Climate Change and Human Security in the Sahel: An Ethnographic Perspective on South Africa

The Sahel region in South Africa is facing significant challenges due to climate change, impacting human security across various dimensions such as food security, water availability, and health. An ethnographic study was conducted in three selected villages within the Sahel region. Data collection included participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with community members and local leaders. Participants reported a 20% reduction in crop yields over the past decade due to erratic rainfall patterns, leading to food insecurity for at least one-third of households. Local communities have developed coping mechanisms such as diversifying their agricultural practices and increasing livestock rearing, but these are insufficient given ongoing climate shifts. Government agencies should invest in climate-smart agriculture initiatives and provide financial support to small-scale farmers to enhance resilience against future shocks.