Diversity to decline-livelihood adaptations of the Namaqua Khoikhoi (1800–1900). (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelso, Clare; Vogel, Coleen
• Is Part Of: Global environmental change. Volume 35(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 254
• Page End: 268
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Namaqualand -- Livelihoods -- Colonialism -- Vulnerability -- Adaptation -- Exposure; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Human ecology -- Periodicals; Nature -- Effect of human beings on -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Écologie humaine -- Périodiques; Homme -- Influence sur la nature -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Human ecology; Nature -- Effect of human beings on; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2015.09.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3780

Abstract

Highlights: Reconstruction of Namaqua Khoikhoi livelihoods during the 19th century. Successful adaptive strategies distinguished from 'coping'. Nomadic transhumance enhanced adaptive capacity during past climate extremes. Double exposure framework: an approach to interpret historical vulnerability. Livelihood diversity increased exposure and decreased long-term resilience. Abstract: An environmental history of the Leliefontein community of Namaqualand, Northern Cape provides a detailed case of the nexus between social and ecological stresses shaping livelihood change. By combining an historical proxy precipitation data set with a livelihood change study the value of historical research in integrated studies of past human-environment systems is illustrated. The identification of effective livelihood adaptation to extreme climatic conditions is examined, illustrating the tradeoffs made between adaptation and 'coping' strategies which were unsuccessful over the long term. During the course of the 19th century the Namaqua Khoikhoi population changed from a sustainable nomadic pastoral community to a poverty stricken rural community with a diversity of livelihood strategies. For the Namaqua increased livelihood diversity – usually an effective adaptation in times of stress – instead of promoting resilience, contributed to their material decline. Widespread transhumance between different climatic regions is shown to have been a successful adaptation to climatic extremes, but external economic exposure and restricted access to land become drivers of decline. The 'double exposure' framework used in contemporary studies, proved useful in accounting for this decline as it can accommodate both environmental and economic stressors.