Abstract:
The primary aim of my research was to identify the impacts and adaptation options of
climate variability and change on agricultural production in Limpopo province. The
following objectives were identified: To understand the impacts of climate variability and
change on agricultural production in Limpopo province , To assess the impacts of climate
variability and change on agricultural production in Limpopo province and To identify
adaptation measures that reduces the impacts of climate variability and change on
agricultural production in Limpopo province. A representative sample of 300 farmers aged
16- 65+ years (46 percent males and 54 percent females) participated in the study. The
study involved Sekhukhune and Capricorn districts, with 56 percent farmers in Capricorn
and 44 percent in Sekhukhune district. The following 11 local municipalities were visited:
Elias Motsoaledi, Makhuduthamaga, Fetakgomo, Ephraim Mogale, Tubatse, Lepelle
Nkumpi, Blouberg, Aganang, Polokwane, and Molemole.
The Limpopo province is one of the poorest provinces in the country, characterized by
high unemployment rate, poverty and lack of access to a range of resources that frustrate
majority of people ability to secure their livelihoods. In this study the province's
economic, biological and physical environment were highlighted. The study further covers
the province, s farming enterprises, systems, categories, infrastructure as well as other
constraints that maybe facing the emerging farmer in the province.
It is assumed that the majority of farmers in both the Capricorn and Sekhukhune districts
are using different coping and adaptation strategies in order to increase their crop yields.
Literature studies show that climate variability and change adaptation strategies vary from
area to area due to agro ecological zones and the harshness of the effects of climate
variability and change. It has also been noted that climate change is fast pushing the
poorest and most marginalized communities beyond their capacity to respond. This study
draws on lessons learned, experiences, and other existing research on climate change
impacts and adaptation across the globe. It sets out what is needed to enable people living
in poverty to adapt to climate change, and a range of interventions that are available across
climate - sensitive sectors.
The study has provided a literature review of the impact of climate change on the
agricultural sector. In fact, it has documented some of the likely impacts of climate change
based on International, continental, regional, national and provincial agricultural sector.
The study highlighted the impact of climate change also on various climate - sensitive
sectors including understanding water resources, forestry, natural ecosystem human health,
infrastructure and coastal zones. This research also confirmed that being a full time farmer,
gender, information on climate change, information received through extension services
and adaptation to climate change are some of the important determinants of agricultural
production, food scarcity and unemployment. A worrying situation is reviewed globally in
this study and it can be concluded that climate variability and change is affecting every
sector in society and it needs urgent attention. Statistics was used to determine climate
variability and change impact on agricultural production. Results indicate that farmers are
aware that Limpopo province is getting warmer and drier with increased frequency of
droughts, changes in the timing of rains, observed trends oftemperature and precipitation.
The study also presented perceived adaptation strategies used by farmers in Limpopo
province. Some of their perceived adaptation strategies included: (a) Soil management
strategies, (b) Water management strategies and (c) Others like use of subsidies and use of
insurance. Other important adaptation options being used by farmers were also discussed
in this study including different adaptation measures against colds, heat, frost, abnormal
wind, hail, lack of extension support, nematodes, insecticides, worms, temperature and
rainfall. The results of this study are potentially valuable to the agricultural sector
considering the threats that climate change poses across climate sensitive sectors.
