Adaptation strategies of livestock farmers in coping with climate change and variability: case of Richtersveld, South Africa.

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges demanding urgent attention. In semi-arid regions such as Richtersveld which is characterised by arid conditions, high temperatures, low annual rainfall and threatened communal grazing systems, the climate change picture is particularly dire. While ecologically diverse and rich in cultural heritage, Richtersveld is also confronted with some of the worst climatic conditions, including prolonged droughts, extreme temperatures, and rainfall variability, which further exacerbate the vulnerability of livestock farmers whose livelihoods are dependent the precarious livestock farming and the local economy. This study examines the experiences of 24 livestock farmers in the semi-arid region of Richtersveld Local Municipality. The study specifically examines the challenges faced due to climate change and variability and their adaptation strategies in response to Climate variability and change (CVC). As such, this study investigates the ways in which livestock farmers in the Richtersveld Local Municipality adapt to climate change and variability. Analytically and theoretically, the study draws from Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice, especially his concepts of Field, Habitus and Capital to make sense of the ways in which people experience and adapt to climate change and variability. Despite the huge body of research on climate change in South Africa, very little research has been conducted on how Richtersveld's livestock farmers adapt to such climate stresses. As such, this is the knowledge gap that this study seeks to address by focusing on the agency and adaptive capacity of livestock farmers in a context of intensified climate variability and change. The research findings highlight how farmers responses to CVC are influenced by their social, cultural, & economic Capital, which are shaped by factors such as land tenure, access to information and infrastructure, as well as poverty levels. These forms of Capital provide valuable resources for coping with and adapting to the impacts of climate change and variability. Data was collected through in-depth interviews revealing that livestock farmers in RLM have observed notable changes in climate conditions, particularly increased temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns. The impacts of these changes are evident in various aspects of their farming practices including livestock health, biodiversity, and socio-economic well-being. In response, farmers have adopted a range of coping strategies such as transhumance forming multi-owner herds and joining farmers associations. The study argues that while livestock farmers in the Richtersveld are aware of the negative impact of climate change on their livelihoods, their ability to fully adapt remains limited and constrained by challenges such as inadequate access to information and financial resources. Nevertheless, I also argue that these livestock farmers have not been passive victims of climate change and variability, instead they have developed alternative coping and adaptive application strategies to help mitigate the effects of climate variability drawing on various forms of Capitals at their disposal.