Geography and Environmental Studies

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Browsing Geography and Environmental Studies by Author "Bukhosini, Ziphozethu"

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    Investigating the impact of and response to drought by small scale farmers in Mfekayi, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu Natal
    (University of Zululand, 2019) Bukhosini, Ziphozethu
    The study investigated the impact of and response to drought by small scale farmers in Mfekayi, Mtubatuba, KwaZulu Natal between the periods 2014 to 2016. In order to achieve this, the study adopted a mixed method approach in the form of convergent parallel design. The results indicated that small scale farmers suffered numerous livestock deaths and crop failure as the impacts of persistent drought. Moreover, there were further challenges related to drought such as water shortage and low soil moisture. As such, small scale farmers realised low income during drought and this was worsened by the fact that most were unskilled and lacked resources. However, there were various measures taken by small scale farmers to respond to drought. These actions include buying expensive supplements and the application of indigenous knowledge such as livestock movement. There are further challenges experienced by small scale farmers in dealing with drought such as drought recovery costs, lack of information and further livestock deaths. On the basis of this, the study recommends government intervention and stakeholders support small scale farmers with the relevant equipment such as educational support and provision of proper resources for. In addition, the study recommends that the government should provide relief assistance and design a policy that specifically addresses small scale farmers concerns.
University of Zululand