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Drought has become a more frequent phenomenon under changing climatic conditions, particularly in Sub Saharan Africa. This study tested the utility of a newly proposed Temperature-Vegetation Water Stress Index (T-VWSI) in detecting drought severity using Landsat data for the years 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2018. This index was created using both NDVI and LST to detect drought severity within the region. The results show that the year 2016 experienced the most severe levels of drought, with the northern areas of the uMsinga region being most severely affected. SPI was used to corroborate the findings of the T-VWSI index and also established that the year 2016 was the year of severe drought in uMsinga. The results of this study have illustrated the potential of the T-VWSI index in effectively mapping and detecting drought over large spatial areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-scale fisheries play a significant role as a source of employment, livelihood strategy and contributor to food security. However, changes in climatic variables alter the productivity and distribution of marine and freshwater fish species, negatively affecting the livelihoods of fishery-dependent communities. This study seeks to identify small-scale fishers' livelihoods and examine the impacts of climate change on livelihoods and food security of small-scale fishing households. The study was conducted in Sanyathi fishing basin in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. The Sustainable Livelihood Approach framework of the Department for International Development was used to define the small-scale fishers' livelihood assets and activities. The study employed a mixed-method approach for data collection. A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and observations were used to collect data from the small-scale fishers. The data collected were subjected to descriptive and bivariate analysis. The present results indicate that fishing is the community's primary livelihood activity. More than 62% of fishermen stated that fishing revenue is declining, owing to declining fish catches. Of participants, 98% recognised food purchases as the primary source of food. Therefore, 78% of the small-scale fishers perceive their households to be food insecure due to declining incomes from fisheries. These findings show the need for policymakers and development agencies to formulate strategies that specifically target fishing communities whose livelihoods rely on natural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable production is a source of income for smallholder farmers in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Vegetable production is constrained by the negative impacts of climate change and pests. This study assessed farmers' awareness of climate change, farmers' knowledge of insect pests and factors that influence insect pests' prevalence. The data were collected using quantitative and qualitative methods. The data were subjected to descriptive and bivariate analysis. About 84.5% of smallholder farmers were aware of climate change. Late rainfall (24.4%), long dry spells (15%) and increased drought frequency (19.4%) were highlighted as dominant indicators of climate change by farmers. Aphids (22.2%), Bagrada hilaris (12.5%) and Spodoptera frugiperda (10.2%) were the most prevalent insect pests within the Vhembe District. Warmer winters, dry spells and high temperatures were perceived by farmers to influence insect pests' prevalence within the district. It can be concluded that farmers are aware of climate change and climatic factors influencing pest prevalence within the district. Pest risk maps are needed to improve the preparedness of the government and farmers in controlling insect pests under changing climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]