Perceptions of climate and climate change by Amazonian communities

Human societies in mountainous areas have evolved specific ways of dealing with the constraints imposed by the environment. A number of anthropological studies have documented the existence of practices that can be considered adaptive in the context of mountain environments. In this paper, I present a case study of a society in transition, in the northwestern Himalayas of India, in which local knowledge-combining aspects of traditional knowledge and practice-is used by farmers to cognize and cope with the uncertainty in their environment. Focusing on the perception of changes in the amount and timing of snowfall over the last three decades, I present a non-reductionist and nested model of human-environment interaction that explains the perception and knowledge of climate as a function of micro-level livelihood practices, as well as enduring and widely shared cultural notions of risk and vulnerability. The model being proposed encompasses agency and cognition at multiple levels, ranging from the local to the regional, and is explicated with ethnographic information, which demonstrates the resilient and dynamic nature of local knowledge. The paper's major finding is that the perceptions of climate change in the region are shaped both by the local knowledge of crop-climate linkages, as well as the broader historical relationship with the environment. Introduction Kullu Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northwestern India has experienced a number of crop failures in the last 15 years that apple growers blame on a changing climate no longer suitable for apple production. Growers' perceptions of climate correspond closely with the meteorological record in the valley (Vedwan and Rhoades 2001). Not only the aspects of climate but even the climate categories, which are perceived as having changed, are those that scientifically affect apple production the most. How are these perceptions of climate change and the adverse impact of climate change on apple production to be understood? How do farmers think about climate, and what may be causing the climate to deteriorate as far as they are concerned? Do these perceptions of climate change facilitate action aimed at ameliorating the perceived negative effect on apple production? If this is the case, then how does this occur? This paper links these questions together and answers them by offering a nested model of the perception of climate change. The model situates perceptions of climate change within the context of both local-level practices and the broader system of human-environment interactions, ultimately facilitating growers' response to the decline in apple production. While avoiding both environmental and socio-cultural determinism, the model is dynamic and capable of accounting for change over time in the system. It demonstrates how local knowledge of risk and vulnerability combines aspects of local knowledge-which is inter-generational and related to apple growers' traditional agricultural occupation, as well as identity as paharis (hill people)-with the more recent understanding of climatic impact on apple. An important goal of the model is to bridge the dichotomies-thought vs. action, natural vs. cultural realms, and practical vs. abstract knowledge-that often characterize anthropological accounts of human-environment relations in mountainous areas and elsewhere. A formulation of human-environment interaction such as the one being presented here has implications for our understanding of the cultural perceptions of risk and environmental vulnerability and their role in facilitating adaptive responses. Situating Perceptions In this section, I provide a summary of the literature relevant to answering the questions posed earlier. The relevant literature, mirroring the synthetic nature of the model, consists of several areas of theoretical research that are often seen as distinct and unconnected, but which must be brought together in this paper to account for the apple growers' perceptions and responses. …

The main objective of this paper is to assess pro-environmental behavior, climate change anxiety, perception, hope, and despair in different political orientations. Our specific aims included to assess the validity of all the instruments used; to assess whether the factor structure of the scales were valid across political orientations; to evaluate their reliability; to assess differences concerning age, gender, and political orientation; to learn the variables that explain pro-environmental behavior; and to evaluate the moderating role of climate change perception, despair, and hope in the relationship between climate change anxiety and pro-environmental behavior. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs), multi-group CFAs (to calculate measurement invariance), multiple linear regressions, and moderations were performed. Results showed that pro-environmental behavior and climate change hope achieved the four assessed levels of invariance across different political orientations; climate change anxiety achieved the first three levels of invariance; and climate change perception and climate change despair achieved configural invariance. Climate change anxiety, personal experience with climate change, and climate change perception (total, reality, and consequences) presented higher values for the left political orientation than for the right or the center. Climate change anxiety variables contributed most to explaining pro-environmental behaviors. Hope, despair, and climate change perception (consequences) moderated the relationship between climate change anxiety and pro-environmental behavior. These results open up new avenues for investigation, specifically to understand why high levels of anxiety lead to more pro-environmental behaviors.

