Challenges, Futures and Possibilities of Land Use in Rural Areas of Cela Municipality: Risks, Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Links to Sustainability

Abstract

The management of community rural land in Angola is aggravated by recurrent drought cycles intensifying the risk factors that can compromise economic, social and environmental sustainability. This work seeks to emphasize the role of adaptation of community rural families in an environment marked by extreme weather events that defy local economies. Data were collected through fieldwork relying upon qualitative methods (semi-structured interviews and focus groups). In addition, during field research, participant observation was used to collect detailed information through informal conversations with local people and observations of everyday life. Different strategies for coping/adapting to environment changes were also registered. The key informants were primarily comprised of traditional leaders in the village—men, women of different ages—who generally engage in local adaptive measures. Regional and local farming practices, families’ migrations and the conflicts over land use were studied (and assessed existing small-scale dynamics centred on sustainability and resilience objectives). The results indicated a significant local adaptation deficit, lack of integration of climate change adaptation strategies in public instruments decision and a systemic and integrated approach to the territory management.