Mr Kays Project - Final

8/9/2019 Mr Kays Project - Final

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CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter will introduce the background of study, statement of the problem,

objectives, research questions, assumptions, delimitations, limitations and the

importance of the study.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

According to Mushongahande (2007), the timber industry is an oligopoly dominated

by five players which are; the Wattle Company Limited, Mutare Board and Paper

Mills, Allied Timbers, Boarder Timbers Limited and Forest Company of Zimbabwe.

These companies have been experiencing a decline in production since 2005 due to

some damages on their plantations. Mushongahande added that, the Wattle Company

Limited is the third largest producer of pine-sawn timber in Zimbabwe. It produces

approximately twenty percent of Zimbabwe's total annual timber output. Pine

plantations of the Wattle Company, are located at Nyanga, Chimanimani, Vumba,

Silverstream, Chipinge and Dunsinane Estates. Logs from these plantations are

supplied to the Nyanga estates to be processed.

Mushongahande pointed out that, of the thirty nine million hectares of Zimbabwe,

one hundred and eight thousand two hundred and fourteen (3%) of the total area is

under commercial plantations which are mainly found in the eastern highlands. The

distribution of commercial tree species, is as follows: pines occupies seventy one

thousand seven hundred and seventy one hectares (66.32%), eucalyptus occupies

twenty six thousand two hundred and seventy four hectares (24.28%), wattle have

ten thousand and nine (9.25%) and other has one hundred and sixty hectares (0.15%).

According to Mahonye and Makate (2009), timber production declined from a peak

of 400000m3 to less than 350000m3 due to: influx of illegal settlers in Chimanimani

plantations who are building houses in plantations, power outages and collapse of

CHAPANDA KUDAKWASHE GRACIOUS R0645087 DISSERTATION 2010

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cluster industries, prevented foresters from accessing plantations to replant or carry

out other forestry operations, and fire outbreaks. Muchinguri (2009), also added that

timber exports during the 2008/09 season declined by 15.2%, against a backdrop of

mounting challenges in the sector. Mabugu (2009), stated that timber declined from

400000m3 in 2006 to 360000m3 in 2009.

Mahonye and Makate recorded a 12.5% decrease, Muchinguri 15%, and Mabugu

recorded a decrease of 10%. From these statistics we can come up with an average

of 12.5% decrease in timber output in the year 2009. Timber output is affected by

damages from people and animals. Nicolas and Beebe (1999), explained that once a

plantation has been established it will be necessary to protect it against weather, fire,

pests and animals. This calls for the implementation of security systems to protect

the plantations.

The Wattle Company has its security systems to protect its plantations from danger

but however the systems are not operating effectively. The Wattle Company in trying

to improve the efficiency of its security systems, bought new firefighting vehicles

and bulldozers. But all these efforts did not yield good results, instead they increased

the operational costs of the company and further increased the company’s losses.

This resulted in the company retrenching some of its workers in 2008. Retrenchment

reduced the company’s costs to some extend but it did not increase timber output.

As stated by Nicolas and Beebe (1999), timber output can only be improved by

improving the operations of security systems. The security systems need to be

effectively managed so as to reduce the loss of timber from plantations. However

managers are facing many challenges in the process of managing these security

systems. Such challenges create some loopholes in the security systems making them

less effective. These challenges include economic, political, environmental, social

and legal challenges.


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• Social challenges - Social challenges include land conflicts with the community,

activities of the community members and damages by domestic animals.

According to Nicolas and Beebe (1999), many plantation fires arise from disputes

over land ownership. They also added that burning by farmers in preparation of

land for farming usually results in wild fires. Hirst (2007) also added that hunting

activities may damage plantations.

• Economic challenges – Due to economic hardships many households have

become relatively poor. Because of poverty people are doing whatever it takes to

live and this is the reason why some of the individuals have turned to timber

poaching. Some people who are desperately looking for employment deliberately

burn plantations to create employment in the fire suppression and subsequent

replanting.

• Environmental challenges - The unpredictable weather and climatic conditions

impose a great threat on the plantations. The location and terrain of the

plantations make it difficult to protect them from fire, animals and poachers.

• Political challenges - In many cases political violence poses great threat on the

security of the plantation. Political activists sometimes burn plantations for

political reasons. Replanting is also disturbed on situations where workers are

forced not to go for work so as to attend to some political meetings.

• Legal challenges - Changes in rules and regulations have a negative impact on

the timber production. The policies that are meant to protect plantations are doing

very little if any to protect them from damages.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Companies in the timber industry have been facing low production output since year

2006. The Wattle Company bought new machinery, divisionalised its operations and

trained its employees with the hope to increase output but to no avail. There seem to

be some challenges in the management of plantation security systems and the

researcher seeks to evaluate these challenges


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1.3 OBJECTIVES

• To identify challenges faced on managing plantation security systems of a

timber producing company.

• To come up with strategies to overcome the challenges.

• To investigate how a plantation security system operates.

• To identify major threats on plantations.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• What are the challenges faced in managing plantation security systems?

• What can be done to overcome the challenges?

• How does the plantation security system operates?

• What are the major threats on plantation security?

1.5 IMPORTANCE OF STUDY

This research is important as it seeks to give knowledge and crucial ideas to different

users which are the researcher, Midlands State University and the forest companies.

The researcher

• This research was conducted in partial fulfillment of the Bachelor of Commerce

Degree in Business Management.

• The researcher gained knowledge and important ideas in the field of study.

• The research assisted the researcher in sharpening and improving his skills and

abilities in research and all other academic fields.

Midlands State University

• The research will form part of the literature and research material for the

University library to be used by other students and academics. This research also

lays a platform for debate and further research in the area of study.


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Timber producing companies

• The research will form a basis on how security systems can be effectively

managed to improve output in the timber industry.

• The companies will be able to identify the challenges in their security systems and

come up with strategies to overcome those challenges.

• Forestry companies will be able to identify major threats in their plantations and

deal with them to increase production.

• By knowing how the plantation security system is supposed to work, the

companies will be able to identify loopholes in their systems.

1.6 ASSUMPTIONS

• The Wattle Company Limited used as a case study is assumed to be a fair

representation of the forestry industry.

• The information collected is adequate to make the research credible.

• The respondents interviewed are assumed to be cooperative.

1.7 DELIMITATIONS

• The research focuses on the Wattle Company Limited of Zimbabwe.

• The research is limited to the study of security systems of the Wattle

Company.

• The research will cover a period between 2005 and 2010.

• The respondents are the managers and employees in the security

department.

1.8 LIMITATIONS

• The research focused only on one forestry company as the researcher had

limited time to take into account all players.

1.9 CHAPTER SUMMARY


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In this chapter the researcher gave the background of study, statement of the

problem, objectives, research questions, importance of study, assumptions,

delimitations and limitations. The following chapter will highlight the relevant

literature used to carry out this research.

CHAPTER TWO

Literature Review

2.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter gives an overview of the plantation security system, the challenges

faced on managing the security systems, strategies to overcome the challenges and

the major threats on plantations.

2.1 DEFINING TIMBER

Pine timber comes from pine trees. According to Nicolas and Beebe (1999), pine

trees take twenty years to mature and become ready for harvest. Pine trees are

planted every year so that there will be a continuous harvest and a continuous supply

of timber in the future. Failure to replant in one year will mean that there will be a

year in the future when the company will not harvest anything. Replanting each year

is done after some projections of future demand of timber in twenty years to come.

According to Lara (1993), timber can be categorized as processed or unprocessed

timber that is sawn timber or logs. Processed timber output quantity is determined

by two factors:

• The effectiveness of the processing system (the sawmilling) that is, how efficient

is the machinery and the production personnel. If there are some problems in the

processing system then that means there will be more wastes and as a result the

sawn timber output will be low.

• The output of sawn timber is also determined by the quantity of logs from the

plantations. Fewer logs brought to the sawmill means the processed timber

quantity will be low as well.


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Unprocessed timber are the logs direct from the plantations before they are

processed (Evans 1992). The output of raw timber is directly affected by:

• The security systems that are put in place to protect the plantations from damages.

Nicolas and Beebe (1999), explained that, the more effective the system is, the

less the plantations are likely to face the unnecessary damages and the higher the

output.

• Another factor that affect the output of raw timber is the size of pine plantations

harvested on a specific year. If the area is small that means the output will be low

as well.

2.2 PLANTATION SECURITY SYSTEM

“A forest of any kind; commercial, amenity or village woodlot, is a considerable

investment and an accumulating asset of raw material. Its protection is very

important. But the nature of a plantation, its uniformity in age and species often

along with the kind of site it occupies, renders it more susceptible to some forms of

damage, notably fire and climatic hazards. Nevertheless, successful plantation

forestry is only possible provided there is adequate protection,” (Evans 1992:267).

Damage is unpredictable, irregular, not always easily detected at first and varied inseverity, all of which often lead to its importance being under-estimated.

Security is a condition that results from the establishment and maintenance of

protective measures that ensure a state of inviolability from hostile acts or influence,

(O’Brien 2005).

A System is a group of interrelated components working together toward a common

goal by accepting inputs and producing outputs in an organised transformation

process (O’Brien 2005). According to Schulthers and Summer, (1999), a system is

an integrated set of components or entities, that interact to achieve particular function

or goal. A system has characteristics such as inputs, outputs and methods of

converting inputs into outputs.


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• Inputs – involve capturing and assembling elements that enter the system to be

processed. For example; raw material, energy, data and human effort must be

secured and organised for processing.

• Processing – involve transformation processes that convert input into output

• Output – involve transferring elements that have been produced by a

transformation process to their destination. For example, finished goods.

Security system is a device or multiple devices designed, installed and operated to

monitor, detect and communicate about activity that may pose a security threat in a

location or locations, on a vessel or facility (Schulthers and Summer 1999). Gordon

(2007), refers security system to policies and procedures that reduce the likelihood of

a security breach and increases the likelihood of detecting security breaches that

occur. Therefore a security system is a system meant for protection.

