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The study investigated the vulnerability of Swaziland’s sugarcane small scale farmer associations (SSFAs) to climate change through the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. From a survey of 45 SSFAs, representing +2700 farmers, drought emerged as the most significant stress. Droughts result in failed cane germination, increased pests and increased diseases. Farmers indicated that there had no land title deeds and were concerned about the poor state of infield and feeder roads damaged during heavy rainfall and floods. It emerged that the bulk of the SSFAs irrigate during the day, a scenario that leaves them vulnerable to high temperatures leading to high evapotranspiration. In addition, 97% of the SSFAs sampled did not have drought preparedness plans and likewise, all did not have a flood management plan. About 76% of SSFAs operation costs goes to crop upkeep and harvesting, with labour cost increases attributed to extreme weather events. All sampled SSFAs had no insurance against loss from extreme weather events. Given the foregone, the paper recommends that the government fast tracks the 1999 Draft Land Policy intended to address the issue of title deeds. The paper further suggest that extension officers and farmers be trained to sharpen skills on understanding climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the perceptions of sugarcane farmers on climate change impacts and their potential alternative livelihoods in the Lowveld of Swaziland with the objective of informing research and policy initiatives. The study obtained data mainly from a survey involving supervisor respondents who had 10 years or more practical farming experience in the study area. In addition, historical climate data on rainfall and temperature patterns were generated to triangulate responses on perceptions. Farmer respondents and the historical data confirmed the perceptions on increased drought and flood incidences, severe temperature fluctuations, decreased water availability, increased pests and diseases that have been observed from as far back as 1975. As for alternative livelihoods in the event that sugarcane farming significantly fails, the farmers indicated that they would and were already engaged in diversification systems that include: livestock farming, and growing food and other cash crops. The study concludes that farmers’ perceptions are indeed aligned to emerging global trends on climate change impacts on the agricultural sector in general and the sugarcane industry in particular. Drawing from historical data on rainfall and temperature, we recommend that the government puts in place necessary adaptation measures to minimize foreseeable negative impacts on farmers, especially those engaged in medium- to small-scale operations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]