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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Community perceptions of climate change and variability impacts in Oshana and Ohangwena Regions |
Authors: | Kaundjua, Maria B. Angula, Margaret N. Angombe, Simon T. |
Year: | 2012 |
Periodical: | Journal for Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences (ISSN 2026-7215) |
Volume: | 1 |
Issue: | 1 |
Pages: | 21-32 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Namibia |
Subjects: | climate change floods agriculture water supply attitudes community education |
Abstract: | This paper analyses community perceptions of climate change and its impact on agriculture and water supply in selected Namibian regions of Oshana and Ohangwena, using a qualitative research approach involving focus group discussions within a socio-economic and gender analysis framework. The twin concepts of climate change and variability did not exist in the language spoken in the area, which posed difficulties when translating them. The study revealed that middle-aged respondents (40-59 years) of the communities were aware of climatic changes, based on observation during the past three to four decades: 1. rainfall changes associated with drier summers and floods; 2. temperature changes associated with colder winters and hotter summers; and 3. increasing wind intensity. The communities do not appear to have an adaptive capacity to respond to catastrophic natural disaster events such as the recurrent floods of 2009, 2010 and 2011. The authors recommend a programme on community awareness regarding climate change and its implications. The government is advised to set up a long-term adaptation strategy for Namibia in collaboration with communities and other relevant stakeholders. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract] |