Farmers' perceptions of adaptation to climate change and water stress in a South African rural community

Abstract

This paper documents the manner in which smallholder farmers in Gladstone, a rural village near the town of Thaba Nchu in the Free State Province of central South Africa, perceive and adapt to long-term changes in climate. Farmers' perceptions of climate risk and their approaches to adaptation are influenced by socio-economic and political factors. The lack of interest in farming among the youth, the inherent imbalances in land access due to political history, government policies on free water access as well as social grants have created dependency and discouraged the need for adaptation to climate change. Farmers are therefore reliant on regular support even in the face of potential uncertainties about the long-term changes in government policies. Farmers deliberately adapting to climate change are innovative and independent of state support. Rainwater harvesting techniques are the most popular risk management and adaptation strategy used and are externally supported and sustained. The findings of this study indicate that government policies must be informed and guided by the risks and opportunities faced by farmers. In addition, farmers need to make conscious decisions to adapt based on their analysis of livelihood risks. Education and awareness on climate change issues at community, programming and policy levels needs to be prioritised. This must be supported by technological developments such as the rainwater harvesting techniques that are showing potential of greater success among small holder farmers.