Agronomic and Social Adaptation to Climate Change in Subsistence Farming, Central Angola
Keywords:
Subsistence farming, climate change, adaptation strategies, resilience, Huambo Province, AngolaAbstract
Climate change poses an increasing threat to rain-fed agricultural systems across sub-Saharan Africa. In the central highlands of Angola, subsistence farmers now face recurrent droughts, shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures that have the potential to reduce productivity and threaten food security. Within a local climate change context this paper identifies and assesses agronomic and social adaptations adopted by smallholding subsistence farmers in the Huambo Province of Angola. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines household surveys and participatory interviews of 418 farmers, the study establishes how climate variability is perceived and how farmers are adapting. Findings reveal high awareness of climatic change among respondents - over 85% observed reduced rainfall and prolonged dry spells. A range of agronomic, land management practices and social organisations that can mitigate climate change impacts on subsistence farming communities are also identified. The research emphasises the role of indigenous knowledge, community cooperation, and low-cost soil conservation in strengthening resilience. Policy recommendations that would further enhance resilience include promoting small-scale irrigation, improving climate information services, and integrating local knowledge into local extension services and national adaptation frameworks.
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