Cost Benefit Analysis of Climate Change Adaption Strategies on Crop Production Systems: A Case of Mpolonjeni Area Development Programme (ADP) in Swaziland

The study is a descriptive survey done at Mpolonjeni ADP which is a representative sample for the project as it is affected by climate change and variability. This is evident as there is high level of food insecurity, crop failure, poverty and hunger Mpolonjeni ADP. The increased involvement of food relief agencies nearly on an annual basis is a clear indication that agricultural production, the mainstay of the areas has drastically fallen, and households’ livelihoods are at risk. The objectives of the study were to identify the impact of climate change on crop production, identify private adaptation strategies, conduct a cost benefit analysis for the adaptation strategies identified and identify socioeconomic factors influencing the choice of households when adapting to climate change. Sample was randomly selected and personal interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Ricardian regression model, cost benefit analysis and multinomial logistic model. The results indicated that temperatures are increasing and rainfall is decreasing and this reduces maize yields. Adaptation strategies used are; drought resistant varieties, switching crops, irrigation, crop rotation, mulching, minimum tillage, early planting, late planting and intercropping. Switching crops has the highest NPV, where maize (E14.40) should be substituted with drought tolerant crops such as cotton (E1864.40), sorghum (E283.30) and dry beans (292.20). Factors influencing the choice of adaptation were; age of household head, occupation of household head, belonging to a social group , land category , access to credit, access to extension services training, high incidences of crop pest and disease, high input prices, high food prices, perceptions of households towards climate change. From the results, it is recommended that households should grow drought tolerant crops such as cotton, sorghum and dry beans instead of maize. The government should provide irrigation system, strengthen extension services and subsidise inputs. Further studies should analyse by CEA and MCA.