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Towards a Sociology of Adaptation to Rainfall Variability in Rural Zimbabwe: The Case of Charewa in Mutoko

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Abstract

Rainfall variability has introduced new challenges for farmers in rural Zimbabwe, who are already facing various difficulties in maintaining their insecure livelihoods. Yet, current adaptation theories and inquiries have failed to sufficiently account for and analyse how these farmers are responding to changing climatic conditions. In this respect, a number of studies have been heavily embedded in deterministic concepts and fail to take into account the structures, processes and conditions underpinning adaptation processes. As such, based on an empirical case study and using qualitative data collection methods such as life history interviews, this paper argues that the process of adaptation is ostensibly not straightforward but complex. As it evolves, farmers find themselves facing numerous constraining structures and processes. What is critical is that they are able to circumvent the constraints presented to them and at the same time activate the corresponding enablements. Sociologically then, adaptation is an evolving, complex and reflexive process.

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Acknowledgements

This paper is derived from my PhD thesis titled ‘Understanding Climate Variability and Livelihood Adaptation in Rural Zimbabwe: A Case of Charewa, Mutoko’, submitted to Rhodes University. I would like to thank my supervisor Prof. Kirk Helliker for his guidance.

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  1. Sociology Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, MT Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe

    Sandra Bhatasara

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  1. Sandra Bhatasara
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Correspondence to Sandra Bhatasara.

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Bhatasara, S. Towards a Sociology of Adaptation to Rainfall Variability in Rural Zimbabwe: The Case of Charewa in Mutoko. Fudan J. Hum. Soc. Sci. 10, 547–568 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40647-017-0177-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40647-017-0177-8

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