The Indigenous Adaptation Strategies on the Impacts of Rainfall Scarcity on Subsistence Food Production in Moletjie, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Severe climate change manifestations have a significant influence on subsistence food production, notably rainfall shortage, which causes drought, dust, crop and livestock loss, and hence hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. The purpose of this research was to highlight indigenous adaptation techniques to the effects of rainfall shortage on subsistence food production. In-depth interviews were used to gather data until saturation was reached. According to the research, subsistence farmers are aware of the effects of rainfall shortage on subsistence food production. Farmers, for example, are aware that crop and livestock output are lessened and poor as a consequence of drought and soil erosion. To deal with the effects of rainfall shortage on traditional food production mechanisms, indigenous adaptation practices such as growing drought-resistant crops and using animal dung as manure are used. The research suggests combining western and indigenous ways to mitigate the harmful effects of rainfall shortage.