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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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