Climate Variability Adaptation Research Articles

Land tenure, information sources and climate variability adaptation strategies: evidence from southern Ghana

ABSTRACT This article makes two central arguments to advance inconclusive literature in relevant extant research related to agriculture adaptation and climate change in the global south. First, it argues a relationship exists between land tenure and climate variability adaptation strategies. Second, it argues climate information sources influence climate variability adaptation strategies. Drawing on 150 smallholder farmers in southern Ghana, using a mixed methods paradigm, we answer two research questions: What is the relationship between land ownership and climate variability adaptation strategies? What are the sources of climate variability information that inform adaptation strategies? The findings show that land ownership positively correlates with mixed cropping, use of organic manure, and irrigation. Radio, agricultural extension agents, peer farmers, and families constitute major sources of climate information that influence climate variability adaptation strategies. Governments in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) can implement land administration initiatives that ensures secured land tenure and engender long-term capital-intensive agricultural investments.

Rural Farmers’ Use of Indigenous Crop Management Practices for Climate Variability Adaptation in Imo State, Nigeria

The study analyzed indigenous crop management practices employed by farmers to ensure adaptation in the face of climate variability in Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 360 farmers were randomly selected from the three agricultural zones of the State. Interview schedule was used to elicit information from the respondents. Percentage, mean and Standard deviation were used to describe data collected. Results showed that the farmers were fully aware of climate variability as indicated by a high percentage score of the various prediction signs; erratic rainfall pattern (86.1%), heavy flooding (94.4%), long rainfall (88.8%) among others. Climate variability affects crop production in the following ways ; crop infestation by pests and diseases (M=3.26), leads to death of farmers (M-3.01), heavy presence of armyworms (M=2.76) among others effects. The farmers used the following indigenous crop management practices use of indigenous grains (94.4%), crop rotation (91.6%), multiple cropping (93.1%) among others. The following are benefits of indigenous crop management practices- practices are cheap and cost free (M=3.32), not harmful to human health (M=3.95), practices have no side effects (M=3.27), readily available domestically (M=3.75), and practices have no expiry date. The above practices are safe and have proved successful for centuries and we recommend that they should be integrated into the modern practices of agriculture.

Climate Variability Adaptation Strategies Used by Small-Scale Maize Farmers in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

The agricultural industry is threatened by climate variability due to its over-reliance on climatic conditions. Maize production faces similar threats due to its sensitivity to climate variations and changes in weather patterns, specifically rainfall and temperature. Increased temperatures, rainfall variability, and heightened frequency of climate extremes, such as long periods of drought, were found to have a significant impact on Kenya’s maize production. This study therefore sought to identify climate variability adaptation strategies used by small-scale maize farmers in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, to curb the effects of climate variability on maize yield. The study adopted a descriptive survey design where questionnaires were administered to 394 household heads. The results show some farmers chose different adaptation strategies to lessen the impact of climate variability on maize yield, while others stuck to their original methods of farming. Changing crop varieties and changing planting dates were the highly opted-for adaptation strategies, while dry planting, irrigation farming, planting drought-tolerant crops and soil moisture conservation techniques were the least opted-for adaptation strategies. Socioeconomic factors such as land size, education level, age, gender and marital status had a strong influence on the choice of utilisation of various adaptation strategies. So as to curb the adverse outcomes of climate variability and empower small-scale maize farmers, the study recommended proper education on diverse adaptation methods, access to accurate climate data for proper adjustment to planting dates, sensitization on different crop varieties as well as access to financial resources to promote practices like irrigation farming

Effect of climate variability adaptation strategies on maize yield in the Cape Coast Municipality, Ghana

Effect of climate variability adaptation strategies on maize yield in the Cape Coast Municipality, Ghana

Influence of sustainable livelihood capital on climate variability adaptation strategies

Influence of sustainable livelihood capital on climate variability adaptation strategies

CHOICE AND INTENSITY OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY ADAPTATION STRATEGIES: EVIDENCE FROM MAIZE FARMERS IN SOUTHERN GHANA

ABSTRACT Embedded in a quantitative approach focused on smallholder maize farmers in southern Ghana, this article addresses the dual questions of what climate variability strategies remain adopted? And what is the intensity of adoption as well as the factors that influence the choice and intensity of adaptation strategies? The related literature presents mixed conclusions. Even more compelling is an understanding of how our research questions intersect with socio-demographic factors in mediating and shaping climate variability adaptation strategies. We find drought-resistant varieties, pest and disease control, early/late planting, and the application of indigenous knowledge to be the dominantly adopted climate variability adaptation strategies. The adoption intensity shows three climate adaptation strategies to be the highest (22.34 percent), followed by two (19.29 percent), with the least (0.5 percent) being ten. Farming experience, household size, and farm size positively correlated with the intensity of climate variability adaptation strategies. Temperature perception is inversely correlated with climate variability adaptation intensity. The findings suggest that social capital and other socio-demographic characteristics are relevant for the adoption of climate variability adaptation strategies in southern Ghana.

