The impact of climate variability and change on farm productivity in Mazowe district, Zimbabwe: An exploration of farmers’ adaptation strategies

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to examine the perceived impact of climate variation and change on agricultural productivity using the Mazowe district as a case study. The study's specific goals were to ascertain farmers' level of knowledge regarding the effects of climate variability and change, examine how farmers perceive these effects on farming output, and ascertain how climate adaptation strategies affect agricultural production. A cross-sectional research design and a mixed-method technique were used to investigate the impact of climate change. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using interviews with key informants and semi-structured survey questions. Commercial farmers, extension agents, district administrators, district representatives from the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, district representatives from the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Development, as well as district Grain Marketing Board (GMB) officials in the Mazowe district were included in the study's target audience. Both simple random sampling and purposeful sampling were used in the investigation. The study found that while climate change had a negative influence on agricultural production, adaptation to the shift had a considerable positive benefit. According to the study, farmers were also aware of the negative effects and potential dangers of climate variability and change. The study recommended education and training programs for farmers regarding the impacts of climate variation and change to ensure the adoption of innovative adaptive strategies such as smart agriculture, artificial insemination, and underground water harvesting.