Exploring the effects of sociocognitive factors on the adaptation behaviour of farmers in rural Southwest China

Abstract

ABSTRACT A better understanding of the factors that influence the adaptation behaviour of farmers can help in developing effective adaptation measures. This study explores the effects of sociocognitive factors on the climate change adaptation behaviour of farmers based on a survey of 475 local farmers in rural Southwest China. The results show that most farmers were aware of climate change and believed the probability of exposure to climate changes in the future was high. A few farmers agreed that implementing adaptation measures can reduce the adverse effects of climate change. Most farmers believed that their ability to address climate change was low and the adaptation cost was high. The estimation results show that farmers’ perceptions of climate change and adaptation significantly affected their adaptation level and specific practices. Specifically, farmers’ perceptions of the negative impacts of climate change and the perceived severity, probability, adaptation efficacy and self-efficacy have positive effects on their adaptation decisions, while perceived adaptation cost has a negative effect. Farmer-to-farmer interactions and access to markets are significant factors influencing adaptation to climate change. The findings of this study have implications for policy makers in terms of the promotion of the adaption behaviour of farmers in response to climate change in China and other developing countries.