Cost Benefit Analysis of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies on Crop Production Systems: A Case of Mpolonjeni Area Development Programme (ADP) in Swaziland

Prolonged drought and floods as a result of climate change are a serious problem for households at Mpolonjeni Area Development Programme because their livelihood is based mainly on rainfed farming. The study was a descriptive survey aimed at identifying private adaptation strategies to climate change and conducting a cost benefit analysis for the identified adaptation strategies. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 350 households. Personal interviews were conducted using structured questionnaires. It was found that switching crops had the highest net present value, and ideally maize should be substituted with drought tolerant crops such as cotton, sorghum, and dry beans. The study recommends that households should grow drought tolerant crops such as cotton, sorghum, and dry beans instead of maize. The government should provide irrigation infrastructure, such as dams; strengthen extension services; and subsidise farm inputs in order to improve crop production.