Thesis (M. Sc. Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / This study investigated the food security indicators in the rural communities of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality of the Limpopo Province. Quantitative data were gathered from five villages in the municipality using the probability proportionate to size. Data were collected from 185 households. The analytical tools that were used in this study include: Descriptive Statistics, Food Security Indicator Measures and the Logistic Regression Model. Food security is a multidimensional concept; thus it is difficult to measure it comprehensively. Hence, three food security indicators measures, namely; the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and Coping Strategies Index (CSI) were combined in this study to measure food security in the study. Each indicator measure was used independently. The Logit Regression Model was used to determine the factors affecting the status of household food security. Certain explanatory variables, namely; household size, marital status and receiving government grant, had a negative relationship with the dependent variable. On the other hand, other variables such as educational level, employment status, gender distance to the markets and health status of the household head were positively correlated with the household’s food security status. The study rejected the null hypothesis which stated that socioeconomic factors do not have influence on the households’ food security status in the Ba-Phalaborwa local municipality. Out of the 11 variables, only four variables were significant, with the household size at 10%, educational level at 5%, household monthly food expenditure at 1% and distance to the market at 10%, respectively. Therefore government should direct more focus should on the introduction of feeding schemes in order to reduce the burden on the poor and at the same time, make it easier for young children to attend school to improve their educational statuses. The households in the study area are not food secured because 65.4 % of households could not afford the food that they preferred and were depending on borrowing food from their relatives and creating debts.

This work considers how large-scale datasets and novel machine learning methods can be applied to challenges in climate and sustainability, with a particular focus on agriculture. Effectively leveraging these advancements for sustainable development research requires answering two questions: first, how can complex data be translated into useful and accurate information? And second, under what circumstances does this information offer real insight into an important problem? In answer to the second of these questions, the research in the three chapters of this dissertation falls broadly into one of two categories: problems for which high spatial- or temporal-resolution data is necessary but infeasible to collect at scale (Chapters 1 and 3); and problems for which the structure of relationships between features and outcomes is complex, with important non-linearities, interactions, or other nuances that may be overlooked by traditional approaches (Chapters 1 and 2). Both such categories of problem are common in the domain of agriculture, an industry which is critical for food security and economic well-being, but highly susceptible to fluctuations in weather and climate. In Chapter 1, I introduce and validate a method for creating high-resolution estimates of planting and harvest dates for United States crops with satellite imagery. This data is an important input for many research applications, but is only tracked at the state level. The resulting dataset is then used to generate more accurate measures of the weather conditions crops are exposed to during their growing season, and thus more precise estimates of how these conditions impact yields. These estimates suggest a 17% larger impact of extreme heat (>29C) on crop yields than previously documented, with substantial variation in heat sensitivity over the course of the growing season. However, the overall impact of increased temperatures is partially offset by a reduced estimate of growing season duration and a 276% increase in the estimated benefits of warm (10-29C) temperatures. Finally, I present novel evidence that farmers use early planting as a form of adaptation to warming, with planting dates shifting earlier by 0.13 days for each additional 30C day during the growing season. Chapter 2 presents an even more flexible formulation for estimating US crop yields. I introduce a deep learning model that predicts yields directly from daily weather data, and show that it reduces out-of-sample error by 10.7% relative to standard linear modeling approaches. Using interpretable machine learning techniques, I demonstrate that this model learns a number of nuanced patterns consistent with expectations from agronomic theory, including spatial and geographic variation, interactions between weather features, and nonlinearity over weather feature values. Over several simulations, these models estimate future impacts of warming that are two to three times less severe than prior modeling approaches would suggest. However, the complexities of causal identification with highly flexible models mean that these results must be interpreted with caution; primarily, they suggest that estimates of climate impacts may be highly sensitive to feature selection, and to precise trends in warming over the course of the growing season. Finally, Chapter 3 turns to smallholder farms in Kenya, as part of research done with support from Atlas AI. A collection of approaches for real-time yield monitoring at the field level are introduced and tested, using satellite-based assessment of vegetation health. I discuss a remotely-sensed proxy for crop yields for use in environments where reliable ground truth data is unavailable, and present a model that can capture 73.5% of variation in this yield proxy by roughly 6 weeks post-planting. A range of approaches are evaluated for incorporating location- and crop-specific features, handling low volumes of training data, and adjusting for variable timing of satellite imagery collection. Taken together, these chapters demonstrate the value of remote sensing and machine learning for understanding the impacts of climate on crops and identifying strategies for adaptation. They also emphasize the complementarity between novel machine learning approaches and traditional statistical and economic methods: in Chapter 1, for example, satellite imagery is used to generate a novel dataset for analysis with more standard models; and in Chapter 2, I present a non-parametric approach to feature discovery for future causal inference work. Finally, these chapters demonstrate that estimates of climate impacts can be highly sensitive to what features are used and how they are encoded; this underscores the importance of careful consideration in constructing accurate feature inputs, and caution in interpreting the results of any one model.

