International Mentoring of Advanced Graduates for INterdisciplinary Excellence (IMAGINE): Science that contributes to the well-being of communities in need

Background/Question/Methods

The International Mentoring of Advanced Graduates for INterdisciplinary Excellence (IMAGINE) Program is a unique research experience that is designed to mentor graduate students through the process of creating and implementing in-the-field socio-ecological systems research projects in rural South Africa. Our goal for the summer 2011 program was to develop a framework for establishing long-term socio-ecological systems research sites. Preliminary research began in two foundational sites, Hamakuya and Welverdiend, to be used for comparative analysis. Focusing on uncovering community assets in Hamakuya, and demographics and natural resource use relationships in Welverdiend, we expanded upon prior socio-ecological systems related research in both areas. Using asset mapping, small and large group interviews, and door-to-door surveys, we conducted formative research to provide future IMAGINE Program participants with baseline information about community assets, as well as insights into the social complexities driving current—and potentially future—community interactions with the natural environment. 

Results/Conclusions

The arid savannah climate and vegetation structure suggests that very little rain falls in the region, making the recharging of aquifers a naturally slow process. As populations grow, so does the need for viable drinking water sources. The lack of infrastructure, including running water, paved roads, and electricity, further compounds this issue and villagers are forced to rely on constantly malfunctioning and/or dry boreholes for their daily water needs. It is commonplace for villagers to line up at community-shared water taps for up to 6 hours to collect a single 25-liter jug. In Hamakuya, water was overwhelmingly designated as the community’s primary asset, while simultaneously serving as their primary challenge. This highlights water as a complex socio-ecological issue. More than rainfall and recharge, it’s the amount of time people are forced to spend collecting their daily resource needs and the tradeoffs that they are forced to make as a result. Uncovering and interpreting these needs and contradictions is paramount to understanding the big picture socio-ecological systems in the region. In light of these findings, and at the request of the study communities, future IMAGINE Program research will focus on water resources.