ISSN: 2157-7617

Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change
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  • Research Article   
  • J Earth Sci Clim Change 2016, Vol 7(1): 327
  • DOI: 10.4172/2157-7617.1000327

Assessing Economic Impacts of Agricultural Drought: A Case of Thaba Nchu, South Africa

Hlalele BM*, Mokhatle IM and Motlogeloa RT
Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
*Corresponding Author : Hlalele BM, Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa, Tel: +27-73-698-5797, Email: hlalele.moeketsi@gmail.com

Received Date: Jan 13, 2016 / Accepted Date: Jan 21, 2016 / Published Date: Jan 25, 2016

Abstract

Thaba Nchu is small town in the Free State province of South Africa which forms part of the only Metropolitan Municipality in the province. This small town is part of the three towns that form the heart of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. Given the 10th September 2015 declaration of drought disaster in the Free State province of South Africa, we found it imperative to conduct a study on the agricultural drought economic impacts on both small and large scale businesses since people living in this region are more vulnerable to those in Bloemfontein (Free State capital). Following a study conducted by Hlalele which revealed the main source of vulnerability of Free State residents being of demographic nature. The aim of the study was to alert government authorities of the prevailing conditions of drought impacts for possible drought relief assistance. We used quantitative methods in the study where survey questionnaires were used in the data collection. The study revealed a high impact of drought in this region with over 80% of the businesses both formal and informal having lost over 50% of employees and revenue.

Keywords: Drought; Disaster; Hazard; Vulnerability

Citation: Hlalele BM, Mokhatle IM, Motlogeloa RT (2016) Assessing Economic Impacts of Agricultural Drought: A Case of Thaba Nchu, South Africa. J Earth Sci Clim Change. 7: 327. Doi: 10.4172/2157-7617.1000327

Copyright: © 2016 Hlalele BM, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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