Research on World Agricultural Economy

Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: The Case of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, Limpopo Province

Ntlharihani Deon Mkansi

Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0727, South Africa

Lesetja Ledwaba J.

Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0727, South Africa

Jenny Mokhaukhau

Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0727, South Africa

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i1.1287

Received: 30 August 2024 | Revised: 30 October 2024 | Accepted: 31 October 2024 | Published Online: 22 January 2025

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Abstract

Small-scale farmers’ perceptions of climate change adaptation strategies are crucial for enhancing agricultural resilience and sustainability. Just like in most countries, the agricultural industry in South Africa has adopted several strategies aimed at mitigating challenges linked to climate change, which poses a significant threat to agricultural production, water resources, food security, and ecosystem health. Consequently, this study aimed to explore small-scale maize farmers’ perceptions on the application of climate change adaptation strategies in Greater Giyani Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A sample of 130 small-scale maize farmers was selected using snowball and purposive sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics, including cross-tabulations and frequency distributions, were utilized to profile the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, addressing the study’s first objective. The binary logistic regression model was used to analyse the factors influencing small-scale maize farmers perceptions on the application of climate change adaptation strategies. The empirical results revealed several variables that significantly influenced small-scale maize farmers’ perceptions on the application of climate change adaptation strategies. These included marital status, employment status, access to weather forecasts and participation in farmer cooperatives. The study recommended targeted support for smallholder farmers in the study area to improve their knowledge of climate change adaptation strategies, including flexible training programs and incentives. Enhancing access to weather forecasts, strengthening farmer cooperatives, and promoting experiential learning are also crucial.

Keywords: Climate Change; Perception; Adaptation Strategies; Small‑Scale Maize Farmers

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