Climate change involves long-term change in the state of the climate. It is expected to have negative effects which include the increased frequency and intensity of climate extremes such as droughts, floods and storms. In addition, agricultural seasons and productivity are generally expected to be affected. This is likely to compound the problems that rural people in Africa face, especially the smallholder farmers. Thus, adaptation is of paramount importance. However, many factors limit the ability of farmers to adapt to climate change. This includes lack of information and knowledge about climate change. In rural areas an important source of information is agricultural extension; however, in some cases it is not effective and efficient. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been noted to play an important role in the dissemination of agricultural information, and recently, their potential in contributing to climate change awareness and adaptation has received increased attention. Therefore, the study aims to explore how ICTs contribute to climate change awareness and adaptation amongst communal farmers. The study was conducted in Seke and Murewa Rural Districts (herein Seke and Murewa) situated in Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe. The target population were communal farmers who are mainly dependent on agriculture (field crops, horticulture, fruit production, and livestock rearing). The two districts have climate associated with natural agro-ecological region II, with an average rainfall of 500-700 mm. The study used the mixed methods approach, which combined the quantitative method based on a survey of 300 farming households and the qualitative method based on key informant interviews. A multi-stage sampling approach was used for the survey. The data was collected in 2011. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) package was used for data entry and descriptive statistics, while Stata data analytical package was used for regression analysis. The first objective was to determine the level of access to ICTs by communal farmers in the two districts. Most of the respondents in both districts knew and owned the following ICTs namely, the radio, the mobile phone, and the television (TV). The main power sources for the ICTs were solar power, national grid electricity, and rechargeable batteries. Most of the respondents in both districts read newspapers, and church magazines. For almost all the print media in both districts, the main source of the media was through friends and relatives, buying and to some extent libraries and public places. The majority of respondents understood the language used in various ICTs, though some had difficulties in understanding the English language. The second objective was to assess how access to ICTs influenced climate change awareness amongst communal farmers in the two districts. The majority of respondents in both districts were generally found to be aware of climate change. Nevertheless, some of those who perceived themselves as being aware were actually not aware or had low awareness as revealed by the climate change awareness index. The respondents had limited understanding of the issues relating to causes and intervention measures to address climate change. From the regression analysis, the following factors were found to have a significant positive influence on climate change awareness: access to mobile phone, access to radio, access to newspapers, access to agricultural extension, participation in developmental and farmer organisations, having talked about climate change, education level, and age of the respondent. One variable namely position of authority had a significant negative relationship. The third objective of the study was to investigate the contribution of ICTs in climate change adaptation amongst the communal farmers. This objective was fulfilled by mainly concentrating on assessing how farmers accessed forecasting and early warning information. Up to two-thirds of the respondents indicated that they did not have access to timely early warning information on droughts and violent storms. In addition, around half of the respondents indicated that they were not getting information on the likely rainfall amount and distribution in the coming season. Respondents ranked deciding the planting dates and the choice of crop varieties as the most important farm decision-making activities that were influenced by forecasting information. Some of the channels through which farmers accessed early warning and weather information were radio, extension, direct enquiry, TV, other farmers, newspapers, mobile phone, and farming magazines. This study showed that both old and new ICTs are important in information dissemination and capacity building for climate change adaptation and awareness. In order for rural people to benefit from various applications and capabilities of ICTs, in particular, mobile phone applications, there is need to improve telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructure. Agricultural extension workers who are an important source of information in rural areas, had less knowledge on climate change issues hence the need to incorporate such issues into their training. Initiatives to promote climate change awareness and adaptation should provide platforms for diverse stakeholders to share and exchange information and knowledge on climate change. There is need to improve the reliability of weather forecasting information as well as training farmers on how to interpret the information. Most importantly, complimentary agricultural information, inputs, and technologies should be available and accessible to the farmers. / Environmental Sciences / D. Litt. et Phil (Environmental Management)

