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Climate Change Resilience in Rural Southern Africa

Dynamics, Prospects and Challenges

Editors: Mark Matsa, Lazarus Chapungu, Godwell Nhamo

Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland

Book Series : Sustainable Development Goals Series

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Table of Contents

About this book

In rural Southern Africa, the livelihoods of millions are intricately linked to the land, water, and ecosystems that are increasingly under threat from climate change. This intensifying threat has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities, rendering the need for resilience building more critical than ever. Emerging scholarship on climate change strategies suggest that building resilience in human and environmental systems is the ideal strategy for combating the climate change induced catastrophes. Rural Southern Africa has witnessed both isolated and coordinated efforts by various stakeholders to bolster climate resilience, yielding varying degrees of success. This book offers a comprehensive examination of the rural Southern African landscape, probing the intricate dynamics, prospects, and challenges associated with building climate resilience. It examines how traditional knowledge, innovative practices (including Artificial Intelligence), and sustainable development strategies are converging to create resilient systems. The book further highlights the critical role of local communities in addressing climate challenges and offers actionable insights for a more resilient future. It emerged that some interventions have managed to build resilience of at-risk households, communities and systems, while others have faced significant challenges. In general, climate resilience building remains complex and lagging due to increased vulnerabilities induced by global disease emergencies such as COVID-19, increased poverty due to global recessions, poor governance, corruption and several other internal and external factors. Therefore, the need to increase cooperation amongst Southern African states to pursue common development goals cannot be overemphasized. Rich with case studies, expert analyses, and systematic reviews, this book is an essential read for policymakers, researchers, and those invested in the future of rural Southern Africa.

Frontmatter

1. An Overview of Climate Change Resilience in Rural Southern Africa

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to rural communities in Southern Africa, where agriculture forms the backbone of livelihoods and socioeconomic stability. This introductory chapter sets the context for the succeeding chapters to explore the multifaceted dimensions of climate change resilience in this region, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by rural populations due to erratic weather patterns, water scarcity, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, among other climate-induced variables. It provides an overview of the methodology, purpose, and structure of the book, presenting nuanced summaries of the book chapters. The summaries indicate precursory overviews of the theoretical underpinnings of climate resilience and perspectives of current adaptation strategies, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices, community-based adaptation, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern technologies. The roles of policy frameworks, regional cooperation, and international support in enhancing resilience are reflected. An overview of the challenges and opportunities for building robust, climate-resilient communities in rural Southern Africa is also discussed, showing that there are challenges associated with entrenched poverty, lack of political will, policy inconsistencies, and inadequate finance. Opportunities for resilience building are highlighted emphasizing on domestic mobilization of financial resources, leveraging on the existing indigenous knowledge systems, international cooperation, and capacity building.

Mark Matsa, Lazarus Chapungu, Godwell Nhamo

2. The Climate Change Landscape for Rural Southern Africa

Abstract

This chapter examines the landscape of climate change in rural Southern Africa (African land south of the equator), especially the climate characteristics in connection with rural livelihood patterns. The main challenge that propelled this study is the need for more literature on climate change focusing on rural Southern Africa. This knowledge gap not only complicates our understanding of how climate change affects the region and how rural populations adapt to these changes but also hampers the development of effective adaptation strategies. Within this chapter, attention is directed towards five distinct climate patterns in Southern Africa. South-East Africa, Central Africa, West Southern Africa, East Southern Africa and Madagascar. Although these regions boast varying biodiversity, environmental concerns, temperatures and rainfall patterns, each exhibits distinct impacts of climate change with the same probability of amplifying vulnerabilities among their respective populations. The study highlights that with projected changes in temperature and precipitation patterns in these regions, resilience efforts should pay attention to the vulnerabilities that are characteristic of rural areas. By analysing established trends and anticipated climate change patterns, research lays the foundations for assessing risk and vulnerability, paving the way for adaptation strategies that can support the livelihoods and economic activities of rural Southern Africa.