As noted by Nicolas and Beebe (1999), a plantation security system is a group of

interrelated protective measures that are designed to detect, communicate and

monitor any activity that may damage plantations. The system has inputs,

transformation process and outputs as outlined on table 2.2.

Table 2.2 Plantation security system

Inputs Transformation process Outputs

Employees

Machinery and equipment

Neighbouring companies

The community

Observations

Communication

Physical protection

Firefighting, chasing

An effective security

system that reduces

losses of timber from

plantations.

Source Nicolas and Beebe (1999)

2.2.1 Inputs.

According to Nicolas and Beebe (1999), the inputs of the plantation security

system consist of; employees, the community, neighbouring companies, equipment

and machinery.


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• Employees - The security department should have enough employees who are

well trained and experienced in the field, (Nicolas and Beebe 1999). These

employees may consist of; foresters, fire fighters and guards. Foresters are

responsible for patrolling throughout the plantations during the day for early

detections of danger. Firefighters are those individuals who are trained to deal

with any kind of fire. Young plantations are usually guarded by some individuals

who will be chasing away animals from the plantation.

• The community - The community refers to those people who are close to the

plantations or those who benefit from the plantation resources. Nicolas and Beebe

(1999), suggested that, it is a major step forward if the forest companies integrate

key communities into the protection management of their plantations. Key

communities are those with access to the area to hunt and collect forestry produce,

or simply because they are close to the plantations boundaries.

• Neighbouring companies - Most fires start from outside and enter plantations as

wildfires. It is essential, if security management is to be successful, that

neighbouring companies cooperate and coordinate to protect their areas. The

companies as suggested by Raymond (1999), need to discuss; communications tocoordinate protection operations, early warning and danger issues, plans for

patrolling along the borders of the plantations, approaches to and cooperation with

local communities, training and awareness campaigns; sharing of equipment and

personnel.

• Equipment and machinery - Lara (1993) noted that, the company should buy

the necessary equipment and machinery to be used in the protection program.

Firefighting vehicles, motor bikes, bulldozers, surveillance cameras, two way

radios, chainsaws and rakes are very important in the system. The available

equipment must be operated by people who know how to use it.

2.2.2 Transformation Process.


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All the inputs are put together and transformed into a security system that is

effective enough to reduce the plantation losses. The transformation process have

functions that include observations, communication, protection firefighting and

chasing.

• Observations - The functions of the process as stated by Nicolas and Beebe start

by observations which are meant to detect threats on plantation security. Rapid

detection and quick movement of the security teams to the scene will reduce

damage. For large plantations, detection is usually by watchers posted at times of

high danger in lookout towers. Where there are no towers observers can be posted

at good vantage points with views over the plantation.

• Communication - Communication is the second function of the system. If there

is any threat detected, it should be communicated immediately to everyone

involved in the security system. Communication can be done through two way

radios, sirens, bells or phones. Rapid detection is the first step, the alarm must be

raised and information about a threat, its location and possible size, relayed to the

security department, (Lara 1993). Rapid detection of fire and raising the alarm are

first two essentials of good communication, the third is enabling the firefightingteams to reach the scene quickly. Thus a plantation requires at least a rudimentary

system of roads and tracks passable by vehicles.

• Physical protection - The third function is physical protection. According to

Abberger (2009), as the managers anticipate damage at any time, they are forced

to put some protective measures to reduce the effects of the unpredictable

damages. Protecting a plantation in anticipation of danger is only meant to reduce

the effects that may be caused by any threat but does not completely get rid of the

threat. For example firebreaks may only prevent an outside fire but is of no value

to the internally started fires. Firebreaks, fuelbreaks, security fence, guards and

repellents can be used as protection measures.


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• Firefighting, chasing away and arresting - When a threat is detected and all the

people are informed, the necessary action should be taken. If it is the fire

outbreak, people should fight the fire; wild animals must be chased away from

plantation and thieves arrested.

2.2.3 Output

The output of the system is a perfect security system that reduce loss of timber

from plantations. If the security system is perfect, the result will be that at the end

of the period the company will harvest the same amount of trees as it planted.

Inputs will be equal to outputs. This however is not applicable in real life

situations. No matter how effective the system is there will be some losses at the

end of the period.

2.3 MAJOR THREATS ON PLANTATIONS

According to Bryant (2004), low timber production in Indonesia in 2004 was a result

of damages caused by fire, animals and illegal logging. Nicolas and Beebe, (1999),

explained that once a plantation has been established it will be necessary to protect it

against fire, animals and thieves. The above authors consider fire, theft and animalsas the major threats on plantations hence plantations managers are required to take

considerable measures to protect their plantations from the damage caused by these

threats.

2.3.1 Fire

Abberger (2009), cited that fire is often the most important danger facing

Indonesian plantations in the Sumatra and the Kalimantan provinces. He pointed

out that the greatest danger of fire is when the plantation is young before the

canopy have closed and suppressed the ground vegetation, though in dry conditions

with strong winds, mature plantations can also be destroyed. Many plantations

suffer from fire damages every year in the dry season though how much is burnt

can vary enormously. Damage by fire impose a serious threat to plantations.


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According to Lara (1993), though some forest fires are caused by lightning, the sad

fact is that most are caused by people, both accidentally and deliberately. Plantation

fires can start from fire spreading from farmland on the perimeter, from activities

of hunters or from burning by herdsman to improve livestock grazing.

Fire danger is most high when the plantation is young and in the dry season as

mentioned by the above authors, meaning that, the security managers should

implement tight security strategies during this period of time when the risk is very

high. It can also be noted that, fire can originate either from natural causes such

lighting or from human activities such as farming, hunting, transportation and

children play. Human causes can either be deliberate or by mistake.

2.3.2 Animals

Animal damages can be in form of wild animals (baboons, deer, rabbits, hare) or

domestic animals (horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, cattle).

• Wild animals. Evans (1992), pointed out that, there are three orders of wild

animals responsible for damage; rodents (rats, mice, moles and squirrels);lagomorphs (hares and rabbits); and artiodactyls (deer, antelopes, pigs and

buffaloes). Artiodactyls – Deer feed on new growth during the growing season

and nip branches and terminal shoots during the winter. Deer browsing is

characterised by torn or irregular cuts on twigs and can kill conifers. Young trees

are favoured by bucks for rubbing. Rodents – Moles can cause problems when

they tunnel near young trees. Mole tunnels create air pockets that can dry out and

stress the root system of young trees. Lagomorphs – Rabbits can chew off the

stems of newly planted trees, seedlings and sometimes they will scrape off and eat

substantial patches of bark, (Bowen 2008).

• Domestic animals. “Grazing domestic animals has and continues to be a most

destructive agent of forest, both natural and plantations. Because cattle, sheep,


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goats and camels, eat tree foliage, they must be excluded from a plantation while

it is young”, (Evans 1992:152). Inevitably, this means that, a young plantation

often has dense ground vegetation growing between the trees, which further

increases the attractiveness for grazing. Cattle, sheep and horses tend to

congregate beneath certain trees for shade and to rest, a behavior that causes both

direct and indirect injuries to trees.

Both wild and domestic wild animals have some effects on the timber production.

As mentioned by the authors above they affect both quality and quantity of timber

to be harvested. Domestic animals like goats, cattle and sheep eat the tree foliage of

young plantations.

2.3.3 Timber poaching.

In 2004 more than one million cubic meters of timber (about 95%) of Burma’s

total timber exports to China were illegally logged and illegally exported from

northern Burma to Yunnan province. This trade amounted to $250 million loss for

Burmese people every year (Buckrell 2005).

Abberger (2009) noted that, in areas where there are shortages of firewood for

cooking and heating, stealing from a nearby plantation is almost inevitable.

Sometimes villagers cut trees for the construction of houses, kraals and fencing.

Zaikowski (2007), stated that, resettled farmers in Zimbabwe are illegally cutting

down timber from plantations in the process of clearing land for farming. People

poach timber to make money; to construct their houses, kraals and fencing.

2.4 CHALLENGES ON MANAGING SECURITY SYSTEMS

Nicolas and Beebe (1999) suggested that, once the security system is designed, it

needs to be effectively managed so as to reduce external damages. However

managers are facing many challenges in the process of managing these security


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systems. These challenges include economic, political, physical environmental,

social and legal challenges.

2.4.1 Physical environmental challenges

The physical environment seem to be a continuous challenge faced by the

management in their protection programme. Physical environment include weather,

climate, terrain and geographical location.

• Unpredictable weather

According to Abberger (2009), the occurrence of damaging weather phenomena

is usually unpredictable. In 1973, a hailstorm killed several hundred hectares of

twenty year old plantations in northern Swaziland. In 1985 cyclone Nigel, during

a six hour period, irreparably damaged one third of all Cordia Alliodora trees in

450 hectares of plantations in Vanuatu. In 1988 hurricane Gilbert destroyed a

quota of all Jamaica’s pine plantations.

Gonda (2008) explained that, Zimbabwe’s timber industry is under threat amid

projections that the country could face shortages in the next fifteen years as a

result of the tropical cyclones of 2000 and 2002. High cyclone induced rainfallcaused severe destruction of forests, particularly in the eastern highlands.

Little can be done to protect timber plantations against the damage caused by

weather, except to grow tree species known to be resistant to the detrimental

effects of local weather patterns, or locating the stands of trees in sheltered areas.

•Climatic changes.

As noted by Matarira and Mwamuka (1996), across Zimbabwe, 17% to 18% of

the total land area is projected to shift from subtropical thorn woodland and

subtropical dry forest to tropical very dry forest. The projected shift in forest

distribution is attributable to a future decline in precipitation patterns and an

increase in ambient temperatures.


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According to Evans (1992), some climatic damage if serious and destructive not

only directly influences the growth of trees but, because of its social

consequences, can affect forest growth and tree planting activities. Drought will

reduce growth and even kill trees and if prolonged, other destructive influences on

plantations begin to take place. Such effects were seen in the Sahel drought of

1970-76, 1983-86 and again 1990-91. Though herds of domestic animals declined

and many people became refugees and dependent on famine relief for food, the

shortage of grass led to acute overgrazing and many trees were cut to provide

material for cattle stockages, hut construction, fodder and fuel wood.