This study investigated the role of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) in climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers in Mbereshi village. The study examined smallholder farmers’ perception of climate change, their traditional knowledge and practices, and the effectiveness of LEK in enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. The study used a mixed-methods research design, combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0 was used to examine quantitative datasets. Thus a multiple regression analysis was used to determine the predictive influence of multiple independent variables on LEK use while a Chi-square test was performed to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference in farmers’ perception of climate variability and change across the main climate variables considered for the study. The qualitative datasets were analysed using a thematic and descriptive approach. Study findings show that age and farming experience were significant predictors of LEK use in the multiple regression model while farmers’ perception of changes in the major climate variables were statistically significant based on the Chi-square test. The study shows that 91 percent of farmers were aware of changing climatic trends, especially on the commencement and frequency of rainfall variations while 86 percent of them indicated using LEK to guide their adaptation, early cultivation, crop rotation, and seed selection processes, among others. The results also indicate that farmers who implemented LEK observed an increase in crop yield. Farmers were also able to practice conservation tillage, organic fertilization, and agroforestry, indicating a great sense of commitment to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The study concludes that LEK is a useful traditional strategy for climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience. Study findings also strongly support the incorporation of LEK use in national climate change adaptation plans, and hence the study’s proposal for use of hybrid knowledge systems that blend indigenous wisdom with scientific innovation.

Farmers’ perception of climate change is very important for their adoption of adaptation strategies. This paper analyses dairy farmers’ perceptions of changes in rainfall patterns and its impact on dairy production in northern Malawi. Farmers’ perception was obtained through a survey and analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and a multi-nominal regression model. The accuracy of farmers’ perceptions was assessed with reference to actual rainfall data in the study area. The results revealed that majority (40%) of the respondents perceived that the amount of rainfall that the area had received over the past five years had increased. However, this was not supported by actual rainfall data. The farmers were also of the view that an increase in the amount of rainfall led to an increase in pasture production, water availability and milk production. Results from the multi-nominal regression model showed a strong relationship between milk production on one hand and water availability, and pasture production on the other. The results imply that dairy farmers in the study area do not perceive climate variability as an immediate problem and highlight the need to sensitize them about the current and projected changes in climate, their vulnerability and adaptation strategies. Key words: Climate change and variability, dairy production, Malawi, multi-nominal regression, perception.

As one of the main stakeholders in the fishing industry, shrimp farmers are directly affected by climate change that causes changes in seawater temperature, rainfall, and unpredictable weather patterns. Related to the issue, the threat to income may be felt by shrimp farmers. Therefore, in this study, we highlight two objectives as a basis for drawing up this article, namely (1) to understand shrimp farmers’ perceptions of climate change, and (2) to identify factors that influence farmers’ decisions in implementing adaptation strategies. There are two types of analysis that we use, namely descriptive analysis and logit regression analysis. Our findings show that the majority of shrimp farmers consider climate change manifested in the form of changes in rainfall patterns (96.21%), increases in pond water temperatures (98.71%), decreases in yield production (95.41%), and increases in shrimp pests and diseases (96.23%). The results of our logit regression analysis show that the decision-making factors of shrimp farmers are significantly influenced. These results indicate that the implementation of adaptation strategies in the fisheries sector can generate significant growth and reduce the risks posed by climate change. As a result, the government needs to encourage the development of more suitable climate change adaptation strategies for small-scale shrimp farmers in Indonesia.

