Exploring Community Resilience Strategies in the Face of Escalating Heat Waves: a Comprehensive Study of Giyani, South Africa

Rikhotso, Sharon and Gumbo, Trynos (2024) Exploring Community Resilience Strategies in the Face of Escalating Heat Waves: a Comprehensive Study of Giyani, South Africa. KEEP ON PLANNING FOR THE REAL WORLD. Climate Change calls for Nature-based Solutions and Smart Technologies. Proceedings of REAL CORP 2024, 29th International Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 307-315. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

The escalating frequency and severity of heat waves due to climate change pose a significant threat globally. Giyani, a rural township in South Africa, is no exception to this concerning trend, as revealed by the data collected from Meteoblue which indicates a rise in mean temperature from 22.0 °C in 2021 to 22.5 °C in 2022. Previous studies have documented the manifestation and multifaceted effects of escalating heat waves on local communities worldwide. However, what remains to be known clearly are the strategies of communities in dealing with the escalating heat waves. Consequently, this paper discusses the Giyani community’s resilience mechanisms in the face of escalating heat waves in the past few decades. Employing a descriptive research design and a mixed-method approach, this study utilizes random sampling to draw 15 participants, reaching the point of saturation for data collection. The questioners conducted to collect the primary data with residents structured were both open and closed ended. Content analysis is then applied to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the mean temperature at Giyani further increased from 22.8 °C in 2022 to 23.0 °C in 2023. The health of community members, especially street vendors and individuals above 50 years old, is increasingly at risk. Moreover, the heat wave exacerbates water shortages, impacting both residents and the agricultural sector. Several mechanisms to deal with the escalating heat waves include healthcare support, urban planning and green spaces, climate- resilient agriculture and water management. Such strategies that enhance community resilience need to be facilitated and promoted to enhance sustainable practices in the face of the changing climate conditions in Giyani. Adverse effects of heat waves need to be mitigated, ultimately, this study contributes to the broader discourse on climate adaptation and community well-being in regions experiencing the intensification of heat waves.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Planning, Giyani, Community resilience, Climate change, Heat wave
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Depositing User:	REAL CORP Administrator
Date Deposited:	28 Apr 2024 19:03
Last Modified:	10 May 2024 09:34
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1096

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