Effects of Climate Change on Food Production in Semi-Arid Areas: A Case Study of Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The impacts of climate change are being experienced globally with negative impacts affecting mostly developing countries whose economies largely dependent on unstable rainfed agricultural food production systems. The instability manifests in changes in food access and prices. Zimbabwe is one such country in Sub-Saharan Africa where food production systems have been altered by climate change extremes with semi-arid regions like Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) district being the worst affected given the fragile soils and low adaptive of smallholder farmers. The study therefore sought to provide evidence on the impacts of climate shocks on agricultural food production systems and their intersection with food security. A survey was conducted to gain insights into existing food production systems in UMP, how these were affected by climate extremes and community response to food security issues. Climatic data was analysed to understand climatic patterns relate with crop yields. Results showed that rainfed food production systems collapsed during droughts and severe dry spells leading to food shortages and reduction in meals consumed per day. While food prices increased, livestock prices slumped and pest and diseases increased affecting breeding. The quality and quantity of horticulture produce lowered, traditional crops were lost as well as legumes. Failure of food production in one season affected the choice of future climate change adaptation options. The study recommended that in order to stabilise food security in arid, adaptation options should be supported by enabling policies matched with appropriate technologies and market linked value chain systems.