Abstract
Adaptation is a key component for fostering resilience amongst farmers as they are exposed to the challenges caused by climate change. However, the implementation of adaptation strategies is not equal or easy for most farming communities and are influenced by a diverse range of socio-economic constraints. In this context, the study intended to explore the factors constraining the implementation of climate change adaptation strategies amongst commercial and subsistence farmers of the Local Municipality in the North West province, South Africa. An exploratory sequential mixed method design was used, allowing the utilisation of both qualitative and quantitative methods in a single study. A total of 50 farmers (25 farmers from each group) were identified through purposive homogeneous sampling and were given a questionnaire consisting of semi-structured and structured questions. The study established that some of the most prominent factors constraining adaptation amongst farmers in the Local Municipality are related to their physical environment, lack of market access, financial constraints and limited access to established social networks (such as farmers associations). Identifying barriers to adaptation through area-specific research or studies, such as this particular study, is crucial for the development of holistic climate change adaptation strategies that will allow sustainability in diverse agricultural systems.
Highlights
The societies who build their livelihood around agriculture are becoming increasingly vulnerable during the 21st century as anthropogenic climate change is expected to have significant and pervasive effects because of deviating climatic conditions and the manifestation of extreme climatic events.[1,2,3] Many developing countries and their agricultural sectors are the most likely to be adversely affected by climate change as opposed to developed countries.[4]
As such the aim of this article is to examine the factors that are restricting the commercial and subsistence farmers situated in the Ditsobotla Local Municipality from implementing climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies in their agricultural practices
The environmental changes observed by the respondents (Figure 1) correlate with the proposed effects climate change could have on the region according to literature discussed under the section titled ‘Climate change and its predicted impact on South Africa‘s agriculture sector: A national and sub-national context’
Summary
The societies who build their livelihood around agriculture are becoming increasingly vulnerable during the 21st century as anthropogenic climate change is expected to have significant and pervasive effects because of deviating climatic conditions (e.g. drying) and the manifestation of extreme climatic events (e.g. drought).[1,2,3] Many developing countries and their agricultural sectors are the most likely to be adversely affected by climate change as opposed to developed countries.[4]. As stated by Elum et al.,[6] weather-related disasters, droughts and floods, have had a long history in the NWP. This especially affects areas that are known to be highly dependent on agricultural activities for people’s livelihoods, such as the local municipality. The vulnerability of South African farmers, and those located in the province, will increase in direct correlation with the occurrence of extreme weather events and unexpected variations in climate.[7]
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