Perception of Climate Change Impacts on Livelihoods in Central Mali

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to analyze the perceptions of local communities on climate change and its impacts on livelihoods in Central Mali. A survey data collected using multistage random sampling methods have been used for that purpose. From the result, the multinomial logit analysis, shows that households in Central Mali are well aware of climate change, its different manifestations (change in temperature, in precipitation duration and amount, in wind etc.) and the related adverse effects on their livelihoods. However, they face considerable challenges in adapting to those changes in climate. Lack of funds and credit facilities, lack of access to timely weather information, lack of technologies (physical infrastructure, technical material and equipment), lack of knowledge regarding adaptation technics (required human skills, e.g., applying specific planning and management approaches and methods), lack of appropriate seeds have been identified as the major critical barriers to climate change adaptation in the region. These constraints probably explain why individuals often resort to poor but more affordable adaptation strategies which are conflict sensitive and likely to disrupt social cohesion between local communities. In this context, implementing policies aiming at improving the effectiveness of extension services in supporting households to better adapt to climate change could be of great importance.