Mohau J. Mateyisi, Shingirai S. Nangombe, Malebajoa Anicia Maoela, Vincent Chenzi

3. The Trends and Drivers of Climate Change Vulnerability in Rural Southern Africa

Abstract

Understanding the trends and drivers of climate vulnerability is crucial for developing resilience strategies, addressing vulnerabilities and promoting sustainable development in Southern Africa. However, efforts to comprehensively understand these trends and drivers are fragmented, hindering a cohesive regional perspective. Consequently, there needs to be more scientific information to bolster the region’s resilience against climatic fluctuations. This study employs a mixed-methods research design to analyse secondary data and identify trends and factors that contribute to climate vulnerability regionally. A qualitative analysis of 33 scientific papers from Scopus and Science Direct was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Quantitative data from the Global Internal Displacement Database (GIDD) was used to assess vulnerability to climate-induced events. Results indicated statistically significant (p < 0.05) rise in vulnerability to climate change, evidenced by the region’s increased exposure to frequent and severe climate-induced disasters, leading to higher displacement rates. Findings also reveal spatial variations in vulnerability, influenced by economic, socio-cultural, political and geographical factors. Given the complex interplay between vulnerability and climate drivers, the study advocates for a collaborative framework involving governments, civil society, corporations and local communities to improve resilience and protect the populations of Southern Africa.

Beauty Dzawanda, Lazarus Chapungu, Malebajoa Anicia Maoela, Mark Matsa, Caitlin Mapitsa

4. Pathways to Enhance the Adaptive Capacity and Resilience to Climate Change in Southern Africa

Abstract

Resource depletion and environmental degradation are some of the major challenges facing Southern Africa, affecting mainly the most vulnerable communities living in marginalised areas and relying on natural systems for their livelihoods. The challenges are compounded by poor resource management and climate change, affecting the ecological and socio-economic systems in both space and time. This chapter uses a mixed research method to illustrate the need to enhance climate change resilience through integrated resource management to achieve transformational change without leaving anyone behind. The chapter highlights the interlinkages between distinct but interconnected ecological and socio-economic systems at different spatial scales, providing examples of the impact of unsustainable and sector-based management of resources that include soil, water and land. The impacts of poor resource management negatively affect livelihoods and human and environmental health. The interrelations between resources manifest when developments in one sector affect the efficiency of other related sectors. For example, poor agricultural practices lead to erosion, which in turn degrades agricultural land. In turn, land degradation results in reduced storage capacity of surface water sources, leading to water and food insecurity. Initiatives that have demonstrated improved adaptive capacity and resilience of vulnerable communities are highlighted.

Stanley Liphadzi, Sylvester Mpandeli, Walter Svinurai, Jerikias Marumure, Luxon Nhamo

5. Climate Disaster Risk Reduction in Rural Southern Africa

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant challenge globally, with rural communities in Southern Africa experiencing severe impacts. These communities are highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, yet research focused on them is limited. This chapter examines climate disaster risk reduction (DRR) mechanisms in selected rural communities in Southern Africa, identifying best practices and gaps. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study gathered empirical evidence through content analysis, surveys and interviews with DRR stakeholders and residents in Port Saint Johns and Mkhondo in South Africa and Chimanimani and Tsholotsho in Zimbabwe. The findings reveal that rural Southern Africa faces various climate-related hazards, including floods, storms, droughts and heatwaves, which have damaged livelihood assets. While formal institutions lead DRR initiatives, traditional and local leadership is often overlooked despite their significant influence. DRR policies theoretically place communities at the centre of the process, devolving responsibilities to the lowest community level. However, funding primarily comes from central governments and donor agencies. Understanding DRR mechanisms can significantly reduce disaster losses, speed recovery and build adaptive capacity, contributing to poverty mitigation and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Africa Agenda 2063.

