Please sharpen global framing and begin with a concise statement situating drought within the broader climate change discourse and its global implications for food security. Move more clearly from global challenges to South Africa’s semi‑arid regions,

Drought, as a critical consequence of climate change, poses a significant threat to global food security, particularly in vulnerable regions where agricultural dependency intersects with socioeconomic challenges. Rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns have exacerbated drought conditions worldwide, leading to reduced crop yields, heightened food prices, and increased malnutrition rates. These trends underscore a pressing need for effective strategies to bolster resilience in food systems, especially in semi-arid regions such as South Africa's Northern Cape. South Africa faces unique challenges, with semi-arid regions like the Northern Cape experiencing some of the most profound impacts of climate variability. The Northern Cape serves as a critical case study due to its high levels of poverty and inequality, heavy reliance on subsistence farming, and limited adaptive capacity among its population. These factors amplify the risks associated with drought, making it imperative to examine how these communities are affected and the strategies they employ to cope with climatic uncertainties. Existing studies have often overlooked the integration of climate science with local livelihood perspectives. A comprehensive understanding of how drought impacts food security in these regions must consider not only meteorological data but also the socio-economic context that shapes adaptive capacities. As highlighted in recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), there is an urgent need for interdisciplinary approaches that bridge climate science with local knowledge and practices. The aims of this study are threefold: first, to evaluate the direct and indirect impacts of drought on food security in the Northern Cape; second, to analyze the adaptive strategies employed by local communities; and third, to inform policies that enhance resilience in the face of increasing climatic variability. By synthesizing data from various sources, including recent South African studies alongside international climate assessments, this research will provide a nuanced perspective on the interplay between drought and food systems. In conclusion, this study is crucial for advancing sustainable agriculture and resilience-building in semi-arid regions. By illuminating the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in the Northern Cape, we can inform policies that not only address immediate food security concerns but also promote long-term adaptive strategies necessary for thriving in a changing climate.