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Local-level climate change adaptation decision-making and livelihoods in semi-arid areas in Zimbabwe

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Abstract

There is now overwhelming evidence of climate change and variability impacts in Africa, among them a reduction in agricultural production. This is a cause for concern given that 70 % of the continent’s population derives its livelihoods directly from rain-fed agriculture. There is need for adaptation strategies at all levels from the national to the local level to mitigate these adverse impacts from climate change. It is important to take advantage of and strengthen already existing household and community strategies. This study used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to explore the role that livelihood dynamics play in local-level decision-making for adaptation to everyday vulnerability. Risk is considered to extend beyond climate to non-climatic stressors, and the notion of climate change as the major shock among many others is downgraded to one that is secondary to other shocks that even pose more danger to household and community livelihoods. The natural capital remains the basis upon which all the other capitals depend as drivers of choice for adaptation practices. A reorientation of capitals and associated activities is inevitable to deal with everyday vulnerability given that livelihood capitals play a key role in adaptation. Choice of household response strategies to shocks is not entirely intrinsic, but rather integral to a context where other players such as the extension operate to influence adaptation choices. This then highlights the need for embeddedness and context in understanding adaptation and livelihood changes.

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Acknowledgments

We acknowledge financial support from the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa

    Chipo Plaxedes Mubaya & Paramu Mafongoya

  2. Directorate of Research and Resource Mobilization, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe

    Chipo Plaxedes Mubaya

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  1. Chipo Plaxedes Mubaya
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Correspondence to Chipo Plaxedes Mubaya.

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Mubaya, C.P., Mafongoya, P. Local-level climate change adaptation decision-making and livelihoods in semi-arid areas in Zimbabwe. Environ Dev Sustain 19, 2377–2403 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-016-9861-0

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