David Chikodzi, Michael T. Mubvuma, Elisha Mavodyo

6. Climate Governance and Resilience Action: The Southern African Context

Abstract

Climate change is changing rural livelihoods worldwide, and in Southern Africa, these changes are transforming livelihoods and infrastructure. While there are often governance responses to disasters, shifts in governance do not evolve rapidly enough to respond to the rapidly changing needs of new climate challenges. In March 2019, Cyclone Idai affected Chimanimani, parts of Mozambique and Malawi. However, there are still grey areas on the subject of post-disaster governance and resilience in Southern Africa, especially on the nature of challenges affecting post-disaster governance and resilience. This chapter considers the progress and challenges that affect governance and resilience-building efforts in rural Zimbabwe, using comparative case studies by Chimanimani and Matopos using multi-method qualitative research design involving interviews and focus group discussions with members of the Chimanimani community and interviews with participant-coded narratives in Matopos. Challenges undermining post-disaster governance and resilience were firstly, a disassociation between the scope, mandate and capacity of the critical role players. The second challenge is a mismatch between the scale of the problem and the scope of mandates of the response. The third is poor incentives for either collective individual action or integrated planning to improve systems of governance.

Leonard Chitongo, Vincent Chenzi, Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa

7. The State of Climate Resilience in Rural Communities in Southern Africa: Case Study of Dryland Regions of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The resilience of rural communities in Southern Africa is challenged by environmental and socio-economic shocks such as climate change, hyperinflation, diseases and market instability. Understanding rural resilience is crucial to developing climate-smart societies. This study assesses the resilience of communities in Zimbabwe’s drylands, examining the relationship between the components of the climate resilience capacity index and the total resilience index. Using a systematic review of the literature and data from the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) collected between 2019 and 2021, the findings reveal that frequent droughts significantly compromise resilience. Crop diseases, pests and farming practices, such as crop and livestock production, also impact resilience. Cattle ownership and reliance on indigenous crops such as sorghum and pearl millet improve resilience compared to maize cultivation. Given the socio-economic and environmental similarities across Southern Africa’s drylands, these findings can be generalised to the region. The key factors influencing resilience include education, training, access to information, land tenure, agro-processing training, market distance and income diversification. The study recommends improving climate information systems and mobilising resources to address the root causes of climate vulnerability from a policy and strategic perspective.

Michael T. Mubvuma, Dorcas Chapungu, David Chikodzi

8. Prospects and Challenges for Climate-Smart Communities in Rural Southern Africa

Abstract

Resilience to climate change has taken centre stage in the development discourse. The adoption of climate-smart strategies in rural areas is essential for achieving sustainable development. This study determined the prospects and challenges of climate-savvy communities in rural Southern Africa. The study conducted a systematic review and content analysis to derive insights into the challenges and prospects for climate-smart communities in rural Southern Africa. The study reviewed 68 publications in the period 2005–2023 using the Scopus database. Findings show that rural communities are exposed to the effects of extreme weather events primarily due to their dependence on the natural environment for livelihood. Attention is paid to the operational performance of local and public institutions in promoting adaptation and resilience. The literature underscores the role of stakeholder participation and partnerships to achieve effective adaptive capacity building in the context of climate change. There are promising prospects for a climate-smart rural Southern Africa, although several barriers have to be overcome to achieve this desired outcome. There is a need for increased education and dissemination of information to promote the development of sustainable, smart rural communities and research to inform the transition to climate-smart rural communities in the region.

