Enhancing Sustainability Through Innovative Agricultural Extension for Climate Change Adaptation in Communal Farming Areas of the Eastern Cape Province

Abstract

This study explores the potential of innovative agricultural extension services to enhance sustainability and promote climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers and rural communities. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and a snowball sampling technique. Semi-structured questionnaires and a 5-point Likert scale were used to collect data from 127 communal farmers. A chi-square test and descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. The study revealed that communal farmers in the study areas primarily engage in livestock and crop production. However, they face significant challenges (low yields, animal deaths, and diseases) due to climate change-related disasters, particularly droughts and extreme temperatures. The results also showed that 87% of farmers employed multiple adaptation strategies to cope with climate change. The study revealed a significant association between access to resources and climate adaptation. The findings further indicated that although farmers had access to essential support services (<1.5), such as fodder and water tanks, access to climate-smart technologies was limited, hindering their ability to adapt effectively to climate change. The study concludes that by improving access to climate-smart technologies and essential support services, farmers can better navigate the challenges posed by climate change. Innovative extension methods can facilitate the dissemination of agricultural information and promote climate-resilient agriculture. The study further suggests a three-pronged approach to enhance communal farming. By providing communal farmers with climate-resilient agricultural knowledge and skills, extension services can empower them to make informed decisions and take proactive steps to adapt to climate change.