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Article Information:
Climate Variability and Change as Perceived by Rural Communities in Swaziland
A.M. Manyatsi, N. Mhazo and M.T. Masarirambi
Corresponding Author: Norman Mhazo
Submitted: 2010 May, 22
Accepted: 2010 June, 14
Published: 2010 July, 10 |
Abstract:
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The objective of the research was to determine the perception of climate variability and change by
rural communities in Swaziland. Interviews were conducted to a total of 60 members of three rural communities
(20 from each community) selected from Middleveld, Lowveld and the Lubombo ecological zones. The
reported signs of climate variability included late rains, low rains, drought and famine. The effects of climate
variability felt by community members included failure of crops, death of livestock and low crop yields. The
majority of the community members did not provide any scientifically proven causes of climate variability. The
causes cited included that of community not keeping Swazi customs, supernatural powers and that of being an
act of God. Community members did not have adequate information on climate variability and change. The
limited information accessible to many communities was through the local radio in the form of daily weather
forecast. The information was found to lack details and of a very short term nature. The feelings of the
community members were that weather forecast should provide medium to long-term information. The weather
prediction focused on major towns, and was of less relevance to many rural communities. Communities
suggested an effective early warning system to operate at constituency level. They specified need for weather
stations at community levels in order for them to monitor and record weather data.
Key words: Adaptation, climate variability, climate change, coping strategies, food security, ,
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Cite this Reference:
A.M. Manyatsi, N. Mhazo and M.T. Masarirambi, . Climate Variability and Change as Perceived by Rural Communities in Swaziland. Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, (3): Page No: 164-169.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-0492
ISSN (Print): 2041-0484 |
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