Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment and Drought Events in South Africa

Abstract

Livelihood and the economies of South Africa are highly vulnerable to climatic fluctuations. Drought, in particular, is one of the most significant natural factors contributing in many parts of South Africa to agricultural losses, poverty, famine, and environmental degradation. Several factors rely on the cumulative effect of drought on a given area and its ability to recover from the resulting social, economic, and environmental impacts. South Africa’s vulnerability to climate variability and the risks posed by climate change and other natural disasters needs to be mitigated urgently. “This paper seeks to highlight the challenges of drought in South Africa and examines the existing livelihood vulnerability of drought, particular assets, and well-being vulnerability. This study indicates that a pragmatic strategy that incorporates innovative technology, institutional, and policy solutions to manage risks within vulnerable communities implemented by institutions operating at different levels (community, regional, and national) is considered to be the way forward for the management of drought and climate variability. This study recommends that a pragmatic strategy that incorporates innovative technology, institutional, and policy solutions to manage risks posed by recurring droughts on vulnerable communities must be continually explored. This calls for firm partnership cooperation by implementing institutions operating at different levels (community, regional, and national) as the way forward for managing drought and climate variability.