Sustainable Livelihood Options Adopted by Rural Communities in Response to Climate Change Dynamics: A Case Study Approach in Vhembe District, South Africa

1. The introduction needs to be more focused. Clearly state the research gap and this study's specific contribution.

Thank you for this major comments, the introduction has been modified

Response

Studies have indicated a decline in agricultural production through subsistence farming in South Africa (Lidzhegu and Kabanda, 2022; Sinyolo et al., 2021 [11, 12]. The Agricultural Research of South Africa focuses on the productivity of agricultural systems and technologies. This has led to the focus of the literature on climate conservation on the project’s productivity and adoption (Pretty et al., 2019; Fusco et al., 2020 [13, 14]. With the prediction of warming and moisture deficit by Wang et al., 2022 [15] pointed out that in southern Africa, it is imperative to evaluate the livelihood resilience of adaptation strategies in the light of sustainability and holistic approaches. The evaluation of climate change in rural communities has been mainly for monitoring and upgrading the tech-nological systems that are sponsored by the projects’ partners Danielsen et al., 2022 [16]; Zakari et al., 2022 [17]. Hence the question of whether conservation agriculture is ad-dressing the needs of communities on climate change hangs in balance.  A study con-ducted by Ziervogel (2019) [18], reported that the countries’ National Adaptation Plans (NAPAs) and National Climate Change Response Strategies (NCCRs) barely engage in biophysical vulnerabilities, follow sectorial and project approaches to adaptation, hence they fail to assimilate responses and actively involve different communities. Yet the success of technology adoption has little to do with technology but with the targeted communities and their mindsets (Sterrett and Richardson, 2019) [19]. This has been ev-ident in South Africa, where climate change adoption and abandoning of projects is low despite technology improvements in climate change (Etwire et al., 2024) [20]. Hence local communities’ needs must be assessed and integrated into the adaptation strategies and resilient to climate change as well as their sustainability to climate change. The changes in climate within rural communities increased the levels of vulnerability among com-munity members regardless of implemented projects by the government (Please see lines: 66-89, page 2)

      The study aims to understand the specific sustainable livelihood resilience perceived by communities and how they influenced their daily lives. This will involve examining the range of livelihood activities such as water management strategies, acquiring farming, crop production, and use of firewood. By understanding these sustainable livelihood activities to change climate, the study seeks to identify factors that influence their sustainability, providing important aspects into copying mechanisms of vulnerable communities. Furthermore, the study aims to examine the wider implications of these sustainable livelihood activities on food security. Agricultural communities, especially subsistence farmers, represent a bigger component of the local food chain; their sustainability to climate change can significantly affect food security, accessibility, and livelihood. This research will explore how livelihood resilience is employed by a community’s impact on food security, especially within vulnerable communities. This study will provide sound policy recommendations to improve livelihood resilience through assessing the livelihood options adopted by rural communities in the Vhembe district in South Africa. (See lines:119-132, page 3)

2. The study's focus lacks significant novelty. Numerous studies have already explored sustainable livelihood options in response to climate change. The manuscript needs to clearly articulate its unique contribution beyond simply replicating existing knowledge.

.   

 This suggestion is appreciated. A brief paragraph has been added to address this challenge

Response

        Thank you for these major comments, the introduction has been modified

Response

Studies have indicated a decline in agricultural production through subsistence farming in South Africa (Lidzhegu and Kabanda, 2022; Sinyolo et al., 2021 [11, 12]. The Agricultural Research of South Africa focuses on the productivity of agricultural systems and technologies. This has led to the focus of the literature on climate conservation on the project’s productivity and adoption (Pretty et al., 2019; Fusco et al., 2020 [13, 14]. With the prediction of warming and moisture deficit by Wang et al., 2022 [15] pointed out that in southern Africa, it is imperative to evaluate the livelihood resilience of adaptation strategies in the light of sustainability and holistic approaches. The evaluation of climate change in rural communities has been mainly for monitoring and upgrading the technological systems that are sponsored by the projects’ partners Danielsen et al., 2022 [16]; Zakari et al., 2022 [17]. Hence the question of whether conservation agriculture is ad-dressing the needs of communities on climate change hangs in balance.  A study con-ducted by Ziervogel (2019) [18], reported that the countries’ National Adaptation Plans (NAPAs) and National Climate Change Response Strategies (NCCRs) barely engage in biophysical vulnerabilities, follow sectorial and project approaches to adaptation, hence they fail to assimilate responses and actively involve different communities. Yet the success of technology adoption has little to do with technology but with the targeted communities and their mindsets (Sterrett and Richardson, 2019) [19]. This has been ev-ident in South Africa, where climate change adoption and abandoning of projects is low despite technology improvements in climate change (Etwire et al., 2024) [20]. Hence local communities’ needs must be assessed and integrated into the adaptation strategies and resilient to climate change as well as their sustainability to climate change. The changes in climate within rural communities increased the levels of vulnerability among com-munity members regardless of implemented projects by the government (See lines: 66-89 page 2)

