Farmers’ perception of climate change and adaptation decisions: A micro-level evidence from Bundelkhand Region, India

• Published in: Ecological indicators 2020-09, Vol.116, p.106475, Article 106475
• Main Author: Singh, Surendra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation strategies; Barriers; Human- environment approach; Perception; Rainfed agriculture; Resilience; Vulnerability
• ISSN: 1470-160X; 1872-7034
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106475

•Adaptation is the ability to deal with the projected impact of climate change and natural hazards.•Rural people have experienced significant changes in rainfall and temperature.•Most farmers’ perceived drought would lead to livelihood insecurity and yield reduction.•Education and farmers’ perception of climate change are correlated with the decision to adopt particular adaptation strategy.•Climate adaptations are win-win options. This paper aims at identifying the key determinants, which influence and motivate farmers to adopt a rational, cost-effective, climate-smart adaptation strategy. Macro data encompasses review of studies using “Scopus database” and Micro data from field survey in dry region of Bundelkhand (Uttar Pradesh), India. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to select study sites and respondents. A total of 200 sample households of various land size categories were contacted for collecting data using a well-structured and pre-tested schedule. Study findings revealed that variability in temperature and rainfall has affected adversely to the livelihoods of farmers. Low level of livelihood status, fewer non-farm employment opportunities and low cropped area under irrigation were the main barriers to climate change adaptation. Insurance and credit were the main positive determinants that motivated farmers to adjust farm practices. Early maturing seed varieties and less water consuming crop varieties were the most profitable adaptation strategies. Policy intervention should prioritize eliminating asymmetry in information and communication. Enhancing institutional capacities to forecast weather in small geographic regions accurately and warranting accountability of meteorological department is imperative.