Abstract
M.A. (Development Studies)
As urban populations continue to increase, they place immense pressure on resources, creating challenges for the adequate provision of infrastructure and services. The result is widespread urban poverty, overcrowding, pollution, poor sanitation, vandalism, and deteriorating buildings and environments. These create a favourable environment for the breeding of urban pests and are particularly intensified in the developing world. Rats and mice are attracted to these conditions and consequently increasing rodent infestation problems are reported in cities all over the world.
The city of Johannesburg as a major metropolis is faced with increasing rodent infestation problems. City authorities have recognised the growing problem and have designed an ecologically based rodent management strategy promoting and using biological and mechanical methods while minimising the use of chemicals. While the strategy has had some success, the city has faced challenges in the form of resistance from communities who feel that the methods employed are inappropriate.
Decision theory dictates that people’s behaviours are influenced by their perceptions. In line with this, studies have shown that the successful implementation of any rodent management strategy requires that the perceptions and practices of the concerned community be taken into consideration. The adoption of participatory approaches therefore becomes necessary as depicted in grassroots development theory where community participation is central to the success of any initiative.
The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of residents of Brixton, a suburb close to the inner city of Johannesburg, of rat and mice infestations in their environment, as well as the control practices engaged by the residents towards rats and mice.
Over a period of ten months, beginning in the month of April 2012, structured questionnaires consisting of a combination of open-ended and closed-ended questions were administered to businesses and to a randomly selected sample of...