Climate change is significantly impacting low-income communities in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, particularly in the city of Pietermaritzburg. A study conducted by environmental scientist Sithabile Hlahla revealed that four urban communities are struggling to cope with the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, including droughts, heatwaves, severe hailstorms, devastating floods, and wildfires. These events have resulted in fatalities and the displacement of thousands of residents.
The study focused on the France, Swapo, and Willowfontein communities, as well as Mpophomeni, a peri-urban area bordering Pietermaritzburg’s central business district. In total, 378 households were surveyed, revealing the harsh realities faced by families averaging five members, with some households hosting up to 15 individuals. The findings highlight the vulnerability of these communities, which are grappling with urban poverty, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure.
Impacts on Agriculture and Food Security
Agriculture is a primary source of sustenance and income for these communities, with residents cultivating crops such as maize, cabbage, spinach, and potatoes. However, climate change has severely affected agricultural productivity, leading to smaller harvests that force families to purchase food at escalating prices. One resident lamented, “We can’t plant anymore and that’s a big problem because food is expensive.” Another noted, “I’m a farmer and everything I do depends on the weather.”
The study found that rising food prices disproportionately affect female-headed households, where a single breadwinner often struggles to make ends meet. The gender wage gap exacerbates this issue, as women typically earn less and bear the burden of unpaid care work, limiting their ability to seek paid employment. Community members reported an increase in health issues among children, attributing ailments such as skin rashes and respiratory infections to the changing climate.
In Willowfontein, a prolonged drought resulted in three years without a reliable water supply, forcing residents to rely on weekly deliveries from water trucks. Extreme weather events have not only affected crops but have also damaged livestock and infrastructure, creating additional financial burdens for families.
Coping Mechanisms and the Need for Support
The research indicated that the coping strategies employed by these communities are often reactive and short-term. Residents attempted to adapt by planting more crops, using additional fertilizers, and storing water in buckets for irrigation. Yet, these measures frequently fell short, with many admitting that they lacked adequate resources for effective adaptation.
Financial pressures are a constant concern, with many families relying on government social welfare grants ranging from R560 to R2,335 (approximately USD 31 to USD 131) per month. While these grants provide some relief, they do not alleviate poverty, as they are often shared among multiple family members. Community members also depend on support from local government and non-profit organizations, alongside informal networks of neighbours and relatives.
Despite the pressing need for climate adaptation strategies, fewer than half of those interviewed had effective coping mechanisms in place. Some residents expressed skepticism about their ability to adapt, with beliefs that climate change is a natural process or that divine intervention could resolve the issues.
The lack of trust in local government to address climate challenges further complicates the situation. Many respondents felt that their immediate concerns, such as unemployment and crime, overshadowed the urgency of climate change adaptation.
Looking forward, the study emphasizes the importance of sustainable community-based climate adaptation projects that connect poverty alleviation with climate resilience. Initiatives such as recycling programs, organic farming, and reforestation projects could create green jobs and provide a source of income for residents.
Collaboration among communities, the public and private sectors, and non-governmental organizations is crucial for the success of these initiatives. As climate change continues to pose significant risks, empowering vulnerable communities economically and enhancing their understanding of climate adaptation will be vital in mitigating its effects.
The research was supported by the African Climate Change Fellowship Program (ACCFP), the Association of African Universities (AAU), and South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF). The findings serve as a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize climate resilience in areas where the most marginalized populations reside.
