Key Points:
- UFH studies highlight significant knowledge gaps about climate change among smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape's Amathole District Municipality.
- Research shows a lack of disaster preparedness in urban coastal cities, with a focus on East London.
- 89% of surveyed smallholder farmers are unaware of South Africa's National Climate Change Response Policy (NCCRP).
- Only 13.5% of East London residents know about community disaster plans.
- Both studies emphasize the need for better communication, education, and inclusion of indigenous knowledge in climate change strategies.
Alarming Lack of Climate Change Awareness in Rural and Urban Areas
Two recent studies from the University of Fort Hare (UFH) have uncovered significant gaps in climate change awareness and preparedness across both rural and urban areas of South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. The research highlights the urgent need for improved communication and education strategies to enhance resilience against climate-related challenges.
In the Amathole District Municipality, researchers from UFH’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension found a “profound knowledge gap” among smallholder farmers regarding South Africa’s climate change response policy. Simultaneously, another study focusing on East London revealed a lack of disaster preparedness in urban coastal areas. These findings paint a concerning picture of the province’s readiness to face climate change impacts.
The studies underscore the importance of addressing climate change awareness and preparedness at all levels of society, from rural farming communities to urban centers. As climate change continues to pose significant threats to both rural and urban areas in South Africa, these UFH studies provide crucial insights for policymakers and local authorities to enhance their strategies and better protect vulnerable communities.
Rural Challenges: Smallholder Farmers Left in the Dark
In the Amathole District Municipality, the study published in the journal Sustainability revealed that 89% of surveyed farmers were unaware of the National Climate Change Response Policy (NCCRP), instituted in 2011. This lack of awareness is particularly alarming given the policy’s aim to build capacity and resilience in the country’s agricultural sector.
Lead researcher Oluwabunmi Oluwaseun Popoola stated, “This is of serious concern, as rural smallholder farmers are also an integral part of the country’s agricultural system. As such, they must be aware of policies being initiated to aid their production practices.”
The study surveyed 301 farming households near Idutywa, Willovale, and Elliotdale. Most farmers (61.12%) had below secondary education, and 91.03% had 30 years or less experience in farming. Alarmingly, over 90% of respondents claimed there had been no campaigns, workshops, or programs to inform them about climate change policies or adaptation strategies. This lack of outreach and education leaves these farmers particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, potentially jeopardizing their livelihoods and food security in the region.
Urban Vulnerabilities: East London's Disaster Unpreparedness
The urban-focused study led by Dr. Emmanuel Busayo and Professor Ahmed Kalumba from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science revealed significant gaps in planning and distributing information on disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation strategies at the local government level in East London.
The research found that only 13.5% of East London residents were aware of community disaster plans. “There is considerable doubt about the city’s climate resilience,” the researchers noted. They identified poverty, poor housing units, and malnutrition as factors that would exacerbate climate change-related disasters in the area.
This lack of preparedness is particularly concerning given East London’s coastal location. The researchers point out that South Africa’s four coastal cities, including East London, face the threat of flooding by 2050 due to rising sea levels exacerbated by climate change. The study also highlighted the additional challenge posed by the legacy of apartheid urban planning, which has led to cities that remain segregated with a concentration of socio-economically marginalized communities.
The Need for Inclusive Strategies and Indigenous Knowledge
Both studies emphasize the critical need for including local communities and indigenous knowledge in developing climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness strategies. This approach is seen as essential for creating effective and sustainable plans to deal with the potentially disastrous effects of climate change.
The Amathole study recommends “immediate government intervention in the form of appropriate, functional extension services, particularly for carrying out climate change coping and adaptation education, and support.” It calls for increased mobilization of smallholder farmers in the region to facilitate training and capacity-building in appropriate coping and adaptation practices.
Similarly, the East London study advocates for “the inclusion of indigenous people in policymaking at every level of government.” The researchers stress that “communities with strong locally-driven disaster plans respond better in disaster conditions.” They argue that coupling indigenous knowledge and practices with scientific research and solid policy can become a powerful strategy to mitigate against disasters.
Challenges in Information Dissemination and Call for Urgent Action
Both studies highlight significant challenges in effectively disseminating information about climate change and disaster preparedness. The East London study noted that while electronic media is often used, “early warning information is not received by people on a large scale” through these channels. This finding underscores the need for more diverse and effective communication strategies to reach all segments of the population.
The researchers call for urgent action to address these knowledge gaps and improve climate resilience. They emphasize the need for better communication strategies, increased community involvement, and the integration of scientific research with indigenous knowledge to create effective climate change adaptation and disaster mitigation plans.
As South Africa faces increasing climate-related challenges, these UFH studies provide valuable insights for policymakers, local authorities, and communities. By addressing the identified gaps in awareness and preparedness, South Africa can work towards building a more resilient and sustainable future for both its rural and urban populations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
89% of surveyed farmers were unaware of the policy.
Only 13.5% of residents were aware of community disaster plans.
The study identified poverty, poor housing units, and malnutrition as key factors.
Indigenous knowledge can provide valuable insights for creating effective and locally-relevant strategies for climate change adaptation and disaster mitigation.
The studies found that current methods, such as electronic media, are not effectively reaching large segments of the population.
The studies recommend immediate government intervention, increased education and training for farmers, inclusion of indigenous knowledge in policymaking, and improved communication strategies for disseminating climate change information.