No farmer no food, assessing farmers climate change mitigation, and adaptation behaviors in farm production

The climatic events and increasing population are impacting the food system's resilience. The significance of a looming food crisis may be more pronounced in a country like Pakistan. Therefore, to manage farm production sustainably, this research infers the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory to analyze small growers' pro-environmental adaptation and mitigation behaviors on the farm. The data of 250 samples were collected from the Sindh province of Pakistan. We applied the partial least squire modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the farmers' pro-environmental behaviors towards climate change mitigation and adaptation practices in farm productions. The results provide evidence that farmers' pro-environmental personal norms R2(80.2%), explain mitigation attitudes (41.2%), and (29.0%) adaptation behaviors of growers. All antecedents of VBN theory reveal robustness and significantly positive relationships except for egoistic values. Thus, pro-environmental personal norms predicted the farmers-orientation behaviors significantly toward the climate variability adaptation practices and mitigation attitudes. Moreover, findings indicate that the VBN theory enacts well when expounding altruistic values and biospheric values of farmers' mitigation attitudes and adaptation behaviors. Despite guaranteeing food security, this research suggests designing policy tools to encourage small growers' pro-environmental behaviors in response to climatic changes to increase sustainable agricultural production in the region.

An appraisal on the determinants of adaptation responses to the impacts of climate variability on coffee Production: Implication to household food security in Nensebo Woreda, Ethiopia

Climate change and variability already had and will continue to harm coffee production throughout the world. Between 80% and 90% of the world’s coffee is produced by smallholder farmers who depend on nature. This study examines the determinants of climate variability adaptation response in coffee production and its implication for household food security in Nensebo Woreda, Ethiopia. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from randomly selected 181 coffee grower farmers as well as purposively selected key informants, and focus group discussion participants. Arial gridded dikadal meteorological data were also used. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, descriptive statistics, and econometric analysis methods. The study reveals that in the study area monthly, seasonal, and annual minimum and maximum temperature has been increasing over the last three decades. Rainfall has been erratic both in amount and timing. Multinomial logit analysis showed that age, farm experience, farm size, family size, average days spent on non-farm and off-farm activities, DA contact, climate change information, and income from coffee were the factors that significantly influenced adaptation responses to climate variability. The study also revealed the presence of a varying degrees of household food insecurity. Therefore, to enhance the adaptive capacity of coffee grower farmers, it is necessary to provide area specific and precise weather forecast information. Likewise, the study shows that building the adaptive capacity of coffee grower farmers requires expanding access to credit and savings services as well as market information. Doing all of these requires extensive and continuous awareness creation intervention about the actual and potential effects of climate variability on coffee production.

Determinants of the choice of adaptation strategies to climate variability and extremes among pastoralist and agro-pastoralist households in Yabello and Arero Districts, Southeast Ethiopia

Climate variability and extremes adversely affect the livestock sector by reducing pasture availability, polluting and depleting water resources, aggravating livestock diseases, and distorting the production systems. The cumulative effect of climate variability undermines the adaptive capacity of pastoralists and worsens food insecurity. This study assesses the impact of climate variability and the determinants of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists adaptation strategies in Yabello and Arero Districts, southern Ethiopia. Accordingly, data were collected from randomly selected 296 sample households using a questionnaire survey. Data were also gathered from a purposively selected key informants and focus group discussion participants. Areal gridded dikadal rainfall and temperature data were collected from the National Meteorological Institute. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression data analysis methods were used. The results show that all seasons were significantly warming, while rainfall declined at various degrees and the distribution was highly variable across the study period. The ever rising minimum and maximum temperature and the erratic nature of rainfall has undermined the availability of pasture and water resources, especially during drought years resulting in the prevalence of livestock diseases. The age of the household head, poor access to information, lack of credit and saving services, limited knowledge, and erratic rainfall were found to be the determinant factors in the choice of adaptation options to climate variability and extremes. The study also found that lack of appropriate intervention and support mechanisms by government and non-government actors as well as the reluctance of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists to accept the stakeholders’ advice were the barriers to climate variability adaptation. Thus, it is clear that pastoralists’ and agro-pastoralists’ livelihood is at risk for climate variability and extremes and hence, requires context specific adaptive capacity building intervention that ranges from awareness creation to strengthening basic infrastructures and rangeland management.

