ABSTRACT
Globally, the vulnerability and plight of smallholder farmers is predicted to worsen as a result of climate change and the associated variable rainfall and increased temperatures (Eitzinger et al. 2014; Yanda and Mubaya 2011). While considerable work has been done on the impact of climate change on crop production at large scales, more intensive research is required to provide information about the situation at the local level and to establish sustainable ways of enhancing the smallholder farming sector's resilience to the impact of climate change and variability. Resilience refers to the tendency of a system to maintain or regain its configuration and productivity after some disturbance (Lin 2011). Resilient agricultural systems continue to provide vital services such as food production even after suffering a severe drought or significant reduction in rainfall.
