Climate vulnerability and risks to an indigenous community in the arid zone of South Africa

Abstract

Arid rangelands have been greatly affected by climate change and the people occupying these landscapes have become increasingly at risk by this phenomenon. This study explored the climate vulnerability and risks to an indigenous Nama community n South Africa. A household survey was conducted to understand the diversity and extent of the climate risks faced by the pastoral community and overall their vulnerability. Responses were coded numerically for statistical analysis and a climate impact chain was also developed. The main climate hazards faced by the community included drought, hot temperatures and strong winds. These hazards were more concerning to pastoralists who do not have access to some of the key natural resources located inside the adjacent national park. Outcomes of this study showed moderate levels of vulnerability to climate change due to low sensitivity and moderate adaptive capacity. Some households had high levels of physical and human capital assets whereas financial and natural capital were the lowest. With increased adverse climate conditions and a degrading natural environment, the community's vulnerability is expected to increase. We recommend using the South African National Park's existing co-management model as a platform to support the Nama people to reduce climate change risks.