Soil erosion on unpaved roads in rural Mpumalanga: causality, management and public perception

Abstract

Unpaved rural roads in Kameelrivier A, Mpumalanga, face serious soil erosion problems that are getting worse due to changing weather and land use. Although this issue has been studied worldwide, few local studies have examined what causes erosion and how it affects communities. To find out how much soil is being lost, why it is happening, and what the locals thought about the issue, this research measured soil loss on six unpaved roads, surveyed 30 households, and interviewed community leaders.

The study found that a total of 2,385 cubic meters of soil were lost on the six roads due to erosion, which was primarily caused by rill formation. The main unpaved road had the longest rills, averaging 19.45 meters in length, which hindered stormwater systems and resulted in flooding. The secondary road lost the most soil (1,305 cubic meters) due to its widest (23.7 cm) and deepest (13.1 cm) rills. The main causes of erosion were heavy rainfall, sandy soils, high traffic, and poor drainage. Roads with sandy soils and more traffic lost about two to three times as much soil as other roads. The issue was exacerbated by the absence of government initiatives or support to control soil erosion. Community efforts like using sandbags, filling rills, and planting vegetation were not very effective because of poor design and irregular maintenance. These methods only provided short-term relief, and without government support, the problem continued to grow.

Although most residents were aware of soil erosion, only a small proportion (3.3%) understood rill and gully erosion, and 80% had no confidence in soil and water conservation (SWC) techniques. The lack of funds, labour shortages (especially in female-headed households), and no support from local authorities limited their ability to control erosion. Changes in how land is used, like building roads and cutting down trees, made erosion worse. These changes also caused more sediment to end up in nearby rivers and dams, such as the Elands River and Renosterkop Dam. Similar problems occurred in countries like Ghana and Ethiopia, where human activities, the type of soil, and weather play big roles in causing erosion.

This study highlights the need for integrated solutions that incorporate both traditional and modern techniques, such as improved drainage systems, geotextiles, slope and soil stabilisation, and participatory governance. Future research should test low-cost soil stabilisation methods, monitor erosion rates over several years, and look at funding models that integrate community efforts with public resources. By addressing the gaps in institutional support and technical knowledge, the findings from this study could inform the development of a model for similar vulnerable communities to address global soil erosion challenges. By identifying knowledge gaps and government support, this study lays the groundwork for future research to develop a global plan to address soil erosion issues in at-risk areas, with a focus on improving road conditions, reducing soil erosion, and strengthening support for rural livelihoods. This will provide residents of Kameelrivier A with actionable suggestions to enhance road conditions, minimize soil erosion, and assist rural communities.