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

Mbongeni Maziya (), Lungani Mvelase and Mbuyazwe Michael Dlamini
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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

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-13

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.

Keywords: climate change; food security; smallholder farmers; adaptation; uMkhanyakude district (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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