Publication Type
Journal Article
Publication Date (Issue Year)
2025
Journal Name
Environmental Research Communications
Abstract
Paper • The following article is Open access
Smallholder farmers’ livelihood vulnerability to climate change in Metuge district, Northern Mozambique
Heráclito Rodrigues Comia, Fekadu Beyene Kenee, Fred Charles Nelson and Serafino Afonso Rui Mucova
Published 13 June 2025 • © 2025 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd Environmental Research Communications, Volume 7, Number 6Citation Heráclito Rodrigues Comia et al 2025 Environ. Res. Commun. 7 065014DOI 10.1088/2515-7620/ade123 Download Article PDF
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Abstract
Introduction. Mozambique is one of the country’s most vulnerable to climate change, significantly affecting smallholder farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture. Their vulnerability is a critical issue for rural development and food security in the region. This study aims to assess the vulnerability of smallholder farmers in two drought-affected areas of the Metuge district, specifically Metuge and Mieze. Methods. The Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) and the IPCC Vulnerability Framework Approach (LVI–IPCC framework) were applied to assess livelihood vulnerability. Data were collected from a survey of 383 households, focusing on eight major components: socio-demographic profile, livelihood strategies, social networks, health, food, water, natural disasters and climate variability, and knowledge and skills. Results. The results indicate high livelihood vulnerability in Mieze with an LVI index value of 0.514 and an LVI–IPCC index value of 0.104. In contrast, Metuge exhibited lower vulnerability with an LVI index value of 0.409 and an LVI–IPCC index value of −0.002. Conclusion. The LVI–IPCC revealed that Mieze was the most vulnerable to climate change, followed by Metuge. The findings of this study are intended to support local farmers and policymakers in improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods. It emphasizes the importance of developing adaptation strategies tailored to the specific context, taking into account local conditions, resources, and socioeconomic factors. Therefore, implementing educational initiatives to enhance farmers’ skills, improve access to credit, and encourage crop diversification among farmers.
Keywords
Smallholder farmers, Climate Change
Rsif Scholar Name
Heráclito Rodrigues Comia
Thematic Area
Climate Change
Africa Host University (AHU)
Haramaya University, Ethiopia
Recommended Citation
Comia, H. R. (2025). Smallholder farmers’ livelihood vulnerability to climate change in Metuge district, Northern Mozambique. Environmental Research Communications, 7 (6), 65014. https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7620/ade123