China's Minqin Oasis once welcomed traders along the ancient Silk Road with rivers, lakes, and lush forests, yet today the region's farmland and grassland are increasingly being engulfed by the sands of the Gobi Desert. The severity of this incremental catastrophe for a declining population of 300,000 residents has brought forth a host of recent water policies to include agronomic water conservation through plastic mulch use, computerized regulation and pricing of groundwater, and water diversions from the Yellow River. This study uses a multi-disciplinary and mixed methods approach to better understand farmer perspectives on why they implement certain water and land use practices in agriculture. The world's farmers currently use the majority of the world's available freshwater and arable land. Modern agriculture and its continued intensification also lead to increases in petroleum based inputs such as agrochemicals and agricultural plastics (plasticulture). Despite the large of impact of the decisions made by the world's farmers on natural resources, little research to date has sought to better understand farmers' perceptions and decision-making processes. Plastic film mulch is a technology that has existed since the 1940's and it has been used in places such as rural China for over five decades. This technology conserves a considerable amount of irrigation water and it increases harvests, however, use of plastic for mulch causes waste disposal problems and is an expenditure of petroleum through plastic manufacturing. Without a fundamental understanding of why farmers perceive plastic mulch to be valuable to their households and communities, we may not fully grasp why its global application continues to increase year after year. Moreover, a focused study of plastic mulch use at the local level may also allow researchers and entrepreneurs to develop a suitable alternative mulch that does not consume non-renewable resources or result in detrimental plastic waste after its utility has been exhausted. This study uses household level interviews, surveys, and participant observation to better understand why Minqin County farmers in rural China continue to use plastic mulch and how it may influence their standard of living. / Graduation date: 2013

Thesis (MA (Geography and Environmental Studies))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The acceleration of biodiversity loss is understood to threaten the ecosystems upon which life on earth depends. Existing conservation approaches have proved insufficient to stem global biodiversity losses. Mounting evidence indicates that responsible biodiversity conservation requires an integration of ecology with economics. Accordingly, contemporary conservation interventions incorporate a concept that ecosystems and biodiversity can be used and also conserved. In South Africa, such interventions can be appropriately applied in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), an area containing severely endangered biodiversity where land use and conservation goals rarely mesh. More than 80% of land in the CFR is privately owned, with large tracts transformed for viticulture. Conservation challenges thus include the reconciliation of wine production needs with biodiversity protection necessities. This thesis comprises a case study of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative, an organisation that simultaneously promotes biodiversity conservation in the South African wine sector, by a process of mainstreaming within an viticultural context. The overall study aim was to improve understanding of the BWI as a mainstreaming initiative. Specifically, the area of inquiry is an investigation into how effectively the BWI has protected biodiversity in the CFR between 2005 and 2008. Individual aims were to investigate reductions in threat to biodiversity in the CFR; to assess farmer adoption levels of BWI strategy; and to formulate a sustainability appraisal of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative. A strategic triangulation of methods was employed. Stakeholder interviews were conducted to probe adoption levels and opinions of BWI strategy. Case studies of two BWI champion estates provided data on best practice. Towards a critical appraisal of sustainability, an assessment was made of the BWI as a functioning mainstreaming model, which included case studies of two model farms.

