South African Geographical Journal
Scope & Guideline
Connecting research and practice in geography and planning.
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies:
Research focusing on climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and resilience, particularly in the context of vulnerable communities and ecosystems in South Africa. - Spatial Analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
Utilization of spatial data and GIS methodologies to analyze various geographical phenomena, including urban development, environmental changes, and resource management. - Sustainable Development and Environmental Management:
Exploration of sustainable practices in urban planning, natural resource management, and community engagement to enhance resilience and environmental quality. - Socioeconomic Dynamics and Urban Studies:
Examination of urbanization processes, inequalities, and the socio-economic factors influencing communities within South African cities and towns. - Natural Resource Management and Conservation:
Investigating the management of natural resources, including water, land, and biodiversity, with an emphasis on conservation strategies and ecological sustainability. - Cultural Geography and Community Perspectives:
Analysis of cultural landscapes, local narratives, and community engagement in geographical and environmental issues, reflecting diverse perspectives in South Africa.
Trending and Emerging
- Climate Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction:
An increasing focus on climate resilience, particularly in the context of disaster risk reduction strategies, showcasing the need for adaptive measures in response to climate change impacts. - Urbanization and Informal Settlements:
A surge in research examining the dynamics of urbanization, particularly the challenges and opportunities associated with informal settlements in South African cities. - Health and Wellbeing in Urban Contexts:
Emerging studies that explore the intersection of health, wellbeing, and urban environments, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and its socio-economic impacts. - Remote Sensing and Technological Applications:
Growing interest in utilizing remote sensing technologies and spatial analysis tools to address environmental issues, land use changes, and resource management. - Social Justice and Environmental Equity:
An increased emphasis on social justice issues related to environmental management and resource allocation, reflecting a broader discourse on equity and community engagement.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Land Use Studies:
Research focusing solely on traditional land use practices has diminished, possibly due to increasing interest in integrated approaches that consider socio-economic and environmental factors. - Historical Geographical Analysis:
There appears to be a decline in papers centered on historical geography, as contemporary studies increasingly prioritize current issues such as climate change and urbanization. - Rural Geography:
Although rural studies remain important, there is a noticeable decrease in publications specifically addressing rural geography, with more emphasis shifting towards urban-centric research. - Geopolitics and Globalization:
The focus on geopolitics and globalization has waned, as researchers seem to be concentrating more on local and regional issues rather than broader geopolitical analyses. - Conventional Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA):
Research specifically focused on conventional EIAs is becoming less prominent, likely due to the evolving methodologies and frameworks that integrate community perspectives and participatory approaches.
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