Smallholder Livestock Farmers’ Choice of Adaptation Strategies to Drought in Two District Municipalities of the Western Cape Province

Drought is a persistent and severe natural hazard that poses significant threats to the livelihoods, productivity, and overall welfare of smallholder farmers, including livestock producers, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and around the world. This study sought to evaluate factors influencing the choice of drought adaptation strategies employed by smallholder livestock farmers in response to drought impact in the Western Cape Province. The study was conducted in the West Coast and Cape Winelands Districts of the Western Cape Province and employed a cross-sectional research design, using a questionnaire to collect data from 205 smallholder livestock farmers. Descriptive statistics and an econometric model were employed using STATA version 20. Descriptive statistics showed that (35.1%) of the farmers were aged 61 years and older. The farming population was predominantly male, with males accounting for (89.3%) and females for (10.7%). Farmers employed a variety of adaptation strategies in response to drought, with the most common being destocking and changing grazing routes. Empirical results showed that farming experience, access to extension services, and access to credit were significant factors that positively influenced farmers' adoption of adaptation strategies. Hence, the study recommends strengthening extension services, improving access to affordable credit, and ensuring inclusive drought adaptation planning that integrates farmers’ local knowledge into national and regional policies.