Farm-level Adaptation Strategies Research Articles

Weather information, farm-level climate adaptation and farmers' adaptive capacity: Examining the role of information and communication technologies

Previous studies on farmers’ capacity to adapt to weather and climate variability tend to follow the resource endowment perspective and ignore the role of information. The paper examines farmers’ access to weather information as a resource and its relationship to the uptake of farm-level adaptation strategies while controlling other related variables. It also looks at information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide information to farmers. Four dimensions of ICTs are considered – physical access to ICT devices, farmer’s ability to use ICTs, farmer’s intent to use ICTs for productive purposes, and farmer’s presence in the social ecosystem pertaining to use of ICTs. Structural equation modelling analysis of 463 farmers highlighted the potential of information in facilitating the uptake of farm-level adaptation strategies. The information-adaptation link becomes even stronger with the moderation effect of the farmer’s social ecosystem pertaining to use of ICTs. Farmers’ abilities to use ICTs are vital in improving their access to weather information. Farmers’ intent to use ICTs for productive purposes positively correlates with their stronger presence in the social ecosystem pertaining to use of ICTs. While wealth is an essential determinant of farmers’ access to other resources, it is not directly associated with the uptake of farm-level adaptation strategies. The paper highlights ways to enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity through non-economic means and facilitate farm-level adaptation.

Does risk preference influence farm level adaptation strategies? – Survey evidence from Denmark

Farmers’ decisions to adopt new technology or measures for agricultural production processes are crucial for adapting to climate change. Meanwhile, risk preference has received great attention over the years in agriculture-related studies as it has been identified as a strong driver for agricultural production decisions. However, empirical studies on the relationship between farmers' risk preferences and adaptation choices in response to climate change remain scant. The present study, utilizing data from a farmer survey in Denmark, aims to examine farmer risk attitude and determine to what extent it influences crop choice decisions, such as crop changes, as an important part of farm level adaptation strategies. Applying a logit regression method, our study finds that: (1) the majority of farmers in the survey were identified as risk tolerant; (2) several demographic and socio-economic factors, such as work experience and farmland tenure were significantly related with farmer risk preference; (3) actual adoption of the majority of farm level adaptation strategies through crop changes and management was found to be significantly less likely for risk averse farmers compared to risk tolerant farmers. Therefore, policy development to promote successful adaptation measures in the agricultural sector should take into account farmers' risk preferences. To this end, risk averse farmers may need better targeting strategies. Future studies could further investigate the role of farmers' risk preferences on the adoption of a wider range of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures and technologies.

Changes in agricultural scenario of Madhya Pradesh with special reference to soybean in changed climatic scenario: A study on farmers' perception

This study examined soybean growers' perception about climate change and variability, and their adaptation strategies in response to the perceived impacts of climate change. The multi-stage sampling method was employedto select 280 rural farmers in Dewas, Indore and Dhar districts located in Malwa plateau and Nimar valley ofMadhya Pradesh. The results revealed that the crop diversification is lost over a period of time and monocropping ofsoybean became popular in the study area. The introduction ofsoybean was found to be instrumental for enhancement in the cropping intensity ofthe area. Among abiotic weather-related stresses perceived bymajority offarmers were delayed arrival of monsoon, uneven and erratic rainfall, reduced number of rainy days, increased temperature and sunshine hours, and the reduced humidity. Majority of farmers perceived a decrease in annual rainfall. They also perceived that the biotic stresses (weeds, insects and diseases) had increased significantly over a period of time. All thesefactors were responsible for low yields. Survey also indicated that the mechanization increased substantially, and short duration varieties replaced the long duration soybean varieties. To reduce the perceived impacts of climate change, farmers adopted various farm-level adaptation strategies. The results of this study will provide baseline information for local governments, researchers, and policy-makers on farmers' perception of climate change and adaptation strategies.

