Briefing Paper

Factors Affecting Household Vulnerability to Climate Change in the Lowveld of Swaziland

“According to literature in Africa by 2020, between 75 and 250 million people will be exposed to increased water stress due to climate change. In some countries yields from rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by up to 50%. Agricultural production including access to food in many African countries will be severely compromised and this would further adversely affect food security and exacerbate malnutrition. Under climate change much agricultural land will be lost, with shorter growing seasons and lower yields. Future climate variability and change will also interact with other stresses and vulnerabilities such as HIV/AIDS resulting in increased susceptibility and risk to infectious diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.”