DETERMINANTS OF ADAPTATION MEASURES ON CLIMATE CHANGE. A CASE OF SMALL-SCALE MAIZE FARMERS IN THE NORTH-WEST PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA

Adaptation to climate change varies according to regions, it could be effective in relation to people and their locations. Adaptation to climate change in sub-Saharan Africa is different from that of developed countries, as resources are limited. This study was conducted in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West Province of South Africa. This study examined the determinants of climate change adaptation strategies among rural farmers' households in the study area. A total number of 346 questionnaires were administered to the farmers in the district using the stratified random sampling technique. Data were captured and analyzed using SPSS and EVIEWS software. Multicollinearity analysis was first performed to remove highly correlated variables from the model followed by the use of Tobit regression analysis. The results of the analysis indicated that farm size (p < 0.01), gender (p < 0.01), type of farm (p < 0.05), farm ownership (p < 0.05), land acquisition (p < 0.01), source of climate change information (p < 0.01), support received on climate change (p < 0.1), and adaptation barrier were statistically significant (p < 0.01) and influenced climate change adaptation strategies. The study concluded that to support climate change adaptation among the rural farmers in the study area, considerable attention should be paid to understanding the socio-economic characteristics of the rural households, source of information and support received on climate change.