Are farmers’ climate change adaptation strategies understated? Evidence from two communities in Northern Ethiopian Highlands

Research and policy analyses of climate change adaptation in Africa are often centre to examine adjustments in agricultural operations. This mainly bases on a misconception that rural households merely depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. This research aimed at positioning livelihood (farm and non-farm activities) as the centre of climate adaptation strategies to better understand rural households’ adaptation strategic options and capacities, using two rural communities in the Northern highlands of Ethiopia. The result showed that rural households have broader options both in farm and non-farm strategies for combating adverse climate condition than previously reported. A strong and positive association are found between wealth indicators such as farm size (0.08) and productive assets (0.0917) with farm-level adaptation strategies such as short maturing crop and irrigation. Non-farm adaptation strategies (such as business activities and wage employment) are, mainly, influenced by household demographic characteristics such as age of the household head (0.01) and adult household size (0.09). This indicates that there is no specific adaptation strategy panacea for rural households. Rather, rural households use a mix of strategies to meet the particular agro-ecological settings (for farm-level adaptation strategies), and infrastructure and the location of the community, which enable to access market and other services (for non-farm adaptation strategies). Thus, national level climate policies and strategies need to be tailored to address the specific agro-ecology, and infrastructure of the local area and the socio-economic context of the households in the two communities. In this regard, the different levels of government and non-governmental organizations should provide more adaptation measures on agricultural extension services, access to loans, roads, transport, market, knowledge and creation of wage employment and business opportunities in the vicinity of rural communities and its surrounding towns.

What drives diversity in climate change adaptation strategies for African indigenous vegetable production in Kenya?

Smallholder farmers have adopted diverse adaptation practices to lessen the effect of climate change. However, context-specific information about why particular adaptation strategies are adopted remains limited. This study examined the factors that facilitate the choice of farm-level adaptation strategies to climate change (CC) using data collected from 269 African indigenous vegetable (AIV) farmers in Kenya. A multivariate probit (MVP) regression model was used to evaluate the determinants of adaptation choices. The most frequently adopted strategies considered for analysis were manure application, increased pesticide use, crop rotation, irrigation, change of planting dates and terracing. The results reveal that land ownership, group membership, access to extension services and education level were some of the key drivers of adoption. This implies that policies and programmes that are designed to build the ability of smallholder AIV farmers to adapt to climate change should focus on organising farmers into groups, disseminating timely weather information, improving land tenure security, increasing off-farm employment and providing greater access to extension services.

Determinants of farm-level adaptation strategies to flood: insights from a farm household-level survey in coastal districts of Odisha

Abstract Farmers choose different strategies to cope with disasters. The scientific information on what adaption strategies do farmers across different socio-economic and regional strata choose to cope with disasters can help policymakers to make informed farm-level support interventions. Odisha is a flood-prone state in eastern India. The flood adaptation strategy choices of farmers in Odisha have not been much studied in the literature. Along with identifying the most commonly adopted ex ante and ex post adaptation strategies of farmers, we also identified the common factors influencing the choice of these adaptation strategies. We used the Likert scale and the ordered probit model to analyse the primary data collected from the field survey conducted at the three selected coastal districts. It finds that migration, reduction in food consumption, and pest and disease management are the most common ex post strategies, whereas stocking of foodgrains and usage of flood-resistant seeds are the most common ex ante strategies adopted by the farmers. It also identifies that education, family size and the size of landholding are the main determinants of ex post adaptation strategies, whereas age, the size of landholding and family income are the major determinants of ex ante coping strategies.

Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change among Smallholder Farmers in Moshi Rural District, Tanzania

Climate change is real and presents a threat to human beings particularly the smallholder farmers who rely on rainfed agriculture for their livelihoods. Climate change aff ects smallholder farmers diff erently, and hence acts diff erently to address their impacts. Th us in order to address the adverse impacts of climate change, adaptation to climate change impacts is important. Th is study was undertaken to examine smallholder farmer’s adaptation strategies in Moshi Rural district, Tanzania. Primary data were obtained from 359 household heads and 35 key informants. Data collection methods for this study were face-to-face administered questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. Questionnaires were administered to 359 household heads while in-depth interviews were administered to key informants. Analysis involved descriptive statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. Findings from this study revealed that majority of smallholder farmers have undertaken diff erent adaptation strategies to address climate change impacts. Th ese strategies were both at household level and at the farm-level. Household level adaptation strategies include livelihood diversifi cation, changing eating habits and dependency on remittances, while farm level adaptation strategies were crop diversifi cation, irrigation and intercropping.