•Geographical location.

The Papua province of Indonesia was the major target of timber poachers in 2005

because of its location (Butler 2005). The plantations are located at the island of

New Guinea and there is easy access of poachers through the waters of Indonesia.

This resulted in the plantations losing around 300000m3 every month through

timber poachers.

According to Hammond (2006), most of the timber plantations in Zimbabwe arelocated in the eastern highlands. Plantations are at the exit points to Mozambique

and as a result border jumpers going to Mozambique pass through them. Cooking

fires and smoking stubs left by these people sometimes result in wild fires. Being

at exit points plantations in the eastern district of Zimbabwe are experiencing

heavy destructions from fires by careless border jumpers.

90% of the timber plantations in Indonesia are in rural remote areas where there

are no telephone facilities, electricity nor good roads. This make communication

very difficult. Communication is very important for the security of plantations.

According to Lara (1993), if any threat is detected on the plantation it should be

communicated quickly. Without good roads the movement of vehicles is very


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slow, however the security team is advised to reach the scene of danger very

quickly.

•Terrain.

Abberger (2009) highlighted that plantations in the Kalimantan region faced

damages from fires which originated from El Nino in 1998. Because of the slopes

in this area the fires were very difficult to control. Hirst (2007), explained that,

fire spreads far more quickly uphill than along flatland or downhill. For every

increase in slope a fire will double its rate of speed traveling upslope. Northerly

aspects receive the sun’s greatest intensity and therefore fuels on these slopes are

likely to be drier and more combustible than those on south or east-facing slopes.

In addition the north west aspect is likely to experience the hottest and driest

winds of summer, drying fuels out even further.

Slope greatly influence speed of fire spread. Fuel breaks planted on hillsides are

much more quickly burned through than those on the flat ground. Fuel breaks,

100meters wide can be burned across in half an hour under dry and windy

conditions. This short time underscores the need for: frequent patrols when fire

danger is high, a dependable communication system, and initial attack crews andequipment to be ready to respond when a patrol spots fire approaching a fuel

break.

•Limited sources of water

Bowen (2008) pointed that, water problems within the plantation contributed to

the damages of timber plantations caused by fire in the Sumatra and Kalimantan

regions in Indonesia. Water has a high capacity to absorb heat and is therefore a

very efficient agent to extinguish forest fires. Ready supplies from rivers, lakes or

dams are needed to fill tanks and sources for pumps. Quantity and the

accessibility are points to consider. The installation of man made sources and

access are a part of fire management planning where natural sources of water

within a plantation are limited.


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In the south Sumatra coastal swamps, holes (2 x 2 x 2 meters) are dug before the

dry season to help ensure a water supply in drought years. The Sribunian

Company has installed eight water tanks of 10000litres along the light railway,

(Bowen 2008). Dams and fixed water tanks were also constructed in Sumatra .

Mushongahande (2007), also stated that natural sources of water are very limited

within the Zimbabwean plantations in the eastern highlands. Because of the slopes

in the eastern highlands, water from the rains usually run downhill to the rivers.

The sources of water for fire suppression are therefore limited to rivers and dams.

2.4.2 Social challenges.

The neighbouring communities are a threat to pine plantations. There are always

some conflicts between the community and the forestry companies. Key

communities are those with access to the area to hunt and collect forestry produce,

or simply because they are close to the plantation boundaries (Evans 1992 ).

•Land conflicts.

As noted by Maunati (2005), rapid changes in production patterns fromagriculture and livestock rearing to forestry, causing displacement of the

traditional peasants in Indonesia, left many people with a feeling of rejection

towards forestry plantations. Land ownership concentrated into major timber

product companies who did not allow neighbouring communities access to their

estates, or only a number of these provided this type of benefit. Thus recreational,

fishing and hunting areas are lost, as well as grazing land, the possibility of fuel

removal and the use of other forest products.

There are conflicts with rural communities over water supply, due to the fact that

the plantations demand more water as a result of their rapid growth. This causes a

drop in the flow of springs and streams. Raymond (1999) added that, many fires


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arise from disputes over land ownership when arson is seen by the villagers as a

ready revenge for land unfairly taken by the plantation owners.

In an attempt to reduce the conflicts on land many companies have engaged in

participatory land use planning followed by participatory boundary mapping.

Abberger (2009) recognised that, if this is to work, the companies must

demonstrate goodwill and be prepared to concede more land than they would

readily wish. But their alternative may be uncontrolled fires in every dry season.

In addition the companies should allow access of villagers to plantations for

hunting, fishing and collection of firewood, this will create a good relationship

between the companies and the villagers.

The villagers from the Nyaruwa and Chinyai clans in Chimanimani, as stated by

Sifile (2008), resettled themselves on the timber plantation of Border Timbers

Limited (BTL) at the height of the land invasions, arguing that the plantation was

situated on land that used to belong to their ancestors. Repeated attempts

including a high court order- to have the estimated five hundred families evicted

have been in vain.

•Activities by the community

The activities by the community in their daily life pose dangers to the plantations.

It is true that most of the human causes of fire is deliberate, but in some cases fire

results from mistakes and carelessness. Plantation fires can start from activities of

hunters or from burning by herdsman to improve livestock grazing.

To reduce damage by community activities in the Sumatra and Kalimantan

regions, they encouraged the community to participate in fire prevention. This

involve the employment of local villagers as prevention aides. Local communities

are compensated to prevent fires as well as paid to form volunteer fire crews.

Arisman (2007), suggested that, it is a major step forward if the concessions and

plantations integrate key communities into the protection management of forests.


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•Domestic animals

The grazing domestic animals from the villages has been the most destructive

agent of forests both natural and plantations. Abberger (2009), pointed out that a

young plantation often has dense ground vegetation growing between the trees

which further increases the attractiveness for grazing. In Kalimantan in 1999,

grazers prevented foresters from replanting in areas they used to pasture their

animals. In some areas, grazing by goats is a traditional land use. Extensive

enclosures of plantations can impose drastic changes in the habits of the rural

communities affected.

According to Nicolas and Beebe (1999), before planting, land acquired for

afforestation may be casually grazed. This is of no direct concern to a forester and

may even be encouraged to keep down rank vegetation, but when planting begins,

the curtailment of this right may be deeply resented by grazers used to pasturing

their animals on the land. The community will let their animals into the

plantations to graze and sometimes they cut the tree branches for fodder.

In Sahel countries both fencing and shepherding (employing watchmen) are

essential for establishment of plantations. In Ethiopia a low boundary wall is

erected to demarcate the plantation and shepherds are posted at intervals to keep

out livestock. With plantations in Nigerian savanna four measures are needed to

combat damage from man and animals – fencing, mass propaganda, complete

cultivation (clean weeding so there is no grass for grazing) and watchmen

(Arisman 2007).

2.4.3 Economic challenges.


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The hyper inflationary period and high levels of unemployment in Zimbabwe are

still haunting the companies in timber business thereby affecting their security

systems.

•High level of inflation.

According to Gumede (2009), the hyper inflation in the recent years resulted in

many experienced workers leaving their employment in search for greener

pastures. Companies in Chimanimani and Nyanga have been hit by a critical

flight of workers who abandoned their chainsaws for gold panning in nearby

Mozambique. Currently the companies are facing a shortage of skilled personnel

such as telelogger operators.

Inflationary period in the recent years is still affecting the Wattle Company

Limited. During the period many of its experienced workers left to seek for

greener pastures in countries like South Africa and Botswana. Among these

individuals, were some professionals from the security department and because of

this, the company is facing a shortage of experienced personnel in the security

department.

•High level of unemployment.

The peasants in Papua province of Indonesia turned to timber poaching because

they had failed to get any form of formal employment. They turned to illegal

logging since there was a ready market in Jakarta, Singapore and Hong Kong. The

dealers demanded large supplies of timber as they bought it from the villagers at

very cheap prices of $10/m3 which they sold at $270/m3 making huge amounts of

profits. Ready market and quick cash attracted the people to illegal logging.

Hammond (2006) stated that, the increasing levels of unemployment and poverty

in Zimbabwe have led many households to turn to timber poaching for survival.

Zimbabwe has a 60% unemployment rate. Many people in the nearby


Page 20



communities turn to plantation burning as a way to create employment for

themselves in the fire suppression and subsequent replanting.

2.4.4 Political challenges.

Political challenges also have great impact on the plantation security. Because of

political reasons people turn to plantation burning, timber poaching and other

activities that make plantations prone to damages.

•Political violence.

According to Abberger (2009) political instability has resulted in an acute

shortage of trained forestry practitioners in Indonesia. In many areas forestry

management has been suspended and illegal loggers have at times devastated

forest resources. Post-conflict periods do not necessarily lead to more sustainable

systems. There may, for example, be an increased demand for wood during post-

conflict reconstruction which can worsen the situation.

Zaikowski (2008) added that, Zimbabwe’s commercial timber production has

shrunk by fifty percent, largely because of uncertainties caused by changes in landtenure legislation, uncontrolled veld fires and increases in production costs.

Uncertainty brought about by the government’s chaotic land redistribution

exercise has resulted in non expansion of plantations.

In many cases political violence disturbs replanting programmes since some of

the workers will be involved in politics. Failure to replant will mean a shortage of

timber in the future. Workers may be forced not to go to work for political

reasons. For example, attending some meetings. There are cases of people who

died or injured because of political violence. For the safety of their lives people

always leave the country to seek refugee in other countries.

• Illegal settlements.


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Kanyekanye (2007), cited that, Zimbabwe’s timber industry was under threat

from resettled farmers who were causing fires when clearing land for farming or

illegally cutting down timber from plantations. During the year 2007 alone the

resettled farmers cost the nation above one trillion Zimbabwean dollars worth of

timber through illegal harvests or fires. According to Hammond (2006), due to

fires resulting from arson attacks or land clearing activities by unauthorised

settlers in the plantations, trees of all ages have been destroyed and consequently

log shortages will occur for many years. Added to that, the new farmers were

preventing foresters from replanting in the fire damaged areas.

