Thesis (M. A. (Sociology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / Climate change has become one of the most daunting challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. It has direct and profound effects on the environment, economy, health and safety. Since most developing countries have agro-based economies, they are more vulnerable to climate change impacts as compared to the developed world. The aim of this study was to explore Mutoko rural community members’ understanding of climate change and the indigenous measures they use to adapt to its impacts. The study was empirical and data were collected using in-depth interviews. The findings show that Mutoko community members have knowledge of changes in climatic conditions which manifest as increased temperature and erratic rainfall patterns. The impact of increased temperature and erratic rainfall were observed. Furthermore, community members mentioned the type of clouds, mountains and the direction from which the rains comes as indications of climate change. It has also been discovered that numerous cultural activities such as ‘mafuwe’ (rain making ceremony) have changed due to climate change. As a result various adaptation measures such as changing crop types are employed by community members to sustain their livelihood. The study concludes that even though community members in Mutoko are aware of climate change and its indicators, they still struggle to adapt regardless of them having a few adaptation strategies they have developed and use to lessen the negative impacts of changing climatic conditions on their livelihood. Key words: Climate change, Climate hazards, Indigenous practices, Knowledge, Mutoko community,

Thesis (M. A. (Sociology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / The study explored Mutoko community members’ perceptions of climate change and its impact on subsistence farming. Mutoko is a rural community situated in the eastern part of Zimbabwe. Focus group discussions were conducted to explore perceptions of climate change and its impacts on subsistence farming. The study findings show that the primary source of food is subsistence farming. The main crop grown in Mutoko is maize, followed by ground nuts (peanuts), and indigenous vegetables. Maize, ground nuts, sunflowers (for seed), sorghum and millet are grown for household consumption. The study reports community members’ perceptions and views of changes in the local natural environment. The changes are increased temperature and scarcity of rain. Observable impacts of these changes are decreased crop yields in times of drought. The findings are supported by observation that Zimbabwe lies in a semi-arid region with limited and unreliable rainfall patterns and temperature variations. Rainfall exhibits considerable spatial and temporal variability. Generally, the impact of climate change on subsistence farming was the major concern among the participants. Though the study was not aimed at documenting adaptation measures taken to lessen the negative impacts of increased temperature and rainfall scarcity on crop production, the study shows that adaptive measures have been developed and used to adapt and cope with climate change. Community members are adapting to the impacts of increased temperature and scarcity of rain through their culturally informed mechanisms. The mechanisms include change of crops, use of manure to improve soil structure and mulching. It is concluded that the impact of climate change on subsistence farming is real and is negatively affecting food security in the study area. Farmers gave different views on the following; knowledge about climate variations, changes in environmental conditions, changes in temperature patterns and changes in rainfall patterns. / Centre of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (CIKS) and National Research Foundation (NRF)