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Mapping exposure to snow in a developing African context: implications for human and livestock vulnerability in Lesotho

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  • S. Grab
  • J. Linde

Abstract

Alpine cryospheric hazards are becoming increasingly prominent under current global/regional climate change scenarios and receiving wide scientific coverage from, in particular, northern hemisphere mountain regions associated with glaciers, permafrost, and extensive seasonal snow cover. However, there is a general paucity of knowledge and attention on cryospheric hazards associated with mountain environments only occasionally/rarely impacted by heavy seasonal snowfalls or severe frost events, particularly those in developing and southern hemisphere regions. Prolonged snow cover in the Lesotho Highlands sometimes carries the consequence of human and livestock deaths owing to isolation and exposure in this developing region. We use daily Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer snow cover images for the period 2003–2010, to establish the frequency, extent, and timing of snowfalls across Lesotho. In addition, a digital shape file containing the location, name, and district attributes of 2,016 villages across Lesotho was used to assist in the construction of a village exposure to snow index. A ranking system was applied to each village according to the seasonal duration of snow cover, and the accessibility and proximity to the nearest road. Snowfalls occur on average between 1 and 8 times per annum, with village exposure to snow (potential vulnerability) being generally low, particularly for the lowlands and Senqu River Valley. However, the study identifies that some high-altitude (>2,500 m) villages such as Thoteng, Letseng-la-Terae, and Mabalane are, on occasion, highly exposed to prolonged snow cover, and particularly so during the mid-snow season of July/August. We demonstrate the importance of applying spatiotemporal assessments on infrequent snow occurrences (which carry associated hazards) in developing mountain regions such as Lesotho, with implications to reduce livelihood risks through improved disaster preparedness and a well-informed, focused emergency response. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014

Suggested Citation

  • S. Grab & J. Linde, 2014. "Mapping exposure to snow in a developing African context: implications for human and livestock vulnerability in Lesotho," 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. 71(3), pages 1537-1560, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:71:y:2014:i:3:p:1537-1560
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-013-0964-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Oecd, 2009. "Climate Change and Africa," OECD Journal: General Papers, OECD Publishing, vol. 2009(1), pages 5-35.
    2. Robin Leichenko & Karen O'Brien, 2002. "The Dynamics of Rural Vulnerability to Global Change: The Case of southern Africa," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 7(1), pages 1-18, March.
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