Building resilience to climate change in vulnerable communities: A case study of uMkhanyakude district municipality

Abstract

Climate change in South Africa remains an issue of socio-economic and environmental concern. An increase in frequency and intensity of climatic events pose significant threats to biophysical and socio-economic aspects, namely food security, water resources, agriculture, biodiversity, tourism, and poverty. In order to counteract the socio-economic and environmental concerns pertaining to issues of climate change, emergent insights on climate change strategies suggest that building resilience in human and environmental systems is an ideal way of combating dynamic environmental conditions and future uncertainties. Using the qualitative secondary data approach, this article evaluates whether vulnerable communities in uMkhanyakude District Municipality can become resilient to the implications of climate change. UMkhanyakude District Municipality is predominantly rural and one of the most impoverished districts in KwaZulu-Natal, with the majority of socially and economically marginalised individuals and households experiencing more severe impacts as a result of climate change compared to those in urban areas. Data was analysed using content analysis and a concise summary of the biophysical and socio-economic aspects is presented. This research suggests that building resilience to climate change is possible when bottom-up, proactive and systematic measures are taken to manage vulnerable areas such as those in uMkhanyakude District Municipality. It recommends that social impact assessments (SIA) be conducted to assist in terms of assessing social consequences that are likely to follow from policy actions.

Climate risk assessment in insurance: A USA and Africa Review

“…Africa is currently facing huge environmental challenges from climate change, severely impacting the agricultural segment of its economy (Agba et al, 2021). The impacts of climate change in Africa are more severe due to high exposure and low adaptive capacity, emphasizing the need for building resilience in vulnerable communities (Mthembu & Hlophe, 2021). Africa has experienced climate change due to factors such as changes brought about by colonial administration, rapid population growth, and organized agriculture, necessitating enhanced adaptation policies (Matata & Adan, 2018).…”

Efectos de la agricultura intensiva y el cambio climático sobre la biodiversidad

“…Todas estas tecnologías mencionadas requieren una nueva Revolución Verde, donde la ingeniería biotecnológica de características sustanciales desde el punto de vista económico y nutricional debe considerarse crítica y cuidadosamente siempre que no liquide la cuestión socio cultural (Wani et al 2015). Aplicando los conocimientos emergentes para combatir las condiciones ambientales cambiantes futuras (Mthembu and Hlophe, 2021). Promoviendo mejoras continuas en las prácticas de gestión en las interacciones del ecosistema agrícola con el medio ambiente y el bienestar humano (Dale et al 2020).…”