Farmer-led participatory extension leads Haitian farmers to anticipate climate-related risks and adjust livelihood strategies

Abstract

Abstract Farmers globally are facing challenges associated with climate variability and change. In Haiti, where agriculture is predominantly non-mechanized and rainfed, smallholder farmers are severely affected by reduced yields and increases in operating costs. We evaluate the Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA) approach with farmers who live in mountainous areas outside of Port-au-Prince ahead of the 2019 spring growing season. We use quantitative surveys and qualitative case studies to measure farmers' understanding and use of PICSA information and tools, and perceived effects on their farming and households. Seventy percent of survey respondents (63% women) reported that training in PICSA led them to make positive changes in their farming and livelihood enterprises. While most of the changes pertained to the management of existing farming enterprises, farmers also made changes in scale and started new enterprises. The analysis of qualitative case studies provides an in-depth understanding of perceived benefits on farmers' income, food security, confidence and their attitudes towards farming and climate risk. PICSA builds farmers’ self-efficacy by enabling them to focus and reflect on their individual context while collectively analyzing and interpreting relevant information on climate and livelihood options. This study has important implications for future adaptation interventions where extension services and climate information are limited.