The Effects of Climate Change on Rural Livestock Farming: Evidence from Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the perceptions of the conspicuous rural livestock farmers as well as the officials from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) on the effects of climate change on rural livestock farming practices. From a qualitative standpoint, this study purposively selected participants from Limpopo Province, focusing on Giyani, Lenting, Ga-Mphahlele and Malamulele areas comprising of rural livestock farmers [12:3 = 36] and DAFF officials [6:2]. Overall, 42 participants formed part of this study through Face-to-Face and Focus Group Discussions. It is found that the loss and damage related to the contrary effects of climate change are insufficiently applied in the chosen rural areas of Limpopo Province. The local and regional collaborations by the responsible spheres of government are not strengthened and promoted, leading to inefficient strategies and approaches to addressing related conditions. Therefore, the significance of risk transmission and dissemination via regional cooperation regarding climate change adaptation are pivotal in rural settings.

An Update on South African Indigenous Sheep Breeds’ Extinction Status and Difficulties during Conservation Attempts: A Review

“…Smallholder farmers cannot contend with the effect of climate change due to the lack of capital and resources [58]. South Africa is one of those developing countries that are adversely affected by climate change [59].…”

“…Moreover, about 28.2% mortality of matured South African indigenous sheep was reported [12]. Extreme temperatures due to climate change may result in the outbreak of diseases such as brucellosis, foot and mouth, red-water, and tick-borne diseases [59]. With less veterinary service and knowledge that rural farmers have, these diseases wipe their animals off, leading to a decrease in the indigenous sheep population.…”

A Systematic Review of Climate Change Risks to Communal Livestock Production and Response Strategies in South Africa

“…Due to the magnitude of the livestock sector in South Africa, climate change effects on livestock are anticipated to have long-lasting effects (Lottering et al, 2021). Owing to climate change impacts on livestock, exponential death rates, slow growth rate and a decline in milk production, among others, have become a frequent experience to livestock farmers in South Africa (Maluleke et al, 2020).…”

“…Further, livestock has the potential to strengthen resilience to climate change, as it tends to be more resilient than crop-based systems (Oduniyi et al, 2020). However, to enhance livestock resilience to climate change, a better understanding of how the rural farming fraternity is affected is needed (Maluleke et al, 2020). Effective policy and practice require sector-specific data about the nature and magnitude of impacts triggered by climate change (Lottering et al, 2020b;Magandana et al, 2021).…”

“…Effective policy and practice require sector-specific data about the nature and magnitude of impacts triggered by climate change (Lottering et al, 2020b;Magandana et al, 2021). As the extent to which climate change impacts vary across different livestock systems (Vetter et al, 2020;, understanding these differences is critical to formulating policy and practices (Maluleke et al, 2020). Aligning knowledge on climate change impacts and adaptation across different scales is also important to identify common concerns that can encourage collaboration among different production systems, and areas which climate change is likely to impact negatively (Maluleke and Mokwena, 2017).…”