Research helps turn climate knowledge into action

As climate-related floods and droughts place increasing pressure on vulnerable communities across South Africa, researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) are working alongside local partners to help communities build practical solutions to climate risks.

More than 80 local farmers, community leaders, students and government officials gathered at Letaba TVET College’s Maake Campus in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on 4 August for a participatory climate resilience workshop led by the Pan-African and Transdisciplinary Lens on the Margins: Tackling the Risks of Extreme Events (PALM-TREES) project, based in UCT’s Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, where Professor Babatunde Abiodun is the principal investigator for this consortium.

The workshop formed part of the project’s efforts to translate climate research into meaningful local action. The Limpopo River Basin case study, led by Dr Phindile Sabela-Rikhotso, examines both the physical and socio-economic drivers of climate-related extreme events, with a particular focus on communities most exposed to environmental and economic vulnerability. The event was co-hosted with the Shwana Agri Cooperative, led by Brian Mushwana.

“Discussions highlighted the growing challenges posed by recurring droughts, flooding and changing weather patterns.”

Bringing together representatives from the mayoral office, traditional leadership structures, ward councillors, the Department of Agriculture, Letaba TVET College and local community organisations, the workshop created a platform for sharing scientific findings and jointly identifying locally relevant adaptation strategies.

“The PALM-TREES project is committed to deepening our understanding of both the physical and socio-economic drivers of climate change,” said Dr Sabela-Rikhotso. “By working directly with marginalised communities and local leaders, we can develop inclusive risk impact metrics and tools that build true, long-term resilience.”

Discussions highlighted the growing challenges posed by recurring droughts, flooding and changing weather patterns in the Limpopo River Basin. Participants explored how research-informed planning, community knowledge and institutional collaboration can work together to reduce risk and strengthen resilience.

Agriculture as a pathway to resilience and opportunity

A key theme emerging from the workshop was the importance of agriculture as both a climate adaptation strategy and a pathway to economic opportunity. Participants emphasised the role of farming in supporting food security, strengthening local livelihoods and creating employment opportunities for young people.

Representatives from the Department of Agriculture reinforced this message, expressing support for the expansion of local agricultural production and agribusiness development.

The workshop also resulted in several commitments from institutional partners:

• The Department of Agriculture reaffirmed its commitment to providing ongoing technical support and extension services to local farmers.
• Letaba TVET College’s Maake Campus committed to strengthening agricultural training and practical support opportunities for students.
• The Department of Education highlighted bursary opportunities available to students pursuing studies in agriculture and environmental sciences.

Building partnerships for lasting impact

The event also showcased UCT’s role in supporting the next generation of climate researchers. PALM-TREES researchers, including UCT doctoral early-career researchers Tsakani Germina Selomo and Serole Angela Chokoe, engaged directly with emerging farmers and students, helping bridge the gap between academic research and community priorities.

As the project approaches its final phase, the workshop marks an important milestone in building lasting partnerships between UCT researchers, local institutions and communities working together to respond to climate risks in the Limpopo River Basin.