Coping strategies and vulnerability of farmers under the moderating effect of associative dynamics: empirical evidence from farmers in the highland zone of the Baswagha chiefdom in the Lubero territory

Abstract

In the Democratic Republic, as elsewhere, agriculture is a sector exposed to climate change. Its importance in the socio-economic balance of households is not to be denied. Atmospheric changes and rainfall instability keep agriculture exposed to climate stress and its consequences. Captured through exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity, vulnerability is nothing more than a predisposition to experience damage. The exposure of agriculture in the sense of vulnerability is of two kinds. It is both intrinsic and extrinsic. This refers to the conceptual definition that vulnerability is both a factor specific to agriculture and a characteristic of the farmer himself. In addition to the sector, there are the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of each farmer. This article assesses the moderating role of associative dynamics on the coping strategies and level of vulnerability of farmers in the highland area of the Baswagha Chiefdom, in Lubero territory, Democratic Republic of Congo. The data presented are from a survey of 409 heads of households in 5 groups. The results are such that associative dynamics modify the direction of the relationship between coping strategies and vulnerability of farmers, who are exposed at 62.05%; sensitive at 57.54%; have a coping capacity of 35.45%, and are, therefore, vulnerable at 38.36%.