Title: Rural livelihoods and adaptation to flood variability in the Okavango Delta
Student: Moseki Motsholapheko
Country of origin: Botswana
University: University of Botswana
Degree:  PhD (Natural Resources Management)
Supervisors: Prof. D.L. Kgathi, Prof. C. Vanderpost
Year of registration: 2009
Student ID: 200808217

Most developing countries, especially in Africa are vulnerable to shocks related to climate variability and change, such as tropical cyclones, droughts and floods. This is due, among other things, to low adaptive capacity at all levels. Rural households in the Okavango Delta are generally vulnerable to climate variability-related shocks, such as drought, rainfall fluctuations, flood variations and desiccation of river channels. In the Okavango Delta, flooding is a major biophysical event in shaping life forms. Its variability, manifested in the form of excessive floods and desiccation of river channels, poses adaptation challenges to the mostly nature-based livelihoods of communities in the Okavango Delta. This is due, among others, to low ability and capacity to adapt to these impacts. This study will investigate the causes of low adaptive capacity with a view to contributing to the formulation of best approaches to ameliorate the impacts of flood related shocks in the Okavango Delta. Specific objectives are to: assess the dynamic relationship between livelihood activities and forms of capital accessed by rural households in the Okavango Delta; identify and assess household livelihood responses(adaptive strategies) to flood-related shocks; determine the level of household livelihood diversity; assess the contribution of migration and local mobility to household livelihood adaptation to flood-related shocks; assess government interventions against flood-related shocks; and determine policy implications of the findings. The study will adopt a multi-method approach, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. A household survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and informal discussions will be conducted in the villages of Shorobe, Tubu and Kauxwi, selected by geographical location from the lower, middle and upper Okavango Delta. Remotely sensed images will be used to assess long term resource use patterns. The results will be documented for publication in international journals and disseminated in national, regional and global fora.

Last Modified: Tue, 18 Aug 2015 11:54:47 SAST