Farmers’ perceptions, determinants of adoption, and impact on food security: case of climate change adaptation measures in coastal Bangladesh

Abstract

ABSTRACT Coastal households in Bangladesh are exposed to a variety of extreme climate events, which represent a major threat to food security. However, there is a dearth of empirical research on the adoption and impact of climate change (CC) adaptation measures on food security. Using cross-sectional data from 750 households, this study investigates farmers’ perceptions of CC, the drivers of adaptation measures, and the impact on the household food security in coastal areas of Bangladesh. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate probit, and propensity score matching. According to the findings, most respondents believed that CC is occurring. Climate change adaptation measures were classified into six categories. Borrowing and selling of assets, as well as off-farm labour employment, were used as adaptation measures by more than 85% of the households. Crop farming-related adaptation measure was used by around 47% of the households. Among the explanatory factors, cultivable land area, farming experience, access to climate information, yearly income, and location of households had a significant role in the choice to use adaptation measures. The findings suggested that agriculture-based adaptation measures, such as a change in crop farming technique, significantly reduced food insecurity, whereas off-farm labour employment, as well as borrowing and selling of assets, increased it (as measured on the household food insecurity access scale [HFIAS]). This analysis suggests that government and non-governmental organizations operating in coastal communities may want to prioritize actions to increase understanding and access to climate information amongst farmers and other households. Policies that are location-specific and specific to farmers’ needs must also be developed to fully reap the benefits of adaptation measures.