Climate smart agricultural policy in sub-Saharan Africa: a case study of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality of North West Province, South Africa.

This paper analyses climate-smart agricultural (CSA) policies and strategies in sub-Saharan Africa, using a case study of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in South Africa. It is argued that the development and implementation of coherent policies is one of the approaches to offering effective responses to adaptation and to mitigating the influences of climate change. The results of the study, which drew on qualitative data gathered through participatory research, showed that 30%, 70%, 50%, and 60% of the community members, farmers, NGOs, and government participants were unaware of or did not understand climate-smart agriculture practices. Additionally, this study highlighted the absence of awareness and knowledge of CSA policies across all participants, indicating a significant gap in information dissemination and education on sustainable agricultural practices. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted education and awareness initiatives to promote climate-smart agriculture in the region. Without a proper understanding and implementation of CSA practices, communities in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality struggle to adapt to the changing climate and its impacts on agriculture. The results emphasise the necessity of raising awareness among different stakeholders in order to enhance the efficacy of agricultural practices' adaptations to climate change. In order to ensure sustainable agricultural practices in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, it is imperative that practices like collaboration, CSA technology, integration, financing, increased private sector involvement in CSA promotion, and sector-specific policies foster an environment that is favourable to CSA practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]