Exploring Farmers' Perceptions and Willingness to Tackle Drought-Related Issues in Small-Holder Cattle Production Systems: A Case of Rural Communities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

This study explored the perceptions and willingness of farmers in vulnerable communities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, to tackle drought-related issues in their communally preserved cattle herds. This research utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data from interviews and surveys with 250 farmers from 10 villages in the area. The findings indicate that farmers are aware of the impact of drought on their cattle herds and livelihoods but face several challenges in mitigating its effects. These challenges include limited access to water and grazing land, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient support from the government. Despite these challenges, farmers display high resilience and adaptability, using various strategies to cope with drought, such as destocking, shifting to alternative livelihoods, and seeking support from their social networks. Moreover, the study reveals that farmers are willing to collaborate with other stakeholders to address drought-related issues and are receptive to interventions that can enhance their adaptive capacity. The study concludes that addressing the root causes of drought-related issues requires a multi-stakeholder approach that engages farmers as key partners in designing and implementing sustainable solutions.

Automated summary

This study examined how farmers in vulnerable communities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa perceive and are willing to address drought-related issues in their communal cattle herds. By collecting qualitative and quantitative data through interviews and surveys with 250 farmers, it was found that although farmers are aware of the impact of drought on their herds and livelihoods, they face challenges such as limited access to water and grazing land, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient government support. However, farmers demonstrate resilience and adaptability by employing strategies such as destocking, shifting to alternative livelihoods, and seeking support from their social networks. The study also highlights that farmers are willing to collaborate with other stakeholders and are open to interventions that can enhance their adaptive capacity.