Small-scale irrigators’ intentions to adapt water use behaviour to climate variability in South Africa

What the report says

PLOS One reported on a study examining how smallholder maize irrigators in South Africa’s Vhembe District Municipality, in Limpopo Province, intend to change water-use behaviour in response to climate variability. The article, by RM Msila, YT Bahta, H Jordaan and MA Monteiro, was published July 23, 2026, after acceptance on May 24. It used survey data from 366 smallholder maize irrigators, the Theory of Planned Behaviour and structural equation modelling.

According to the study, farming was the main livelihood for 96% of surveyed producers. Many respondents were older farmers, with the mean age falling in the 51–60 and above-61 categories. The authors also reported that 71% had secondary education, while 40% had under 10 years of farming experience and 35% had 11–20 years.

The researchers found that farmers’ attitudes, social influences described as subjective norms, and perceived control over adaptation all affected intentions to adjust to climate variability. Attitudes and norms were reported as stronger influences, while perceived behavioural control had a smaller effect. The authors argue that improving sustainable water-use practices requires attention not only to technology or infrastructure, but also to socio-psychological factors shaping farmers’ choices.

The study situates the findings within South Africa’s broader water pressures, noting the country’s semi-arid conditions and competing demands from agriculture, households and industry. It also highlights maize’s importance as a staple crop and the relevance of irrigation decisions for productivity and livelihoods. The work was funded by South Africa’s Water Research Commission, and the authors reported no competing interests.