Conceptualising climate change in forest-based rural areas of South Africa : community perceptions and attitudes

Abstract

The perceptions of forest-based communities in Vhembe District of South Africa were examined. Special attention in this study was paid to the following aspects of climate change: socio-cultural issues, views and awareness, beliefs with respect to causes, concerns and lifestyle adjustments people are prepared to make in order to adapt. Vegetation type was used as criterion to select Makhado, Mutale and Thulamela Municipalities, which together with Musina constitute Vhembe District. Seven rural communities in each municipality were selected. Using the stratified proportionate random sampling procedure in combination with weighted Enumeration Area (EA) for the selected communities, 366 households were chosen and interviewed. It was found that although awareness of the specific term climate change was poor, most respondents possessed good knowledge of it and associated challenges. Increasing frequencies of erratic rainfall and forest fires were said to be visible manifestations of climate change. There was also a strong concern about the effects of climate change on forests and related products. The respondents expressed the desire to adopt responsible behaviour towards use and management of forests as a climate change intervention strategy. However, most community members were sceptical about the causes of climate change. Taking all these issues into account, there is need for activities that would enlighten the people on the causes and consequences of climate change with respect to their livelihood. This would help promote awareness of climate change and people‟s participation in crafting measures that slow down climate change.