SMALLHOLDER FARMER’S LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION AS A RESPONSE TO CHANGED CLIMATIC PATTERNS IN CHONGWE DISTRICT, ZAMBIA.

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Mbewe Jacqueline ◽  
Kabwe Harnadih Mubanga
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Rainfall Patterns ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Purpose: Climate change affects local and global rainfall patterns and hence has a counter effect on smallholder agriculture. Impacts of climate change on agriculture are largely due to rainfall variability resulting in reduced yields due to crop-water stress and emergency of pathogens and diseases. In Zambia, climate change has been manifested through increased intensity of droughts and floods. These rainfall anomalies adversely affect agriculture and food systems. In order to survive the impacts of climate change and variability, smallholder farmers in Chongwe have adopted their livelihoods and farming systems to the new climatic patterns.Methodology: This study assessed how smallholder farmers in Chongwe District have adopted their livelihoods as a response to changed climatic conditions. It also investigated the perceptions of smallholder farmers as regards changes in aspects of their climatic conditions. Data collection involved a critical review of literature related to climate change and agriculture, observations, semi- structured interviews with 60 smallholder farmers and eight key informants. The data were analysed using multiple analysis techniques which included the descriptive statistics, One-way analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and the post-hoc Least Square Difference for pairwise comparisons of incomes from different livelihoods engaged in by smallholder farmers .The gendered comparisons of livelihood engagement was done using the chi-square test of association.Findings: The results showed that all farmers perceived occurrence of changes in climatic conditions in the light of changed rainfall patterns in that there has been uncertainty in onset of rains, short rainy season, more intermittent rainfall and increased frequency of intra-seasonal droughts. These changes have led to farmers to adopt such farming techniques as potholing in preference to oxen and tractor ploughing when farming is done on smaller pieces of land. There was a significant difference in the mean annual incomes generated from on-farm livelihoods (ZMW 3677.59; n=58) and off-farm livelihoods (ZMW 6840.91; n = 58) (p= 0.001). Farmers generated the highest income returns by engaging in casual work (ZMW 10307.69; n = 13) compared to every other livelihoods common in the area such as gardening (p=0.002), petty trade (p=0.002) and on-farm livelihoods (p=0.001).Contribution to policy, theory and practice: It was therefore concluded that diversification of income through diversified livelihoods would help smallholder farmers enhance their resilience in the face of changed climatic conditions. On-farm livelihoods should not always be the main income source for farmers as results indicated that farmers engaged in casual work generated higher incomes than those who depended on farming. It was recommended that policy direction should be towards introduction of a gender responsive credit facility that can help improve women’s engagement in off-farm income generating livelihoods, as well as encourage climate change resilience.

scholarly journals Coconut Growers Knowledge, Perception and Adoption on Impacts of Climate Change in Gampaha and Puttalam Districts in Sri Lanka: An Index-Based Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-109
Author(s):  
Ruvani Subhathma Wickramarathna Godage ◽  
Bandara Gajanayake ◽  
Udith K Jayasinghe-Mudalige
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Weather Forecasting ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Climate change and food security are critical topics in sustainable agricultural development. Climate change is expected to have serious environmental, economic and social impacts on Sri Lanka. Coconut growers’ knowledge, perception level and adoption for climate change adaptation measures have influenced productivity of the coconut cultivation. The study investigated the coconut growers’ knowledge gap, knowledge and perception levels regarding impacts of climate change in Gampaha and Puttalam districts. Further, this study investigated their adoption of different adaptation measures. A stratified random sampling technique was applied for selecting 240 respondents from two different districts. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to elicit information from the respondents and data was analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Adoption rate of the climate change adaptation measures is significantly influenced by coconut growers’ knowledge and perception level at varying degrees. The study revealed that most of the growers in two study areas have better knowledge (> 70%) and perceptions (>60%) regarding the gradual changes in the climate and its impact on their coconut cultivation. However, their adaptation behavior is fairly poor (< 50%) in both districts. Hence government policies should more focused on to coconut growers to have access to affordable credit to increase their ability and flexibility to change adaptation strategies in response to the changing climatic conditions. Increasing growers’ access to agricultural extension services and access to information on weather forecasting are very important. In addition, government should improve and promote off-farm income-earning opportunities during dry seasons.

scholarly journals Health impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers

