DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2018.v06i03.031

Pages: 696-711

The mixed methods research study examined the effects climate change, human security and coping mechanisms in rural communities in Zvishavane District. Zvishavane rural district communities are experiencing effects of climate change in the form of droughts and high temperatures and low annual rainfall that has culminated in low agricultural productivity. Climate change is threatening livelihoods, food security and water security in the district. Climate change is also altering significantly the relationship between people and their environments and undermines their source base upon which rural people have built their societies leading to human insecurity. The consequences of climatic change in the district are being exacerbated by the reliance of rural communities on rain fed agriculture as their main livelihood in Zvishavane District. The research objectives of the study were to explore the effects of climate change on human security in the Zvishavane district. The study used a descriptive research design with a sample of 71 respondents (n=71) chosen using simple random sampling method. Primary data was collected using questionnaire with a five point Likert scale, focus group discussion and interviews.