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Effectiveness of botanical gardens in influencing

visitors’ ecological knowledge: A case study of

the Pietermaritzburg (PMB) Botanic Gardens –

Mpumelele Faith Gumede

W

idely published studies have mostly focused on the effectiveness of

botanical gardens as tourist destinations. Such studies have neglected

to assess their effectiveness in imparting knowledge and awareness

of sustainability, nature conservation and biodiversity to visitors. This study

assessed the role and value of botanical gardens’ environmental education

in improving knowledge, changing attitudes and promoting good behaviour

towards the environment. Public perceptions towards the role and value of

botanical gardens were evaluated. The environmental education strategies used

were also evaluated in terms of their effectiveness and the value they provide.

The study resulted in the development of an environmental education model

that will be instrumental in enhancing botanical gardens’ ability to offer good

quality environmental education. This research has provided practical solutions

and recommendations for new strategies and technologies that can be used

to increase ecological understanding and change people’s perception of the

importance of botanical gardens.

The impact of vermicompost on growth

and nutrient constituents of tomato,

Solanum lycopersicum

(L.) H. Karst –

Olusoji David Alabi

T

he researcher is an agricultural conservationist and this project

was born out of a desire to reduce the use of inorganic fertiliser

and the excessive accumulation of nitrate in the soil, which has

been traced as the cause of some chronic diseases in the community.

The aim of the study was also to investigate how agricultural waste

can be minimised and soil degradation addressed. This was achieved

through feeding agricultural waste to earthworms. The leachate

obtained from this process was introduced into growing tomatoes at

different concentrations. At the end of the project, vermicompost was

found to be a reliable organic fertiliser provided all conditions are met

during production. Ecosystem management is required to support the

growing global population and the researcher looks forward to doing

more research in this area.

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M U T A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E