Farmers’ perception and strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts in the agricultural sector

Abstract

The objectives of this study are 1) to determine farmers’ perceptions, adaptation and mitigation towards climate change; 2) to provide recommendations for appropriate adaptation strategies towards climate change. The research methodology employed was qualitative, involving a literature review and focus group discussions (FGD). The study’s findings reveal several key indicators within the farming community. Farmer perceptions encompass their responses to external factors, comprehension, and assessment of climate change. Adaptation indicators comprise perception, level of exposure, risk tolerance, sociodemographic characteristics, and adaptive capacity. Mitigation strategies involve enhancing productivity and efficiency, implementing specialized technology options, and adapting agricultural management practices. Farmer perceptions highlight the recognition of climate change as a relatively recent phenomenon, coupled with its palpable impact on agriculture. Adaptations made by farmers include pesticide use, adjusted planting seasons, exploring alternative livelihoods, and land cultivation. Mitigation efforts entail the management of water resources and the adoption of cutting-edge agricultural technologies. These indicators, combined with the insights from focus group discussions (FGD), can serve as valuable tools for developing instruments to assess climate change within the agricultural sector.