Climate Variability Effect on Food Security and Coping Strategies among the Small Holder Farmers of Onesi Constituency, Namibia

Climate variability continues to be a major global problem, affecting many sectors. Namibia Climate Change Policy (NCCP) documented that the Onesi region is characterized by rainfall variability, persistent droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures all of which have a significant effect on community despite various national intervention measures put in place. It is against this background that the study sought to assess climate variability and coping strategies of food security by the farmers of Onesi Constituency, Omusati Region, Namibia. The research was guided by the following objectives; the nature of climate trends, effects of climate variability on agriculture, and climate change adaptation strategies. The study employed a mixed-methods Research Design consisting of quantitative and qualitative data of surveys and interviews. The primary data was a raw data collected in the field by interviewing participants, while secondary data of Climate of Districts bordering Onesi was collected from the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism Report of the year 2025. The target population was 23,364 according to Namibia Population and Housing Census report of the year 2023. Yamane’s formula n=N/(1+N(e)² was used to select the sample size of 393 households, comprises of small holder farmers, local agricultural officers, community leaders, women and youth farming households, government stakeholders, and NGOs, FBOs and CBOs. The study applied stratified sampling to ensure representation from different categories of people affected by climate variability. The study further employed purposive sampling to select the above participants who possess in-depth knowledge related to climate variability and food security. Data was gathered using questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Both the quantitative data and Qualitative data were collected using semi structured questionnaires and was analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 24. Furthermore, qualitative data was analyzed using systematic classification of coding and identifying themes. The data was compressed into themes, by editing, classifying, coding, and keying the data. The key findings showed that irregular rainfall patterns and unpredictable temperature trends are detrimental to crop and animal production, drought has extreme effects on agriculture, and there is a need to grow drought and insect resistant crops. The study concluded that irregular rainfall and variable temperatures are the major contributors of famine in Onesi. The study therefore recommended that the residents should adopt planting varieties of drought-resistant crops rearing more hardened breeds of livestock. The Government should also subsidize the cost of LPGs to reduce the high rate of deforestation. These measures are expected to mitigate climate variability in Onesi Constituency. Keywords: Adaptation strategies, Climate Change, Climate Resilience, Climate Variability, Coping Strategies, Global Warming, Smart Agriculture