Abstract: Submission #78

Abstract Green social work is an emerging interdisciplinary field that integrates core social work principles with environmental sustainability and social justice. This study employs a mixed-methods approach and observational data to explore the partial implementation of green social work practices in Limpopo Province, specifically the Mopani District. Current interventions in the region prioritize trauma-informed counselling and the provision of social relief in response to environmental crises.
Rooted in Afrocentric theory, the research emphasizes the significance of indigenous knowledge and cultural practices in shaping environmental resilience. In Limpopo, communities face persistent threats from droughts and wildfires—challenges intensified by rising temperatures and neglected farmlands. Many farm-dwelling families live in overcrowded, makeshift homes made of wood or plastic, exposing them to heightened environmental vulnerability. These challenges are compounded by systemic issues such as environmental racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia.
To advance green social work in this context, the study highlights the urgent need for community organizing, environmental education, and policy advocacy. It also stresses the importance of partnerships with environmental agencies and the incorporation of culturally grounded practices. By integrating community leadership, sustainable land management, and traditional ecological knowledge, green social work can offer holistic, innovative solutions to environmental degradation.
This paper contributes to the growing discourse on climate-responsive social work and underscores the need for culturally inclusive and ecologically conscious interventions in vulnerable communities.