Water vulnerability and community livelihoods: A case study of the Kaleya rural farmers in Mazabuka, Zambia.

Water resources are subject to vulnerability as a result of climate change. This manifests through water scarcity and shortages consequently affecting livelihood components such as capabilities, outcomes and strategies. This study sought to investigate the impact of water vulnerability on livelihood components using the Kaleya Smallholder Scheme in Zambia as a case study. A qualitative case study approach for data collection and analysis was employed. The study revealed that water vulnerability brought about changes to livelihood capabilities and outcomes and it influenced a strategy among the rural farmers. This study highlights that examining water vulnerability has the potential to provide a direct and in-depth understanding of the extent to which communities are susceptible to the symptoms and effects of poverty. This is especially in the context in which local communities are directly dependent on water resources for their daily livelihoods.