Smallholder farmers’ perceptions and adaptive response to climate variability and climate change in KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa

Title : Smallholder farmers’ perceptions and adaptive response to climate variability and climate change in KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa

Abstract:

This study explored smallholder farmers' perceptions and adaptive responses to climate variability and change in KwaZulu-Natal. Given the high susceptibility of the region to climate-related risks and the reliance on rain-fed agriculture, effective adaptation strategies are crucial. The study explored farmers' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards climate change, identified their adaptive strategies, classified them based on these strategies and investigated the influencing factors. A cross-sectional research design was used to target 240 farmers in the study area. The findings reveal a high level of awareness among farmers about climate change, with 78% noting increased temperatures and 65% observing altered rainfall patterns. Farmers employ various strategies to cope with climate impacts, such as changing planting dates (45%), diversifying crops (33%), and adopting water conservation techniques (22%), though the effectiveness of these strategies varies. Farmers were classified into three adaptation levels: high (40%), medium (35%), and low (25%), with male farmers generally exhibiting higher adaptation levels than females. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance adaptive capacity, such as improved access to information, resources, and support services. It recommends integrating indigenous knowledge with modern practices, investing in agricultural extension services and developing community-based adaptation programs.
Keywords: Climate Change Perception; Adaptive Strategies; Climate Variability; Smallholder Farmers; KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Biography:

Abbyssinia Mushunje is a Professor and former Head of Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. To date he has graduated 41 Masters and 33 Doctorate students. Abbyssinia has published over 120 peer reviewed research papers in local and international journals plus seven book chapters. He has presented over 30 conference papers, locally and internationally. Abbyssinia has been invited as a guest speaker at seven international conferences. His areas of research interest include land reform, climate change, farm efficiency, technology adoption, food security and rural livelihoods. He is a member of the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa, AAAE and IAAE.