*2.2.1.1 Gaps in relations to the current climate change adaptation models*

Our findings revealed that many models on climate change adaptation, apart from being highly mathematical in nature, are based on methodological ideas that originate from the advanced economies [45], limiting their applicability in local African communities' context. This is because the assumptions upon which the models are largely based are alien to the prevailing realities in the region particularly in Semi-arid region of Mopani District in South Africa. In addition, several of these models are largely rural biased [46], or centered on metropolitan, big and coastal cities [47]. Similarly, some are rather infrastructure or sector-specific adaptation framework such as water, transport agriculture and energy sectors [48–52], while rather than local community based adaptation models, other models have focused on macro level postulations [53]. Hence the need for a flexible householdbased conceptual framework model that is participatory and applicable at all levels of policy and decision making.

### *2.2.1.2 Gaps related to policies*

*Natural Hazards - Impacts, Adjustments and Resilience*

future lessons [36].

equally open to numerous interpretations, with tagging of several models as adaptation models added another confusing layer to the identity and boundaries controversies [36]. In several contexts of science, models are considered very essential and key in different fields, disciplines and specialties. For instance, Evolutionary models are very important in the biological sciences disciplines while the agent-based models are a dominant feature in the social sciences [37]. Models are painstakingly built, tested, compared and revised in light of practice and feed-back loop for

On a general note a classification of models on climate change adaptation was further made in line with the existing ones by [36] who identified two distinct

Over time, advancement in understanding the consequences of climate change and policy interpretations and the associated challenges has occasioned a shift in global priority in climate change policy [37–40]. At the onset, an undeviating cause–effect style prevailed, then climate situations forms the foundation upon which future climate impacts is estimated, which then outlines the needs for adaptation. With this linear concept, on one hand, adaptation to climate change is divorced from social activities and processes where needs are informed by scientific manipulations [41, 42] on one hand. On the other hand, a more comprehensive approach where the risk assessment is guided by management of past climatic hazards experience, and adaptation recommendation are determined by the option's probability to reduce the prevailing and future climate risks while synergizing with other policy objectives, and existing management activity [43]. The later concept is currently in vogue and has enjoyed patronage from researchers, academics and policy makers, informed by its openness and comprehensiveness. Upon the determination and assessment of the needs, the choice of the form of adaptation will be

These options are not new, but the policies in various forms of decision models about them in Mopani District like other municipalities is currently characterized by limited attention and priorities [44]. Thus, making the success of the municipal

However, a probe into the available literature and survey analysis with respect to climate change adaptation and the various adopted models in the study area, revealed some essential issues. These are policy related issues; Climate change issue; and adaptation issues. These issues form the fundamentals upon which the following identified gaps are considered critical in the existing models. These include:

With respect to climate change adaptation and the various adopted models, survey revealed some essential issues related to policy; Climate change issue; and

typologies or categories of adaptation models, these include:

made from the following identified three adaptation options:

a.Adaptation Centered Models (ACMs); and

b.Impact Centered Models (ICMs);

a.No-regrets adaptation options;

c.Win-win adaptation

b.Proactive anticipatory adaptation; and

adaptation efforts to appear unsuccessful.

*2.2.1 Gaps regarding climate change adaptation models*

**132**

Several studies have advocated for household-based climate change adaptation strategy to be anchored by municipal planning agency [54–56]. The study acknowledges that most local municipalities in the district are still relying on macro level climate change adaptation formulated policies from the national government. Despite that the impacts of climate change on both human and environment are well acknowledged in the various municipalities' planning instruments (Integrated Development Plans, Spatial Development Framework etc.), yet, little evidence exist to indicate the efforts to pragmatically and coherently address the challenges [44].
