Applying participatory mapping approaches to assess local communities’ perceptions of climate change and implications on their adaptation strategies: the case of communal rangeland community, Vulindlela, South Africa.

Abstract

This study investigated the role of Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) in understanding local perceptions on the causes and impacts of climate change on communal rangeland communities and how local perception shapes communities’ responses. First, a systematic literature review was conducted to assess PGIS's contribution to elucidating local rangeland communities' vulnerability and adaptation in Africa. Analysis of 18 papers from ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus revealed a slow pace in the integration of PGIS in climate change research, thus indicating a knowledge gap. Despite this, PGIS has the potential to empower local communities in co-producing knowledge and creating adaptation solutions. The study then explored the effectiveness of integrating PGIS with PRA techniques in elucidating communal rangeland communities’ perceptions of and responses to the effects of climate change on rangeland resources and livelihoods using Vulindlela, South Africa, as a case study. Using focus group discussions, participatory mapping, key informant interviews, transect walks, and household questionnaires, the study uncovered diverse perceptions of climate change's drivers and impacts on livelihoods. It found that local perceptions are influenced by factors such as experience, age, education, and dependency on rangeland resources, which shape community responses to climatic risks. The PGIS mapping exercise highlighted areas most susceptible to events like floods and droughts. Overall, the study demonstrated PGIS as a valuable tool for capturing spatial insights and facilitating local participation. The integration with PRA and PGIS techniques provided a comprehensive understanding of climate change impacts and responses, offering both non-spatial and spatial perspectives. Participatory mapping has the potential to enhance the co-design and formulation of inclusive adaptation plans