Munyaradzi Chitakira, Leonard Chitongo, Kosamu Nyoni

9. Climate Resilience and Global Pandemics: The Southern African Perspective

Abstract

Climate change increases the risk of global pandemics, whose outbreaks pose numerous challenges to communities the world over. Africa and Southern Africa, in particular, have not been spared from such impactful adverse events of climate-related events. Such a situation has entailed the need for communities to be more resilient to these pandemics, whose frequency is expected to increase due to climate change. However, there is generally limited scholarship literature on a comprehensive assessment framework for climate resilience and global pandemics. The current study relies on a systematic review of the literature of 60 articles drawn from multidisciplinary academic databases covering 2001–2023. Results show that factors affecting the resilience to pandemics in a changing climate can be categorised into four dimensions: organisational, economic, social and demographic. The review highlights examples of factors in these four categories. On the basis of such climate change resilience mechanisms to pandemics, this chapter establishes an integrated assessment framework that scholars and researchers utilise to ascertain climate change resilience to pandemics.

Evans Chazireni, Gladman Jekese, Isaac Nyambiya

10. Climate Resilience Strategies and Policies in Southern Africa: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Despite the importance of resilience planning in identifying hazards for establishing adaptation, mitigation, and recovery strategies, there is fragmented scholarship literature on hazard assessment in Southern Africa. This research sought to analyze climate resilience planning strategies and policies in rural Southern Africa. A descriptive review method was adopted to search literature on climate resilience strategies and policies in Southern Africa. Google scholar and science direct were used for literature search using search engine strategies and key phrases. Information used in this review was obtained from reginal publications and reports, reputable and high-impact international journals. The literature search findings revealed that the concept of resilience contribute to strengthening livelihood critical capacities to withstand current and future shocks. The review established some of the resilience building initiatives implemented towards ending extreme poverty amongst vulnerable communities in Southern Africa. The study concluded that resilience planning is an innovative platform that promotes development of context-specific practices in Southern Africa that transforms systems to effectively ensure initiation of livelihood support systems. The study recommends adoption of resilience building interventions that best manage climate change impacts in resource-stressed rural communities of developing Southern Africa.

Rameck Defe, Gideon Mutanda

11. Climate Resilient Development in Rural Southern Africa: Gaps and Prospects

Abstract

The climate crisis is a sad global reality threatening existentialism. People, ecosystems, and socio-economic systems require protection against the climate change risk. This chapter evaluates climate resilient development in rural Southern Africa, one of the most vulnerable regions in the Global South. The goal of the chapter is to critically assess the concept of climate resilient development, assess the progress rural Southern Africa has recorded to date, while noting the gaps and prospects for catching up with the rest of the world. The chapter brings to light that rural Southern Africa is struggling to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change amidst lack of adequate financial, technical, and scientific support from government and global financial institutions. The quest for climate resilient development in rural Southern Africa is nonetheless evident in the agriculture sectors, soil and water conservation sectors, pest and disease control, green energy development, and other climate proofing efforts. The chapter concludes that climate resilient development is the ultimate solution to climate change threat and the harm it brings. Hence, the need to consolidate the achievements to date and push for more and better capacity building in future.

Hardlife Zinhiva, Susan Dube, Clarice Mudzengi

12. Climate Finance for Building Resilience in Rural Southern Africa: A Systematic Review of the Status Quo, Gaps, and Prospects

Abstract

Southern Africa bears the brunt of climate change compared to other parts of the world due to low resilience and limited adaptive capacity. While Southern Africa is currently receiving the least climate, finance directed to other regions in African, much of the finance received is not directed to the rural areas, which are disproportionally affected by climate change. This chapter adopted a qualitative research design anchored on systematic review of academic and grey literature in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, and Malawi. The chapter examines the status quo, gaps, and prospects of climate finance in building resilience in these Southern African countries. Southern Africa faces intricate challenges of balancing the huge climate financing gap and the pressing climate financing needed for mitigation and adaptation. Strengthening both domestic and international resource mobilization thus becomes imperative, alongside creating a favourable environment for private sector investments in climate-smart technologies and renewable energy. Additionally, it was revealed that very few studies have been conducted to specifically investigate climate finance in rural areas of Southern Africa which calls for more empirical studies to be conducted in order to show a clear picture of climate finance in rural areas which are mostly affected by climate change impacts.