Arable farmers’ livelihood options as a means of climate variability adaptation strategies in Ondo State, Nigeria

The study was designed to assess arable farmers’ livelihood options as a means of climate variability adaptation strategies in Ondo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the objective described the socioeconomic characteristics of arable farmers in Ondo State; examined other livelihood options engaged by the arable farmers in combating effects of climate variability on their farm income; determined the contribution of alternative livelihood options to total income and identified factors that influence the choice of alternative livelihood options. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in the study area to collect data through in-depth interview from one hundred and sixty (160) arable farmers in four (4) designated agricultural zones in Ondo State. Moreover, the primary data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. Apart from the fact that the findings revealed that majority of the respondents (78.75%) were male, it was also observed that the predominant age of the respondents was between 41 and 50 years (34.38%), with an average age of 45 years. The study also revealed that 21.3% of respondents selected off-farming as their option for a livelihood, while 32.5% of respondents engaged in non-farming activities as source of income. The study also revealed that the respondents' participation in non-farming and off-farming activities contributed about 40% of the total income they took in, making this choice the one that had the greatest impact on overall income. Multinomial logistic regression result revealed that respondents who chose farming as a livelihood option shows that age and primary education significantly influence the choice of choosing farming at 5% level of significance. Marital status, secondary education and, farm experience significantly influence the choice of choosing farming at 10% level of significance, while distance from of home to market significantly influence the choice of choosing farming at 1% level of significance. Also, respondents who chose off- farming as a livelihood option shows that age and farming experience significantly influence the choice of choosing off-farming at 10% level of significance, while respondents who chose non & off- farming livelihood option shows that age significantly influence the choice of choosing non & off-farming at 5% level of significance and farming experience significantly influence the choice of choosing non and off-farming at 1% level of significance: using non-farming as a base category.

Determinants of yam farmers’ adaptation practices to climate variability in the Ejura Sekyedumase municipality, Ghana

This study assessed the factors affecting yam farmers' adaptation practices to climate variability in the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality, Ghana. Primary data was collected through 160 household surveys and 8 key informant interviews. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the factors affecting the yam farmers’ choice of adaptation practices. Findings revealed that the yam farmers perceived climate variability through changes in the onset and patterns of rainfall, increasing windstorms, and rising temperatures. The yam farmers perceived the adverse effects of climate variability on their yam production to include a reduction in yam yields (98%), decreased income of farmers (97%), and reduced soil fertility (97%). Findings also showed that the yam farmers utilized key adaptation practices including changing the planting period of yam (88%), planting early-maturing yam seeds/varieties (86%), and intercropping yam with other crops (84%). The key adaptation practices implemented by the farmers were significantly affected by socioeconomic factors including age, years of stay in the community, household size, access to extension services, marital status, education, farming experience, access to climate information, estimated farm size, and estimated farm income (p < 0.05). The empirical findings of this study reinforce the importance of policymakers devising suitable climate variability adaptation policies for yam farmers in Ghana while taking into cognizance the socioeconomic factors that could affect their adoption of such adaptation practices.

Influence of Sorghum Farmers 'Access to Communication Channels on Their Access to Climate Variability Adaptation Strategies in the Semi-Arid Zone of Cameroon

Influence of Sorghum Farmers 'Access to Communication Channels on Their Access to Climate Variability Adaptation Strategies in the Semi-Arid Zone of Cameroon

Awareness and Perceptions of Climate Variability Adaptation among Forest-adjacent Communities in Mau Forest, Kenya

Adequate knowledge of climate variability is essential for the success of any adaptation or mitigation efforts. Thus, a study was conducted to investigate the levels of awareness and perceptions on the adaptation of climate variability among forest-adjacent communities (FACs) in Mau Forest, Kenya. Data for the investigation was generated through the administration of 313 questionnaires across randomly selected forest-adjacent households. Of the entire questionnaire, 311 were analysed, while two were returned uncompleted and therefore discarded. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. Descriptive analysis showed that 96% of the respondents had knowledge of climate variability, while 4% claimed no knowledge of it. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) reported that they receive weather information, with media (electronic and print) cited as the most common (63%) source of this information. As regards frequency of information, those respondents who get information about climate variability occasionally constituted 60%, while 29% of respondents received information frequently. However, 14% of respondents rarely received any climate-related information. Respondents who received climate-related information occasionally (sometimes) constituted 56%. Alternatively, respondents reported that they obtained weather information from agricultural extension officers (17.6%) and Kenya Forestry Service (KFS) officials (15.3%). The perceptions of the farmers that they had observed erratic weather patterns with a general decline in rainfall and an increase in temperatures were corroborated by scientific data as a trend analysis on rainfall and temperature data over a 20-year period mirrored the farmer’s perceptions. A logistic regression model was fitted to determine the socioeconomic factors that influence farmers’ choice of adaptation to climate variability. The ANOVA test results (F-test) show that overall, the logistic regression model was significant (df = 310, p = 0.002). Results of the model revealed that household head age (df = 310, p = 0.015), household head years of residency (df = 310, p = 0.034), and farming experience (df = 310, p = 0.024) were all significant factors that influence FACs’ decision to adopt to climate variability either positively or negatively. This study therefore recommends for more awareness creation and training of FACs of East Mau on how to identify and deal with changing climatic conditions.

