Mateyisi, Mohau JNangombe, SSMaoela, MAChenzi, VMatsa, MChapungu, LNhamo, G2025-01-302025-01-302024-12978-3-031-73600-1978-3-031-73602-5https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-73600-1_2#DOIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10204/13972This chapter examines the landscape of climate change in rural Southern Africa (African land south of the equator), especially the climate characteristics in connection with rural livelihood patterns. The main challenge that propelled this study is the need for more literature on climate change focusing on rural Southern Africa. This knowledge gap not only complicates our understanding of how climate change affects the region and how rural populations adapt to these changes but also hampers the development of effective adaptation strategies. Within this chapter, attention is directed towards five distinct climate patterns in Southern Africa. South-East Africa, Central Africa, West Southern Africa, East Southern Africa and Madagascar. Although these regions boast varying biodiversity, environmental concerns, temperatures and rainfall patterns, each exhibits distinct impacts of climate change with the same probability of amplifying vulnerabilities among their respective populations. The study highlights that with projected changes in temperature and precipitation patterns in these regions, resilience efforts should pay attention to the vulnerabilities that are characteristic of rural areas. By analysing established trends and anticipated climate change patterns, research lays the foundations for assessing risk and vulnerability, paving the way for adaptation strategies that can support the livelihoods and economic activities of rural Southern Africa.AbstractenClimate changeClimate patternsRural populationsBook Chaptern/a