Joseph Tinarwo, Beauty Dzawanda

13. A Systematic Review of Climate Change Mitigation Policies in Southern Africa

Abstract

There is clear evidence that climate change is happening and requires immediate attention, especially in developing countries where consequences are likely to be dire. In Southern Africa, slow onset and rapid and sudden climate change-induced events continue to bring unprecedented challenges. Such events include increases in heatwaves, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, floods, wildfires, frost, hailstorms, pests, diseases, and droughts. While there is a call for developed countries to take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fulfil their financial and technical obligation, developing countries also must demonstrate their contributions. Therefore, this chapter adopts a qualitative systematic literature review approach to synthesize the climate change mitigation policy landscape focusing on challenges and opportunities in Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The objective is to identify and assess these policies, providing insights into their implementation barriers and recommendations within the context of each country. Results demonstrate that climate change mitigation interventions remain weak, while policy frameworks remain high on a political agenda. The policy implementation gap is marred by fragmented policies, limited resources, lack of expertise, and heavy reliance on consultancy when formulating policies. Therefore, the study proposes a framework to enhance the implementation climate change mitigating policies.

Leocadia Zhou, Mark Matsa, Admire Rukudzo Dzvene

14. Linking Gender Equality and Climate Resilience in Rural Southern Africa: Policy Gaps

Abstract

The increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Southern Africa threatens the livelihoods of vulnerable people. The implementation of adaptation strategies and measures to increase the resilience of the vulnerable communities is a major priority. This chapter seeks to explore the gendered impacts of climate change in rural Southern Africa, along with the intricate relationship between gender equality, gender empowerment, and gender resilience building. It also assesses the legal and policy gaps in approaches for implementing climate change resilience building and concludes by proposing a model for gender resilience by communities in rural Southern Africa. Findings reveal that climate change impacts are gendered and closely related to existing inequalities. There cannot be any climate resilience without gender equality and gender empowerment. Climate change resilient laws and policy approaches for implementation are not in sync with international, regional, and national gender laws and policies. They do not take into consideration issues of inequality and the gendered nature of resources. This paper proposes a gender-resilient framework that integrates the use of gender analysis tools, including the empowerment framework, to facilitate the collection of disaggregated data on gender vulnerability impacts, inform gender-sensitive planning and participation, and monitor progress towards achieving gender resilience.

Winniefridah Matsa, Mildred Chanhuwa, Amanda T. Mugadza

15. Prospects and Challenges for Adopting Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools in Climate Resilience in Rural Southern Africa: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Rural Southern Africa’s (SA) status quo with regards to digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) tools’ contribution to climate resilience remain veiled in obscurity. This study explores the available literature based on empirical research to understand the prospects and challenges of digitalization and AI tools in climate resilience building in rural areas within SA, using existing literature. Findings show that some creditable successes have been made in using digital technologies to fortify the communities against climate change. There are enormous prospects for leveraging on the existing community structures, learning cultures, and commitment to execute digitalization projects and use artificial intelligence tools to reinforce climate resilience in rural areas of SA. Rural SA has the potential to support more effective early warning and emergency response systems, improve food and water security, improve power infrastructure performance, enable citizen engagement and participatory adaptation measures, and reduce the effects of climatic hazards. However, a plethora of socio-economic and political challenges perpetually threaten the region’s potential to become climate resilient, leaving it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The study proposes viable paths for overcoming the barriers to digitalization to maximize the vast potential that exists in support of climate change resilience building.