2.4.5 Legal challenges

Katerere (1996) highlighted that, conservation of forest resources in Zimbabwe is

responsibility of the Zimbabwe forestry commission which was established by an act of

parliament. The forestry commission has four technical divisions namely research and

development, indigenous resources, commercial and forestry extension. These divisions

implement the different aspects of two acts (the Forest Act and the Communal Forest

Produce Act)

•

The Forest ActAccording to Katerere (1996), the Forest Act of 1996 forbids people from

burning, growing or standing vegetation on any land without prior notice to the

occupants of all adjourning land and the police. The act further stipulates that in

the event that one is found guilt in a court of law, the accused should be liable of

either a fine or imprisonment.

Katerere added that, the Forest Act has been criticised as being inadequate. The

fines that the people are paying are so light that they can not stop people from

poaching timber or burning the plantations but rather encourages such activities.

•The Communal Land Forest Produce Act


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The Communal Land Forest Produce Act restricts the use of forest products in

communal areas by the local people to “own use”. It further states that communal

people are not allowed to enter the plantations or use plantation resources like

dams, hunting, and so forth without permission from the owners (Katerere 2006).

This Act was criticised for being too restrictive. The act in its present form fails to

recognise the rights and interests of communities. The community is left with no

incentive to protect the plantations and sometimes they end up burning those

plantations because of frustration.

2.5 STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES

There are some ways through which the company may overcome the challenges

mentioned earlier. There are some companies in other countries who faced the same

challenges and were able to overcome them. The strategies that were taken by the

companies in Indonesia were very successful since its timber production increased

from 14000m3 in 2004 to 26000m3 in 2008. The fire outbreaks and illegal logging

have been reduced

2.5.1 Strategies for physical environmental challenges.

• Wide fuelbreaks - To reduce the problem of fire on steep slopes at Kalimantan,

the plantation owners are constructing wide fuel breaks ranging from 250 – 350

meters (Abberger 2009). If it is an economic necessity to make narrower fuel

breaks, these are restricted to flat areas. Width must not be compromised where

the ground next to road is steep. Cleaning of the fuel breaks should be most

thorough where they are on slope.

• Man made sources of water - Rathfon and Farlee (2002) noted that, the

installation of man made sources and access of water are a part of a fire

management planning where natural sources of water within a plantation are

limited. In the south Sumatra coastal swamps holes (2*2*2meters) are dug before


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the dry season to help ensure a water supply in the dry seasons (Arisman 2001). In

Kalimantan, the Sribunian plantations installed eight water tanks of 10000liters

along the light railway. Water tanks are filled with water pumped from the

nearby dams or rivers. Canals are also dug for drainage system to areas with water

problems.

2.5.2 Strategies for social challenges.

• Community involvement - To reduce damage by community activities in the

Sumatra and Kalimantan regions, the companies encourage the communities to

participate in fire prevention. This involve the employment of local villagers as

prevention aides. Local communities are compensated to prevent fires as well as

paid to form volunteers fire crews. Arisman (2007), suggested that, it is a major

step forward to integrate key communities into the protection management of

plantations.

Raymond (1999) suggested that, villagers should be equipped with radios as they

will be patrolling along the boundaries and report every fire they spot. If a local

fire does start they should fight it immediately and join the company’s crews who

attend later. No additional pay is given for fire fighting. The scheme has the meritthat members of the community are paid even if there are no fires and they thus

do not have to work to earn. Properly trained and equipped village fire crews are

paid to patrol close to the village and to maintain the fuel breaks on the plantation

boundaries.

• Participatory land use - In an attempt to reduce the conflicts on land, companies

must engage in participatory land use planning followed by participatory

boundary mapping. Abberger (2009) recognised that, if this is to work, the

companies must demonstrate goodwill and be prepared to concede more land than

they would readily wish.


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• Fencing and shepherding - At times hedges and fences can be used to prevent

intrusion by domestic animals. Where fencing costs are high, trespass by livestock

is controlled by guards. In Sahel countries both fencing and shepherding

(employing watchmen) are essential for establishment of plantations. In Ethiopia

a low boundary wall is erected to demarcate the plantation and shepherds are

posted at intervals to keep out livestock.

2.5.3 Strategies for economic challenges.

• Employing the villagers - To reduce the effects of economic problems, as noted

by Abberger (2008), the company should employ people from the nearby

communities whenever vacancies exist. By doing so, the company will reduce the

poverty of the community so that in the future there may be no cases of illegal

logging. A mutually beneficial happy relationship will exist between the company

and the villagers.

• Better packages and services - Abberger added that, to retain the experienced

workers from leaving, the company must pay them favourable wages and better

working conditions. Schools, hospitals, banking, transport and other services

should be provided by the company in these remote rural areas. The workers willfeel very comfortable with the environment they will be working in and never

think of leaving the company.

2.5.4 Strategy for legal challenges.

• Better policies - According to Maunati, the Indonesian government designed

policies to preserve the timber plantations. One such a policy was to increase fines

and jail time for those who are found guilty of illegal logging. Such a policy was

meant to reduce illegal logging if not complete elimination.

2.5.5 Strategy for political challenges.


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• Government intervention - The Indonesian government assisted the concession

owners by sending hundreds of police and paramilitaries with tear gas and guns to

evict the illegal settlers from timber plantations (Arisman 2001). The police and

the army would guard the plantations during the day and night to protect them

from illegal loggers.

2.6 EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

Case study: Indonesia

Maunati (2005), stated that, Indonesia has around 112.3 million hectares of state

forests, consisting of protected forests (29.3 million hectares), reserve forests (19

million hectares) and production forests (64 million hectares). Most of the challenges

that are being faced by Zimbabwean timber companies were faced in Indonesia in

1980s and the many strategies were used to solve these challenges.

• Physical environment – According to Abberger (2001), the Sumatra and

Kalimantan provinces are characterised by steep slopes which affect the speed of

fire and the fighting teams. Slopes also affect sources of water within the

plantations. Wide fuelbreaks ranging from 250 – 350 meters are constructed in

these areas. The fuelbreaks that are on slopes are thoroughly cleaned. To cater for water problems, Rathfon and Farlee (2002) stated that, the companies installed

man made sources of water within plantations. Holes are dug within the

plantations before the dry season to help ensure water supply in the dry season.

Water tanks and canals were also constructed in these areas.

• Social challenges - According to Maunati (2002), villagers in south Sumatra

burned timber plantations claiming that the land belonged to their ancestors. In

most cases the community caused fire outbreaks through activities such as

hunting, farming, children play among other activities. The companies also had

some conflicts with the villagers who graze their animals in plantations or prevent

them from replanting in areas being used for grazing. Sometimes trees are cut for

construction of houses, kraals and so on.


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The villagers are given opportunities to participate in land use planning and

boundary mapping. This is meant to reduce conflicts over land. Nicolas and

Beebe added that the plantation owners employed the villagers as prevention aids.

Communities are compensated to prevent fires as well as forming volunteer fire

crews.

• Economic challenges – Keenan (2008), the peasants in Papua province of

Indonesia turned to timber poaching because they had failed to get formal

employment. They decided to poach timber and sell since there was a ready

market in Jakarta, Singapore and Hong Kong. The companies are employing

people from the nearby communities whenever vacancies exist. This will reduce

poverty of the community in the long run.

Case study: Cambodia

• Legal challenges – Cambodian government facilitated illegal logging and export

of illegally sourced timber by its failure to implement rules and regulations to

control this. To circumvent the logging ban, harvesting operations were being

disguised under a variety of illegal permits, to meet the demand of illicit cross border timber trade with Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. The documents were

provided by senior officials in the ministry of commerce and the forest

administration, (Davis 2010).

According to Maunati, the Cambodian government designed policies to preserve

the timber plantations. One such a policy was to increase fine paid by illegal

loggers and jail time. Such a policy is meant to reduce illegal logging if not

complete elimination. People are becoming afraid of taking risks of stealing

timber. But it is believed that with the implementation of more other policies the

rate of timber poaching will be reduced by 70%.

2.7 CHAPTER SUMMARY


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In this chapter the researcher gave reference to articles and books that covered key

factors in the research. The researcher analysed the challenges faced in the

management of plantation security systems and how these challenges can affect the

effectiveness of a security system in trying to protecting a plantation from the such

threats as fire, animals and theft. Solutions to the challenges are also highlighted in

this chapter.

CHAPTER THREE

Research Methodology

3.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter clearly defines the research methods used to conduct the study. The

researcher explained how the necessary data and information to address the research

objectives and questions was collected, presented and analysed. Reasons and

justifications for the research design, research instruments, data sources, data

collection techniques, data presentation techniques and analytical techniques used

are given.

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

Heppner et al (1992:15) describe a research design as a plan or structure for aninvestigation or a list of specifications and procedure for conducting and controlling

a research project. In other words it can be described as a master plan which

indicates the strategies for conducting a research. A research design serves as a

master plan of the methods and procedures that should be used to collect and analyse

data needed by the decision maker. The research design is a deliberately planned

arrangement of conditions for the analysis and collection of data in a manner that

aims to combine relevance to research purpose with the economy procedure.

3.1.1 Descriptive research design.

Saunders et al (2003) defines the descriptive survey method as one which looks

with intense accuracy at the phenomena of the moment and then describes precisely

what the researcher sees. Descriptive research design is concerned with describing


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characteristics of a problem. Questionnaires and interviews are the two methods

used to elicit information in a descriptive research.

Justification - The method was chosen because the data solicited is not static, the

challenges faced today may not be the same in future. Descriptive research thus

allowed for the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data, therefore, some

statistical techniques were used to summarise the information. Through descriptive

research, the researcher was also able to use both primary and secondary data,

which could not have been utilised if exploratory research had been used. The

researcher used questionnaires and interviews to find information concerning the

challenges faced in the management of security systems. The interviews were used

to come up with detailed information on the subject.

3.2 SAMPLING

A sample is a group in a research study in which information is obtained. Or a

population selected for observation and analysis. It is a representative of a population

taken to show what the results are like. Sidhu (2003), stresses the importance of

sampling and further explains that if the population is very large, it can be

satisfactorily covered through sampling.

