Assessment of the Effects of Climate Change and Variability on Food Security: The Case of Ward 12, Hurungwe District, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe
- Author
- Chikomba, Nigel
- Title
- Assessment of the Effects of Climate Change and Variability on Food Security: The Case of Ward 12, Hurungwe District, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe
- Abstract
- The study assessed the effects of climate change and variability on food security Zimbabwe, focusing on Ward 12, Hurungwe District. Climate change poses a significant threat to food security. Rural agricultural communities relying on rain-fed agriculture are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with smallholder farmers disproportionately affected. The objectives of the study were to explore the effects of climate change and variability on small-scale agricultural production and food security in Ward 12, Hurungwe District; to examine the coping strategies employed by small-scale farming households in Ward 12, Hurungwe District to deal with climate change effects on crop yields and food availability, as well as to assess the key challenges faced by small-scale farmers in adapting their agriculture practices to the changing climate in order to ensure future food security in Ward 12, Hurungwe District. The study used a mixed methods approach to obtain data from 322 respondents. The study found that while food security has remained stable due to coping strategies and aid, rising temperatures and rainfall changes threaten future production in Ward 12 without improved adaptation. Key findings show diversification has helped buffer impacts but may not suffice as changes intensify. Limited access to resources and poverty discourage adoption of recommended practices and experimentation, constraining adaptive capacity. Unless financial, technological and socioeconomic support addresses these intersectional challenges, adaptive paralysis rather than progression will result—compromising long-term food security.
- Date
- JUNE 2024
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Climate Change, Food Security, Hurungwe district
- Supervisor
- Mr Samukange
- Item sets
- Department of Geosciences
