Perceived impact of climate variability and change on livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Lesotho

Abstract

Lesotho is a poor country that heavily depends on rain-fed agriculture for socioeconomic growth and development. However, climate change threatens the agriculture sector, which has implications on the ability of the country to harness its development, especially among smallholder farmers, to eliminate poverty and promote sustainable development. This study therefore assesses farmers’ perceptions of climate change impact on agriculture. The study also examines adaptation strategies adopted by smallholder farmers to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture, household livelihoods, and food security. The study employed a survey questionnaire and sampled 200 farmers from farming villages in Lesotho. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and with the aid of Excel 2016. The result of the study shows that farmers have experienced climate variability and change, such as erratic and unpredictable rainfall patterns, severe frost/cold and intermittent drought leading to the dryness of water bodies. These experiences have affected smallholder farmers through declining crop yields, increased pest and disease attacks, and below normal yields. Farmers’ adaptation strategies employed to mitigate climate change impact included the use of indigenous technology for treating pest and disease, fruit tree planting, conservation agriculture (water and soil conservation) and rainwater harvest storage for use in dry seasons. Indeed, climate change exerts serious threat to socioeconomic development in Lesotho. Hence, programmes and interventions that improve adaptive capacity and the acquisition of best farming practices among smallholder farmers should be prioritized to tackle vulnerability. The results of the study contribute to the literature by offering interesting insights into climate change impacts on agriculture and smallholder farmers’ response strategies in Lesotho.