Climate change and agriculture: Coping strategies of rural households in the Xangani Community of Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

This study examines the impact of climate change on agriculture and the various strategies utilised by the Xangani community in Chiredzi District in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. The study sought to establish the effectiveness of the indigenous knowledge systems used by the Xangani people in rural Chiredzi. A mixed research design was utilised to interrogate climate change as a phenomenon whereby interviews and observations were utilised to collect data on how the communities respond to the negative impact of climate change to their livelihoods. A sample was drawn using purposive sampling technique. Such purposive sampling was intended to solicit detailed data from key informants. Relevant literature was reviewed to establish the trends and evolution of how the world has responded to climate change. The study revealed that climate change has affected agricultural output in both animal and crop production. Water scarcity and high temperatures were the two biggest climate change problems affecting the community. The community used both traditional and modern methods to supplement on water scarcity and food insecurity problems. Despite adoption of modern technologies, indigenous knowledge systems are still utilised though some of the technologies and crop seed types are no longer available in the mainstream seed shops. Conclusions to the study were that climate change is reshaping the lives of the Xangani communities including change of family structures through cross border migration, community wealth has been severely depleted. Recommendations include the importance of knowledge about climate change and cooperation in development of technologies between community and different institutions of development.