Journal of
Development and Agricultural Economics

  • Abbreviation: J. Dev. Agric. Econ.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2006-9774
  • DOI: 10.5897/JDAE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 552

Full Length Research Paper

Analysis of determinants of farm-level adaptation measures to climate change in Southern Africa

Charles Nhemachena
  • Charles Nhemachena
  • Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
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Rashid Hassan
  • Rashid Hassan
  • Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy in Africa, University of Pretoria, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
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James Chakwizira
  • James Chakwizira
  • University of Venda, School of Environmental Sciences, P/Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa.
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  •  Received: 27 December 2012
  •  Accepted: 20 February 2014
  •  Published: 01 May 2014

Abstract

The study examines farmer adaptation strategies to climate change in Southern Africa based on a cross-section database of three countries (South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe). A multivariate discrete choice model was used to analyse the determinants of farm-level adaptation strategies. Results confirm that access to credit, free extension services, awareness of climate change are critical determinants of farm-level adaptation options. Policies aimed at easing identified key limits to farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change need to emphasize the critical role of: extension services; provision of improved climate, production and market information as well as the means to implement adaptation through affordable credit and insurance against climate risks (safety nets).

Key words: Climate change, farm-level adaptation, Southern Africa.

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This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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