      ,

      The study aims to understand the specific sustainable livelihood resilience perceived by communities and how they influenced their daily lives. This will involve examining the range of livelihood activities such as water management strategies, acquiring farming, crop production, and use of firewood. By understanding these sustainable livelihood activities to change climate, the study seeks to identify factors that influence their sustainability, providing important aspects into copying mechanisms of vulnerable communities. Furthermore, the study aims to examine the wider implications of these sustainable livelihood activities on food security. Agricultural communities, especially subsistence farmers, represent a bigger component of the local food chain; their sustainability to climate change can significantly affect food security, accessibility, and livelihood. This research will explore how livelihood resilience is employed by a community’s impact on food security, especially within vulnerable communities. This study will provide sound policy recommendations to improve livelihood resilience through assessing the livelihood options adopted by rural communities in the Vhembe district in South Africa. (Please see lines:119-132 page 3)

3. The conceptual framework is not well-defined. Develop a clear framework that illustrates the relationships between climate change, sustainable livelihoods, and the variables under investigation. Additionally, consider using a diagram to represent the framework visually

We agree entirely with the comment and a Theoretical theory was added

Response

2.2. Resilience Theory

Resilience theory is a multidisciplinary framework put into play to better understand how systems react to stress, challenges, and disruptions. It explains how adaptation and transformation function (Den Hartigh et al., 2024) [26]. In communities, resilience is highly expected and seen when problems arise and affect everyone within the commu-nity. Resilience science began half a century ago when, psychiatry and paediatrics’ were trying to find ideas for the beginning and treatment of problems (Savelli et al., 2022)[27]. From the beginning, resilience research establishers tend to look at the process that ex-plains how individuals manage situations of hardships Sonenshein et al., 2024) [28]. Their convincing ideas proliferated the field of resilience science, running away from deficit-focused orientations toward models centred on positive aims, promotive and protective factors, and adaptive capacities (Savelli et al., 2022) [27]. Fig. 1 Visually artic-ulates the framework’s key components that illustrate the theory’s understanding.

Figure 1: Resilience framework on livelihood sustainability

The concept of resilience has been attractive to practitioners who promote strength in vulnerable individuals, groups, and communities. “A wealth of research has docu-mented processes by which individuals achieve positive developmental outcomes de-spite exposure to known threats to adaptation” (Cicchetti, 2010) [29]. The resilience process is a broader level of development that includes families (Finklestein et al., 2022) [30].

Drawing empirical studies and theoretical models of resilience, studies have artic-ulated frameworks for translating resilience into applied efforts to push for positive development (Guo et al., 2023) [31]. There is a need for a resilience-guided practice that takes into consideration the dynamic nature of human development at various levels of analysis across communities, institutions, and nations. Additionally, age is within resil-ience-based practices as an underutilized resource for testing core tenets of resilience theory and broadening bidirectional paths from science-based practices to prac-tice-based science.

Resilience is highly conceptualized as a developmental process or dynamic capacity. It is well applicable in a variety of systems including children and families to institutions and societies, resilience includes the capacity of a dynamic system to adapt successfully to disturbances that threaten system function, variability, or development (Abadir et al., 2023) [32]. (Please, see lines: 168-205 page 4)

4. Provide more details on the sampling technique. How was the sample size determined? How were the participants recruited?   

.

.

Thank for the important comment.

Response

       The study used purposive sampling techniques allowing the selection of partici-pants based on specific characteristics relevant to the research. Using purposive sam-pling, the study allowed participants that are relevant to be selected ensuring the selec-tion of a rich sample size. Through purposive sampling, the study adopted systematic sampling to collect sound information due to the limited time frame. This allowed each sample to have an equal probability of being selected, which reduced biases in collected data. Focus was given to three rural communities within Vhembe district which were selected for their diverse ecological zones and livelihood activities in a changing climate. The rationale behind the use of the sampling technique was due to the large number of subsistence farming activities, and the high number of resilient livelihood activities the communities were involved in. The study target sample (1314) was drawn from house-holds registered under the land management database in the local municipalities (Profile Vhembe District Municipality. 2019) [36]. To determine the sample size, Slovin’s formula (Mutiawani, 2017) [41], was used from the target population of the households.

n = sample size of the population.

