This study focused on the impact of climate change and adaptation on small-scale cattle and sheep
farming in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Using information from 500 livestock farmers
between 2005 and 2009 farming season, three methods of analysis were used to determine impacts of
climate change and adaptation. They were Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Binary Logistic
Regression Model (BLRM) and Heckman Probit Model (HPM). Findings revealed that cattle
production decreased during the study period 2005 to 2009. Preliminary descriptive statistics results
indicated that farmers had different perceptions on climate change and adaptation measures between
the periods 2005 and 2009. Further analysis using PCA showed that the different perceptions could
be grouped into: (i) drought and windy weather patterns; (ii) information and adaptation; (iii) climate
change extension services; (iv) intensive cattle and sheep production; and (v) temperatures. The
results of the BLRM indicated that the most significant factors that affected climate change and
adaptation were: (i) non-farm income per annum; (ii) type of weather perceived from 2005 to 2009;
(iii) livestock production and ownership; (iv) distance to weather stations; (v) distance to input
markets; (vi) adaptation strategies and (vii) annual average temperature. From the HPM the results
indicated that marital status, level of education, formal extension, temperatures and the way in which
land was acquired, significantly affected awareness on climate change. Variables that significantly
affected adaptation selections were gender, formal extension, information received on climate
change, temperatures and the way in which land was acquired.It was concluded that in the area of study, change in climate was already perceived by small-scale
cattle and sheep farmers. Households that perceived differences in seasonal temperatures during the
survey period were less likely to adapt to climate change. Having access to extension services
increased the likelihood of adaptation to climate change. Information on climate change to improve
livestock production appeared to play a significant role in the selection of adaptation measures. The
recommendation was that government should consider cattle and sheep farmers’ perceptions on
climate change when deciding on programmes for cattle and sheep production. It further suggested
that the most significant factors that affected climate change, adaptation, and awareness and
adaptation selections be considered when adaptation programmes are planned. / Agriculture Animal Health and Human Ecology / D.Phil. (Environmental Management)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/5477 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Mandleni, Busisiwe |
| Contributors | Anim, F.D.K. (Prof.) |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xvi, 154 leaves) : ill. (chiefly col.) col. maps |
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