Climate smart agricultural policy in South Africa. a case study of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality of North West Province, South Africa

Abstract

This study analysed Climate Smart Agricultural policies and strategies in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (NMMDM), North West Province, South Africa. This is predicated on the fact that coherent policy development and implementation is one of the major approaches to proffer effective responses to adaptation as well as mitigation of the influences of changing climate. The study objectives include examining the existing institutions and legal frameworks for CSA at the national, provincial, and local levels, assessing policy problems affecting CSA in North West Province, and proposing relevant strategies and references that can facilitate CSA policy in NMMDM. The descriptive research design was applied, and the population for this study include the staff of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) whose mandate and activities cover climate change, and farmers, as well as the people living in the community of the NMMDM.

A stratified random sampling method was used to select participants from the population to give a sample size of 10 experts each from the NGOs and Governmental organisations, 10 Farmers, and 10 Citizens of NMMDM. Data for the study were collected through an interview schedule based on structured questions on demographics, sources of information, awareness, knowledge and implementation of CSA policies and strategies, and policy problems associated with CSA. The data obtained was analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) using frequency counts and percentages. The study revealed that there were many respondents with a low knowledge of CSA practices and policies. The study concludes there is a need for more awareness to increase knowledge among various stakeholders in NMMDM, North West Province, South Africa, in order to enhance the effectiveness of adaptations to climate change.