Climate change is a global challenge. Even though climate change affects all countries, less-developed countries and poor peasant farmers are especially at risk and have difficulty adapting. Less-developed nations are home to an estimated 500 million small-scale farms, who provide sustenance for approximately two billion people. In addition, it is estimated that these small farms produce nearly 80 per cent of the food consumed in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Existing literature finds Africa is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate fluctuation and change, including rising sea levels, melting glaciers, threatened water supplies, leading to decreased agricultural output, increasing food insecurity, diminished biodiversity, intensifying erosion, drought, and flood. In Africa, smallholder farmers depend on agriculture, which relies on timely rainfall, and thus they increasingly experience the consequences of climate change. This chapter reviews the literature on smallholder farmers in Africa and climate change, focusing on their perceptions of climate change and their adaptation techniques. We also explore how various factors affect smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change and their adaptation strategies. Finally, we discuss the need to improve awareness and adaptation capacity. Although farmers in various African countries perceive climate change differently, the literature review reveals that they have some views in common. Most farmers observe changes in temperature and rainfall patterns in their area. They also report experiencing increasing floods and droughts and decreasing crop production. Diversification of crops, changing crops, planting drought-resistant crops, incorporating livestock into crop production, shifting the time of agricultural operations, homestead gardening, increasing irrigation, engaging in mixed farming, and migration are common adaptation strategies reported in African countries. We found various household-related factors (gender, age, education, marital status, family size, etc.), farm-related factors (farming experience, size of the farm, etc.), institutional factors (access to information, extension contact, etc.), as well as other factors (participation in a social group, training, etc.) are affecting local level adaptation strategies among farmers. We contend that farmers are the “front-liners” in adapting to climate change, and government agencies and other national and international organizations should continue their efforts to support them. Moreover, to contribute to the progress of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, farmers’ insights and experiences should be integrated in the dominant policies and plans, including coordination of education about climate change and adaptation strategies. Furthermore, we also advocate for emphasizing improving environmental awareness through environmental education particularly in this region to achieve effective adaptation.

Climate change affects both men and women which, in turn, shapes their varied and contrasting perceptions of climate variability and change. This paper examined the gendered perceptions of climate variability and change among local communities in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.The objectives are threefold: - identify climatic shocks faced by the local communities; examine the perceptions of men and women of climate variability and change; and to compare their perceptions with empirical meteorological data. This study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods, with data collected from 215 respondents using survey, interviews and focused group discussions. From the findings, indicators of climate variability and change included reduced flooding events, occurrence of human diseases, increasing crop pests and diseases, dry spells and intensity of rains. There was increasing significant temperatures while rainfall was declining. Both male and female significantly associated with increasing temperatures and reduced flooding events. While climatic shocks affected both males and females, the impact was more pronounced depending on distinct livelihood activities and roles and responsibilities undertaken. The study concluded that people’s perceptions of climate change should be taken on by the government and integrated in the national climate programs that support people’s livelihoods and survival mechanisms.

It is of great significance for global environmental governance to guide farmers to effectively perceive climate change. Based on the survey data of 540 farmers in Sichuan Province, China, this study used binary Logit model and Multinomial Logistic Regression model to explore the effects of farmers’ space-time perception of climate change and their interaction effects on farmers’ adaptation behavior to climate change. The results showed that: (1) 88.51% of farmers took adaptation measures to climate change, and 61.11% of them took both passive and active adaptation measures. Among the 7 measures, the highest rate of “Increase irrigation” is 23%, and the lowest rate of “Migrant work” is only 5%. (2) The scale difference of farmers’ time perception of climate change has a significant positive impact on their adaptive behavior of climate change. In terms of time: climate change perception in the next 5 years > in the next 10 years > in the next 15 years. (3) The scale difference of farmers’ space perception of climate change has a significant positive impact on their adaptation behavior to climate change. In other words, spatially, farmers’ perception of climate change is global > national > local village (the perception of local province is not significant). (4) Farmers’ space-time perception of climate change significantly affects farmers’ adaptive behavior. Among them, “farmers’ perception of climate change in the next 5 years” and their own “village’s perception of climate change” play an important role. This study will help deepen the understanding of farmers’ perception of climate change and their adaptive behavior, and provide reference for national policy making.

