Perceptions of Climate Change and the Potential for Adaptation in a Rural Community in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Sejabaledi Rankoana

doi:10.3390/su8080672

Abstract

Perceptions of climate change by rural communities are centered on observations of variations in temperature and rainfall patterns supported by observations and projections on climate alterations in the form of increased temperatures and scarce rainfall by scientists worldwide. The present study documented perceptions of climate variation and the community’s ability to adapt to climate change hazards threatening the production of subsistence crops. Data were collected through interactions with 100 participants. In the study, climate change is explained as variations in temperature and rainfall patterns which resulted in excessive heat, erratic rainfall patterns and drought negatively impacting on subsistence crop production. Community members have the potential to limit the impacts of climate hazards on subsistence crop production. The negative impacts of climate hazards are limited by community members’ indigenous knowledge of rainfall prediction, the seasons, crop diversification and mixed cropping. Mulching and the application of kraal manure improve the soil structure and fertility to reduce crop failure. These adaptation measures are resilient to the negative impact of climate hazards and may be helpful in the development of adaptation policies to assist rural communities vulnerable to climate change hazards.

Highlights

Perceptions of climate change and its threats to rural communities are among the major challenges faced by scientists
The present study examined rural community members’ perceptions of climate variation and their capability to adapt to the impacts of climate change hazards on the production of subsistence crops on which they depend for livelihood
Climate change in the study is perceived as changes in temperature and rainfall patterns

Summary

Introduction

Perceptions of climate change and its threats to rural communities are among the major challenges faced by scientists. Rural communities are aware that devastating changes in their living conditions such as malnutrition, poverty, water and air contamination, increased risks of disease, floods, soil erosion and depletion of biodiversity are as a result of climate and environmental variability [3,4]. Observed change in rainfall and temperature patterns are supported by annotations of a drastic increase in temperatures with negative impacts on the livelihood patterns of rural communities [5]. This type of understanding of climate change is crucial in planning the adaptation and mitigation measures to address the effects of increased temperature and scarce rainfall for sustainable livelihood [3]

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Results

Conclusion