Climate-resilient agriculture for livestock and crop production: Perspectives from smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate the smallholder farmers' perceptions of climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) on livestock and crop production in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Materials and Methods: The data on CRA practices were collected from March 2016 to September 2023 through in-depth discussions using open-ended questionnaires, focus group discussions, and participant observation with 92 purposively selected small-scale farmers in six villages in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Results: At least 88.0% of the participants were aware of CRA practices, while 67.4% were adopting them. The need for enhancing the resilience of agricultural activities to cope with climate variability and climate change was ubiquitously perceived, with all participants reporting the contribution of CRA practices towards the livelihood security of several households. Conclusion: Smallholder farmers should consider CRA practices as a valid option to promote and increase agricultural productivity and smallholders' income while reducing their vulnerability. These findings, therefore, provide important information to policymakers that are required to develop conducive policies, investments, and institutional actions needed for the effective use and adoption of CRA practices. [Vet. Res. Notes 2024; 4(5.000): 48-55]

Keywords

• agricultural productivity; climate-resilient agriculture; climate-smart agriculture; eastern cape province; small-scale farmers; south africa