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The Perceived Impact of Climate Change on the Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers in Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Mbongeni Maziya

    (Institute for Rural Development, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni

    (Community Engagement and Development Directorate, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban 4031, South Africa)

  • Nandipha Mbizana

    (Elsenburg Agriculture and Training Institute, Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa)

  • Precious Tirivanhu

    (Developmental, Capable and Ethical State, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

Abstract

Smallholder farming is an important livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries. Climate change and variability threaten the sustenance of livelihoods and hinder efforts to eradicate poverty and food insecurity. Although perception studies on climate change and coping mechanisms have been conducted in KwaZulu-Natal Province, little has been done on livelihood analysis. This study uses the Sustainable Livelihood Framework for livelihoods analysis of smallholder farmers in the uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa. Survey data were collected from a sample of 400 smallholder farmers in two local municipalities of the district, using a stratified random sampling procedure. Focus group discussions were used to augment survey data. Descriptive statistics were generated to analyse quantitative data, while qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis. This study found that climate change significantly eroded livelihood assets, posing a threat to the well-being of smallholder farmers. Persistent drought has led to poor crop and livestock productivity, compelling households to rely heavily on food purchases. These findings underscore the urgent need to safeguard the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the face of climate change. This study recommends that policymakers should focus on policies that enhance the resilience of livelihood assets for farming communities to minimise climatic risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Mbongeni Maziya & Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni & Nandipha Mbizana & Precious Tirivanhu, 2024. "The Perceived Impact of Climate Change on the Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers in Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:7:p:3013-:d:1370268
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Quandt, Amy, 2018. "Measuring livelihood resilience: The Household Livelihood Resilience Approach (HLRA)," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 253-263.
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    3. Thinda, K.T. & Ogundeji, A.A. & Belle, J.A. & Ojo, T.O., 2020. "Understanding the adoption of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers: Evidence from land reform beneficiaries in South Africa," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
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    6. Woodhill, Jim & Kishore, Avinash & Njuki, Jemimah & Jones, Kristal & Hasnain, Saher, "undated". "IFAD Research Series 73: Food systems and rural wellbeing: challenges and opportunities," IFAD Research Series 321943, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
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    2. Wenwu Zhou & Xiabiao Tian, 2026. "Preventing Poverty Recurrence in Rural China: Risk Shocks, Household Behavior, and Sustainable Livelihood Strategies," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(S2), pages 608-636, March.

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