3.2.1 Population

Varden Bergh and Katz (1999) defined population as the group of people from

which a sample can be drawn for the purposes of a research. Population is the total

collection of elements about which to make some inferences.

The population of this research consisted of the security management team for the

Wattle Company Limited and all the security department employees. There are ten

managers and forty four employees and the total population is fifty four.

3.2.2 Sample size.


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Deciding on a sample size for a qualitative enquiry can be more difficult than for a

quantitative one because there are no rules to follow. It all depends on what will be

useful, what will have credibility and what can be done within available time and

resources. A sample refers to a representative sub-group of the population.

For the purpose of this research the sample chosen comprises of randomly selected

individuals from the selected population A total of twenty respondents which

constitutes 37% of the entire population was selected to represent the whole

population. The information is tabulated on the following table.

Table 3.2 Research sample size

Sample Frame Sample Population Sample Size

Security management team

Security department employees

Totals

10

44

54

6

14

20

Source: primary survey

Justification - According to Fielding (2007), a sample size must be at least 30% of

the total population under research. The sample size from all respondents was 37%

which is above 30%. The researcher made the sample relatively smaller so as to cut

down on costs and save time as well.

3.2.3 Sampling techniques.

These are ways used to choose research subjects that were used to constitute a

sample that is representative of the population. These are classified into two that is

probability and non-probability sampling procedure. A probability sampling

procedure is one in which every element has known non-zero probability of being

chosen (Hair, 1998:160). Non probability sampling relies on the judgment of the

researcher and is only representative as far as the researchers’ skill permits.


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In this research the researcher adopted both sampling method at different stages.

The researcher used stratified sampling first and then judgmental sampling.

•Stratified random sampling

This method falls under probability sampling and it involves segregating the

population of study into mutually exclusive population or strata. The total

population is divided into segments or strata. Individuals to be included in the

sample are then selected from these segments or strata.

In this case the population was divided as employees and management for the

security department of the Wattle Company Limited. They were then further

grouped according to the estates that is Nyanga, Vumba, Dunsinane,

Chimanimani, Chipinge and the head office Mutare.

Justification - Stratified random sampling was used in this research because it

ensures an equal representation of each of the identified segments or strata. Also it

allows the use of other sampling procedures, thus after using this technique;

individuals from each department were selected using judgmental technique.

•Judgmental sampling

According to Kotler (2000), judgmental sampling is whereby the researcher finds

and interviews a prescribed number of people and exercises his or her own

judgment this helped the researcher to make a judgment on whom to give

questionnaires and not to give. Judgmental sampling is a non-probability

sampling technique based on judgment.

For the purposes of this research the researcher chose the participants who were

viewed as the best source of information as the sample was likely to bring out the

required data specific to the research problem through the experience with the

organisation. The researcher used his discretion and judgment to choose the

managerial staff that he thought had information that could help in the assessment


Page 31



of challenges faced on managing the security system. The researcher mainly

focused on people with knowledge about security systems and these were the

management and employees in the security department.

Justification - Judgmental sampling ensures optimisation of time and resources

since information is sought from those people with valuable information and

knowledge about the area under study. This makes the technique cheaper and

easier since a few individuals with relevant information are chosen.

3.3 SOURCES OF DATA

The research relied on both primary and secondary data.

3.3.1 Primary data.

Primary data refers to data collected for the first time in the field. Jewel (2001),

defines it as data that has been collected for the purpose for which it is originally

used.

Primary data for this particular research was collected using interviews and

questionnaires. Interviews were carried out with the security management

personnel for the Wattle Company Limited while questionnaires were given to the

employees in the security department.

Justification - Primary data collection was given the highest priority in this

research as there was limited published material on the subject under study. For a

subjective study like this one primary data is of prime importance because primary

data draws information directly from the field.

The researcher used the primary source of data because it was free from

misinterpretations and loss of data as the researcher mainly focused on relevant

data specifically for the research problem although its major draw back was that it

was time consuming.


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3.3.2 Secondary data.

According to Jewel (2001), secondary data is data that is collected for purposes

other than the original use. It is an analysis of data that have already been collected

for some other purpose. These may be contemporary or historical and the data may

be qualitative or quantitative and usually needs adjustments and validation before

being put to use. This data can include survey data and documentary data.

Sources used to gather secondary data were document analysis collected from

published and unpublished company documents and subject-relevant literature,

internal company journals (monthly reports and news letters) requested from the

Wattle Company and frequent visits to related websites became crucial in

collecting up-to-date secondary data as well as publications by renowned authors

on security management.

Justification - Using secondary data saves time and money since the work has

already been done to collect the data. It avoids the problems associated with the

data collection process. Unlike primary data, secondary data generally provides a

source of data that is both permanent and available in a form that may be checked

relatively easily by others. The published documents gives the researcher extra

information on the research problem. Some of the information may not be found

within the organisation.

3.4 DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES

The study was carried out using questionnaires and interviews.

3.4.1 Interviews.

An interview is an interactive forum involving two or more people engaged in a

conversation initiated and coordinated by the interviewer so as to get information

specific to a certain area of aspect. Interviews are generally classified as either


Page 33



structured or unstructured. Structured interviews are formalised such that all

respondents hear the same question in the same order and in the same manner.

Unstructured interviews leave the wording and organisation of the question and

even the topic to the discretion of the interviewer.

The researcher to used a semi-structured interview approach. Semi-structured

interviews encouraged the interviewer to develop new ideas, adjust questions and

change direction as new insights emerge. For example, during the interview

following the formalised questions would deter aspects that emerged hence

additional probes were thrown into play.

Table 3.4.1 Interviews conducted

Security management team

Sample frame Population Sample size

Mutare head office

Chimanimani

Chipinge

Vumba

Nyanga

Dunsinane

Total

1

2

2

1

3

1

10

1

1

1

1

1

1

6


Face to face interviews were carried out at the Wattle Company Head Office in

Mutare and at the company’s estates at Chimanimani, Chipinge, Vumba, Nyanga

and Dunsinane with key respondents being the management team of the

organisation. All interviews were carried out prior to setting of appointments with

the concerned respondents. The interviews had specified time limits of

approximately 25 - 30 minutes. All interviews were carried out with the help of

already prepared interview guide question papers and were recorded alongside the

respective questions.


Page 34



Justification - Interviews were used to gather data in this research because they

allow for probing on answers and questions that require further clarification.

Unclear questions and answers can be clarified in the dialogue between the

interviewer and the interviewee.

Also this helped the researcher to obtain information that cannot be obtained by

using questionnaires such as how the security system operates and the

technological jargon that required more clarification. Face to face interviews

enabled the researcher to build strong relationships with the respondent because

after or before the interview informal discussions could be held.

3.4.2 Questionnaires.

Reason (1985) defined a questionnaire as a formalised list of questions that are

used to solicit information from respondents. For this research the researcher made

use of both structured and unstructured questions to gather necessary data.

Structured or closed questions are meant to save the respondents’ time and get

definite answers and unstructured or open-ended questions are meant to ensure that

respondents’ feelings are not disregarded and further explanations are made.

The questionnaires were delivered in person. Questionnaires were distributed after

initial communication with the respondents to seek consent. The respondents were

given one day to answer the questionnaires after which the questionnaires were

collected for analysis. No public postal service or email service was used to

distribute questionnaires.

Table 3.4.2 Distribution of questionnaires

Security department employees

Sample frame Population Sample size


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Chimanimani

Chipinge

Dunsinane

Nyanga

Vumba

Total

10

9

3

16

6

44

3

3

1

5

2

14


Justification - The questionnaire survey provided greater uniformity across

research situations as respondents responded to the same standardised questions. At

the same time the questionnaire survey technique gave the respondents enough time

to respond to the questions as they were given the whole day to answer thequestionnaires. Finally the element of anonymity associated with the questionnaire

survey technique enhances the chances of getting honest responses.

3.5 RELIABILITY OF TECHNIQUES

Peterson (1982) defines reliability as the extent to which measures are free from

errors. Thus the greater the reliability of an instrument, the less likely the errors of

measurement to occur. More than one data collection instrument was used in order to

eliminate the weaknesses inherent in each instrument.

3.6 DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

After data has been collected, it needs to be presented in a way that communicates

the information and enables conclusions to be drawn (Jewell, 2001). Data was

collected from both primary and secondary sources, processed, analysed and

presented.

3.6.1 Data presentation techniques.


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Clear, accurate and appropriate ways of presenting data were chosen out of the

several ways of data presentation. Tables and graphs were used in this research.

Tables were used to present large quantities of data arranged in labeled rows and

columns.

Justification - The researcher used tables to present data because measurement

units are shown clearly. Tables are also easy to refer and the data can be easily

interpreted. Graphs are easy to understand and quick to interpret.

3.6.2 Data analysis techniques.

The researcher used inductive and deductive techniques to analyse the data.

• Inductive analysis

This is a technique which analyses data from particular instances to general

principles, from facts to theories. One starts from the observed data and develops

the generalisation that explains a relationship between objects observed. This

technique was used because it condenses extensive and varied raw text data into a

brief summary format. It establishes clear link between research objectives and

the summary findings derived from the raw data and ensure these links are bothtransparent (able to demonstrate to others) and defensible (justifiable given the

objective of the research).

The researcher used his own opinion to analyse the findings of the research. For

example on the issue of gender on the respondents the researcher discovered more

males than females and the reason was because most females prefer to work in

towns.

Justification - This technique was used by the researcher because it did not

construct a rigid methodology but rather permitted the researcher to explore

alternative explanations and get a feel of the situation on the ground and so

understand the nature of the problem much better.


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•Deductive analysis

According to Bryman and Bell (2000) deductive analysis represents the

commonest of the nature of the relationship between theory and research.

Deductive techniques analyse data from the general to the particular, applying a

theory to the particular case. One starts from the same general law and applies it

to a particular instance. The major concern is that, does the premises used in the

argument still valid.

The researcher used the views from other authors on the findings to analyse the

data. For example if the majority said political challenges are the major

challenges faced by the company, the researcher quoted the views of other authors

on the subject.

