Co-producing Knowledge on Ecosystem Services: A Multidimensional Participatory Mapping Study in the Kat River
Oghenekaro Nelson Odume1, Esther Ahuoiza Seriki2, Chenai Murata1,3
1Institute for Water Research (IWR), Rhodes University, Old Geology Building (Off Artillery Road), P.O Box 94, Makhanda (Grahamstown), 6140, South Africa.
Environmental Management
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Freshwater ecosystem services in peri-urban areas are declining due to land use and infrastructure issues. Participatory mapping revealed degraded water quality and availability, impacting local livelihoods and requiring improved management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- Peri-urban freshwater ecosystems face threats from land-use intensification, infrastructure deficits, and climate variability.
- These threats significantly impact environmental management and community well-being in river systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine ecosystem services in the Kat River Catchment using a participatory mapping approach.
- To assess service types, their perceived importance, and changes in availability and quality.
Main Methods:
- A multidimensional participatory mapping approach was employed.
- 54 stakeholders (communities, farmers, households) participated in workshops and interviews.
Main Results:
- Provisioning services (water, reeds, fish) were vital for livelihoods; cultural services were moderately important.
- Most ecosystem services, especially water quality and availability, have declined since 2000.
- Declines were attributed to climate variability, agricultural intensification, and poor wastewater/solid waste management.
Conclusions:
- Participatory approaches yield local evidence of ecosystem service degradation and identify governance gaps.
- Integrating local knowledge, improving wastewater treatment, and enhancing pollution control are crucial.
- These actions support sustainable ecosystem services and adaptive management in peri-urban river systems.
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