N= population size

e = accepted level of error set at 0.05.

N

n = __________

1+ N x e 2

1314

n = __________________

1 + (1314 x (0.05) 2

= 1314/ (1+ 2.62)

1314/3.62

= 362.98 +29 therefore sample size (n) = 392

A 10% (29) of the calculated sample size was added to create room for non-responses.

 (Please see  as from lines: 290 -324 page 7)

5. Clarify the categorization of livelihood conditions and strategies. What criteria were used?

Thank for the suggestion. It has been attended to

Response

To classify livelihood strategies, the welfare of every selected household was calculated using (Organization for Economic Operation Development) OECD measuring per capita income standardized by the adult equivalence scale (AES) that accounts for intra-household variation in member access to household resources. Various elements related to livelihood status and household characteristics were used in the analysis. These variables provide sound components of livelihood development and sustainability (physical capital, social capital, livelihood activities, livelihood strategies) and livelihood options (cash produce farming, harvesting, selling, etc.). Additionally, information was gathered on the management of such natural resources. This includes management of water sources, in terms of where the community is getting water. The questionnaires dwell much on the conservation of the environment, such as firewood harvest. More data were collected, which makes it very clear when collecting and answering set ob-jectives. This information gave the study the capability to understand and present data from the research (See lines: 333-345 page 7)

6. Explain the rationale for selecting the specific data analysis techniques.   

We agree with your suggestion

Response:

The rationale for using thematic analysis was to identify themes such as patterns in the data collected. The use of themes was done to identify the related sustainability resilience livelihood activities to climate change. Content analysis operates through dividing collected data into different topics, which tantalize the use by participants, of indigenous knowledge strategies to adapt to climatic stressors. The ethnographic technique analyses the participant's behaviours and culture. This provided rich and in-depth analytical data, which drew primarily on direct quotes from the group discussions. The data were then coded and classified into different categories, which were used to analyse the adaptation of livelihood strategies and practices to avert unfavourable climate conditions in the various study sites (See lines: 363 – 372, page 9)

7. Present the results clearly and concisely. Effectively summarize the data using tables and figures.

Thanks for the comment.

Response

This aspect regarding the results was address accordingly

8. The analysis presented in the manuscript is mainly descriptive and fails to 

Thank you for the spot on.

Response

The needed section that requires in-depth were updated and more information added

9. Provide a more in-depth analysis of the findings. Go beyond descriptive statistics and delve deeper into the complex interplay of factors influencing livelihood choices and resilience in the face of climate change

Thank you and it is good suggestions.

Response

 More in-depth analysis of the findings has been added and it goes beyond descriptive statistics within the discussion in the manuscript (See blue texts within the manuscript)

10. Strengthen the discussion by linking the findings to the existing literature. Expand on the implications of the results for policy and practice

Thanks for the comment. a paragraph has been strengthening as per the findings and existing literature.

Response

Climate change practices in South African government priorities can improve en-vironmental sustainability and socio-economic development, especially for rural communities. Government policies such as the National Development Plan (NDP) and Cli-mate Change Adaptation Strategy emphasize poverty reduction, and inclusive growth, which intersect with livelihood resilience initiatives (Rulashe et al., 2024) [53]. The promotion of sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and renewable energy projects can support the goals of food security, economic diversification, and rural development. Furthermore, the integration of climate adaptation into local governance frameworks and community-driven projects on climate change can assist in bridging the gaps in service delivery while at the same time fostering innovation and skills development. This can strengthen rural communities against the shock of changing climate and ad-vance the national objectives of reducing inequality and promoting long-term food security. (See lines: 537 – 549, from pages13 and 14)

11. The conclusion should be more concise and focused on the key findings of the study.

Thanks, comment well noted

Response

 It has been addressed accordingly (Please, see conclusion section within the manuscript)

Specific Comments:

• In Section 3.4, clarify the difference between "livelihood conditions" and "livelihood strategies."

