An intersectional analysis of the collective efficacy-drought adaptation nexus by small-scale farmers in uMkhanyakude District Municipality, South Africa
Date
2024-10-18
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Abstract
Exploring the collective efficacy-adaptation nexus is urgent given the unprecedented climate change – a phenomenon that has negatively impacted and continues to impact societies and economies. Although existing research has documented the positive association between collective efficacy and climate-related hazards, a considerable gap remains in understanding this relationship in the South African context. Yet collective efficacy and adaptation research in African countries is imperative considering their collectivistic culture, high vulnerability, and low adaptive capacity. Against this backdrop, this study aims to analyse the collective efficacy–agricultural drought adaptation nexus by small-scale farmers in uMkhanyakude District Municipality (UKDM), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The specific objectives of the study are to (a) map and quantify agricultural droughts in UKDM; (b) analyse how small-scale farmers in UKDM explain, experience, and adapt (including drawing on indigenous knowledge system) to agricultural drought; (c) assess the influence of drought on small-scale farmers' perceptions of collective efficacy and adaptation to drought in UKDM; (d) analyse the role of local governance in small-scale agricultural drought adaptation in UKDM; and (e) propose a framework to guide an intersectional collective efficacy-agricultural drought adaptation response. To achieve these objectives, a mixed methods approach was employed, drawing theoretical insights from the Protection Motivation Theory, Actor-Network Theory, and an intersectional Feminist Political Ecology perspective. The quantitative component of the study utilised remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems and Python for mapping drought conditions, complemented by a household questionnaire survey that yielded 384 responses from small-scale farmers. These responses were analysed using Microsoft Excel and Python. For the qualitative aspect, data collection included a key informant interview, observation, and document review. This data was then subjected to reflexive thematic analysis. The research findings, first, elucidate the spatio-temporal variability of drought within the UKDM. The results reveal pronounced seasonal fluctuations in VHI and identifies significant historical drought episodes, notably during 2002-2004 and 2015-2016, which correlate with El Niño events. Second, while adversely impacted by agricultural drought, small-scale farmers in the district proactively employ Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in their adaptation measures. This active reliance on IKS challenges conventional Eurocentric paradigms and offers culturally nuanced and efficacious methods for adaptation. However, the potential of IKS have mainly been marginalised in contemporary climate policy discourse, underscoring the need for re-evaluation and inclusion in policy and programmes. Third, the study illuminates the crucial role of collective efficacy in enabling the broader acceptance and integration of IKS, as evidenced by the practices of small-scale farmers in the district. Fourth, the application of IKS provides a pathway for decolonising adaptation approaches, thereby subverting traditional power dynamics and facilitating the development of culturally appropriate and effective adaptation measures. Fifth, the crucial role of local governance in aiding small-scale farmers in adapting to agricultural drought in the district needs to be enhanced. Sixth, the study proposes a framework that could guide an intersectional approach to collective efficacy and agricultural drought adaptation. These findings have implications for policy and practice, offering actionable insights for various stakeholders involved in climate adaptation and governance. This study presents potential areas for further research. These include: the exploration of inter-organisational CE for efficacious adaptation and the analysis of customary land tenure reforms and their contribution to more inclusive and effective adaptation strategies while simultaneously safeguarding gender rights and indigenous knowledge.
Description
An intersectional analysis of the collective efficacy-drought adaptation nexus by small-scale farmers in uMkhanyakude District Municipality, South Africa