Abstract
This study sought to investigate the extent to which small-scale farmers in the rural areas of Bushbuckridge adapt to climate change. The study used a qualitative research approach where two focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and observations were used as the main methods of data collection. This assisted in collecting primary data on the perception and experience of local small-scale farmers, government officials and representatives from Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency about climate change adaptation. A total of 26 participants who were selected using a purposive and snowballing sampling approach took part in the study voluntarily. From the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the climate has indeed changed and small-scale farmers in Bushbuckridge are aware of the changes and they have devised adaptive measures such as crop diversification and the use of improved crop varieties to cope with the change. Amongst other methods of adaption, small-scale farmers in the study area uses both modern and traditional methods of farming which helps them improve their resilience. Government intervention programmes plays a significant role in terms of improving resilience for under-resourced small-scale farmers. However, in the study area, it was discovered that these programmes are underutilized because they are not well known to small-scale farmers. Therefore, the study recommended that there be collaboration between government and farmers to bridge the existing gaps, thus, improving livelihoods in the rural areas of Bushbuckridge.
M.A. (Development Studies)