Assessing smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and coping strategies in South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

It is now well established that climate changes is affecting smallholder farmers and threatening agricultural production and livelihoods in South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), due to their limited capacity to cope with climate change. In the DRC, data on smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change effects and related shocks remain limited. This study was carried out to assess smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and their perceptions of related disruptions in livestock production in South Kivu Province. Specifically, the study assesses smallholder farmers’ exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to climate change, as well as their perception of related shocks and the strategies they use to mitigate the shocks they experience. The study was conducted from May to October 2022 in five territories of South Kivu Province. Vulnerability was determined by considering the vulnerability index, potential impact index, and the adaptive capacity index. The findings revealed that livestock farmers in low-altitude zones are the most exposed and sensitive to the effects of climate change. However, their adaptive capacity is comparable to those of medium- and high-altitude zones. Most farmers believe that the observed effects of climate change and its impacts are due to poor agricultural and livestock practices. Their adaptive strategies include income diversification (57.6%), controlling livestock diseases (72%), adopting integrated production systems (65.2%), planting trees (56.9%), improving pasture management (45.5%), and using improved livestock breeds (41.3%). Despite their efforts, limited resources and access to technology constrain adaptation. This study highlights the critical role of farmers’ attitudes and perceptions in shaping their adaptive behaviors. It underscores the need for localized interventions that integrate Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices, built on traditional knowledge systems, to enhance resilience. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to improve the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities in similar contexts.