Perception of Climatic Change and Farmers’ Decision to Adapt in the Sudano-sahelian Zone in Cameroon

William Nemkenang Koguia,Mabah Tene Gwladys Laure,Fidoline Ngo Nonga,Antoine Leblois,Ali Madi

doi:10.32996/jhsss.2021.3.10.3

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of farmers' perceptions on the decision to adapt to climate change in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. Based on a random draw from 721 farm households. This research shows that 98.6% of respondents in the study area reported having observed significant changes in climatic conditions. In addition, 89% of farmers have adopted at least one strategy to deal with these changes. Heckman's model shows that pessimistic perception about future climate precedes farmers' decision to adapt to climate change. The results also show that gender, membership of a farmer organization, religious beliefs, age, and sources of information are the main determinants of producers' perception and decision to adapt to climate change.

Highlights

The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of farmers' perceptions on the decision to adapt to climate change in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon
The results show that gender, membership of a farmer organization, religious beliefs, age, and sources of information are the main determinants of producers' perception and decision to adapt to climate change
According to Mendelsohn et al (1994), farmers will be seriously affected if they do not react to new climatic conditions by adopting adaption strategies In Cameroon, agriculture generates, in average years, 22% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contributes more than 55% in trade dealings, provides more than 50% of raw materials to industries, and is the principal source of revenue and employment of the active population (World Bank 2003, 2007; DSDS, 2005)

Summary

Introduction

The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of farmers' perceptions on the decision to adapt to climate change in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon. This research shows that 98.6% of respondents in the study area reported having observed significant changes in climatic conditions. Heckman's model shows that pessimistic perception about future climate precedes farmers' decision to adapt to climate change. Introduction Africa is subject to a highly unpredictable climate This situation weakens the agricultural systems which no longer respond to actual climate pressure (Yegbemey et al, 2014). In the sudano-sahelian zones, the rates of a rapid rise in JHSSS 3(10): 22-33 temperature are recorded in December, January, February, September, October, November, with rates being 0.2-0.4o by decade (PNUD, 2008)

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