Effects of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices on Household Livelihoods in Soy Sub-county Kenya

Aims: This study sought to analyze the effects of adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture practices on farmers’ livelihoods in Soy sub County Kenya.&#x0D; Study Design: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey research design, specifically use of household questionnaires, and interviewing key informants were used to come up with both quantitative and qualitative data.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: the study was conducted in two sites in Soy sub-County Kenya: Soy and Kipsomba ward. The study was conducted in the period October –December 2019. &#x0D; Methodology: Structured household questionnaires (N-196) and interviews with Key informant (N-6) were conducted in two agro-ecological zones. Descriptive statistical analysis was used .while results from key informants were used to collect valuable data that was useful in checking the validity of responses obtained through the use of questionnaires. &#x0D; Results: The study found that 88.7% of the farming households that had adopted CSA practices led to increased yields, 73.46 % of farming households felt that the adoption led to increased income, 7.65 % felt that it has led to employment creation, 4.08 % felt that the adoption led to control of pest and 0.06 % felt that it led to control of weeds. This is an indication that the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture practices can be the useful approach for mitigating climate variability effects, building more resilient livelihoods, improving food security and alleviating poverty. &#x0D; Conclusion: in order to improve on the climate variability adaptation smallholder farmers need to adopt more of CSA practices to turn around the of food insecurity threats. The study concludes that the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture practices positively and negatively influences the livelihoods of farming households in Soy sub- County.

Agriculture farming extension model for analysing climate change adaptation: A case study of Sri Lankan farmers

Abstract. Climate change and variability threaten the sustainability of agricultural and food production, especially in agrarian communities. In Sri Lanka, rainfall is expected to decline by almost 10% by the year 2050 and the largest increase in temperature can be experienced. Despite the potential risks of climate change on agricultural productivity, Sri Lanka does not have a dedicated policy to respond to climate change. Furthermore, there is a dearth of research done in Sri Lanka to provide an understanding of factors that shape farmers’ adaptation to climate change and institutional link to the adaptive capacity of farming households. In this study we have taken secondary data from the World Bank and Central Bank of Sri Lanka to show how the farming population decreased and deforesting occurred due to the urbanization as well as to low education of the farming community. The results show that the majority of farmers who have climate variability adaptation strategies in place are largely influenced by indigenous knowledge. Women and low-income earners are less likely to employ climate change adaptation strategies in order to improve their agricultural productivity. The results have implications that agricultural extension officers service is needed to keep them in the industry and introduce new foresting schemes to carbon deposit and finally reduce the urbanization process.

The climate change related adaptation and resilience of traditional tradicional dwellings: the case of Yucatan Penisula

Mexico has been affected by extreme events such as storms, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires in the past ten years. In this paper, we will attempt to respond to the following questions: What are the climate change effects on the architectural heritage of Maya housing, and what are the adaptation and resilience practices of Maya housing and its environment?&#x0D; Maya houses have major climate variability adaptation potential. The building of a Maya home is conducted without architects, but with the intensive labor required for the planning, organization, technology and systematic knowledge of the climate on the part of the various artisans involved. These efforts, which we can observe to this day, implied invention, innovation and adaptation, as well as the oral transmission of knowledge for locating and orienting the home, preparing the terrain, seeking out and preparing construction materials, the actual work of building the house and conducting the related construction rituals. There exist various forms of adaptation, among them the form, design, materials and technology used. Here we review the housing’s adaptation and resilience to floods, and both water management and control.&#x0D; The principal objective of this text is to evaluate the adaptative and resilient processes of Maya housing to the effects of climate change, considering the principal criteria / indicators that might affect the habitat’s internal environment, its constructive structure, the materials and the inhabitant’s comfort, but without changing the Maya house’s basic design patterns.