One Health ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 100258
Author(s):  
Byomkesh Talukder ◽  
Gary W. van Loon ◽  
Keith W. Hipel ◽  
Sosten Chiotha ◽  
James Orbinski
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

scholarly journals Mediterranean Olive Orchards under Climate Change: A Review of Future Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Helder Fraga ◽  
Marco Moriondo ◽  
Luisa Leolini ◽  
João A. Santos
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Olive Tree ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Projected Changes ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is an ancient traditional crop in the Mediterranean Basin. In the Mediterranean region, traditional olive orchards are distinguishable by their prevailing climatic conditions. Olive trees are indeed considered one of the most suitable and best-adapted species to the Mediterranean-type climate. However, new challenges are predicted to arise from climate change, threatening this traditional crop. The Mediterranean Basin is considered a climate change “hotspot,” as future projections hint at considerable warming and drying trends. Changes in olive tree suitability have already been reported over the last few decades. In this context, climate change may become particularly challenging for olive growers. The growing evidence for significant climate change in the upcoming decades urges adaptation measures to be taken. To effectively cope with the projected changes, both short and long-term adaptation strategies must be timely planned by the sector stakeholders and decision-makers to adapt for a warmer and dryer future. The current manuscript is devoted to illustrating the main impacts of climate change on olive tree cultivation in the Mediterranean Basin, by reviewing the most recent studies on this subject. Additionally, an analysis of possible adaptation strategies against the potentially negative impacts of climate change was also performed.

scholarly journals Smallholder Farmers’ Vulnerability to Impact of Climate Change in Central Bhutan

2020 ◽  
pp. 286-299
Author(s):  
Pema Rinzin ◽  
Thubten Sonam ◽  
Sangay Tshering ◽  
Purna Prasad Chapagai
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Adaptive Capacity ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Composite Index ◽  
Climate Impact ◽  
Food Component ◽  
Central Regions ◽  
Framework Approach ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Climate change carries immense threat to the livelihood and food security of smallholder farmers in Bhutan and it is therefore crucial to enhance their adaptive capacity.  However, building resiliency to climate impact require information on vulnerability of the system of interest. Therefore, this study assessed smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to impacts of climate change and variability in central regions (Bumthang and Trongsa) of Bhutan. Data was collected from 247 randomly selected households by administering a pre-tested survey questionnaire. Data was analyzed using composite index approach (LVI) and IPCC framework approach (LVI-IPCC). The LVI analysis revealed that Bumthang was more vulnerable in terms of Socio-demographic profile (0.55), social networks (0.45), health (0.31) and natural disasters and climate variability (0.47) compared to Trongsa. Whereas, Trongsa was more vulnerable in terms of livelihood strategies (0.31) and water (0.13). Vulnerability score on the food component was same for both the districts (0.27). Overall, Bumthang was more vulnerable compared to Trongsa on both LVI (Bumthang: 0.36, Trongsa: 0.34) and LVI-IPCC (Bumthang: 0.24, Trongsa: 0.13) analysis. The findings could be used for designing micro-level context specific interventions to enhance smallholder farmers’ adaptive capacity to impacts of climate change in central Bhutan.

A Behavioural Explanation of Smallholder Entrepreneurship with Empirical Evidence from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fortunate Nosisa Zaca ◽  
Edilegnaw Wale ◽  
Unity Chipfupa
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Entrepreneurial Spirit ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Social Grant ◽  
On Farm ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the impact of social grant dependence on on-farm entrepreneurial spirit of smallholders. A sample of 175 farmers was obtained from two communities in KwaZulu-Natal. The study employed Principal Components Analysis and Tobit regression. The entrepreneurial spirit indices were constructed from revealed preference-based questions. The study found a positive relationship between the social grant and on-farm entrepreneurial spirit. The positive impact on rural household farming activities implies that the prevailing low entrepreneurial levels among farmers are not the result of social grant dependence but lack of opportunity and other resource constraints. However, to remain effective, policy should ensure that the grant money benefits (directly/indirectly) the intended beneficiary and their households. The other factors found to be associated with on-farm entrepreneurship include age of the farmer, gender, psychological capital, access to training, access to education, access to land, inadequate farming assets, water insecurity, extension, off-farm income and group membership. The study also recommends the need for strategies that improve psychological capital and thus enhance positive on-farm entrepreneurial behaviour among smallholder farmers. Addressing institutional and farming constraints related to access to resources and services (land, credit, extension, and water) and collective action will positively contribute to on-farm entrepreneurship.

scholarly journals The Impacts of Climate Change on Business

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-112
Author(s):  
Deepmala Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Interdisciplinary Studies ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Indirect Impacts ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Demands are increasing on businesses to do their part to respond to the threat of climate change based on their influential position within the global community. If companies can effectively integrate strategy, people, processes and technology in the pursuit of initiatives that respond to climate change, the result can be a powerful tool of long-term value creation. But what exactly are the impacts of climate change on businesses is the focus of the study? Varying levels of appreciation of the effects of climate change on business operations are rooted in the difference between direct and indirect impacts of climate change. So, the question is how business gets impacted by direct and indirect differences? Some of these effects are potentially threatening to sustainable high performance changing climatic conditions. What are some specific steps businesses can take to respond to both the threats and opportunities presented by climate change? To support a fact-based discussion of the business impact of climate change, primary qualitative survey conducted to Nepalese business houses and as secondary of a global context. Business initiatives in response to climate change are generally spread across a broad range of activities, risking fragmentation. Climate change may transform parts of our planet, the context and presumptions by which businesses typically operate today. This transformation is a result of both the direct impacts of climate change on business operations, as well as its indirect effects. Many business leaders feel a profound responsibility to do their part to respond to the pressing global challenge represented by climate change. But apart from this sense of societal obligation, business leaders must also be attuned to how climate change is altering the dynamics of markets, competition and profitability. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v2i1.10816 Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.2(1) 2014: 93-112  

