Man and the Pongolo floodplain

Abstract

This report comprises a synthesis of contributions to a workshop on Man and the Pongolo held at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg in February 1978. Studies on the ecology of the Pongolo floodplain, encompassing its fauna, flora and human population, have stressed not only its unique nature, but also its essential role in the day-to-day existence of the people of western Maputaland. The building of the Pongolapoort Dam will permit the realisation of the agricultural potential of the alluvial soils of the area, but will, unless timely steps are taken, also deprive the floodplain of the water on which its continued existence depends. The value of the floodplain has not been taken into account in any planning to date. On the basis of existing knowledge preservation of the floodplain is not merely desirable, but necessary at least in the short and medium term. Recommendations for the rational conservation of the floodplain are made to assist in the future planning of the area