Climate change involves long-term change in the state of the climate. It is expected to have negative effects which include the increased frequency and intensity of climate extremes such as droughts, floods and storms. In addition, agricultural seasons and productivity are generally expected to be affected. This is likely to compound the problems that rural people in Africa face, especially the smallholder farmers. Thus, adaptation is of paramount importance. However, many factors limit the ability of farmers to adapt to climate change. This includes lack of information and knowledge about climate change. In rural areas an important source of information is agricultural extension; however, in some cases it is not effective and efficient. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have been noted to play an important role in the dissemination of agricultural information, and recently, their potential in contributing to climate change awareness and adaptation has received increased attention. Therefore, the study aims to explore how ICTs contribute to climate change awareness and adaptation amongst communal farmers. The study was conducted in Seke and Murewa Rural Districts (herein Seke and Murewa) situated in Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe. The target population were communal farmers who are mainly dependent on agriculture (field crops, horticulture, fruit production, and livestock rearing). The two districts have climate associated with natural agro-ecological region II, with an average rainfall of 500-700 mm. The study used the mixed methods approach, which combined the quantitative method based on a survey of 300 farming households and the qualitative method based on key informant interviews. A multi-stage sampling approach was used for the survey. The data was collected in 2011. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) package was used for data entry and descriptive statistics, while Stata data analytical package was used for regression analysis. The first objective was to determine the level of access to ICTs by communal farmers in the two districts. Most of the respondents in both districts knew and owned the following ICTs namely, the radio, the mobile phone, and the television (TV). The main power sources for the ICTs were solar power, national grid electricity, and rechargeable batteries. Most of the respondents in both districts read newspapers, and church magazines. For almost all the print media in both districts, the main source of the media was through friends and relatives, buying and to some extent libraries and public places. The majority of respondents understood the language used in various ICTs, though some had difficulties in understanding the English language. The second objective was to assess how access to ICTs influenced climate change awareness amongst communal farmers in the two districts. The majority of respondents in both districts were generally found to be aware of climate change. Nevertheless, some of those who perceived themselves as being aware were actually not aware or had low awareness as revealed by the climate change awareness index. The respondents had limited understanding of the issues relating to causes and intervention measures to address climate change. From the regression analysis, the following factors were found to have a significant positive influence on climate change awareness: access to mobile phone, access to radio, access to newspapers, access to agricultural extension, participation in developmental and farmer organisations, having talked about climate change, education level, and age of the respondent. One variable namely position of authority had a significant negative relationship. The third objective of the study was to investigate the contribution of ICTs in climate change adaptation amongst the communal farmers. This objective was fulfilled by mainly concentrating on assessing how farmers accessed forecasting and early warning information. Up to two-thirds of the respondents indicated that they did not have access to timely early warning information on droughts and violent storms. In addition, around half of the respondents indicated that they were not getting information on the likely rainfall amount and distribution in the coming season. Respondents ranked deciding the planting dates and the choice of crop varieties as the most important farm decision-making activities that were influenced by forecasting information. Some of the channels through which farmers accessed early warning and weather information were radio, extension, direct enquiry, TV, other farmers, newspapers, mobile phone, and farming magazines. This study showed that both old and new ICTs are important in information dissemination and capacity building for climate change adaptation and awareness. In order for rural people to benefit from various applications and capabilities of ICTs, in particular, mobile phone applications, there is need to improve telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructure. Agricultural extension workers who are an important source of information in rural areas, had less knowledge on climate change issues hence the need to incorporate such issues into their training. Initiatives to promote climate change awareness and adaptation should provide platforms for diverse stakeholders to share and exchange information and knowledge on climate change. There is need to improve the reliability of weather forecasting information as well as training farmers on how to interpret the information. Most importantly, complimentary agricultural information, inputs, and technologies should be available and accessible to the farmers. / Environmental Sciences / D. Litt. et Phil (Environmental Management)