Justification - Deductive analysis was used because it reconciles theory and

research. The researcher used deductive techniques because they represent the

commonest view of the nature of relationships between theory and research. It is

the common best view of the nature of existing relationships of cases under study.

The researcher found it easy to use deductive technique because data analysis isdetermined by the research objectives.

3.7 CHAPTER SUMMARY

This chapter looked at the research methodologies used in this research.

Justifications on why the researcher chose to use those methodologies were given.

Interviews and questionnaires were the main methods of data collection used to

gather relevant data to achieve the research objectives. In data presentation, both

qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Data was analysed using the

inductive analysis and the deductive analysis techniques.


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CHAPTER FOUR

Data Presentation, Analysis and Discussion of Findings

4.0 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter the research findings was analysed by means of tables and graphs.

The analysis of the concepts reviewed in chapter two was done in this chapter. Both

the quantitative means and qualitative means of analysis were employed and content

analysis that took into consideration the objectives of the research was done.

4.1 RESPONSE RATE

Table 4.1 Response rate for questionnaires and interviews.

Sample size Response Response rate

Interviews

Questionnaires

Total

6

14

20

4

13

17

66 %

93 %

85 %

Source: primary survey .

Twenty people was the sample size and seventeen people responded giving the

overall response rate of 85%.

Six interviews were carried out with the security management of the Wattle

Company and four interviews succeeded making a response rate of 66%. Fourteen


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questionnaires were sent to Wattle Company employees in the security department

and thirteen questionnaires were responded and the response rate of questionnaires

was 93%.

The respondents were very cooperative as supported by a high response rate (85%).

Two interviews failed because there was a meeting on that day so the respondents

were attending a meeting. One questionnaire was spoiled therefore did not yield

some results.

4.2 AGE AND GENDER.

Table 4.2 Respondents by age and gender.

YEARS

Age Below 20 21 – 30 31 – 40 41 + TotalMale

Female

Total

0

0

0

7

3

10

5

1

6

1

0

1

13

4

17

Source: Survey

From a total of seventeen respondents, thirteen (76 %) were male and four (24 %)

were female. There was no respondent below twenty years. At the age range of

twenty one to thirty years, there were ten respondents (59 % of the total

respondents). Seven of them were male and three were female. At the age range of

thirty one to forty years there were six respondents (35 %) of the total respondents.

Five were male and one was female. And at the age range of forty one years and

above there was only one (6 %) respondent of the total respondents and was a male.

In terms of gender there are more male workers than female in the security

department as noted by thirteen males compared to four females. The reason may bethat women usually prefer to work in towns than in the far remote areas. The most

dominant age range is 21 – 30 years. This is because the work requires young and

efficient workers. The other reason may be the new recruits recently recruited to fill

the gap of the workers who were lost during the inflationary period.


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4.3 EDUCATION LEVEL OF RESPONDENTS

One (6 %) of the respondents had attended primary school and eleven (65 %)

respondents attended secondary school. Five (29 %) had tertiary education. The

majority of the workers in the security department have reached secondary level of

education. Most educated and experienced workers have left the company in search

for greener pastures. Those with tertiary education are in the management team and a

very small number of foresters who have attained a national diploma.

Fig 4.3 Education level of respondents.

secondary

65%

tertiary

29%

primary

6%

secondary

tertiary

primary

Source: Survey

4.4. CHALLENGES FACED ON MANAGING SECURITY SYSTEMS

The first objective of the research was to identify challenges that are being faced by

the company in the management of security systems. The researcher questioned the

respondents to find out their opinion on the challenges faced. Generally the

respondents highlighted that the company is facing political, economic, social and

environmental challenges.

Fig 4.4 Response on the severity of the challenges


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0

24

6

8

10

12

14

number of

respondents

political social economic legal physical

very great

moderate

slight

no effect

Source: Questionnaires

Political challenges have the greatest effect on the security systems of the Wattle

Company as supported by thirteen (100%) of the respondents. Eight (62%) of therespondents supported that social challenges have a very great effect on the

company’s security systems. Economic challenges were supported by seven (54%)

respondents as having a moderate effects. Eight (62%) respondents supported that,

legal challenges have a slight effect and twelve (92%) respondents revealed that

physical challenges have no effect. Therefore political and economic challenges are

the major challenges faced by the company.

Political challenges: For political reasons political activists would sometimes turn to

plantation burning. Political violence disturbs replanting programs. Workers may be

forced not to go to work for political reasons. For example, attending some meetings.

For the safety of their lives, people usually leave the country to seek refugee in other

countries and among these people, there will be experienced and skilled workers of

the company.

From the researcher’s point of view political challenges have the greatest impact on

the management of the security systems. As stated by Hammond (2006), high

plantation destructions were first recorded during the land reform period. Sanctions

and other political events further worsened the situation by affecting the country’s

economy. This brought about hyper inflation and the highest level of unemployment


Page 42



Social challenges: There are some conflicts of land between the company and the

community which result in people destroying plantations. There are also some

activities by people from nearby communities such as hunting, farming and children

play which may damage plantations.

On social challenges, the researcher supports the results from the research (that social

challenges have a very great effect on the security system management) because there

is always a conflict of interest between the company and the community in which it is

operating. These conflicts are very difficult to completely eradicate, one part need to

compromise.

Economic challenges: Villagers burn plantations as a way of creating employment in

the fire suppression and subsequent replanting. Hyper inflation in the recent years

forced many experienced workers to leave their employment in search for greener

pastures elsewhere.

From the researcher’s point of view economic challenges have slightly affected the

timber production. The main reason being that economic crisis was a secondary issue

everything started with political instability. Unemployment for example was a result

of failure of many companies to operate which had political origin.

Legal challenges: The Forest Act and the Communal Land Forest Produce Act are

respectively inadequate and too restrictive to protect the timber plantations. The

Forest Act is said to be inadequate because, fines that are paid for those found guilt

are very light and insignificant. The Communal Land Forest Produce Act do not

allow villagers to benefit from the forest produce such as hunting and fishing.

Katerere (1996), stated that, such laws will never give the community an incentive to

protect the plantation but will rather make the people angry and facilitate in the

destruction of those plantations.


Page 43



Physical environment: 92% of the respondents from questionnaires supported that

the physical environment has no effect on the management of security systems.

However from the interviews with the management the researcher found out that

physical environment do have some effects on the management of security systems.

The recurring droughts in Zimbabwe are causing a tremendous reduction of timber

production. Floods from the cyclones in year 2000 caused a great damage to timber

plantations as many trees were uprooted and others damaged by the strong winds.

4.5 STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES

The second objective of this research was to come up with strategies that can be used

to overcome the challenges that are being faced in managing the security systems.The researcher asked the respondents on how they view the strategies that can be

used to overcome the challenges that are faced by the company. He wanted to know

if the company considers the strategies as important and why. The researcher further

asked the respondents on how the strategies can be implemented and the results were

as follows.

Fig 4.5 Strategies to overcome the challenges


Page 44



0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

government

intervention

community

involvement

better forest

laws

neighbors

participation

buy new

equipment

strategies to overcome challenges

r e s p o

n s e

r a t e

greatly moderately slightly not important

Source: Survey

Twelve (92%) respondents supported government intervention as the major strategy

to be taken to overcome the challenges faced by the company. Ten (76%) were in

favour of community involvement and implementation of better forestry laws as of

great importance. Seven (54%) were in favour of participation of neighbouring

companies. Buying new equipment was supported as of moderate importance. The

major strategies that should be taken to overcome the challenges are government

intervention, community involvement and implementation of better forest laws.

The interviews concurred that, government intervention, community involvement and

implementation of better forest laws are the major strategies to overcome the

challenges faced by the company. Mushongahande (2009), stated that, since all the

problems the company is facing are a result of political instability in Zimbabwe,

political issues must be solved first then all other strategies will be implementedsuccessfully.

Allowing the villagers to participate, will give them a sense of responsibility and

willingness to protect the plantations. As noted by Abberger (2009), community

involvement include paying the villagers to patrol around the plantations and for fire


Page 45



suppression. Participatory land-use planning and participatory boundary mapping also

can be used to reduce land conflicts between the company and the villagers.

The Forest Act and the Communal Land Forests Produce Act which are meant to

protect the forests were viewed as inadequate and too restrictive to protect the forests.

According to Katerere (1996), fines paid should be increased for those found guilt

and the community must be allowed access into plantations for forest resources.

It is also very important to take into account the neighbouring companies if the

company is to successfully overcome the challenges it is facing. Nicolas and Beebe

(1999) noted that, the companies should cooperate and share their resources. The

machinery and equipment are available in the company, but they need to be replaced

because they are becoming old and inefficient.

4.6 THE PLANTATION SECURITY SYSTEM

The third objective of this research was to find out how the security system of the

Wattle Company operates. This information was needed so as to analyse if there are

any loopholes in the system. According to Schulthers and Summer, (1999), a system

has characteristics such as outputs, inputs the transformation process.

4.6.1 Inputs

The researcher asked the respondents their opinions concerning the inputs of a

security system. He wanted to find out how important the company considers each

of the inputs. According to Nicolas and Beebe (1999), the inputs of the plantation

security system consist of employees, the community, neighbouring companies,

equipment and machinery, and the government.

Fig 4.6.1 Response on the importance of the inputs of the security systems


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0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

employees

machinery

neighbors

community

government

number of respondents

greatly moderately slightly not important

Source: Survey

As noted by thirteen (100%) of the respondents, the company considers its

employees as major inputs of the security system. Twelve (92%) supported that

equipment and machinery are of great importance. Eight (62%) of the respondents

viewed nearby companies as not very important but can be of moderate

importance. Six (46%) viewed the community as not important and ten (77%)

agreed that government is also not important in the security systems. Generally

the major inputs of the company’s security systems are the employees and

machinery and equipment.

The company train its employees to handle multiple tasks such as firefighting and

patrolling. Nicolas and Beebe (1999), concurred that since employees are the

backbone of the company, investing in them will help the company carry out its

operations successfully. From this perspective the strategy that is being used by

the company (investing more on its employees) is not a bad decision.

