Juncus kraussii harvesting in Umlalazi Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: socio-economic aspects and sustainability

Abstract

Harvesting of the rush Juncus kraussii Hochst. for use as a fibre source in craftwork production was investigated within Umlalazi Nature Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The main objectives of the study were as follows: to determine the distribution and area of J. kraussii stands; to describe the characteristics of available J. kraussii culms; to carry out socio-economic assessments of harvesters' lifestyles; to evaluate the factors influencing harvesting and use of J. kraussii and possible alternatives; to estimate the direct income for the harvesters and, finally, to consider whether harvesting is sustainable and whether the current management practices are effective and appropriate. Juncus kraussii stands are managed by Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife (EKZNW). Ninety-seven percent of the rush harvesters were women, most were poorly educated and had limited employment. In total, twenty different items were made, more than has been recorded in previous literature, indicating a dynamism in craftwork that is poorly appreciated. All weavers produced sleeping and sitting mats, and 96% of them produced bridal sleeping mats. The latter are culturally important in Zulu households, no alternative wetland plant species being acceptable in their production. Juncus kraussii was traded, with 97% of the income generated being through the sale of craft products and 3% through raw materials sales. The majority of J. kraussii stands occur within Protected Areas and it is critical that harvester accessibility is maintained so that the cultural practices associated with the rush may continue. Analysis of harvest per unit effort suggests that J. kraussii is resilient to past harvesting levels. However, caution is required as the plant's restricted geographic distribution and moderate habitat specificity, as well as the high demand for culms in craftwork production, indicate that harvesting requires careful monitoring to ensure future supplies. The current biennial cutting regime should be maintained. However, the long-term impacts of annual cutting on above-ground and below-ground plant parts should be investigated to determine whether such a regime is sustainable.

Keywords: Crafts, management, rushes, sustainable harvesting, Zulu culture

African Journal of Aquatic Science 2008, 33(1): 27–36