IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jlands/v14y2025i6p1150-d1664355.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Climate Change Impacts on Agricultural Infrastructure and Resources: Insights from Communal Land Farming Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Bonginkosi E. Mthembu

    (Department of Community Extension, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban 4031, South Africa)

  • Thobani Cele

    (Department of Community Extension, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban 4031, South Africa)

  • Xolile Mkhize

    (Department of Community Extension, Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban 4031, South Africa)

Abstract

Climate change significantly impacts agricultural infrastructure, particularly in communal land farming systems, where socio-economic vulnerabilities intersect with environmental stressors. This study examined the effects of extreme weather events (floods, droughts, strong winds, frost, and hail) on various agricultural infrastructures—including bridges, arable land, soil erosion control structures, dipping tanks, roads, and fences—using an ordered probit model. A survey was conducted using structured questionnaires between August and September 2023, collecting data from communal farmers ( n = 60) in oKhahlamba Municipality, Bergville. Key results from respondents showed that roads (87%), bridges (85%), and both arable land and erosion structures were reported as highly affected by extreme weather events, especially flooding and frost. Gender, the type of farmer, access to climate information, and exposure to extreme weather significantly influenced perceived impact severity. The ordered probit regression model results reveal that drought ( p = 0.05), floods ( p = 0.1), strong winds ( p = 0.05), and frost ( p = 0.1) significantly influence the perceived impacts on infrastructure. Extreme weather events, including flooding ( p = 0.012) and frost ( p = 0.018), are critical drivers of infrastructure damage, particularly for smallholder farmers. Cumulative impacts—such as repeated infrastructure failure, access disruptions, and increased repair burdens—compound over time, further weakening resilience. The results underscore the urgent need for investments in flood-resilient roads and bridges, improved erosion control systems, and livestock water infrastructure. Support should also include gender-sensitive adaptation strategies, education on climate risk, and dedicated financial mechanisms for smallholder farmers. These findings contribute to global policy discourses on climate adaptation, aligning with SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action), and offer actionable insights for building infrastructure resilience in vulnerable rural contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Bonginkosi E. Mthembu & Thobani Cele & Xolile Mkhize, 2025. "Climate Change Impacts on Agricultural Infrastructure and Resources: Insights from Communal Land Farming Systems," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:6:p:1150-:d:1664355
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/6/1150/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/6/1150/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vladimir P. Melnikov & Victor I. Osipov & Anatoly V. Brouchkov & Arina A. Falaleeva & Svetlana V. Badina & Mikhail N. Zheleznyak & Marat R. Sadurtdinov & Nikolay A. Ostrakov & Dmitry S. Drozdov & Alex, 2022. "Climate warming and permafrost thaw in the Russian Arctic: potential economic impacts on public infrastructure by 2050," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 112(1), pages 231-251, May.
    2. John Adekunle Adesina & Yuanyuan Liu & Xiaolan Tang & Yujie Ren, 2024. "Assessing the Impact of Geospatial Susceptibility on the Rural Agricultural Landscapes of Village Settlements in Southwestern Nigeria," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-24, October.
    3. William Critchley & Nicole Harari & Eefke Mollee & Rima Mekdaschi-Studer & Joana Eichenberger, 2023. "Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Adaptation for Small-Scale Land Users in Sub-Saharan Africa," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-27, June.
    4. Maria Fay Rola‐Rubzen & Thelma Paris & Jacob Hawkins & Bibek Sapkota, 2020. "Improving Gender Participation in Agricultural Technology Adoption in Asia: From Rhetoric to Practical Action," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 42(1), pages 113-125, March.
    5. James D Ford & Jolène Labbé & Melanie Flynn & Malcolm Araos, 2017. "Readiness for climate change adaptation in the Arctic: a case study from Nunavut, Canada," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 145(1), pages 85-100, November.
    6. Ojo, Temitope & Adetoro, Adetoso A. & Ogundeji, Abiodun A. & Belle, Johannes A., 2021. "Quantifying the Determinants of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Farmers’ Access to Credit in South Africa," 2021 Conference, August 17-31, 2021, Virtual 315853, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    7. Karolina Pawlak & Małgorzata Kołodziejczak, 2020. "The Role of Agriculture in Ensuring Food Security in Developing Countries: Considerations in the Context of the Problem of Sustainable Food Production," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-20, July.
    8. Victor Hugo Souza de Abreu & Andrea Souza Santos & Thaís Guedes Máximo Monteiro, 2022. "Climate Change Impacts on the Road Transport Infrastructure: A Systematic Review on Adaptation Measures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-22, July.
    9. Simphiwe Innocentia Hlatshwayo & Temitope Oluwaseun Ojo & Albert Thembinkosi Modi & Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi & Rob Slotow & Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi, 2022. "The Determinants of Market Participation and Its Effect on Food Security of the Rural Smallholder Farmers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, South Africa," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-16, July.
    10. Carlos José Lopes Balsas, 2023. "Enthralling Prefigurative Urban and Regional Planning Forward," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-22, October.