The company is also investing in machinery and equipment to protect its

plantations. It is buying new firefighting vehicles, motor bikes, bulldozers, two-


Page 47



way radios and chainsaws. The available equipment is kept serviceable and

operated by people who know how to use it.

The company also cooperates with the neighbours when the fire outbreak takes

place at the boundaries. In such a situation the companies will work together

sharing equipment and other resources. According to Arisman (2001), companies

with nearby plantations must offer full participation in the protection program

therefore their importance must not be compromised.

The company considers the community as of little importance in the security

system. The reason is because the company feel that the villagers lack knowledge

of forestry. Their contributions are not very significant. Lara (1993), argued that

the community is the greatest threat to plantations therefore a major factor to

consider in the protection program of plantations.

Government is not important in the security system. This is because of its failure

to intervene in the protection of forest plantations. Because the government is not

playing its part, the company is no longer considering it as important input for its

security system. However according to Bowen (2008), the government should be

considered as the major factor in the security system.

4.6.2 Processing

The researcher also asked the respondents how often the company perform the

activities in the security systems. This information was needed to find out the

activities which are given more priority by the company and those that are not

considered important. According to Nicolas and Beebe (1999), the processing stage

involve observations, communication, physical protection, firefighting and chasing

away animals.


Page 48



Fig 4.6.2 Response on the performance of activities in the security systems.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%80%

90%

firefighting observations physical

protection

communication

r e s p o n s e

r a t e

always

rare

very rare

sometimes

Source: Primary survey

84% of the respondents supported that firefighting is always done in the

plantations. 69% were in favour of observations as being always done. Physical

protection and communication are sometimes done as respectively supported by

61% and 54% of the respondents. Therefore the major activities of the company’s

security system are firefighting and observations.

There are many fire outbreaks taking place so the company is spending more time

extinguishing fire than any other activity. This clearly shows that fire is the major

threat facing the Wattle Company plantations. Observations are meant to detect

threats before they do great harm to the plantations. The foresters are always on

patrol for early detection of threats.

The company creates physical barriers such as firebreaks and fuelbreaks. In some

cases a threat may enter the plantation without being noticed and cause a great


Page 49



damage to the plantation. As the managers anticipate damages any time, they are

forced to put some protection measures to reduce the effects of the threats.

The interviews with the management showed that communication is very

important for the success of the system though 54% of the questionnaire

respondents showed that communication is not always done. If any threat is

detected, it must be communicated quickly to the depot using radios, bells and

sirens.

It can be seen that firefighting and observations are the major activities that are

taking place in the organisation and are given the highest priority as compared to

communication and physical protection. However according to Nicolas and Beebe

(1999), all these activities are equally important and must be treated equally. Each

activity relies on the other. For example, when one detect a danger through

observations, he or she must communicate it to all the people responsible and the

necessary action is taken. If it is fire, the crew need to be notified of the location

and intensity of the fire.

4.7 MAJOR THREATS ON THE PLANTATION SECURITY

The fourth objective was to identify major threats on the plantation security system.

The researcher asked the respondents the extent to which each of the threats affect

their plantation security. Evans (1992) stated that, fire, animals, poachers, pests and

weather are the major threats on plantation security. The researcher found out

different views from the respondents which are summarised on the following table.

Fig 4.7 (a) Response on the effects of threats on plantations.


Page 50



-20%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

fire animals poachers pests weather

plantation threats

r e s p o n s

e

r a t e

very great

moderateslight

no effect


Fire is the major threat of the company as supported by 100% of the respondents.

77% of the respondents viewed animals as a moderate threat. Poachers have a

slight effect to plantations as supported by 54% of the respondents. Pests and

weather have no effect on plantation as noted by 92% of the respondents. The

major threat of the company’s plantations is fire.

Fire can originates from natural causes such as lightning, but many occur as a

result of activities from man. Human causes are either by mistakes or deliberate.

The damage by animals was grouped in two; wild animals and domestic animals.

Wild animals that impose greatest harm to the company are the baboons. It was

stated that people usually turn to timber poaching for firewood, construction of

houses, kraals and fences. It is very difficult to protect plantations from the

weather changes. Floods in the year 2000 caused a great damage on plantations.

many trees were uprooted and damaged by strong winds.

4.8. CHAPTER SUMMARY


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The chapter looked at the findings of the research in relation to the objectives of the

study which are: to identify challenges faced in managing the plantation security

system of a timber producing company, to come up with strategies to overcome the

challenges, to investigate how the plantation security system operates and to identify

threats on timber plantations

.

CHAPTER FIVE

Summary, Conclusions And Recommendations


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5.0 INTRODUCTION

The chapter is concerned with the simplification, analysis and presentation of

information, which can be communicated so as to get an accurate picture of the data

collected. One of the main objective of this chapter is to identify the main features of

information given by the collected data and to present them in such a way that they

become intelligible and interesting.

5.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

5.1.1 Challenges faced on managing plantation security systems

The findings identified that the management is facing political, economic, social,

physical environmental and legal challenges. The major challenges were political

and social challenges. It was discovered that for political reasons; people burn

plantations, illegally settle in plantations, workers are forced not to go to work, the

country is isolated by international countries and the economy of the country is

shrinking.

The findings also showed that the company is having conflicts with the people from

nearby communities on land ownership issues. The community claim that the land

belonged to their ancestors and so they cannot face some shortages of land while

their land is used for plantations. The villagers also damage plantation through

activities such as hunting, farming and children play.

Economic challenges have moderate effect on the company’s security systems. The

research proved that because of high levels of unemployment in the country, people

are engaging in unethical practices such as burning plantations for employment

creation and timber poaching. Hyper inflation in the recent years also has resulted

in the company loosing some of its experienced workers who sought greener

pastures in other countries.

Legal challenges slightly affect the company’s security systems. The Forest Act

and the Communal Land Forest Produce Act were viewed as inadequate and too


Page 53



restrictive to protect timber plantations. Physical environment have no effect on the

company’s security systems.

5.1.2 Strategies to overcome the challenges

The research showed that for the company to overcome the challenges, there must

be government intervention, community involvement, better forest laws,

neighbouring companies involvement, new equipment and machinery. The

government can assist by implementing policies that protect timber plantations. The

community can be involved in the security system by employing the villagers as

prevention aids and participatory land-use planning and boundary mapping.

Better forest laws include increasing the fines paid for those people who are found

guilty. The community must be allowed access to dams and other forest resources.

There is need for the company to buy new vehicles and other equipment since the

old ones are becoming very old and inefficient.

5.1.3 How the plantation security system operates

The findings were that the system has inputs, transformation process and outputs.

The inputs of the system include the company’s employees, its equipment and

machinery, the community, neighbouring companies and the government. The

company’s major inputs are its employees, equipment and machinery.

On transformation process the activities of the security system are communication,

observation, firefighting and protection. The company’s major activities are

firefighting and observations. Finally, the output is the imbalanced security system

with many loopholes resulting in low timber production output.

5.1.4 Major threats on timber plantations

The research findings were that the plantations are facing damages from fire,

animals, poachers, weather and pests. Fire was identified as a major threat on the


Page 54



company’s plantations. Fire outbreaks may be deliberate or accidental but most of

the fires are of deliberate causes. Accidental causes may result from farming,

hunting, forestry and other activities such as children play, transit and transport.

Animals have a moderate effect and poachers have slight effect on plantations.

Animal damage is usually by baboons and livestock. Timber poaching is

accelerated by increased poverty in this country forcing many people to engage in

unethical practices. Pests and weather have no effect on plantations.

5.2 CONCLUSIONS

The security management are facing political, economic, social, physical

environmental and legal challenges in their endeavour to protect their plantations

from danger. These challenges are weakening the security system creating loopholes

through which the threats can get access and affect the plantations. The end result of

this is reduced timber output.

The inputs of the system include the company’s employees, its equipment and

machinery, the community, neighbouring companies and the government. The

company’s major inputs are its employees, equipment and machinery. The major

activities are communication, observation, firefighting and protection.

The major threats affecting the timber plantations are fire, animals, poachers,

weather and pests. The most disastrous among them all being fire. The company is

facing many damages from fire every year during the dry season.

The security systems do not call for full participation of the neighbouring companies,

community and government and this further worsen the situation of damaged

plantations. All the challenges the company is facing need support from other

companies and the community. Buying new equipment and machinery as well as


Page 55



employing highly experienced workers only cannot totally reduce the damages of

timber plantations.

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

5.3.1 Participatory land use and boundary mapping

In an attempt to reduce the conflicts with the community on the issue of land the

company should engage in participatory land-use planning followed by

participatory boundary mapping. This will make the community feel that they are

recognised and are important. Evans (1992) suggested that, before replanting an

area that has been used as a grazing area by the community, the company should

first negotiate with the community and try to find them an alternative grazing area

for their animals. In addition the company should allow access of villagers to

plantations for hunting, fishing and collection of firewood, this will create a good

relationship between the companies and the villagers.

5.3.2 Community involvement in protection program

To reduce damage by community activities, the company should encourage the

communities to participate in the protection programme. This involves the

employment of local villagers as prevention aides. According to Lara (1993), local

communities should be compensated to prevent fires as well as paid to form

volunteers fire crews. To gain involvement of the community, the company should

pay a sensible wage to groups of villagers to man lookout positions. Properly

trained and equipped village fire crews should be paid to patrol close to the village

and to maintain the fuel breaks on the plantation boundaries.

Abberger (2008) suggested that, the community members should be equipped with

radios and they should report every fire spotted. If a local fire does start they fight

it immediately and join company crews who attend later. No additional pay is given

for fire fighting. The scheme has the merit that members of the community are paid

even if there are no fires and they thus do not have to work to earn. Giving the


Page 56



villagers salaries will make them loyal to the company and do their best to protect

the plantations as they will be expecting more in the future.

5.3.3 Sell firewood at low prices

To prevent theft, the company should sell firewood at a very low price or at least at

no profit. At times hedges and fences can be used to prevent intrusion by domestic

animals. Where fencing costs are high, trespass by livestock can be controlled by

guards.

