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Smallholder Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Their Effect on Household Food Security: Evidence from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Mbongeni Maziya

    (Institute for Rural Development, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa)

  • Lungani Mvelase

    (SA Canegrowers Association, Mtubatuba 3935, South Africa)

  • Mbuyazwe Michael Dlamini

    (Agricultural Education and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of eSwatini, Luyengo P.O. Box M205, Eswatini)

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant risk to the long-term viability of smallholder agriculture in developing countries. Climate change has a direct effect on agricultural output, ultimately impacting the food security of smallholder farmers. However, the link between climate change and food security in developing countries is underexplored. This article investigates the effect of climate change adaptation strategies on household food security. A survey was conducted among 400 smallholder farmers in the uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal using a stratified random sampling procedure. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that factors such as access to credit, access to government funding, and participation in agricultural groups play an important role in supporting adaptation to climate change. Adaptation to climate change is associated with reduced levels of food insecurity. These results underscore the important role of climate change adaptation in enhancing household food security. The study recommends that programmes that target smallholder farmers should focus on enhancing the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers.

Suggested Citation

  • Mbongeni Maziya & Lungani Mvelase & Mbuyazwe Michael Dlamini, 2024. "Smallholder Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Their Effect on Household Food Security: Evidence from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:10:p:1729-:d:1490512
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Thinda, K.T. & Ogundeji, A.A. & Belle, J.A. & Ojo, T.O., 2020. "Understanding the adoption of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers: Evidence from land reform beneficiaries in South Africa," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    4. Castells-Quintana, David & del Pilar Lopez-Uribe, Maria & McDermott, Thomas K.J., 2018. "A review of adaptation to climate change through a development economics lens," Working Papers 309605, National University of Ireland, Galway, Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit.
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