The nexus of traditional knowledge and climate change adaptation: Romanian farmers’ behavior towards landraces

Abstract

ABSTRACT Climate change adaptation at the farm level is vital to counterbalance rural poverty and maintain a sustainable agriculture ecosystem. Despite the many unknowns about what determines farmers’ adaptation, traditional knowledge on landraces (LRs) cultivation has demonstrated great potential for community-based climate change adaptation. The present study heightens our understanding of the Romanian farmers’ perceptions of climate change, their actual on-farm adaptation measures, and the driving and constraint factors towards their decision to cultivate LRs. Drawing on a survey on farmers, we found that those who face an increased number of crops damaged due to extreme climatic events are more likely to cultivate LRs. Findings point to the widespread adoption of LRs as a measure of climate change adaptation. The taste, healthiness, and environmental adaptability attributes are considered the most important reasons Romanian farmers cultivate LRs. The study provides supportive evidence for decision-makers to develop appropriate strategies and institutional responses for on-farm climate adaptation strategies bringing the contribution of LRs to the fore.