5.3.4 Construct wide fuel breaks

According to Abberger, to reduce the problem of fire on steep slopes, the company

should make wide fuel breaks ranging from 250 – 350 meters. Wide fuelbreaks will

take time for the fire to break through. If it is an economic necessity to make

narrower fuel breaks, these are restricted to flat areas. Width must not be

compromised where the ground next to road is steep. Cleaning of the fuel breaks

should be most thorough where they are on slope.

5.3.5 Install man-made sources of water

As suggested by Rathfon and Farlee (2002), the company should install man-made

sources of water where natural sources of water within a plantation are limited.

Holes can be dug within the plantations before the dry season to help ensure a

water supply in the dry seasons. The company should also install water tanks inside

the plantations. Water tanks should be filled with water pumped from the nearby

dam or river. Canals should also be dug for drainage system to areas with water

problems.

5.3.6 Give the nearby communities first preferences to fill the vacancies

To reduce the effects of economic problems, the company should give people from

the nearby communities first preferences whenever vacancies exist. By doing this

the company will be trying to reduce the poverty level of the community so that in


Page 57



the future there may be no cases of illegal logging. A mutually beneficial happy

relationship will exist between the company and villagers.

5.3.7 Better working conditions

The company should retain the experienced workers from leaving the company by

paying them favourable wages and better working conditions. Arisman (2001)

suggested that, schools, hospitals, banking, transport and other services should

provided by the company in these remote rural areas. This will make workers feel

very comfortable with the environment they will be working in.

5.3.8 Better forest laws

Katerere suggested that, The government should design policies to preserve the

timber plantations. One such a policy should be to increase the fines paid and jail

time for those who are found guilt of illegal logging or deliberately burning

plantations. Such a policy will reduce illegal logging and deliberate burning or

damages. Action should be taken for everyone who breaches the law.

5.3.9 Participation of nearby companies

It is also very important to take into account the companies with nearby plantations

if the company is to successfully overcome the challenges it is facing. Nicolas and

Beebe (1999) suggested that, the companies should cooperate to protect their

plantations. They must share their resources. It is noted that sometimes fire may

start from neighbouring plantations, cooperation will mean such fires are avoided

before they reach the company’s plantations.

5.3.10 Plantation policy

The company should call for the adoption of a plantation policy that was crafted

by the industry, which among other issues calls for settlement bordering estates to

be at least five kilometers away from the edge of the forest plantation.


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5.4 PLAN OF ACTION: OPERATIONAL CHANGES

5.4.1 Identify the neighbouring communities

The first step is for the company to identify all the neighbouring communities. The

key communities here are those who have access to the plantation for hunting,

fishing, collecting firewood and other activities as well as all those who are on the

boundaries of the company’s plantations. All the nearby and major communities as

well as their population sizes should be listed down.

5.4.2 Identify neighbouring companies

The company should also identify the companies who are in the same industry and

with the plantations that are nearby. The company should list all those company

with plantations that are at the boundaries of its plantations. Their security

employees, equipment, machinery and their relationship with the community must

also be considered.

5.4.3 Talk to the community leaders

After the company has identified the key communities, it must then talk to their

leaders on how they will benefit from cooperating with the company to protect the

plantations. The company need to discuss issues relating to; salaries and

compensation (how they will be paid and when), training and equipment for the

village protection team, patrolling and communication procedures, maintenance of

fuelbreaks on the plantation boundaries, land use planning and boundary mapping.

5.4.4 Discuss with the neighbouring companies

The company also need to discuss with the neighbouring companies on issues

relating to: communications to coordinate protection management operations, early

warning and danger issues, plans to establish and safeguard fuelbreaks (patrolling)

along the borders of the plantations, approaches to and cooperation with local

communities, training and awareness campaigns, sharing of equipment and

personnel in the case of fire


Page 59



5.4.5 Coordination with the community and the nearby companies

The company should coordinate the protection activities with the village crews and

the neighbouring companies. The community must be quickly and strongly

supported to provide effective services in the field. The company need to establish

strong links with the neighbouring communities and companies.

Finally, ensuring the whole process is subjected to reviews during and after

implementation and take corrective measures as and when it is necessary.

5.5 FURTHER RESEARCH

There are very few researches concerning the security systems of Zimbabwean

timber plantations. Most researches were carried out on the causes and prevention of

fires on plantations. The importance of security systems are overlooked. Further

researches should be carried out on the same topic “an evaluation of the challenges

faced on managing plantation security systems of a timber producing company”, so

as to explore and find more information concerning the subject. Further researches

should also be carried on the importance of security systems to increase productivity.

How the security systems and productivity are related?

5.6 CHAPTER SUMMARY

The chapter highlighted the summary of findings in the research and the conclusions

on the objectives. It also takes into account the recommendations as well as the plan

of action.

REFERENCES


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1. Abberger (2009), Timber Plantations in Indonesia, www.fao.com

2. Arisman (2001), Fire Management in the Sumatra Province, www.fao.com

3. Bowen (2008), Illegal Logging in Papua, www.pes.purdue

4. Evans S, (1992), Plantation Forestry in the Tropics, Second Edition, Oxford

University Press, New York.

5. Gumede G, (2009), Forestry Workers Abandon Jobs, www.zimtelegragh.com

6. Hammond P, (2006), Forests Destroyed in Zimbabwe, www.frontline.com

7. Hirst F, (2007), Fire Risk Management for Farm Plantations, www.dpi.gov.au

8. Kanyekanye J, (2005), Land Invaders Burn Plantations, www.zimonline.com

9. Kanyekanye J, (2007), Farmers Harm Timber Industry, www.woodbusiness.com

10. Keenan J, (2008), Australian Forest Plantations, www.brs.gov.au

11. Lara A, (1993), Forest Plantation in Chile, Belhaven Press, London.

12. Mabugu R, (2009), Accounting for Forestry Resources, www.ceepa.co.za

13. Mahonye and Makate (2009), Annual Congress of the Confederation of

Zimbabwe, www.brdisolutions.com

14. Matarira C and Mwamuka (1996), Vulnerability of Zimbabwe Forestry to Global

Climate, Change, Climate Research vol. 6:135-136.

15. Mushongahande M (2009) Zimbabwe’s Forestry Industry, www.fabinet.up.ac.za

16. McKenna J and Woeste K, (2009), Diagnosing and Controlling Wildlife Damage

in Hardwood Plantations, www.ces.purdue.edu

17. Nicolas M and Beebe G, (1999), Fire Management , Jakarta, Indonesia.

18. O’Brien J, (2005), Introduction to Information Systems, Twelfth Edition,

McGraw Hill, New Delhi

19. Rathfon R and Farlee L, (2002), Keeping the Forests Healthy and Productive,

Third Edition, Purdue University, West Lafayette.

20. Raymond (1999), The Role of Community in Fire Management, www.fao.com

21. Sculthers R and Summer M, (1999), Management Information System: the

manager’s view, Forth Edition, Tata McGraw Hill, New York.

22. Zaikowski L, (2008), Environmental Management, www.eoeart.org

APPPENDIX 1 – Research Questionnaire


Page 61

http://www.fao.com/

http://www.fao.com/

http://www.pes.purdue/


http://www.zimtelegragh.com/


http://www.frontline.com/

http://www.dpi.gov.au/

http://www.zimonline.com/

http://www.woodbusiness.com/

http://www.brs.gov.au/

http://www.ceepa.co.za/

http://www.brdisolutions.com/

http://www.fabinet.up.ac.za/

http://www.ces.purdue.edu/

http://www.fao.com/

http://www.eoeart.org/


http://www.fao.com/

http://www.fao.com/



http://www.frontline.com/

http://www.dpi.gov.au/

http://www.zimonline.com/

http://www.woodbusiness.com/

http://www.brs.gov.au/

http://www.ceepa.co.za/

http://www.brdisolutions.com/

http://www.fabinet.up.ac.za/

http://www.ces.purdue.edu/

http://www.fao.com/




My name is Chapanda Kudakwashe Gracious a student at Midlands State University. I

am carrying out a research on the challenges faced in managing plantation security

systems of a timber company in Zimbabwe. This questionnaire seeks your contribution

on the topic.

1. Gender. Please tick in the box below.

Male Female

2. How old are you?

Below 20 years 21–30 years 31–40 years 41 years and

above

4. Education level.

None. Primary. Secondary Tertiary

5. Profession

Manager Forester Firefighter Other

6. To what extent do the following challenges affect the management of security systems

of your company?

Use the scale to tick your answer:

1 – very great 2 – moderate 3 – slight 4 – no effect

1 2 3 4

Political challenges

Economic challenges

Legal challenges

Social challenges

Physical environment

7. How important are the following solutions to overcome the challenges mentioned

above?

Use the following scale to tick your answer

1 – greatly 2 – moderately 3 – slightly 4 – not important

1 2 3 4


Page 62



Government intervention

Community involvement

Buying new equipment & machinery

Allow neighboring companies participation

Implementation of Better forest laws

8. How important are following factors in the protection of your timber plantations?

Use this scale: 1 – greatly 2 – moderately 3 – slightly 4 – not important

1 2 3 4

Government

Community

Equipment & machinery

Neighboring companies

Employees

9. How often do you perform the following activities in your timber plantations?

Use the scale to tick your answer: 1 – always 2 – sometimes 3 – rare 4 – very rare

1 2 3 4

Observations

Communication

Protection

Fire fighting

Repelling animals

10. To what extent do the following threats affect your plantations?

Scale: 1 – very great 2 – moderately 3 – slightly 4 – no effect

1 2 3 4

Fire

Animals

Poachers

Pests

Weather

12. What is the organization doing to reduce the effects of the above threats?

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……

THANK YOU


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APPENDIX 2 – Interview Guide

1. What challenges are you facing in the management of security systems of your

company?

2. What strategies can be used by the company to overcome the challenges

3. What are the major inputs of your security systems?

4. What are the major activities in your security systems?

5. What are the major threats that affect you plantations

6. What is the organization doing to reduce the effects of the above threats?

Mr Kays Project - Final

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