*2.3. Experimental Design*

We conducted five experiments to assess crop yield response to climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in the Olifants catchment (Figure 2). The adaptation scenarios used for this analysis were derived from a comprehensive literature review [42–46] and augmented with the results from a field survey that was completed by seventy-three smallholder farmers who provided information about the adaptive strategies they are deploying in the area. During the course of the study, four adaptation measures were evaluated using the WEAP-MABIA model.

**Figure 2.** Diagrammatic representation of the conceptual framework of the study.


of low rainfall. The scenario assumes allowing shortage of 50% of the readily available water (RAW) before irrigation.

• Finally, experiment 5 presents crop yield with the use of efficient irrigation devices such as the drip irrigation technique, or the sprinkler and furrow. These devices are deemed more efficient compared to traditional irrigation techniques such as the center pivot system, or the buckets and pipes approach which consumes a lot more water during irrigation. Specifically, for this analysis, the scenario assumes the use of a drip irrigation technique with an application efficiency of 95% to improve crop yield.

The results obtained from experiments 2, 3, 4, and 5 were compared against the control experiment (crop yield without adaptation strategies adopted). The assessment of each experiment enabled us to determine which adaptation measure performed the best in terms of crop productivity.