Orientador: Luiz Lonardoni Foloni / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agricola / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-05T18:46:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silva_CelsoLuizda_M.pdf: 2466251 bytes, checksum: ec6d5d80bece33b33227f9238012b5f8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2004 / Resumo: A utilização de pesticidas na agricultura é uma prática necessária no controle de pragas, doenças ou de plantas daninhas para se atingir altos índices de produtividade e conseguir desta forma atender a demanda crescente de alimentos. Alguns destes pesticidas aplicados podem apresentar propriedades físico-químicas perigosas, seja ao ambiente e aos próprios seres vivos, podendo causar danos ambientais e problemas de saúde ao homem. Muitas vezes isto ocorre devido à falta de estudos sobre o comportamento e destino destes produtos no ambiente e estudos toxicológicos. Uma ferramenta importante para procurar evitar estes tipos de danos são os modelos matemáticos que permitem antecipar para o qual ou quais compartimentos esta molécula tende a caminhar e também, auxiliar no desenvolvimento de pesquisa no campo, diminuindo os gastos e esforços. O objetivo deste projeto foi utilizar um modelo matemático de fugacidade (nível) I na análise de risco do comportamento, como auxílio na avaliação preliminar da distribuição ambiental, dos principais pesticidas registrados junto ao Ministério da Agricultura, usados e aplicados de acordo com as recomendações de seus fabricantes, nos sistemas de produção convencional e plantio direto, nas principais culturas brasileiras: algodão, arroz, café, cana-de-açúcar, citros, milho e soja. A metodologia utilizada foi baseada nas fórmulas matemáticas descritas por Mackay (1991). Como resultados, foram selecionados os 10 produtos que mais se distribuíram nos compartimentos ambientais (ar, água, solo, sedimento, biota, folhas das plantas, caule e raiz) aqui apresentados em ordem decrescente de preferência. Estes pesticidas foram para o compartimento ar: acetochlor> disulfuton> acephate> thiodicarb> quinclorac> thiram> tolifluanid> pendimenthalin> trifluralin> endosulfan; para a água: nicosulfuron> metsulfuron methyl> monocrotofós> bispyribac sodium> metamidofós> thiamethoxam> halosuluron methyl> chlorimuron etílico> imazapic> imidacloprid; para o solo: diquat> paraquat> hexythiazox> parathion metil> benomyl> tiofanato metílico> msma> iprodione> epoxiconazole> propargite; para o sedimento: diquat> paraquat> hexythiazox> parathion metil> benomyl> tiofanato metílico> msma> iprodione> epoxiconazole> propargite; para a biota: propanil> acetochlor> disulfoton> pendimenthalin> bifenthrin> carboxin> endosulfan> clorpirifós> tolyfluanid> thiram; para a folha: aldicarb> fluazifop-p-butil> metconazole> diflubenzuron> tolyfluanid> disulfuton> fludioxonil> difenoconazole> acetochlor> tebuconazole; para a raiz e caule: lambdacyhalothrin> zetacypermethrin> cypermethrin> alfacipermetrina> bifenthrin> acrinathrin> permethrin> lactofen> betacyflutrin> chlorfluazuron. Os pesticidas estudados também foram comparados pelo critério de GUS (índice de vulnerabilidade de águas subterrâneas). Os produtos que apresentaram potencial de lixiviação em ordem alfabética foram: acetochlor, aldicarb, atrazina, bispyribac-sodium, carbendazim, carbofuran, clorimuron, etílico, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, fipronil, flumioxazin, fomezafen, hexazinone, imazapic, imazaquim, imazetapir, metalacloro, metomyl, metribuzin, metsulfuron-methyl, monocrotofós, nicosulfuron, quinclorac, simazine, tebuthiuron, thiamethoxam e triclorfon. As conclusões deste trabalho permitiram verificar que o compartimento ambiental que apresentou maior vulnerabilidade na preferência da distribuição dos pesticidas foi o compartimento água. A avaliação preliminar do risco de contaminação por pesticidas de uma área agrícola pode ser feita a partir das características físico-químicas dos pesticidas utilizando o modelo de fugacidade Mackay nível I (1991). Este modelo pela simplicidade e rapidez nas respostas mostra ser uma excelente ferramenta, como fator de decisão na utilização do pesticida. O critério de GUS também se apresentou como mais um mecanismo para ser utilizado quando não se dispõe de todas as informações, como