Sustainable Livelihood Options Adopted by Rural Communities in Response to Climate Change Dynamics: A Case Study Approach in Vhembe District, South Africa

Khathutshelo Hildah Netshisaulu (), Hector Chikoore, James Chakwizira and Zongho Kom
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Khathutshelo Hildah Netshisaulu: Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Hector Chikoore: Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
James Chakwizira: Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Zongho Kom: Department of Geography, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, South Africa

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-18

Abstract: The Vhembe district of South Africa is dominantly rural, with agricultural practice being the main major livelihood activity. Furthermore, many of the rural subsistence farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly high temperatures. Changes in climate cause extreme losses in agricultural productivity, increasing the level of vulnerability among rural subsistence farmers. The study examines the livelihood options adopted by rural communities in response to climate change dynamics in the Vhembe district. Using qualitative and quantitative approaches, both primary and secondary data from 365 rural community members were employed. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered using purposive sampling and employed statistical analysis techniques. The results revealed that livestock production was the most dominant livelihood-resilient activity at 30%, while vendor activity is common in Ṱhohoyanḓou at 29%. The findings indicated that the highest establishment of water tanks was in the Madimbo area, with 51% as a form of livelihood resilience. Further, 70% of respondents demonstrated livelihood sustainability activities such as agricultural forums, conferences, and the practice of indigenous activities. The proposed strategies can be used by policymakers to effectively consider the most vulnerable groups and articulate unique local vulnerabilities.

Keywords: climate change; sustainable livelihood; Vhembe district; agricultural forum; adaptation strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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