Abstract
- Climate change induced alterations to rainfall patterns have potential to alter predominantly livelihoods of small scale farmers in developing countries such as Botswana. The purpose of this study was to explore climate change knowledge at the local level. Globally, small scale farmers are unable to cope with adverse shocks and stress initiated by climate change. Lived experiences by small scale farmers, from heavy rainfalls due to unexpected weather alterations, are examined through the approach of placebased education in northern Botswana, mainly the Okavango and Chobe wetland places. This paper is guided by two questions, which ask (1) How do local farmers describe their local knowledge of climate change? (2) What are the coping strategies put in place by local farmers during climate stress conditions? Place-based education emphasizes pedagogy that involves local communities’ real world learning experiences and reintegration to study local resources. Findings suggested that farmers describe climate change knowledge according to how it impacts them within the context of their history, culture and local experiences. In response to impacts, farmers have developed place-based coping strategies to cushion and sustain their livelihoods.