tomada de decisão na escolha da utilização de um pesticida visando monitorar ou até mesmo impedir a contaminação de águas subterrâneas / Abstract: The utilization of pesticides in agriculture is a necessary practice to control pests, diseases or weeds to reach an excellent index of productivity and get attend the increasing necessity of food. Some of this pesticides applied, show dangerous physical-chemical proprieties to the environmental and health human. Many times it happen because we haven¿t enough studies of the toxicity and behavior or destination of pesticides in the environmental. One of important tool to try avoid this type of damage are the mathematics models, which permit anticipated for which behavior of this molecule tend walk and also help in the development of field research reduce expense and effort. The goal of this project was use a mathematics calculus based on mathematics models of fugacity level 1, which help in the analysis of risk the main environmental behavior of all pesticides, registered in the Ministry of Agriculture, used and applied according to the recommendation of manufactures pesticides industry (WIN FIT; 2000), at the system of conventional production, and no till system of cotton, rice, coffee, sugar-cane, citrus, corn and soybean cultivation. The utilized methodology was mathematics formula describe by Mackay (1991) to figure out of fugacity (¿, Pa), capacity of fugacity (Z, mol m-3 Pa-1) , concentration (C, g mol-1) in the compartment air, water, soil, sediment, biota, leaves, root, stem of plant. It was used the physical-chemical parameters to each pesticides applied to each culture studied (cotton, rice, sugar-cane, coffee, citrus, corn and soybean) with data of each compartment: volume (m³), fraction organic (%) and density (?, g m-3) got from the Mackay (1991). As the results of mathematics calculus it were chose the 10 products which were more distributed in the compartment environmental present such as following the preference, where from the air compartment: acetochlor> disulfuton> acephate> thiodicarb> quinclorac> thiram> tolifluanid> pendimenthalin> trifluralin> endosulfan; from the water compartment: nicosulfuron> metsulfuron-methyl> monocrotofos> bispyribac-sodium> metamidofos> thiamethoxam> halosuluron methyl> chlorimuron etílico> imazapic> imidacloprid; from the soil compartment: diquat> paraquat> hexythiazox> parathion metil> benomyl> tiofanato metílico>msma>iprodione> epoxiconazole> propargite; from the sediment compartment: diquat> paraquat> hexythiazox> parathion metil> benomyl> tiofanato metílico> msma> iprodione> epoxiconazole> propargite; from the biota compartment: propanil> acetochlor> disulfoton> pendimenthalin> bifenthrin> carboxin> endosulfan> clorpirifós> tolyfluanid> thiram; from the leave compartment: aldicarb> fluazifop-p-butil> metconazole> diflubenzuron> tolyfluanid> disulfuton> fludioxonil> difenoconazole> acetochlor> tebuconazole; from the trunk and root compartments: lambdacyhalothrin> zetacypermethrin> cypermethrin> alfacipermetrina> bifentrhin> acrinathrin> permethrin> lactofen> betacyflutrin> chlorfluazuron. The pesticides studied too were also by the GUS (Groundwater Ubiquity Score) where the index is calculated through the half-life value of the compose on the soil and coefficient of adsorption and organic tissue of the soil. The products that showed lixiviation potential by GUS alphabetical order were: acetochlor, aldicarb, atrazina, bispyribac sodium, carbendazim, carbofuran, clorimuron, etilico, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, fipronil, flumioxazin, fomezafen, hexazinone, imazapic, imazaquim, imazetapir, metalacloro, metomyl, metribuzin, metsulfuron-methyl, monocrotofos, nicosulfuron, quinclorac, simazine, tebuthiuron, thiamethoxam and triclorfon. In conclusion, the environmental compartment showed more vulnerability in the preference of pesticide distribution in the compartment water. The preliminary evaluation of risk contamination in agriculture area by pesticides can be made based on physical-chemical pesticide characteristic used in the fugacity model Mackay level 1 (1991). This fugacity model Mackay level 1 (1991) is an excellent tool to be used as a factor of decision in the pesticides use. The GUS criteria showed itself as one more mechanism to be used dire the lack of information, as decision make skill in choice of a pesticide utilization aiming monitoring or even though avoiding groundwater contamination / Mestrado / Agua e Solo / Mestre em Engenharia Agrícola