Thank you, we think it is very useful to accompany the paper with clarification of certain themes “"livelihood conditions" and "livelihood strategies’ for a better understanding

Response

To classify livelihood strategies, the welfare of every selected household was calculated using (Organization for Economic Operation Development) OECD measuring per capita income standardized by the adult equivalence scale (AES) that accounts for intra-household variation in member access to household resources. Various elements related to livelihood status and household characteristics were used in the analysis. These variables provide sound components of livelihood development and sustainability (physical capital, social capital, livelihood activities, livelihood strategies) and livelihood options (cash produce farming, harvesting, selling, etc.). Additionally, information was gathered on the management of such natural resources. This includes management of water sources, in terms of where the community is getting water. The questionnaires dwell much on the conservation of the environment, such as firewood harvest. More data were collected, which makes it very clear when collecting and answering set ob-jectives. This information gave the study the capability to understand and present data from the research (see lines: 333 – 345, page 9)

In Section 3.1, provide a more detailed description of the study area, including its geographical characteristics, climate, and socio-economic context.   

Thank for the suggestion. A brief section and paragraph have been added (section 3.2) and inserted within the manuscript

Response

Vhembe District has a total area of 2,140,708 hectares, of which 247,757 are arable land. The agricultural system in the district is divided into two types - large-scale commercial farming and smallholder farming known as subsistence (VD, 2011/12 IDP Review). White farmers own approximately 70% of the arable land, while only 30% be-long to a small group of local farmers who are mostly black. The district has two existing agroecology locations valleys (VD, 2011/12 IDP Review). Part of the Vhembe District lies on the gentle slopes and in the valleys of the Soutspansberg mountain ranges [37] (Mpandeli et al., 2020). The valleys receive heavy rainfall from November to March; its alluvial soil is very fertile and is suitable for farming many sub-tropical products, such as sweet potatoes, beans, vegetables, maize, tomatoes, and pumpkins (Magombo et al., 2011).

Crop and livestock farming are the source of food production among most households in the municipality, but the viability of these sectors has diminished over the years. Historically, households used to be self-sufficient in their production of food-related crops, such as maize, sorghum, groundnuts, and tropical fruits, as well as livestock, in-cluding cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. Presently, most households can barely produce adequate quantities of food from crops and livestock; and increasingly they have sought to depend on purchased food commodities. For this reason, the study aimed to determine the link between climate change and food production in this municipality (Please, see lines: 537 – 274 page 7 and 8)

In Section 5, in the discussion of water resource management, connect the findings to the broader context of water scarcity and drought in South Africa.

Thanks for the suggestion, a brief paragraph have been added.

Response

.

   Water resources management within Vhembe District operates within a landscape of significant variability, driven by uneven rainfall caused by climate change. The reli-ance on surface water coupled with the changing climate has put immense pressure on the existing resources. Fragmented governance and disparities in water access within rural areas present a continuous challenge as this is worsened by a changing climate [Piemontese et al., 2024] [49]. Resolving these issues requires integrated management that dwells on cooperation across sectors, fostering innovations, and strengthening rural local capacities to ensure sustainable livelihood resilience. The results illustrate an in-crease in water tank use within rural communities as a way of coping with climate change. South Africa’s vulnerability to drought caused by climate change exacerbates the need for robust water management practices. The continuous occurrence of severe droughts in many parts of the country underscores the need for proactive policies that anticipate water shortages. Climate change further has intensified these risks by altering the rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events.

 (See lines: 503 – 536, pages 13)

Minor Comments

• Thoroughly proofread the manuscript for grammatical errors and typos.

• Provide descriptive captions for all figures and tables.

• Update the references to include more recent publications.

• Ensure that all references are cited correctly in the text.

• The authors must thoroughly address the high plagiarism percentage.

Thank you for the important comments/ suggestions

Response

·       The entire paper was proofread and edited by a native English speaker to address the grammatical errors and typos.

·       Both tables and figure captions have been updated.

·       Recent references are cited correctly with the entire manuscript.

·       The issue regarding high plagiarism was attended to.

The contents introduced in the paper are well understood by the local residences, but they are not familiar to the international readers. So, some additional maps and explanations are necessary to help the international reader understand the results discussed in the paper.

Thanks for the comments, we agree with your suggestion, this study is more of a case study approach in Vhembe district, South Africa.

However, some texts have been inserted within introduction section (modified) to help worldwide reader to understand the findings of the paper. (See introduction section within the manuscript in green text). (see lines …… to ….)

