SMALL SCALE FARMERS' CLIMATE CHANGE KNOWLEDGE AND COPING STRATEGIES: A CASE STUDY FROM NORTHERN BOTSWANA

Abstract

Climate change induced alterations to rainfall patterns have potential to alter predominantly livelihoods
of small scale farmers in developing countries such as Botswana. The purpose of this study was to
explore climate change knowledge at the local level. Globally, small scale farmers are unable to cope
with adverse shocks and stress initiated by climate change. Lived experiences by small scale farmers,
from heavy rainfalls due to unexpected weather alterations, are examined through the approach of placebased
education in northern Botswana, mainly the Okavango and Chobe wetland places. This paper is
guided by two questions, which ask (1) How do local farmers describe their local knowledge of climate
change? (2) What are the coping strategies put in place by local farmers during climate stress
conditions? Place-based education emphasizes pedagogy that involves local communities’ real world
learning experiences and reintegration to study local resources. Findings suggested that farmers
describe climate change knowledge according to how it impacts them within the context of their history,
culture and local experiences. In response to impacts, farmers have developed place-based coping
strategies to cushion and sustain their livelihoods.