THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE ADAPTATION OF LOCAL CROP YIELD IN MAYUKWAYUKWA SETTLEMENT OF KAOMA DISTICT IN WESTERN PROVINCE

This research delves into the profound impact of climate change on the adaptation of local crop yield within the Mayukwayukwa settlement, situated in the Kaoma District of Western Province.The introduction highlights the dire consequences of climate change, anticipating substantial reductions in future crop yields, thereby jeopardizing food security and livelihoods. It underscores the urgency for implementing adaptation strategies to mitigate climate change-induced yield losses. The adverse effects of increased temperatures and extreme weather events like droughts and floods, as well as their impact on agriculture, are discussed. Particularly vulnerable are dry land farming and water-dependent agricultural practices upon which livelihoods heavily rely.The objectives of the study encompass evaluating the impact of climate change on catchment reference evapotranspiration and crop water requirements, assessing the influence of soil texture on current crop yield, and evaluating the consequences of both current and projected climate change scenarios.Experiences from a familiarization tour emphasize cassava, maize, and local beans as the predominant crops grown due to limited income sources hindering the purchase of fertilizers and pesticides among refugees. Extreme temperatures and poor soils have significantly impacted crop yields within Mayukwayukwa, yet agriculture remains pivotal for the livelihoods of locals. Post-harvest losses due to storage challenges, including issues with rodents and inadequate storage facilities, were identified during interactions with community members.The next steps involve addressing decreased rainfall in the Western province, likely attributed to human-induced activities like deforestation. Farmers must adapt to these changing weather patterns and implement mitigating measures to ensure sustainable agricultural practices and livelihoods within the settlement.