Abstract:
The northernmost Limpopo Province is located in one of the warmest regions of South Africa, where
the agricultural sector is prone to heat stress. The aim of this study was to explore air temperature
and relative humidity trends for the region, which have implications for agricultural adaptation and
management (amongst other sectors). In particular, we investigated seasonal, annual and decadal scale
air temperature and relative humidity changes for the period 1950–2016. Positive temperature trends
were recorded for this period, averaging +0.02 °C/year, with the strongest changes observed in mean
maximum summer temperatures (+0.03 °C/year). Interannual temperature variability also increased over
time, especially for the period 2010–2016, which presents probability densities of <50% for minimum
temperatures. Positive relative humidity trends (+0.06%/year) were also recorded for the period 1980–
2016, but proved to be the least predictable weather parameter, with probability densities of <0.5%
across seasons for the study period. Considering the substantial interannual variability in temperature
and relative humidity, there is clear increased risk for the agricultural sector, particularly for small-scale
farmers who generally have limited capacity to adapt. Climate science focusing on the southern African
region should continue to establish the impact of climate change and variability on specific small-scale
farming systems and enterprises, with recommendations for strategic adaptation based on up-to-date
evidence.
SIGNIFICANCE :
• Heat indices have increased, and variability in temperature and relative humidity has substantially
increased over recent decades.
• Changes in air temperature and relative humidity have direct and/or indirect negative effects on sectors
such as agriculture, leading to reduced productivity.
• The small-scale farming sector, which contributes significantly to national food security in developing
countries, is the production system most exposed and vulnerable to observed changes/extremes in
temperature and relative humidity.
• There is an urgent need to build capacity of small-scale farmers for appropriate adaptation to observed
changes in climate based on up-to-date evidence.