    11. Hlatshwayo, S. I. & Ojo, T. O. & Modi, A. T. & Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe & Slotow, R. & Ngidi, M. S. C., 2022. "The determinants of market participation and its effect on food security of the rural smallholder farmers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 1-12(7):107.
    12. Thobani Cele & Maxwell Mudhara, 2024. "Impacts of Crop Production and Value Chains on Household Food Insecurity in Kwazulu-Natal: An Ordered Probit Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-16, January.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Juan Luo & Lixin Chen, 2025. "Climate Change Risk, Digital Financial Inclusion and Multidimensional Relative Poverty Among Farm Households," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-23, June.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Senelisiwe Penelope Jilajila & Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi & Simphiwe Innocentia Hlatshwayo & Temitope Oluwaseun Ojo, 2023. "An Analysis of the Prevalence and Factors Influencing Food Insecurity among University Students Participating in Alcohol Consumption in KwaZulu-Natal Province," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Simphiwe Innocentia Hlatshwayo & Rob Slotow & Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi, 2023. "The Role of Smallholder Farming on Rural Household Dietary Diversity," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-16, February.
    3. Hanna Dudek & Joanna Myszkowska-Ryciak & Agnieszka Wojewódzka-Wiewiórska, 2021. "Profiles of Food Insecurity: Similarities and Differences across Selected CEE Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-19, August.
    4. Temitope Oluwaseun Ojo & Abiodun A. Ogundeji & Chijioke U. Emenike, 2022. "Does Adoption of Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Improve Food Security? A Case of Rice Farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-16, October.
    5. Juan Luo & Lixin Chen, 2025. "Climate Change Risk, Digital Financial Inclusion and Multidimensional Relative Poverty Among Farm Households," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-23, June.
    6. Lin, Boqiang & Wang, You, 2025. "Climate change and China's food security," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 318(C).
    7. Rombeallo, Intan Parumbuan & Jamil, Muhammad Hatta & Rukmana, Didi, 2024. "Factors affecting farmers’ decision to join coffee producer cooperatives to improve their welfare," Agricultural and Resource Economics: International Scientific E-Journal, Agricultural and Resource Economics: International Scientific E-Journal, vol. 10(4), December.
    8. Robert Ugochukwu Onyeneke & Roseline Daberechi Ejike & Emeka Emmanuel Osuji & Nneka Maris Chidiebere-Mark, 2024. "Does climate change affect crops differently? New evidence from Nigeria," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(1), pages 393-419, January.
    9. Elżbieta Goryńska-Goldmann & Michał Gazdecki & Krystyna Rejman & Joanna Kobus-Cisowska & Sylwia Łaba & Robert Łaba, 2020. "How to Prevent Bread Losses in the Baking and Confectionery Industry?—Measurement, Causes, Management and Prevention," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-24, December.
    10. Sharina Shariff & Siti ‘Aisyah Baharudin & Nor Asmat Ismail, 2025. "A Systematic Review of the Challenges and Opportunities of the Agriculture Economic Sector in Malaysia," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 17(1), pages 285-303.
    11. Michael I. E. Edaba & Anthony O. Onoja & Zelda A. Elum, 2025. "Analysis of Farm Credit Access Among Cassava-Based Farmers in South-South Nigeria," International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research, Malwa International Journals Publication, vol. 11(2), April.
    12. Eleftherios Giovanis & Oznur Ozdamar, 2025. "The transboundary effects of climate change and global adaptation: the case of the Euphrates–Tigris water basin in Turkey and Iraq," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 68(4), pages 1935-1972, April.
    13. Sumit Panja & Sayani Mukhopadhyay, 2024. "An investigation of small and marginal holder farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate variability and its determinants in coastal agriculture: evidence from east coast of India," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 29(3), pages 1-33, March.
    14. Isaac Akomea-Frimpong & Amma Kyewaa Agyekum & Alexander Baah Amoakwa & Prosper Babon-Ayeng & Fatemeh Pariafsai, 2024. "Toward the attainment of climate-smart PPP infrastructure projects: a critical review and recommendations," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(8), pages 19195-19229, August.
    15. Ying Zhang & Xinyu Xie & Xiaoping Qiu & Zheng Jing & Yongqian Yu & Yan Wang, 2023. "Study on Livelihood Resilience of Rural Residents under the Rural Revitalization Strategy in Ethnic Areas of Western Sichuan, China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-19, October.
    16. Justine Ramage & Anna Vasilevskaya & Timothy Heleniak & Leneisja Jungsberg & Mateo Cordier & Elisa Stella & Sebastian Westermann & Joan Nymand Larsen, 2025. "The Arctic Permafrost Vulnerability Index," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-16, April.
    17. Patricia Mussali-Galante & María Luisa Castrejón-Godínez & José Antonio Díaz-Soto & Ángela Patricia Vargas-Orozco & Héctor Miguel Quiroz-Medina & Efraín Tovar-Sánchez & Alexis Rodríguez, 2023. "Biobeds, a Microbial-Based Remediation System for the Effective Treatment of Pesticide Residues in Agriculture," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-25, June.
    18. Ar. R. T. Hidayat & Corinthias P. M. Sianipar & Shizuka Hashimoto & Satoshi Hoshino & Muhammad Dimyati & Ahmad E. Yustika, 2023. "Personal Cognition and Implicit Constructs Affecting Preferential Decisions on Farmland Ownership: Multiple Case Studies in Kediri, East Java, Indonesia," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-23, September.
    19. Jalini Kaushalya Galabada, 2022. "Towards the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger: What Role Do Institutions Play?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-25, April.
    20. Brennan Vogel & Lilia Yumagulova & Gordon McBean & Kerry Ann Charles Norris, 2022. "Indigenous-Led Nature-Based Solutions for the Climate Crisis: Insights from Canada," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-19, May.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:6:p:1150-:d:1664355. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.