Briefing Paper

The Complexities of Climate Change Adaptation in South African Agriculture

“Agriculture is a complex and politically contentious industry in South Africa, given its connection to food security, water, health and land reform, and the historic resource imbalances between black and white farmers. As a large country with many fully allocated water basins, different parts of
South Africa will face unique challenges related to climate change. Given the varying levels of adaptive capacity between large-scale commercial operations and emerging smallholder farms, South Africa’s national policy response must be prioritized to ensure cohesive and nuanced support for climate change adaptation.”