This study explores the factors influencing smallholder farmers' decisions on livestock ownership and herd size in the context of climate change. A cross-sectional approach was employed, using a multi-stage sampling method to survey 600 smallholder farmers, 495 of whom were engaged in livestock production. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using a double hurdle model. The findings reveal that the decision to own livestock is positively influenced by adherence to African traditional religion, access to climate information, membership in farming organizations, income diversification, possession of formal housing, exposure to high average temperatures, and the likelihood of being in female-headed households. In contrast, higher educational attainment and larger household sizes are associated with a lower likelihood of livestock ownership. The intensity of livestock herd is positively influenced by male-headed households, farm organization affiliation, access to diversified income streams, and higher average annual precipitation. While male-headed households are less likely to engage in livestock ownership initially, those that do, tend to have larger herds. The study concludes that both household capital and environmental factors significantly shape smallholder farmers' livestock ownership decisions. The findings suggest that smallholder farmers in the study area may increasingly rely on livestock as a sustainable and adaptive strategy in response to changing temperature patterns and evolving socio-economic needs. Based on these findings, policy recommendations include promoting gender-inclusive livestock policies to empower female-headed households, enhancing access to climate information, supporting farm organizations and income diversification, and fostering adaptation to environmental changes, to improve the sustainability and resilience of smallholder livestock farming.

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) plays a crucial role in addressing the global impacts of climate change by integrating adaptation and mitigation strategies into agricultural practices. Despite its growing importance, a comprehensive analysis of the CSA research landscape is essential to understanding its development and key trends, informing future research and policy formulation. This study investigates the evolution and current state of CSA research from 2010 to 2023, with a focus on its conceptual structure and thematic development. Data sourced from the Scopus database were analysed using bibliometric techniques. The findings reveal an increasing volume of academic publications, indicating heightened global interest in CSA. The study uncovers strong interconnections among CSA practices, economic implications, sustainability, policy development, practical implementation, and regional adaptation. Notably, there has been a shift from foundational concepts to practical applications, reflecting the field’s maturation in response to challenges in agricultural sustainability and climate change mitigation. However, significant gaps persist in exploring CSA’s socio-economic dimensions and integrating diverse knowledge systems. Future research should prioritize the socio-economic impacts of CSA practices on household income and food security, ensuring equitable implementation across regions. Additionally, targeted studies on technology adoption and greenhouse gas emissions mitigation are necessary. Emphasis should be placed on developing context-specific and culturally relevant strategies, analysing the global political economy’s influence on CSA, and incorporating nuanced critiques of CSA’s effectiveness. This study provides a valuable framework for future research, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of CSA in addressing global climate challenges.

Climate change threatens global livestock production through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme events. Enhancing livestock system resilience is now a strategic priority for adaptation practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders committed to food security and rural livelihood sustainability. Although research on livestock adaptation is expanding, a comprehensive synthesis of its thematic evolution, performance, and knowledge gaps remains limited. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric analysis of 3,217 publications from 1994 to 2023, retrieved from the Scopus database. Analytical tools such as Biblioshiny and VOSviewer were used for data processing and visualization. Findings reveal a consistent growth in research output, particularly post-2007, with the United States, China, and France emerging as leading contributors. Prominent authors include Sejian V., Wang X., and Li Y., while influential journals comprise Agricultural Systems, Journal of Animal Science, and Tropical Animal Health and Production. Thematic trends indicate a shift from early physiological studies (1994–2003) toward genetic diversity and adaptive traits (2004–2013), and more recently (2014–2023), a focus on heat stress, methane emissions, and sustainable breeding. The current research landscape emphasizes genetic adaptation, precision breeding, and climate mitigation strategies. Future studies should deepen the exploration of methane mitigation through genetic selection and feed innovations, while integrating indigenous knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches. Policy support and sustainable management practices will be critical to ensuring the long-term viability of livestock systems under a changing climate.

The global impact of climate variability and change on agricultural production systems is a pressing concern with far-reaching implications. While substantial literature exists on these impacts, there is a notable lack of long-term studies that comprehensively analyse the relationship between climate variables and food production systems in South Africa over extended periods. This study addresses this gap by utilising longitudinal data spanning 45 years (1976–2020) and employing an ordinary least squares regression model for analysis. The findings reveal that temperature has a significant positive effect on animal and horticultural production systems. On marginal variability, a 1 °C increase in annual temperature and precipitation levels leads to an increases in animal production (244.2%), field crops (226.4%), and a decrease in horticultural crops (−116.62%). These results underscore the pronounced effects of climate variability on animal, field, and horticultural production systems. This study concludes that rising temperatures positively influence animal and horticultural production. It recommends prioritising climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance resilience and productivity, particularly in colder seasons. By implementing these strategies, South Africa can strengthen its food production systems, ensuring sustainable agricultural growth in the face of climate variability and change.

Climate variability poses significant challenges for livestock farming, especially in areas where smallholder farmers depend on it. This study investigated farmers' perceptions of climate variability, validated these perceptions with empirical data, and assessed their perceptions of livestock species' adaptability. A cross-sectional survey of 495 livestock farmers in the Eastern Cape was conducted using a multistage sampling technique. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and validated against climate data obtained from the South African Weather Services. Analysis involved descriptive statistics, trend analysis, and weighted rank indices. Findings reveal that farmers have observed reduced precipitation and rising temperatures over the past 20 years, aligning with empirical data showing increased temperatures and decreased rainfall. These climatic changes pose severe risks, including drought and low water levels, that impact productivity and household welfare. Farmers prefer goats, indigenous chickens, and sheep for their perceived resilience to heat, water scarcity, and feed shortages, reflecting their adaptive strategies. However, limited access to essential support services may hinder their ability to utilise these resilient options. The study recommends enhancing support for farmers by improving access to climate data, resources, and adaptation services, and by strengthening collaborations between farmers and meteorological institutions.

The study investigated factors that influence the participation of rural households in inland fisheries in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality of the Limpopo Province. Data was collected from sixty rural households using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The objectives were to identify and profile the socio-economic characteristics of rural households and, to determine factors that influence the participation of rural households in inland fisheries. Descriptive statistics and Binary logistic model were employed to achieve these objectives. The findings show that only 42% of rural households participate in inland fisheries. Additionally, about 5% of females are reported as participants of inland fisheries in the Mopani District Municipality. Moreover, gender of the household head has a positive influence on participation while, access to credits, type of agricultural activity and source of income had a negative influence. The study recommends that women be motivated to participate in inland fisheries to enhance food security and improve their livelihoods.