Lazarus Chapungu, Muchaiteyi Togo, Ines Raimundo

16. Livelihood Diversification for Climate Change Adaptation Among Smallholder Farmers in Gokwe North District of Zimbabwe

Abstract

Climate is the average weather experienced in an area over a long period of time. When this normal or usual state of affairs in the atmosphere changes, it is called climate change. The change makes a negative impact on biodiversity including humanity since livelihoods and life sustenance strategies change due to new levels in measures of elements of climate. Rural farmers are usually the worst affected by such changes in environmental characteristics, taking time to recover because of underlying factors like lack of all types of resources, skills, capabilities, and poverty which affects resilience greatly. This chapter investigates the impacts of this change on the livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers in Gokwe North district of Zimbabwe, a remote, dry rural area in region 3 of the Midlands province. The gist of the chapter is to find out how the smallholder farmers are managing to cope and diversify their livelihoods for sustainability in the face of climate change, considering the underlying challenges mentioned above. The chapter examines the mitigation measures engaged by the smallholder farmers in the remote rural area, which are presented as livelihood diversification strategies. The paper employed observation, interviews, and focus group discussions for data gathering. Forty-two (42) men and women purposively selected from four villages participated in the research. The findings of the paper show that some smallholder farmers from Gokwe North have remained in the subsistence-mixed agriculture business, while some have resorted to seasonal market gardening, paid employment, artisanal mining, and food and vegetable vending, among other activities. The paper recommends that stakeholders should fund more sustainable projects, like water harvesting and environmental rehabilitation programmes in the whole district.

Tapiwa Musasa

17. Emerging Adaptation Constrains in Mount Darwin District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This chapter utilizes Mount Darwin district located in northern Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland Central province to examine climate change adaptation constrains in rural Southern Africa. The district is one of the worst affected regions by climate change in Zimbabwe. In order to shed greater light on climate change adaptation constrains in communal areas of Zimbabwe, the chapter canvassed a number of pertinent variables. These include, climate change-induced vulnerabilities, adaptation needs for catalytic economic sectors, livelihoods and food systems, adaptation responses and associated capital distribution in the context of the United Nations (UN) green development agenda, and domestication of adaptation solutions to meet Southern Africa’s needs. Findings from the study indicated that climate change vulnerabilities on rural livelihoods especially agriculture-based activities were influencing a shift towards artisanal mining as an alternative sustenance activity. Furthermore, there seems to be a symbiotic relationship between climate change patterns and livelihood activities in communal Zimbabwe. That is, climate change is not only influencing changes in rural livelihood activities, but the livelihood patterns are also responsible for intensifying the effects of climate change in the region. The study concluded by identifying several climate change adaptation measures in rural Southern Africa.

Vincent Chenzi, Mohau J. Mateyisi, Shingirai S. Nangombe, Malebajoa Anicia Maoela

18. Conclusions and Policy Recommendations: Dynamics, Prospects, and Challenges of Climate Resilience in Rural Southern Africa

Abstract

This chapter synthesizes key findings and policy recommendations derived from 16 chapters from the book focusing on diverse aspects of climate resilience in rural Southern Africa. The chapters underscore the persistent reality of climate change driven by unabated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which poses catastrophic challenges for rural Southern African communities which are already entrenched in cycles of poverty. Given their reliance on environmental resources for sustenance, increased climatic variability significantly jeopardizes these communities’ socio-economic and political prospects. It also emerged that although the path to climate resilience in rural Southern Africa is fraught with challenges, it also contains some glimmers of opportunities for transformative change. By leveraging indigenous and local knowledge, strengthening policy frameworks, and fostering collaboration across sectors, it is possible to build resilient communities that can thrive in the face of climate adversity. The imperative to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacities emerges as paramount throughout the book. However, the chapters reveal that the existing resilience capacities are deficient due to weak governance structures, inadequate finance, institutional frailties, and limited technical capabilities. In response, a range of recommendations are proposed to bolster the resilience of rural agrarian communities in Southern Africa against the vagaries of the climate system.

Lazarus Chapungu, Godwell Nhamo, Mark Matsa

Backmatter

Title: Climate Change Resilience in Rural Southern Africa
Editors: Mark Matsa
Lazarus Chapungu
Godwell Nhamo
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-73600-1
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-73599-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-73600-1