryn Kong, Ancois de Villiers, Kgomotso Thomas, Sharon Pollard, Coleen Vogel
A comprehensive review of climate change adaption options through a global, national and catchment lens.
Historical Trends & Climate Projections per Climate Region Olifants River Catchment
– Taryn Kong, Sharon Pollard & Ancois de Villiers with Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG)
Climate change projections per climate region of the Olifants catchment.
Historical Trends & Climate Projections Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, Olifants River Catchment
– Taryn Kong, Sharon Pollard & Ancois de Villiers with Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG)
Climate change projections for BaPhalaborwa Local Municipality, Mopani District.
Historical Trends & Climate Projections Maruleng Local Municipality, Olifants River Catchment
– Taryn Kong, Sharon Pollard & Ancois de Villiers with Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG)
Climate change projections for Maruleng Local Municipality, Mopani District.
Historical Trends & Climate Projections Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, Olifants River Catchment
– Taryn Kong, Sharon Pollard & Ancois de Villiers with Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG)
Climate change projections for Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, Mopani District.
Historical Trends & Climate Projections Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, Olifants River Catchment
– Taryn Kong, Sharon Pollard & Ancois de Villiers with Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG)
Climate change projections for Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, Mopani District.
Historical Trends & Climate Projections Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, Olifants River Catchment
– Taryn Kong, Sharon Pollard & Ancois de Villiers with Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG)
Climate change projections for Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, Mopani District.
Farmers’ stories of change, knowledge and practices for climate change adaptation in agroecology and permaculture
– John Nzira, Derick du Toit and Bigboy Mkhabela
Farmers share their stories of how they have experimented with agroecology and permaculture in preparation for climate change scenarios.
AgriSI Farmer Baseline Report Sekororo Turkey village
– Erna Kruger & Sylvester Selala
This study is a baseline report for the AgriSI Project in Sekororo.
Agriculture Support Initiative – Support to Farmers and Local Facilitators
– Crayton Zazu & Bigboy Mkhabela
A tour of farmers busy with agroecology practices is documented in the report.
Monitoring Progress – Farmer Field Visits (Agriculture Support Initiative)
– Crayton Zazu & Bigboy Mkhabela
A visit to farmers facing the challenges of implementing agroecological approaches.
Annual Report 2019
2018/2019 Financial Year
This annual report covers the seventh year of the RESILIM-O Program from October 2018 to September 2019. It is also the last full year of project-based activities before the programme starts close-out between Oct 2019 and March 2020.
Annual Report 2018
2017/2018 Financial Year
This annual report covers the sixth year of the RESILIM-O Programme from October 2017 to September 2018. This marks a period of significant progress in the implementation of some 25 projects related to water and natural resources management and climate change adaptation in the Olifants River Basin. It embraces a period of deepening work with and institutionalisation of our systemic, social learning…
Annual Report 2017
2016/2017 Financial Year
This annual report, from October 2016 to September 2017, covers the fifth year of the RESILIM-O Programme. This marks a period of significant progress in the implementation of some twenty projects related to water and natural resources management and climate change adaptation in the Olifants River Basin. It embraces a period of deepening work with and institutionalisation of our systemic…
Annual Report 2016
2015/2016 Financial Year
This annual report, from October 2015 to September 2016, marks the transition in our action-research to practice where, based on findings from Phase I, activities that focus on biodiversity and climate change adaptation in the Olifants Basin have started. Phase II is designed to take the outputs of Phase 1 into action through testing, reflexive learning and hence institutionalisation…
Annual Report 2015
2014/2015 Financial Year
This Report covers RESILIM-O’s Implementation Period from October 1st2014 to September 30th2015. It has been written to fulfil the requirements of the Cooperative Agreement between AWARD and USAID Southern Africa. The report provides an overview of project activities undertaken, quantitative and qualitative results, a measure of impact using baseline data and…
Annual Report 2014
2013/2014 Financial Year
This report has been structured for multiple readers and will evolve into an online publication. It includes activities from the last quarter (July to September 2014), in addition to a cumulative annual report from 2014.
Award RESILiM-O Progress Report Quarter 1
October to December 2018
This report covers the period October 2018 to December 2018, the final quarter of the 2018 calendar year and the first quarter of the USAID financial year. The Annual Report for the 2017/2018 financial year was submitted on 1st November. A major focus this quarter was a reflection on the past year and strategic planning for the year ahead, within project teams and also at the level of the whole program during…
Award RESILiM-O Progress Report Quarter 2
January to March 2019
This report covers the period from January to March 2019. The close-out period begins on 1 April 2019. A couple of unexpected events tested the resilience of the team this quarter-firstly the injury of our Assistant Director Derick du Toit in a robbery, from which he has fortunately recovered. Secondly, a “ransomware” attack affected our financial software, resulting in much time spent recapturing financial information from paper records…
Award RESILiM-O Progress Report Quarter 3
April to June 2019
This report covers the period from April to June 2019. With several projects completed and the rest nearing completion within the next six months, we have started to plan for program close-out. This has included a focus on finalising RESILIM-O communications products and planning for evaluative final reports for each project as well as a program-wide synthesis product. The focus of the May“RESILIM-O day” was on communications materials….
Award RESILiM-O Progress Report Quarter 1
October to December 2019
This is the last quarterly report for the RESILIM-O program and it covers the period October to December 2019. This final period of activity and future planning before close-out was a busy one, as can be seen in this report.