The primary aim of my research was to identify the impacts and adaptation options of climate variability and change on agricultural production in Limpopo province. The following objectives were identified: To understand the impacts of climate variability and change on agricultural production in Limpopo province , To assess the impacts of climate variability and change on agricultural production in Limpopo province and To identify adaptation measures that reduces the impacts of climate variability and change on agricultural production in Limpopo province. A representative sample of 300 farmers aged 16- 65+ years (46 percent males and 54 percent females) participated in the study. The study involved Sekhukhune and Capricorn districts, with 56 percent farmers in Capricorn and 44 percent in Sekhukhune district. The following 11 local municipalities were visited: Elias Motsoaledi, Makhuduthamaga, Fetakgomo, Ephraim Mogale, Tubatse, Lepelle Nkumpi, Blouberg, Aganang, Polokwane, and Molemole. The Limpopo province is one of the poorest provinces in the country, characterized by high unemployment rate, poverty and lack of access to a range of resources that frustrate majority of people ability to secure their livelihoods. In this study the province's economic, biological and physical environment were highlighted. The study further covers the province, s farming enterprises, systems, categories, infrastructure as well as other constraints that maybe facing the emerging farmer in the province. It is assumed that the majority of farmers in both the Capricorn and Sekhukhune districts are using different coping and adaptation strategies in order to increase their crop yields. Literature studies show that climate variability and change adaptation strategies vary from area to area due to agro ecological zones and the harshness of the effects of climate variability and change. It has also been noted that climate change is fast pushing the poorest and most marginalized communities beyond their capacity to respond. This study draws on lessons learned, experiences, and other existing research on climate change impacts and adaptation across the globe. It sets out what is needed to enable people living in poverty to adapt to climate change, and a range of interventions that are available across climate - sensitive sectors. The study has provided a literature review of the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector. In fact, it has documented some of the likely impacts of climate change based on International, continental, regional, national and provincial agricultural sector. The study highlighted the impact of climate change also on various climate - sensitive sectors including understanding water resources, forestry, natural ecosystem human health, infrastructure and coastal zones. This research also confirmed that being a full time farmer, gender, information on climate change, information received through extension services and adaptation to climate change are some of the important determinants of agricultural production, food scarcity and unemployment. A worrying situation is reviewed globally in this study and it can be concluded that climate variability and change is affecting every sector in society and it needs urgent attention. Statistics was used to determine climate variability and change impact on agricultural production. Results indicate that farmers are aware that Limpopo province is getting warmer and drier with increased frequency of droughts, changes in the timing of rains, observed trends oftemperature and precipitation. The study also presented perceived adaptation strategies used by farmers in Limpopo province. Some of their perceived adaptation strategies included: (a) Soil management strategies, (b) Water management strategies and (c) Others like use of subsidies and use of insurance. Other important adaptation options being used by farmers were also discussed in this study including different adaptation measures against colds, heat, frost, abnormal wind, hail, lack of extension support, nematodes, insecticides, worms, temperature and rainfall. The results of this study are potentially valuable to the agricultural sector considering the threats that climate change poses across climate sensitive sectors. / Environmental Sciences / D. Phil. (Environmental Management)

Although conventional or scientific farming practices have been encouraged and promoted by state and other agencies, rural and resource poorfarmers have increasingly resorted to indigenous farming practices. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that indigenous farming practices are not only environmentalfriendly, but are more profitable than conventional practices. A conceptual framework for testing the hypothesis was formulated based on a comparison of Margins above Specified Cost of indigenous and conventional farming practices. The data required were identified and a methodology for data collection and analysis was designed. The research methodology included a literature review, a GIS based sample scheme designedfor data collection and statistical analysis. As a major feature of this component of the mini-dissertation, the literature review reveals that indigenous farming practices have positive impact on the environment by improving soil through mulching, composting and use of non-toxic control ofpests and diseases. On the other hand the review reveals that conventional practices can impact negatively on the environment. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.