期刊名称：International Journal of Development and Sustainability
印刷版ISSN：2186-8662
出版年度：2014
卷号：3
期号：6
页码：1340-1353
出版社：International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDS)
摘要：This paper contributes to emerging research on the impacts of climate change on communities in theGlobal South by mapping and analyzingits impacts on rural livelihoods in semi-arid Matobo District in Zimbabwe. It investigates the possibilities and scopefor climate change adaptation in this region as communal households adjust and diversify their livelihood portfolios. In so doing, it finds that climate change has had remarkable consequences on the livelihoods of people in this semi-arid area. It has altered the ecosystem leading to the disappearance of certain plant and insect species that were an essential part of the local natural habitat and livelihoods of local people. Rainfall patterns have also become unpredictable leading to erratic, mostly, poor farming seasons with direct implications on the local food system and rural economy. In response to these climate change induced impacts, a variety of new livelihood strategies are emerging as households seek to cushion themselves against this threat to their sustainability. Howev er, a pertinent question is: how far can these adaptation strategies evolve under the increasing pressure of climate change impacts. In other words, are these communal households urging towards tipping points.
