TITLE:
Understanding the Causes, Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of 2019 Veld Fires in the Kingdom of Eswatini
AUTHORS:
Sizwe Mabaso, Eric Seyama, Sipho Mamba, Sibusiso Ginindza, Nosizo Mthupha, Sylvia Kunene, Mncedisi Masuku, Ntabeni Msibi, Luke Lushaba, Fulatsa Zwane, Nhlanhla Nxumalo, Wisdom Dlamini, Mvezi Dlamini, Phephisa Sihlongonyane, Nomcebo Hleta, Musa Mabuza, Lindokuhle Thwala, Mpendulo Mpapane
KEYWORDS:
Biodiversity Loss, Fire Management, Veld Fire, Environment, Kingdom of Eswatini
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.10 No.9,
August
17,
2022
ABSTRACT: Veld
fires have become a frequent and devastating phenomenon in the predominantly savanna ecosystems of the Kingdom of
Eswatini. While fire damages have become more common and recurrent in recent
years, their causes and impacts in the country are less understood, with
extremely limited literature. This study aimed at filling up this existing
information gap by investigating the causes, socio-economic and environmental
impacts of veld fires, as well as highlighting the challenges and/or
limitations in fire management and control in
Eswatini. It used mixed methods approach to collect both primary and
secondary data. These included household questionnaires and face-to-face interviews
with key informants. The results showed that the major causes of fires are
mainly anthropogenic, and these include arson and conflicts, controlled
burning, ignorance of proper fire management practices, collision of electric
cables, and acts of negligence, among others. Major impacts of veld fires in
Eswatini were found to include disruption of rural (and urban) livelihoods, infrastructure
damage, social and psychological wellbeing of affected individuals, loss of
biodiversity and destruction of important environmental resources, to mention
but a few. The study concluded that fires contribute to biodiversity loss and
that fires continue to be a major treat to the country’s economy. Lack of fire
management resources is one contributing factor to the widespread fire damage
in the country, while quantifying the direct economic loss resulting from fire
remains a challenge due to lack of standardized fire damages data collection
and reporting tools. The study recommended a development of a standardized tool
for reporting fire damages, improvement of fire prevention and management, and
development of an early warning system (in addition to capacity assessment of
fire emergency operators) to improve fire management and to minimize
fire-related damages nationally.