The potential of Climate Field Schools to boost small-scale farmers’ adaptation capacity

Increasing temperature and changing rainfall patterns cause a decrease in agricultural production. Adapting to climate change is one of the major challenges of farmers in Indonesia. Since the climate will continue to change in the future, it is important to understand the determinants of adaptation in order to know how to support this adaptation process. This study identifies the link between perception and adaptation, in addition to the driving forces for adopting one or more of a set of 21 farm-level adaptation strategies. A survey was conducted among 74 participants of a Climate Field School in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The 2-step Heckman estimation model that was used analyses the link between perception of and adaptation to climate change. The results indicate that better educated farmers and farmers with no off-farm income are more likely to adapt. The logistic regression model demonstrates that the possession of livestock increases the likelihood of applying a wider range of adaptation strategies. The Climate Field Schools offer a promising approach for enabling farmers to select appropriate adaptation strategies. However, other factors need to be considered to make best use of the potential of sustainable adaptation.

Micro-level adaptation strategies by smallholders to adapt climate change in the least developed countries (LDCs): Insights from Afghanistan

The South Asian countries are amongst the most affected countries by climate change mainly due to poverty and complex socio-economic-demographic challenges. Afghanistan, a South Asian country, is affected by climate change, extreme weather events and losses accompanying its poor adaptation status. Therefore, the present study intends to evaluate the adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers based on primary data collected through pre-tested questionnaire from 260 households distributed in 26 villages across both plain and mountain regions of Yangi Qala district, Afghanistan. The questionnaire contained questions about the general household information and farm-level adaptation strategies by smallholders. Logistic regression models were applied to four major adaptation strategies practiced by the farmers in form of scientific techniques applied during crop cultivation; cultivation of drought-resistant varieties; cultivation of new crop and migration of family members with household characteristics for each region considered separately as well as jointly. The results confirmed that household characteristics like house type, LPG usage, livestock population, irrigated land area, education, secondary profession and male population determined the strategies to abate climate risks by the peasant smallholders of the region. The study highlights the need to identify the in-situ barriers and enablers of adaptation to facilitate an expanded uptake of adaptation practices by smallholders. Therefore, the government must employ policies addressing the challenges by applying a community-inclusive approach for climate adaptation in agriculture.

Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change Trends and Adaptation Strategies in Semiarid Highlands of Eastern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

This study examined smallholder farmers’ perception about climate change and variability compared with the observed metrological data and their adaptation strategies in response to the perceived impacts of climate change. The multistage sampling method was employed to select 358 rural farmers in Hawzen and Irob districts located in semiarid highlands of Eastern Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Moreover, areal gridded surface monthly rainfall and temperature data between 1983 and 2015 were collected from National Meteorology Agency of Ethiopia. The results revealed that about 98.56 and 92 percent of farmers perceived a decrease in annual rainfall. In addition, 87 and 90 percent of farmers noticed that temperature was increased in Hawzen and Irob districts, respectively. Harmoniously, the modified Mann–Kendall trend test confirmed that annual rainfall was decreased by 32.38 mm and 121.33 mm during the period of analysis. Furthermore, mean annual temperature increased statistically significant (p<0.001) by about 0.40°C and 0.39°C per decade during the period of analysis cognate with the farmers’ perception. To reduce the perceived impacts of climate change, farmers adopted various farm-level adaptation strategies that vary significantly between the two groups. Soil and water conservation, planting trees, crop varieties, changing crop calendar, biological conservation, and irrigation were among the dominant adaptation strategies, respectively, in the study area. The results of this study provide baseline information for local governments, subsequent researchers, and policy-makers in terms of farmers’ perception of climate change and adaptation strategies.

Climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa: a menace to agricultural productivity and ecological protection

Due to inadequate adaptation capacity, Sub-Saharan Africa has been depicted as the most vulnerable region with regards to global climate change, this is because of its reliance on agricultural activities for sustenance to livelihood which is highly sensitive to climate variables such as temperature variation, rainfall intensity, humidity patterns, and other extreme weather events. This paper reviews how climate change constitutes a menace to agricultural productivity and ecological protection using a qualitative approach. And importantly suggests ways to overcome such problems. Relevant literature was gathered from secondary data through articles, reports, journals from scientific publications, online websites and Conference Papers. From the review, it is revealed that climate change in Africa has a very significant effect on average temperature, rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events. It was also reviewed that climate has a negative effect on agricultural production and the ecological niche in Sub-Saharan Africa. Evidently, due to past and present climate change; agricultural land, growing season and yield as well as, ecological degradation will cause a decline to sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is the center of this problem. Climate change adversely affects biodiversity protection through aggravated weather conditions, increased temperature, increased land salinity, excessive rainfall, storms, hurricanes and tornadoes which climax in ecosystem ruin. This review has clearly confirmed that Sub-Saharan Africa is indeed the most vulnerable region to climate change. To this end, policies aimed at promoting farm level adaptation strategies and mitigation of climate change with regards to ecological protection are highly recommended. Keywords: Climate change, Ecological protection, Sub-Saharan Africa, Sustainable development