Purpose Tribal farmers in India are among the most vulnerable societal groups affected by climate change and variability. This study aims to examine the perceptions and adaptation strategies of tribal farmers in response to climate change in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, India. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on cross-sectional data collected in 2024 from 150 tribal farmers using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. Findings The findings indicate that nearly all tribal farmers identified various signs of climate change: 90.2% acknowledged that the climate has changed, 85% reported irregularities in rainfall patterns, 87.25% observed an increase in temperature and 55.33% noted a rise in winter rainfall. The farmers’ perceptions of climate change are significantly influenced by several factors. Gender, age, education level, agricultural training, climate awareness, farming experience, availability of irrigated land, income level, crop insurance and access to loans are among the factors listed. Research limitations/implications Future research should focus on integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific advancements to develop holistic climate adaptation frameworks with the coverage of more states to give a clear picture about the perception and adaptation of climate change of tribal farmers. Originality/value Most studies in India focus on different states or regions, but to the best of the authors’ knowledge, very few examine tribal farmers’ adaptation and perception of climate change, especially in Odisha, one of the most vulnerable and second-highest tribal-populated states.

Smallholder farmers’ perception of climate change and adoption of climate smart agriculture practices in Masaba South Sub-county, Kisii, Kenya

Smallholder farmers are highly vulnerable to the impacts climate change, due to their dependence on agriculture for their livelihoods, reliance on rain-fed crops and location in marginal lands. Farmers have to perceive first that the climate has changed, and then identify effective and efficient climate change-smart agricultural practices climate and implement them. The main purpose of this study was to analyze factors determining the farming communities’ awareness of climate change and variability and it’s implication for implementation of climate change-smart farming practices. A multi stage sampling procedure followed to select sample respondent households and the total sample size of the study was 138 households. This study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Primary data were collected by using semi-structured interview schedule, focus group discussion (FGDs) and key informant interviews. Logistic regression model was used to estimate household demographic, socio-economic, institutional and biophysical factors that determine the farmers’ perception of climate change and variability in the area. The results indicated that about 88.73% of farmers believe that temperature in the district had become warmer and over 90% were of the recognized that rainfall volume; pattern, distribution and timing had changed, resulting in increased frequency of drought. Though the majority of the responders perceived climate change only 62.56% of the total respondents’ implemented climate change-smart agricultural practices while the remaining 37.5% had not adapted any climate change-smart agricultural practices. This could imply that though perception is the frontline prerequisite sequentially for adoption of climate change-smart agricultural practices decisions, it is not cure-all alone. From the findings of the logistic analyses, the local socio-economic, institutional and agro-ecological and the information on weather and climate were significant in determining the likelihood of a good perception and knowledge of climate change and variability. To enhance rural farmers’ awareness and adoption of climate change adaptation techniques, more focus should therefore be given to socio-economic (farm experience, education and training, access to weather related information household size, wealth, land ownership) factors as suggested by model results. So, effective communication, active community involvement and considering socio-cultural factors such as religious practices and rituals could be areas of policy implication of the study.

