A case study of female smallholder farmers in Kilmun, KwaZulu-Natal: examining the role of indigenous knowledge systems to climate change in increasing agricultural output and food security.

Abstract

Climate change affects all four dimensions of food security: food availability, food accessibility, food utilisation, and the stability of food systems. Climate change risk reduction is one of the twenty-first century's primary challenges. Climate change is expected to have a severe impact on Africa's food security and ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its impact on Africa that rely on rainwater agriculture and have little means to mitigate and adapt to climate change is likely to be quite severe. Climate change risk management solutions include both mitigation and adaptation. Climate change and global food insecurity are inextricably linked. The quantitative data were collected by semi-structured questionnaires, while the qualitative data were collected through a transect walk and PRA tools. The objectives were to (i) ascertain smallholder farmers' perceptions of climate change risks; (ii) ascertain the implications of climate change and variability on agriculture, and (iii) ascertain the critical role of indigenous knowledge systems in agriculture for climate change adaptation. The findings revealed that indigenous knowledge that has been used and practised sustainably for centuries makes a significant contribution to climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as food security, according to the researchers. The findings of the study should be of particular relevance to climate change specialists who are already trying to develop a sound response to climate change. In the face of global climate change, policymakers must draw on the most up-to-date information available.