## 4 Discussion
### Farmers' Knowledge and Understanding of Drought Management Strategies and Practices  
Assessing farmers' knowledge and understanding of drought management strategies and practices is, indeed, crucial for identifying gaps and areas that need improvement in their preparedness and resilience to drought events. By integrating and analyzing previous research findings, we can strengthen the discussion and provide a broader context for the study. The study results indicate that farmers in the Eastern Cape Province have varying levels of knowledge and understanding of drought management strategies and practices. Some farmers demonstrated a good understanding and awareness of different strategies, such as rotational grazing, water conservation techniques, and drought-resistant crop varieties. This knowledge was often acquired through interactions with agricultural extension officers, participation in training programs, or learning from other farmers who had adopted modern and sustainable practices [36]. These findings are consistent with previous studies highlighting the positive impact of knowledge dissemination and learning networks on farmers' adoption of effective drought management strategies [7; 19]. On the other hand, some farmers had limited knowledge of drought management strategies and relied on traditional practices that may not effectively mitigate the impacts of drought. This limited knowledge could be attributed to factors such as limited access to information, inadequate extension services, or a lack of exposure to modern agricultural practices [26; 41]. The study findings underscore the importance of addressing these knowledge gaps and providing farmers with the necessary information and training on effective drought management strategies.  
Farmers in the study strongly expressed their desire for more information and training on drought management strategies. They emphasized the need for improved access to agricultural extension services, technical guidance, and educational programs specifically addressing drought preparedness and mitigation. These findings highlight the importance of providing tailored and context-specific training and support to farmers to enhance their knowledge and understanding of effective drought management strategies [15; 42]. The study also identified challenges and barriers that hindered farmers' adoption of drought management practices, including limited access to financial resources, lack of infrastructure for water storage and conservation, and limited availability of drought-resistant seeds and livestock breeds. Addressing these barriers and providing support through financial assistance, infrastructure development, and access to improved inputs can significantly enhance farmers' capacity to implement effective drought management practices [12; 16]. In conclusion, the findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and educational programs that focus on enhancing farmers' knowledge and understanding of drought management strategies in the Eastern Cape Province. These interventions should consider the specific needs and circumstances of farmers, including agro-ecological conditions, socioeconomic factors, and cultural practices that influence farmers' decision-making processes. By bridging the knowledge gap and addressing the barriers to adoption, policymakers, agricultural extension services, and other stakeholders can empower farmers in rural communities to better manage drought and build resilience in their agricultural practices. This integration of knowledge and support services can contribute to the development of sustainable and climate-resilient farming systems in the face of drought events.