Understanding the Causes, Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of 2019 Veld Fires in the Kingdom of Eswatini

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

Socio-Psychological, Economic and Environmental Effects of Forest Fires

“…These tiny particles are created when organic compounds partially decompose [49]. These air pollutants are hazardous and destructive not just at the forest fire's origin and in the immediate area, but they may also travel further and to higher elevations thanks to the air currents the fire creates [14,20].…”

“…Forests encompass 31% of the world's surface, yet on a typical basis, 36% of the total forest acreage endures forest fires. In 2015, fire destroyed around 98 million acres of forest, mostly in tropical areas [14].…”