Factors explaining smallholder cattle farmers access to climate change information in semi–arid region of South Africa

Abstract

Climate change is a major bottleneck to agricultural development in semi-arid zone of South Africa. Therefore, this study analyzes smallholder cattle farmers’ access to climate change information in Ngaka Modiri Molema district of North West Province, South Africa. A total of 150 smallholder cattle farmers were randomly selected for interview using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive and probit regression. The results showed that majority of the farmers (89%) were males, while 64.00% belonged to age group of 50-59 years. Farm land (4-10 hectares) was owned by 58% of the farmers. Access to climate change information was significantly influenced by number of cattle (p = 0.033), level of education (p = 0.03) and help from extension officer (p = 0.07). It was concluded that livestock farmers had low access to climate change information and efforts at enhancing their educational skill through extension contacts will facilitate access to climate change information.