Mortgage market and climate variability adaptation: evidence from the mortgage market in emerging cities

Mortgage market and climate variability adaptation: evidence from the mortgage market in emerging cities

Methodology for holistic assessment of grey-green flood mitigation measures for climate change adaptation in urban basins

A novel methodological framework for urban drainage adaptation to climate change is introduced and tested in a small urban basin. The impact of climate change on Intensity-Duration-Frequency curves and on urban drainage is reported. The flood mitigation measures comprised both green and grey alternatives, i.e., permeable surfaces and sewer enlargement. The Storm Water Management Model (SWMM5) was calibrated and employed. Prior to calibration, sensitivity analysis of SWMM hydrologic-hydraulic and permeable surfaces input parameters was conducted using a global sensitivity analysis method. Two novel indices, the Index for Reliability of Urban Drainage Adaptation (IRUDA) and the Climate Variability Adaptation Index (CVAI), were also introduced. IRUDA assesses the total reliability of an urban drainage network in hydraulic, temporal and volumetric terms. Sizing of flood mitigation measures was undertaken employing construction cost along with IRUDA. CVAI was used for alternative selection among different flood mitigation scenarios. CVAI assesses the total adaptive capacity of the drainage network based on hydrological, hydraulic and economic aspects of the proposed adaptation plan. A forward uncertainty propagation scheme was employed on the selected alternative in order to examine input data and parametric uncertainty with respect to the peak discharge at the outlet of the basin. Finally, monetization of ecosystem services offered by green measures is presented. The simulation results for the study area illustrated that under the non-stationarity assumption future rainfall intensities and urban flooding risk will increase, and therefore, further flood mitigation measures will be required. Furthermore, the majority of the adaptation strategies examined were found to improve the capacity and reliability of the drainage network. Moreover, the results revealed that permeable pavements perform better for storm events with return period of up to five years. Overall, it can be concluded that design criteria need to be reviewed and also green measures, such as permeable surfaces, can be introduced in the design procedure.

Factors Influencing Climate Variability Adaptation Strategies among Small-Scale Farmers in Kitui County, Kenya

Climate variability poses a major challenge for small holder rain fed agricultural production with a relatively greater impact on small scale farmers worldwide. Kitui County, Kenya, particularly remains relatively less focused on climate change and farmer understanding of climate variability response strategies. This study sought to assess variability in climate (rainfall and temperature) in Kitui County from 1980-2012 and assess influence of household socio-economic factors on farmer’s level of knowledge on climate variability adaptation techniques. The study also investigated the challenges faced by farmers in applying climate variability adaptation techniques. To achieve the objectives outlined above, a survey design was employed and a sample of 387 respondents selected. Majority of the respondents were small scale farmers in Kitui County. Questionnaires were designed and administered to the selected subjects to solicit data on climate adaptation techniques and socioeconomic factors influencing farmers’ knowledge levels on climate variability adaptation techniques. Data were statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and results discussed and presented in tables, charts and graphs. The study found that climate has over the years varied with temperatures having increased by 2⁰C in the 1980s and early 1990s. The rainfall has reduced to less than 600mm with the lowest rainfall (226mm) being recorded in 2006. This implies that the Kitui County is becoming drier and hotter. These findings were ascertained by majority of the respondents (91.1%) who agreed that rainfall patterns had varied in the last ten years. The study found that there were no significant differences on how local farmers adapted to the changes in climate with regard to income, age and even ownership of land. An exception however, was on education levels with the study finding significant statistical differences (p&lt;0.005) on how farmers with different levels of education adapted to climatic variability and change.

Determinants of climate variability adaptation strategies: A case of Itang Special District, Gambella Region, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is vulnerable to climate variability and extremes due to its location and low adaptive capacity. It is, therefore, crucial to assess the determinants of various adaptation strategies of rural poor to minimize the effects of climate variability on their livelihood and national economy. The study thus, appraises determinant factors of farmers' adaptation strategies to climate variability in purposely selected from kir and Eliya kebeles in Itang Special district, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 188 randomly selected sample households using pretested questionnaire survey. The supplementary data were collected from purposely selected eight key informants, (xxxx) focus group participants. The rainfall and temperature data (1983–2016) were also collected from Ethiopia's National Meteorological Agency (NMA). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The main climate variability adaptation responses were found to be changing farming calendar, collecting fruits and roots, flood recession farming, and growing short maturing crop varieties were widely implemented climate variability adaptation responses. The result shows that gender, age, family size, education level, livestock holding, access to extension, access to information and access to weather information have statistically significant (P < 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1) impact on the choice of adaptation responses. We recommend that climate variability and extremes risk could be reduced through strengthening the provision of extension and basic infrastructure services and facilitates.