Abstract

Climate change predictions reflect that temperatures in Swaziland will increase by 2.5°C and annual rainfall could decrease by 100 mm by 2050. Drought frequency and intensity is likely to increase in future and its occurrence could not be divorced from climate change. A descriptive research using questionnaire survey procedures and personal interviews was designed to determine drought coping strategies at Lonhlupheko, a semi-arid area in Swaziland. The target population was 150 households with a sample size of 108 households. The data collected was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. Quantitative data were presented as percentages following analysis by Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software. Results reflected the drought coping strategies practiced by households as vegetables marketing and selling (19.4%), labour for food and money (5.6%), brewing and selling traditional brew (9.3%). External and institutional support obtained by households included food rations and farming inputs from non governmental organizations (32.4%), free primary education and feeding schemes (8.3%). Adaptation measures proposed by households included provision of irrigation water (56.5%), construction of dams and structures for rainwater harvesting (23.1%), agricultural extension services revival (13.0%), access to loans for small and medium enterprises (5.5%) and drought tolerant crops promotion (1.9%).

Key words: Adaptation, coping, domestic water, drought mitigation, livelihood. strategies, semi-arid.