CBNRM and AIDS in Bushbuckridge, Northern Province, South Africa : an exploratory geographic analysis

Due to a lack of data on HIV sero-prevalence at levels of aggregation below that of the province, the objective of a combined spatial display and analysis of the two phenomena at a resolution meaningful to CBNRM could not be achieved. The report"s recommendations address the need to make local data on HIV/AIDS available for CBNRM planning and a parallel need to conduct research on households with members afflicted by HIV/AIDS about the way they are coping with needs to grow food, tend livestock, gather fuelwood and other products from commons, and related livelihood tasks. By contrast, the mapping of features relevant to CBNRM in Bushbuckridge is supported by digital base and thematic maps, disaggregated census data, and many location-specific reports about research or development initiatives. These and other data were assembled and manipulated using GIS and other database programs to produce the maps and charts that illustrate the report. GIS data and spatial analysis proved useful in at least two ways. Quantitative spatial analyses of population, resource availability, and resource demands for the municipality added value to existing research on natural resource potentials and demands. In particular, a very large gap could be measured between fuelwood use and availability. Secondly, the visual integration of various research and development sites should prove useful in coordinating agricultural, natural resource management, and other development efforts in the area.