Climate change impacts and adaptation in the agricultural sector: the case of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe.

Abstract

This paper discusses the findings of the research study that was carried out in Zimbabwe among predominantly smallholder farmers on their knowledge of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies. The main aim of the research was to assess climate change and weather issues of relevance to smallholder farmers’ activities, views and knowledge about climate change, its impacts and adaptation strategies. These farmers are vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to their marginal location, low levels of technology, and lack of other essential farming resources. The paper utilizes information from interviews of agricultural extension officers, desk-based research, literature review, and questionnaire surveys administered to smallholder farmers in Murowa Ward, Zvishavane district. The majority of farmers indicated that prolonged wet, hot, and dry weather conditions affect the efficient use of their resources and investment decisions. Some specific impacts of these conditions include, among others, crop damage, death of livestock, soil erosion, bush fires, poor plant germination, pests, lower incomes, and deterioration of infrastructure. Some farmers professed ignorance about climate change and how it will affect their future farming activities. Other farmers pointed out high frequency and severity of drought, excessive precipitation, drying up of rivers, dams and wells, and changes in timing and pattern of seasons as evidence of climate change. Suggested adaptation strategies include strengthening and improving indigenous land and water management practices, use of decision support tools, such as seasonal weather forecast data, growing drought resistant crops, improving indigenous animal breeds, and development of irrigation infrastructure. It is, therefore, concluded that there is need to conscientise farmers about climate change and design adaptation strategies that take into cognizance existing local level knowledge and practices on land and water management. There is also need to avail agricultural research results relevant to the small holder farmers and train them on how to use the results to make informed on-farm investment decisions.