North-central Namibia is more vulnerable to effects of climate change and variability.
Combined effects of environmental degradation, social vulnerability to poverty and a changing
climate will compromise subsistence farming in north-central Namibia (NCN). This will make
subsistence and small-scale farmers in the region more vulnerable to projected changes in the
climate system. Thus, the aim of this article was to examine factors contributing to subsistence
farmers’ vulnerability to impacts of climate change. The article further discusses different
aspects of human vulnerability and existing adaptation strategies in response to impacts of
climate related disasters experienced over the past three to four decades in NCN. Qualitative
and quantitative research approaches and methodology were employed to obtain information
from subsistence farmers in north-central Namibia. The sociodemographic characteristics
of Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati Region reveals high levels of unemployment, high
adult and elderly population and high dependency on agricultural livelihood system. These
indicators help understand levels of household vulnerability. The study concludes that
households interviewed revealed low levels of adaptive capacity due to exposure to climate
risks and combined effects of social, political and cultural factors. This article provided an
understanding that is required to inform the adaptation pathways relevant for NCN.