Edging Towards a Tipping Point? An Appraisal of the Evolution of Livelihoods under Climate Change in Semi-Arid Matobo, Zimbabwe

Content Type: 
Curated Content
Author or Institution as Author: 
Philani Moyo
Co-authors: 

Thulani Dube

Funding Partner: 
Date of publication: 
October, 2014
Institution: 
University of Zimbabwe
Language: 
Gender marker: 
Youth marker: 
Description/Abstract: 

his paper contributes to emerging research on the impacts of climate change on communities in the Global South by mapping and analyzing its impacts on rural livelihoods in semi-arid Matobo District in Zimbabwe. It investigates the possibilities and scope for climate change adaptation in this region as communal households adjust and diversify their livelihood portfolios. In so doing, it finds that climate change has had remarkable consequences on the livelihoods of people in this semi-arid area. It has altered the ecosystem leading to the disappearance of certain plant and insect species that were an essential part of the local natural habitat and livelihoods of local people. Rainfall patterns have also become unpredictable leading to erratic, mostly, poor farming seasons with direct implications on the local food system and rural economy. In response to these climate change induced impacts, a variety of new livelihood strategies are emerging as households seek to cushion themselves against this threat to their sustainability. However, a pertinent question is: how far can these adaptation strategies evolve under the increasing pressure of climate change impacts? In other words, are these communal households urging towards tipping points?

Other Partners: 

University of Fort Hare 

Keywords: 
Evolution, Livelihoods, Climate Changes, Adaptation Zimbabwe
Citation: 

Moyo, P. and Dube, T. (2014), “Edging towards a tipping point? An appraisal of the evolution of livelihoods under climate change in semi-arid Matobo, Zimbabwe”, International Journal of Development and Sustainability, Vol. 3 No. 6, pp. 1340-1353.

CCARDESA Category: 

File Download Questionnaire

x

This mini-questionnaire helps us understand how people are accessing and using information products provided by the SAAIKS Knowledge Hub. Please fill in all the fields.

International Cooperating Partners

Partners

Get Connected With CCARDESA