Structural climate vulnerability and colonial legacies impact Drakensberg sheep farming; systemic adaptation needed
Original framing: “Climate change is threatening sheep farmers in South Africa’s Drakensberg – how they’re adapting” — The Conversation - Global
Local farmers, especially those from historically disadvantaged groups, are often excluded from decision-making processes around climate adaptation. Their voices are critical to shaping policies that are both effective and equitable, yet they are frequently sidelined in favor of top-down interventions.
The vulnerability of Drakensberg sheep farmers is not merely a climate issue but a legacy of colonial land dispossession, fragmented governance, and exclusion from decision-making.
Integrating Indigenous knowledge, reforming land tenure, and investing in community-led adaptation are essential for building resilience. Historical parallels with other agrarian regions show that systemic change—not just technical fixes—is required. By centering local voices and ecological wisdom, we can move toward a more just and sustainable future for rural communities facing climate change.