Response

      Studies have indicated a decline in agricultural production through subsistence farming in South Africa (Lidzhegu and Kabanda, 2022; Sinyolo et al., 2021 [11, 12]. The Agricultural Research of South Africa focuses on the productivity of agricultural systems and technologies. This has led to the focus of the literature on climate conservation on the project’s productivity and adoption (Pretty et al., 2019; Fusco et al., 2020 [13, 14]. With the prediction of warming and moisture deficit by Wang et al., 2022 [15] pointed out that in southern Africa, it is imperative to evaluate the livelihood resilience of adaptation strategies in the light of sustainability and holistic approaches. The evaluation of climate change in rural communities has been mainly for monitoring and upgrading the tech-nological systems that are sponsored by the projects’ partners Danielsen et al., 2022 [16]; Zakari et al., 2022 [17]. Hence the question of whether conservation agriculture is ad-dressing the needs of communities on climate change hangs in balance.  A study con-ducted by Ziervogel (2019) [18], reported that the countries’ National Adaptation Plans (NAPAs) and National Climate Change Response Strategies (NCCRs) barely engage in biophysical vulnerabilities, follow sectorial and project approaches to adaptation, hence they fail to assimilate responses and actively involve different communities. Yet the success of technology adoption has little to do with technology but with the targeted communities and their mindsets (Sterrett and Richardson, 2019) [19]. This has been ev-ident in South Africa, where climate change adoption and abandoning of projects is low despite technology improvements in climate change (Etwire et al., 2024) [20]. Hence local communities’ needs must be assessed and integrated into the adaptation strategies and resilient to climate change as well as their sustainability to climate change. The changes in climate within rural communities increased the levels of vulnerability among com-munity members regardless of implemented projects by the government (please, see lines: 66 – 89 page 2)

2.Figure 1; The location of “Vhembe District” is not clear.  The location of the target villages is not clear. Please use more large symbols and characters

We agree entirely with the suggestion; the location of the villages is not clear.

Response

An improve map of Vhembe District has been inserted with the target study sites (villages) see figure 1(Page 6)

2)  Table 2: Please make the complete table

Thanks,

Response

This has been attended to

3)   Figure 2: What is the black line at the center of each rectangular graph?

Thanks for the comment;

Response

The black line has been removed and figure 2 updated.

4)     Figure 4: What is “taboo”?

Thanks, this comment is indeed needed.

Response

      Additionally, during a semi-structured interview, it was reported that taboo is de-scribed as an activity or behaviour that is considered completely unacceptable or forbid-den. A taboo is also the prohibition from engaging in such an activity. However, certain activities were prohibited or forbidden within certain forestry areas, and the prohibition of the use of water from certain wetlands. (see lines:437 – 441, page 11)

1. Follow journal's format for structured abstract

form 

Thank you for the comment.

Response

This issue was address as per journal’s format

2. Section 2 is very short it must be rearranged as follows: 

a) Theoretical Background

b) Variable wise Literature 

c) Hypotheses development 

d) conceptual framework

Thanks for these valuable suggestions/comments. Sections have been added as per your suggestion in the manuscript.

2. Theoretical Background

We agree entirely with the comment and a Theoretical theory was added

Response

2.2. Resilience Theory

Resilience theory is a multidisciplinary framework put into play to better understand how systems react to stress, challenges, and disruptions. It explains how adaptation and transformation function (Den Hartigh et al., 2024) [26]. In communities, resilience is highly expected and seen when problems arise and affect everyone within the commu-nity. Resilience science began half a century ago when, psychiatry and paediatrics’ were trying to find ideas for the beginning and treatment of problems (Savelli et al., 2022) [27]. From the beginning, resilience research establishers tend to look at the process that ex-plains how individuals manage situations of hardships Sonenshein et al., 2024) [28]. Their convincing ideas proliferated the field of resilience science, running away from deficit-focused orientations toward models centred on positive aims, promotive and protective factors, and adaptive capacities (Savelli et al., 2022) [27]. Fig. 1 Visually artic-ulates the framework’s key components that illustrate the theory’s understanding.

Figure 1: Resilience framework on livelihood sustainability

The concept of resilience has been attractive to practitioners who promote strength in vulnerable individuals, groups, and communities. “A wealth of research has documented processes by which individuals achieve positive developmental outcomes de-spite exposure to known threats to adaptation” (Cicchetti, 2010) [29]. The resilience process is a broader level of development that includes families (Finklestein et al., 2022) [30].

Drawing empirical studies and theoretical models of resilience, studies have articulated frameworks for translating resilience into applied efforts to push for positive development (Guo et al., 2023) [31]. There is a need for a resilience-guided practice that takes into consideration the dynamic nature of human development at various levels of analysis across communities, institutions, and nations. Additionally, age is within resilience-based practices as an underutilized resource for testing core tenets of resilience theory and broadening bidirectional paths from science-based practices to prac-tice-based science.

