Abstract:
South Africa was badly affected by the recent 2015/16 severe drought. Water levels in dams
declined drastically resulting in decimation of livestock herds and widespread crop failure.
Mopani District Municipality is comprised of many agricultural activities that contribute to the
economy and social development of the country. The study evaluated the nature of the drought
hazard - its impacts, vulnerability and adaptation strategies employed by rural communities of
Mopani District. The study used a mixed method approach with both quantitative and
qualitative datasets. The district was divided into two distinct climatic areas, the eastern
lowveld which includes the Greater-Giyani, Ba-Phalaborwa and Maruleng Local Municipalities
and the western highveld which includes Greater- Tzaneen and Greater- Letaba Local
Municipalities. Questionnaires were administered among community members whilst key
informant interviews were conducted among relevant government and municipal officials.
Anomalies in long term climate data were analysed to determine the frequency and intensity
of drought in the district. Drought characterisation was done using a Standardised Precipitation
and Evapotranspiration Index whilst vegetation anomaly maps, maize yields and dam level
data were used to analyse the impacts of drought across the district. Levels of vulnerability to
drought were determined using the Household Vulnerability Index. Spatially distinct patterns
of drought conditions across the district were remarkable with wet conditions on the western
highveld along the escarpment and harsh dry conditions towards the eastern lowveld. It was
found that nearly half the time there is some form of drought or another in the district which
may be linked to the remote El Nino phenomenon. Community vulnerabilities have a direct
impact on human welfare and different strategies are employed to adapt to drought hazards
both at community and district levels. The study showed a link between drought hazard extent
and vulnerability. Community members are adapting using conservation agriculture, selling
fire-wood, accessing boreholes and rearing chickens, amongst other means to survive in these
harsh climatic conditions. Local government intervention strategies include supply of seeds
and fertilisers, selling fodder at a cheaper price and supplying water using trucks. The findings
of this study contribute to disaster risk reduction efforts in Mopani District Municipality
