Vulnerability, impact and adaptation strategies of female farmers to climate variability

Abstract

In Africa, agriculture, particularly crop production, is a vital livelihood practice for women, who provide a larger proportion of the labour force. However, the high reliance on rain-fed agriculture, coupled with other socio-economic constraints, exposes female farmers to climatic risks. This paper investigates the participation of women in crop production, key challenges and their coping strategies for climatic disturbances. Drawing on the experiences of female farmers of Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) in Mpumalanga, South Africa, the study blended qualitative and quantitative approaches to gather data on their vulnerability and adaptation strategies to climatic shocks. A questionnaire administered through face-to-face interaction and online surveys was the main instrument used to obtain data. This study revealed diverse challenges faced by female farmers in the form of high susceptibility to climatic disruptions, limited funding and gaps in accessing agricultural inputs and equipment (machinery, seeds and fertilisers) and pests. The effects of climate variability manifest in low crop outputs and inferior yields, food insecurity and loss of revenue. The most preferred coping strategies are changing planting and harvesting dates, followed by eating less food, looking for jobs and crop rotation. Although the main source of support comes from both family and government, the majority of the female farmers do not use modern scientific-based and input-intensive agricultural coping strategies such as the use of irrigation systems because of lack of livelihood assets and lower literacy levels.

Socioeconomic determinants of modern climate change adaptation of small-scale vegetable farmers in Bohlabela District, Mpumalanga Province

“…In this study, modern climate adaptation will refer to the use of inorganic fertilizer, drought-resistance seeds, pesticides, herbicides, and the use of irrigation. Dibakoane et al (2022) study found that most female farmers do not use modern agricultural coping strategies in Mpumalanga due to a lack of financial resources. The use of modern climate change adaptation becomes crucial when targeting formal markets, however, this requires financing.…”

Influence of Farming Experience and Knowledge on Selection of Climate Change Resilient Strategies among Female Agripreneurs in the Mopani of Limpopo Province South Africa

“…According to Addaney et al (2021), female farmers have displayed remarkable resilience to climate change by finding innovative ways to overcome these obstacles and increase their productivity. Another study revealed that most female farmers are farming grains (maize), which helps them improve food security in their households (Dibakoane et al, 2022). The study was anchored by the increasing demand for maize and cash crops due to the rising global population.…”

An overview of Volume 14, No 1 (2022)

“…We know that risk is understood and experienced differently depending on context and identity, and this collection captures the diversity of perspectives that need to be considered; from people with disabilities (Ssennoga et al 2022 ), to pastoral households (Abrham & Mekuyie 2022 ), and farmers (Dibakoane, Siyongwana & Shabalala 2022 ; Matimolane et al 2022 ), to students (Kutywayo et al 2022 ), to families that include older people (Fatmah 2022 ). Various professionals also contribute to managing risk in society, and this is explored in relation to educators (Dzvimbo et al 2022 ), social workers (Matlakala, Makhubele & Nyahunda 2022 ), librarians (Chisita & Ngulube 2022 ), first responders (O’Neil & Kruger 2022 ), and health care professionals (Capili et al 2022 ).…”