Resilience is highly conceptualized as a developmental process or dynamic capacity. It is well applicable in a variety of systems including children and families to institutions and societies, resilience includes the capacity of a dynamic system to adapt successfully to disturbances that threaten system function, variability, or development (Abadir et al., 2023) [32]. (Please, see lines: 168-205 page 4)

3) shed some light on purpose sampling 

Your suggestion was noted, and a section was added as per below within the manuscript.

Response

3.4. Sampling Technique

The study used purposive sampling techniques allowing the selection of partici-pants based on specific characteristics relevant to the research. Using purposive sam-pling, the study allowed participants that are relevant to be selected ensuring the selec-tion of a rich sample size. Through purposive sampling, the study adopted systematic sampling to collect sound information due to the limited time frame. This allowed each sample to have an equal probability of being selected, which reduced biases in collected data. Focus was given to three rural communities within Vhembe district which were selected for their diverse ecological zones and livelihood activities in a changing climate. The rationale behind the use of the sampling technique was due to the large number of subsistence farming activities, and the high number of resilient livelihood activities the communities were involved in. The study target sample (1314) was drawn from house-holds registered under the land management database in the local municipalities (Profile Vhembe District Municipality. 2019) [36]. To determine the sample size, Slovin’s formula (Mutiawani, 2017) [41], was used from the target population of the households.

n = sample size of the population.

N= population size

e = accepted level of error set at 0.05.

N

n = __________

1+ N x e 2

1314

n = __________________

1 + (1314 x (0.05) 2

= 1314/ (1+ 2.62)

1314/3.62

= 362.98 +29 therefore sample size (n) = 392

A 10% (29) of the calculated sample size was added to create room for non-responses. (Please, see lines: 290 – 324)

4) Table1 is not in an appropriate

Thank for the comment

Response

Table 1 was updated within the manuscript (see page 8)

5) Add separate section for limitations and future research directions 

This suggestion is welcome. A section has been added under conclusion and policy implication within the manuscript (See lines: 318 - 627 page 15)

Response

Limitation and Future Research

         One of the study's main drawbacks was that it only examined sustainable livelihood as a case study in the Vhembe district of South Africa; as a result, the findings might not apply to other districts. Secondly, this study combined qualitative and quantitative methods, both of which have drawbacks. Therefore, we recommend that future researchers look at rural communities' coping and adapting techniques using the multinomial logit model (MNL). Future research might focus more on the use of sophisticated technologies in rural communities to integrate vulnerable groups with livelihood resilience.

6) references list needs revisions as per journal format 

Thanks for the comment.

Response

The references list has been revised as per journal format, both in text and reference list

1.The introduction section is good and updated, but there is not enough description of the paper's aim. Detail it.

Thank you for pointing this out to our attention. The introduction section has been revised and updated to provide enough description of the article’s aim. (See introduction section within the main manuscript (see lines …… to ….).

Response

Thank you for these major comments, the introduction has been modified

Response

Studies have indicated a decline in agricultural production through subsistence farming in South Africa (Lidzhegu and Kabanda, 2022; Sinyolo et al., 2021 [11, 12]. The Agricultural Research of South Africa focuses on the productivity of agricultural systems and technologies. This has led to the focus of the literature on climate conservation on the project’s productivity and adoption (Pretty et al., 2019; Fusco et al., 2020 [13, 14]. With the prediction of warming and moisture deficit by Wang et al., 2022 [15] pointed out that in southern Africa, it is imperative to evaluate the livelihood resilience of adaptation strategies in the light of sustainability and holistic approaches. The evaluation of climate change in rural communities has been mainly for monitoring and upgrading the tech-nological systems that are sponsored by the projects’ partners Danielsen et al., 2022 [16]; Zakari et al., 2022 [17]. Hence the question of whether conservation agriculture is ad-dressing the needs of communities on climate change hangs in balance.  A study con-ducted by Ziervogel (2019) [18], reported that the countries’ National Adaptation Plans (NAPAs) and National Climate Change Response Strategies (NCCRs) barely engage in biophysical vulnerabilities, follow sectorial and project approaches to adaptation, hence they fail to assimilate responses and actively involve different communities. Yet the success of technology adoption has little to do with technology but with the targeted communities and their mindsets (Sterrett and Richardson, 2019) [19]. This has been ev-ident in South Africa, where climate change adoption and abandoning of projects is low despite technology improvements in climate change (Etwire et al., 2024) [20]. Hence local communities’ needs must be assessed and integrated into the adaptation strategies and resilient to climate change as well as their sustainability to climate change. The changes in climate within rural communities increased the levels of vulnerability among com-munity members regardless of implemented projects by the government (Please see lines: 66-89, page 2)

