Farmers' perception and adaptation to climate change in Agriculture: A case study of rain-fed and irrigation based paddy farmers in Mahawilachchiya DS division of the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Climate change introduces numerous uncertainties over the livelihoods of farming communities that depend heavily on weather conditions. Farmers in developing countries are among the most vulnerable. This study attempts to identify the farmers’ perception on climate change and to explore the strategies used by farmers to cope with climate change. This study was conducted with active farmers who are involved in paddy farming activities for more than thirty years and are above fifty in age. Forty percent of this active farming community was selected by using random sampling technique. Questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted for collecting primary data. Secondary data was collected from a number of relevant institutions. The farmers’ perceptions and strategies for managing climate change were identified through the primary data and simple statistical techniques were used for the analysis. Majority of the farmers’ perceptions on climate change were temperature increase and rainfall decrease and the associated bad weather experienced by farmers over the last 10 - 15 years. These perceptions were parallel with statistical record of meteorological data. However, they have already identified that climate is changing and have already identified their own methods to face these changes. Consequently, they use adaptation strategies individually (farm level) and collectively (community level) to cope with climate change. However, they have barriers in implementing these strategies. This study has identified some recommendations to improve the farmers’ adaptation strategies for managing climate change such as, relevant institutions should collaborate with each other in sharing resources and information, weather forecasting on time, enhanced loan facilities, improved water storing capacity and off-farm training.