scholarly journals Whole plant community transplants across climates reveal structural community stability due to large shifts in species assemblage

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Tomiolo ◽  
Mark C. Bilton ◽  
Katja Tielbörger
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Community Response ◽  
Community Stability ◽  
Species Abundances ◽  
Mediterranean Regions

Summary(1) Climate change will decrease precipitation and increase rainfall variability in Eastern Mediterranean regions, with responses of plant communities largely uncertain. Here, we tested short-term responses of dryland plant communities to contrasting rainfall regimes using a novel experimental approach.(2) We exposed three annual plant communities to sharp changes in climatic conditions using whole community reciprocal transplants of soil and seed banks. We tested for the role of climate vs. community origin on community response and resistance. In parallel, we asked whether origin-specific climatic adaptations predict compositional shifts across climates.(3) For both community origins, the most dry-adapted species in each community increased in dry climate and the wet-adapted species increased in wet climate. Dry community origins showed large compositional shifts while maintaining stable plant density, biomass and species richness across climates. Conversely, wet communities showed smaller compositional shifts, but larger variation in biomass and richness.(4) Asynchrony in species abundances in response to rainfall variability could maintain structural community stability. This, in combination with seed dormancy, has the ability to delay extinction in response to climate change. However, increasing occurrence of extreme droughts may, in the long-term, lead to loss of wet-adapted species.

scholarly journals Cambio climático y seguridad alimentaria al 2030: una perspectiva global de la economía en general

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Valenzuela ◽  
Kym Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Economic Welfare ◽  
Agricultural Prices ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Farm Product ◽  
Unskilled Workers ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
On Farm

The effects of climate change on agriculture raise major food security concerns. We use a global economy-wide model to assess the effects on farm product prices of expected yield changes. Also modelled is an expected adverse effect of higher temperatures and humidity in the tropics on the productivity of unskilled workers in developing countries. Given the degrees of uncertainty about plausible effects of climate change, our modelling accounts for a range of yield productivity and labor shocks. The results entail consequences for international agricultural prices, national food consumption, self sufficiency, net farm income and economic welfare.

scholarly journals Using climate analogue tools to explore and build smallholder farmer capacity for climate smart agriculture

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Phyllis Opare ◽  
Johnson O. Akintonde ◽  
Daniel Obeng-Ofori ◽  
Valerie Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Weather Forecasting ◽  
Food Sovereignty ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Rainfall Variability ◽  
Transformative Change ◽  
Social Infrastructure ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Smart Agriculture

Background: The phenomenon of climate change (CC) and its attendant challenges in agriculture have been widely document. Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) focuses on sustainable agriculture intensification for food sovereignty through the adoption of mitigation and adaptation practices. Agriculture provides the livelihood for 70% of rural poor in the developing world, so building farmer capacity in CSA is imperative for food security. Studies show that transformative change must be bottom-up – integrating scientific and ethical dimensions, using participatory research approaches that employ simple comprehensive tools for building participants’ capacity to adapt. Methods: The study uses the “Climate Change Agriculture and Food Security” (CCAFS) climate analogue and weather forecasting tools. These participatory learning tools allow participants to interrogate and explore their own geographical and climatic histories and to draw conclusions on climate variability. This study examined smallholder farmers’ understanding of CC and their resilience to it. The study consisted of 5 stages – selection of tools, planning and training of teams, meetings with community leaders and community members to select participants, focus group discussions, modelling sessions and community dissemination meetings.   Results: Participants showed awareness of CC, explained in terms of rainfall variability, decreasing rainforest, increasing temperature and excessively long hot days.  Farmers illustrated gendered perception of past and present landscapes, time use, past seasonal trends, vulnerabilities and access to key resources. They also observed that natural resources were declining, while population and social infrastructure increased. Participants modelled the shift in seasons and projected possible future scenarios. Finally, participants were willing to adopt climate smart agronomic practices. Conclusions: After establishing that farmers are aware of CC, follow-on-studies addressing the impediments to adaptation and provision of necessary tools and resources to facilitate adaptation must be carried out. This study can also be replicated among a larger smallholder population for increased capacity to practice CSA.

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