Climate Resilience in Rural Agriculture: A Case Study of Smallholder Farmers in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and soil degradation have contributed to declining yields, particularly in staple crops such as maize, which are essential for household food security. This study quantitatively assessed climate resilience among smallholder farmers in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, using a structured survey of 111 participants to collect data on farming experience, soil degradation, crop and livestock productivity, income and adaptive strategies. Analysis revealed that 79.2% of respondents had more than five years of farming experience. Over half (56.8%) reported soil degradation and 71.1% indicated shifting cultivation fields due to persistent poor crop performance. Nearly half (45%) reported reductions in crop yields, and 45.9% applied additional fertilizer to mitigate losses. Notably, 91% of respondents reported negative impacts on household food security and income reductions (83%). The results of the multivariable regression analysis show that households that experienced soil degradation and decreasing crop yields were more likely to be food insecure than households that were able to meet their food security needs. In contrast, the respondents findings revealed that farming experience, being assisted by extension services, and using an integrated adaptation strategy was positively correlated with food security and households. The South African Climate Resilience Index indicates that approximately 38% of the households sampled had low levels of resilience, 44% of households had moderate levels of resilience and 18% had high levels of resilience; male-headed households and those who have farmed for longer periods generally achieved higher resilience. The results of this research suggest that targeted interventions are immediately needed to promote education on sustainable soil management, climate-smart practices and institutional support that builds adaptive capacity and secure the livelihood of rural residents in Ndwedwe, South Africa.