      The study aims to understand the specific sustainable livelihood resilience perceived by communities and how they influenced their daily lives. This will involve examining the range of livelihood activities such as water management strategies, acquiring farming, crop production, and use of firewood. By understanding these sustainable livelihood activities to change climate, the study seeks to identify factors that influence their sustainability, providing important aspects into copying mechanisms of vulnerable communities. Furthermore, the study aims to examine the wider implications of these sustainable livelihood activities on food security. Agricultural communities, especially subsistence farmers, represent a bigger component of the local food chain; their sustainability to climate change can significantly affect food security, accessibility, and livelihood. This research will explore how livelihood resilience is employed by a community’s impact on food security, especially within vulnerable communities. This study will provide sound policy recommendations to improve livelihood resilience through assessing the livelihood options adopted by rural communities in the Vhembe district in South Africa. (See as per lines:119-132, page 3)

2.The conceptual framework needs a table to show all the variables described by Lidzhengu, Sinyolo, and Wang, to explain to the readers how many variables are analyzed in this work.

We agree with the suggestion, there is a needs for conceptual framework with table to show all the variables (See section 2.3 (Resilience Theory) within the manuscript.

Response

 Resilience theory is a multidisciplinary framework put into play to better understand how systems react to stress, challenges, and disruptions. It explains how adaptation and transformation function (Den Hartigh et al., 2024) [26]. In communities, resilience is highly expected and seen when problems arise and affect everyone within the commu-nity. Resilience science began half a century ago when, psychiatry and paediatrics’ were trying to find ideas for the beginning and treatment of problems (Savelli et al., 2022) [27]. From the beginning, resilience research establishers tend to look at the process that ex-plains how individuals manage situations of hardships Sonenshein et al., 2024) [28]. Their convincing ideas proliferated the field of resilience science, running away from deficit-focused orientations toward models centred on positive aims, promotive and protective factors, and adaptive capacities (Savelli et al., 2022) [27]. Fig. 1 Visually artic-ulates the framework’s key components that illustrate the theory’s understanding.

Figure 2 Resilience framework on livelihood sustainability

Thanks for these valuable suggestions/comments. Sections have been added as per your suggestion in the manuscript.

2. Theoretical Background

We agree entirely with the comment and a Theoretical theory was added

Response

2.2. Resilience Theory

Resilience theory is a multidisciplinary framework put into play to better understand how systems react to stress, challenges, and disruptions. It explains how adaptation and transformation function (Den Hartigh et al., 2024) [26]. In communities, resilience is highly expected and seen when problems arise and affect everyone within the commu-nity. Resilience science began half a century ago when, psychiatry and paediatrics’ were trying to find ideas for the beginning and treatment of problems (Savelli et al., 2022) [27]. From the beginning, resilience research establishers tend to look at the process that ex-plains how individuals manage situations of hardships Sonenshein et al., 2024) [28]. Their convincing ideas proliferated the field of resilience science, running away from deficit-focused orientations toward models centred on positive aims, promotive and protective factors, and adaptive capacities (Savelli et al., 2022) [27]. Fig. 1 Visually artic-ulates the framework’s key components that illustrate the theory’s understanding.

Figure 1: Resilience framework on livelihood sustainability

The concept of resilience has been attractive to practitioners who promote strength in vulnerable individuals, groups, and communities. “A wealth of research has documented processes by which individuals achieve positive developmental outcomes de-spite exposure to known threats to adaptation” (Cicchetti, 2010) [29]. The resilience process is a broader level of development that includes families (Finklestein et al., 2022) [30].

Drawing empirical studies and theoretical models of resilience, studies have articulated frameworks for translating resilience into applied efforts to push for positive development (Guo et al., 2023) [31]. There is a need for a resilience-guided practice that takes into consideration the dynamic nature of human development at various levels of analysis across communities, institutions, and nations. Additionally, age is within resilience-based practices as an underutilized resource for testing core tenets of resilience theory and broadening bidirectional paths from science-based practices to prac-tice-based science.