高寒生态脆弱区农户对气候变化的感知——以甘南高原为例

Climate change is affecting food production and livelihood of farmers particularly those living in arid and semi-arid areas. Farmers of this region despite many weather-related uncertainties, continue to engage in farming. The consequences of climate change have not deterred them to defer farming. This intrigued researchers to understand how farmers perceive climate change. Perception is a complex phenomenon and it needs to be measured using a psychometric scale. Several scales available are intended to measure causes of climate change, effects of climate change or adaptation of farmers for climate change. A scale to measure farmers’ perception of climate change per se was not available. So a study was taken up to develop a scale to measure farmers’ perception of climate change in Khanapur (flood prone) and Savanur (drought prone) regions of Karnataka. Likert summated scaling technique was employed. Based on the operational definition of the construct-“perception of climate change” responses for 24 items belonging to 5 domains were obtained from 42 judges. Based on relevancy test, 20 items retained and 2 more items as suggested by judges were added. Responses for these 22 items were obtained from 60 farmers of non-study area. Criterion groups were formed to evaluate individual item and critical ratio was calculated using t-test. Ten statements with highest “t” value equal to or greater than 1.75 were selected and subjected to reliability analysis in study area by surveying 60 farmers. Correlation coefficient was 0.62 and r value after adjusting for scale was 0.77 which was significant at one per cent level indicating the high reliability of the instrument. Construct validity was established by finding the correlation coefficients of sub domains scores with total scores of the test. All the components considered were appropriate in measuring the perception of farmers about climate change. Final scale composed of 10 statements. The developed scale was administered to 260 farmers in a study area and found that 57 per cent of the farmers had medium level of perception of climate change. This scientifically developed scale can be used to measure the farmers’ perceptions about climate change beyond the study area.

The purpose of this study was to investigate High School (HS) students’ perceptions of Climate Change (CC) and Global warming (GW). This work was conducted within Portuguese High School students and the results in this context should have meaningful implications for national CC policies in the future as well as HS curricula adaptation to the students’ perceptions. Research was conducted at a high school in Central Portugal. The survey was applied to all the high school students from the 10th to the 12th grade, enrolled in the areas of Sciences and Technology, Languages and Humanities, Socio-economical Sciences and Professionalization. The data were collected through a self-completion questionnaire consisting of 29 closed-ended questions and two open questions aiming at characterizing students from the socio-demographic, and from their perceptions, beliefs, motivations, attitudes, knowledge relating to the topic of CC. Google Drive was used to host the questionnaire and allow for the online survey. Statistical exploratory univariate and bivariate analyses were performed on the data collected (frequencies, total and column percentages, adjusted residuals). All statistical tests were two-tailed, with significance levels of 5%. Only statistically significant results were commented on the results section. Majority of students believed that CC was happening and also perceived that human activities were an important cause of CC. Still, the surveyed students hold some misconceptions about basic causes and consequences of climate change. Students’ gender influenced their perceptions of time scale of CC impact on both human and biotic communities. Most students state that their training had focused enough on the topic of CC and felt they had a moderate technical knowledge about the topic of CC (students’ knowledge of how their behaviour influenced CC followed a similar pattern). There was a large conviction that the main actions in mitigating CC effects should be taken by governments and regarding the perception of the importance of CC for their future professional carrier, 48% considered that this topic was “moderately important” and 29% considered it as “very important”. However as individuals, and globally, 74% had not taken actions to mitigate CC (only 26% of the respondents had taken some actions to mitigate the causes of CC). Further research is necessary so that curricula programs can be adequate to promote better knowledge and attitudes about climate change and an active engagement of future participative citizens, as part of the solution for climate change problems.

It is well recognized that tourism development is a prominent contributor to climate change, but is also a “victim” of climate change. Therefore, to mitigate climate change is of great importance for the sustainability of tourism. Yet extant studies regarding tourism and climate change tend to be dominated by a supply-side stance, albeit the core role of the tourist in the tourism industry. While researchers are increasingly adopting a tourist perspective, few seek to understand the linkage between climate change and tourists’ specific mitigation behaviors in a tourism context; this is especially so in China. This study investigates the impact of Chinese tourists’ perceptions of climate change on their mitigation behaviors based on norm activation theory. Drawing on 557 self-administrated questionnaires collected in China, it finds that tourists’ perceptions of climate change and perceived contribution of tourism to climate change both positively affect energy saving and carbon reduction behavior in tourism. Yet, compared with perceived contribution of tourism to climate change, tourists’ perceptions of climate change are found to be a much stronger predictor for energy saving and carbon reduction behavior. Therefore, it suggests that tourists’ perceptions of climate change in a general context is more strongly related to climate change mitigation behavior in tourism, calling for attention to go beyond the tourism context to alleviate the negative impacts of tourism on climate change.