The value of reeds

HOORC researcher Gagiotseope Mmopelwa’s study of river reed as an economic resource appears in Volume 79 of the Journal of Environmental Management. The reed, Phragmites australis, is used to make fences, walls and ceilings in local villages. Mmopelwa’s survey shows that the low enterprise cost of reed harvesting results in higher net direct use values that help sustain the livelihoods of people living in and around the Okavango Delta. The direct use value of reeds is one of the many opportunity costs that can be associated with the economic conversion of the Okavango wetlands. You can find Economic and financial analysis of harvesting and utilization of river reed in the Okavango Delta in HOORC’s Library.