Resilience is highly conceptualized as a developmental process or dynamic capacity. It is well applicable in a variety of systems including children and families to institutions and societies, resilience includes the capacity of a dynamic system to adapt successfully to disturbances that threaten system function, variability, or development (Abadir et al., 2023) [32]. (Please, see lines: 168-205 page 4)

3.Section 3.2 needs a similar map in Figure 1 for population distribution or approximation for the 40,500 people analyzed.

Thanks you, this is a good suggestion.

But we think the best way to represent the population distribution as an approximation or estimate is by description as early detailed within the manuscript (see section 3.2).

Response

The total estimated population of the Vhembe district municipality is 1,294,722, with a density of 50.6 persons per square kilometer, according to the 2011 Census survey. From 2001 to 2007 and from the 2007 Community Survey to the 2011 Census, Vhembe's population grew by 41,979 and 54,687, respectively. 16% of the population is under 20 years old, 44.4% of the population is female, and 41.6% of the population is male, according to the VDM's integrated development from 2012/13 to 2016/17 indicated within the annual report by Statistic SA (2011) [35]. 1,375,053 Black Africans make up most of the district's population; 11,170 white people and 2,689 persons of other races follow. (See lines: 239 – 246, page 6)

4.Section 3.4 has a missing reference for the statistical procedure to justify the sampling. Add it.

Thanks, spot on, this section has been updated and missing references added.

Response

Sampling Technique

The study used purposive sampling techniques allowing the selection of partici-pants based on specific characteristics relevant to the research. Using purposive sam-pling, the study allowed participants that are relevant to be selected ensuring the selec-tion of a rich sample size. Through purposive sampling, the study adopted systematic sampling to collect sound information due to the limited time frame. This allowed each sample to have an equal probability of being selected, which reduced biases in collected data. Focus was given to three rural communities within Vhembe district which were selected for their diverse ecological zones and livelihood activities in a changing climate. The rationale behind the use of the sampling technique was due to the large number of subsistence farming activities, and the high number of resilient livelihood activities the communities were involved in. The study target sample (1314) was drawn from house-holds registered under the land management database in the local municipalities (Profile Vhembe District Municipality. 2019) [36]. To determine the sample size, Slovin’s formula (Mutiawani, 2017) [41], was used from the target population of the households.

n = sample size of the population.

N= population size

e = accepted level of error set at 0.05.

N

n = __________

1+ N x e 2

1314

n = __________________

1 + (1314 x (0.05) 2

= 1314/ (1+ 2.62)

1314/3.62

= 362.98 +29 therefore sample size (n) = 392

A 10% (29) of the calculated sample size was added to create room for non-responses. (See lines: 290 – 324,  page 6 and 7)

5.Figure 4 must be shown in the same order as Figure 3, Dzimauli, Thohoyandou, and Madimbo to keep the water tank distribution from a higher to a lower percentage.

Thank you for the suggestion concerning figure 3 and 4.

Response

Actually, figure 4 illustrates the three sustainable actions (practice taboos, establishment of botanical gardens, sacred places, and agricultural forums) on climate change practiced within the study sites, while figure 3 regards only water tank distribution within the three study sites. So, it is not actually a challenge with figure 4.

6.Section 5.2 is not related exactly to climate change actions or affectation. Add results from previous studies (even from other authors) and correlate with your findings.

We appreciate your comments, and it has been addressed

Response

These findings support the observation by Kom et al. (2022) [23]; and Dutta (2023) [43] reported that for many generations, the San people of southern Africa were known to perform "rainmaking" ceremonies at designated locations. Rain rituals continue to be fundamental to spiritual practices, particularly in rural areas by indigenous farmers against drought. The rainfall is important as farmers depend on it for planting crops. In the northern region of South Africa, Modjadji, the rain queen, is arguably the most well-known ritual expert. Further, the findings are consistent with studies by Savari and Amghani (2022) [50] who emphasized the significance of making rain because pro-longed droughts appeared to be on the horizon. Rain-making rituals are still performed (albeit to a lesser degree) in the Manicaland province's Ndau indigenous farmers’ communities at the start of the growing season [11, 34].

 (See line: 558 – 568, page 14)

7.Conclusions must include the % values and correlated responses between livelihood and climate change

Thanks for the suggestion. A brief sentence has been added.

Response

The findings of our case study in three Vhembe district community indicated that livestock production was the most dominant livelihood-resilient activity, with 30%, while vendor activity is common in Thohoyandou with 29% toward climate change. The study also revealed that, livelihoods strategies were different from one community to another. (See lines: 591 – 593, page 14 and 15)