This paper is intended to provide context and support discussion on the potential impacts of climate on small-scale farming systems in South Africa and the resulting socio-economic impacts, including in the context of black smallholder farmers in communal areas and on farms transferred thorough land reform. The paper includes detailed consideration of the potential socio-economic impacts of climate change on smallholder and small-scale commercial farmers at four pilot study sites (Matzikamma and the Western Cape; Greater Tzaneen and Limpopo; Sakhisizwe and the Eastern Cape; Inkosi Langalibalele and KwaZulu Natal) and the associated local value chains/commodities (including livestock products, subtropical tree crops, sugarcane, vegetables and fruit).