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Climate risk coping strategies of maize low-income farmers: A South African Perspective

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  • Mathithibane, Mpho Steve

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of climate risk coping strategies of smallholders in a South African perspective. A quantitative research approach was followed using surveys to collect primary data from participants in key maize producing provinces of South Africa. The results analysed employing multinomial regression, show that reduction of crop production in times of uncertainly is the most preferred coping mechanism. The study further revealed that farmers who use crop insurance have the highest level of preparedness to manage weather risk. The findings contribute to advancing knowledge, guiding policymakers and increasing efficiencies of risk mitigation efforts especially climate risk solutions in the context of climate change and persistent drought affecting South African farmers.

Suggested Citation

  • Mathithibane, Mpho Steve, 2021. "Climate risk coping strategies of maize low-income farmers: A South African Perspective," MPRA Paper 107677, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:107677
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Carter, Michael R. & Cheng, Lan & Sarris, Alexandros, 2016. "Where and how index insurance can boost the adoption of improved agricultural technologies," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 59-71.
    2. Haile, Kaleab K. & Nillesen, Eleonora & Tirivayi, Nyasha, 2020. "Impact of formal climate risk transfer mechanisms on risk-aversion: Empirical evidence from rural Ethiopia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).
    3. Shah, Hassnain & Siderius, Christian & Hellegers, Petra, 2020. "Cost and effectiveness of in-season strategies for coping with weather variability in Pakistan's agriculture," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
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    JEL classification:

    • Q14 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Finance

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