Influence of natural hazards on farmers’ livelihoods and mental health in the Southern African development community: a scoping review

Natural hazards pose significant challenges for farmers and rural communities around the world, leading to increased levels of psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. This paper aimed at scoping existing literature on the influence of natural hazards on farmers’ livelihood and mental health in the Southern African Development Community. A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify relevant empirical studies and grey literature published between 2014 and 2024 in multiple databases, including PubMed, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, Science Direct, and the Sabinet African Journal. The researchers also conducted a forward and backward search on Google Scholar and used the Research Rabbit tool to gain more information. A combination of descriptive and content analysis was used to analyse the scoped data. The findings of this scoping review highlighted that farmers experience increased mental health burdens due to disruptions in livelihoods, loss of social support networks, and financial insecurity. The dynamic nature of the coping strategies employed by these farmers included the transition from initial resources maintenance and emotion-focused approaches to meaning-making strategies over time. However, the long-term consequences of mental health, including the potential for intergenerational trauma, remain understudied. The review emphasises the importance of culturally relevant and community-driven resilience frameworks that leverage indigenous knowledge and empower local stakeholders. Addressing intersectional vulnerabilities, enhancing adaptive capacity in the agricultural sector, and integrating mental health support are critical components of comprehensive adaptation strategies. Adopting a holistic and interdisciplinary approach is essential to foster more equitable and sustainable pathways for adaptation and resilience.