The Impacts of climate change on rural livelihoods: the case of communities in Buhera district in Manicaland province.

Author

Maponga, Tatenda M

Title

The Impacts of climate change on rural livelihoods: the case of communities in Buhera district in Manicaland province.

Abstract

Climate change has a disproportionate influence on rural communities in underdeveloped nations like Zimbabwe, whose livelihoods are heavily reliant on agriculture and natural resource extraction. This study examined the impact of climate change on rural livelihoods in Buhera District, Manicaland Province. Data was gathered through questionnaires, distributed to smallholder farmers, focus group discussions were held with the community members in the community. Findings show that climate-induced droughts have reduced agricultural production. Smallholder farmers have been compelled to adjust by shifting planting seasons or growing drought-resistant crops. However, these coping techniques have caused extra costs. For example, fluctuating planting seasons has resulted in disputes with neighboring farmers over land use or water supplies. Droughts have increased the demand on forests for fuel wood, adding to deforestation and soil erosion. Furthermore, climate change has impacted cattle production. Findings show that reduced grass availability during dry spells has resulted in emaciated animals, and in some instances, this has contributed to high mortality rates. The study underlines the need for enhanced community and policy-level solutions to reduce the detrimental effects of climate change on rural livelihoods in Buhera district. These initiatives include supporting water conservation practices like rainfall gathering and irrigation projects, as well as offering financial assistance to smallholder farmers who choose drought-tolerant crops.

Date

September 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Climate Change

Agriculture and Natural Resource Extraction

Underdeveloped Nations

Climate Resilience

Agro-ecology

Supervisor

Dr. J. Bowora