Farm households’ perception on climate change and adaptation practices

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the farming community’s perception on important parameters of climate change and identify major practices and technologies adopted to mitigate the impacts of climate change and their determinants in mountain district of Nepal. Being an agrarian economy and dependent on monsoon rain, the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity and production has been experienced. Different adaptation strategies have been adopted by the communities to cope with the consequences of climate change.Design/methodology/approachFour village development committees (VDCs) situated in the buffer zone of Langtang National Park of Rasuwa district representing rice, wheat, maize and potato production area was purposively selected for this study. A two-stage sampling technique was adopted for data and information collection. Thirty households from each VDC were randomly selected. Data on the socio-economic and climate change perception were collected using structured questionnaire. A binary logistic regression technique was used to identify the determinants of climate change adaptation technologies and practices.FindingsThe farmers’ decisions whether to adopt climate change adaptation technologies are governed by the size of landholding, perceived threat of climate change to food security, education level and gender of the interviewee, perception on the increased incidence of droughts during rainy season and income received from the off-farm sources. In a community where agricultural activity is the dominant means of living, adaptive strategies help to increase the capacity of a farming system to survive external shocks and cope with the consequences.Originality/valueThe assessment of farm-level adaptation strategies and factors influencing their adoption decision is important to formulate policies and design programs. This will also help to recognize adaptation as a tool for managing a variety of risks associated with climate change in agricultural sector.

Drivers of farm-level adaptation to climate change in Africa: an evaluation by a composite index of potential adoption

Over recent decades, there has been increasing levels of research dedicated to assess drivers of farm-level uptake of adaptation strategies to climate change. The main purpose of this research being to determine how policy intervention can most effectively increase adoption. This paper aims to synthesise this past research in order to scale up uptake of farm-level adaptation strategies through a composite index of potential adoption in Africa. In doing so, we review the estimated coefficients of econometric regressions in 42 case studies published in peer-review journals to identify the factors that regularly explain adoption. We find that these common factors can be grouped into seven components, that is human capital, financial resources, infrastructure and technology, social interaction and governance, food security, dependence on agriculture and attitudes towards the environment. Using national-level indicators of these seven categories, we develop a composite index to inform potential adoption and test the robustness of the index in an in-depth sensitivity analysis. The results show that the highest likelihood of adoption of farm-level adaptation strategies is in Northern African countries namely Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco and in Southern African countries such as South Africa and Botswana. Conversely, they indicate that the lowest likelihood of adoption is situated in nations of the Sahel and Horn of Africa and in nations that have recently experienced conflict. We conclude that adoption is associated predominantly with governance, civil rights, financial resources and education. However, it is not necessarily driven by the magnitude of climate change impacts on agricultural production.

Climate change and farm-level adaptation decisions and strategies in drought-prone and groundwater-depleted areas of Bangladesh: an empirical investigation

Despite recognizing the vulnerability of Bangladesh's agriculture to climate change, the existing literature pays limited attention to a rigorous, quantitative analysis of farm-level data to investigate rice farmers' preferred adaptation strategies, perceived barriers, and policy implications. By employing data from 1800 Bangladeshi farm-households in eight drought-prone and groundwater-depleted districts of three climatic zones and logit models, this study breaks new ground in investigating farm-level adaptation to climate change.Results showed that farmers' perceptions of climatic variability supported macro-level evidence. Science-driven (e.g., drought tolerant rice), environmental resource-depleting (e.g., groundwater), and crop-switching (e.g., non-rice crops) typified preferred farm-level adaptation strategies to alleviate adverse effects of climate change. Drought severity, extent of groundwater depletion, education level, farm-size, access to climate information, and electricity for irrigation, and agricultural subsidies were significant factors underpinning farmers' decision to adapt. Inadequate access to climate information and scientific research outcomes, limited irrigation facility and resource-base represented major adaptation barriers.Strengthening agricultural research and support services including information accessibility, community-focussed farming education and training for improved crop culture practices, and expanded and efficient surface-water irrigation infrastructure are critically important for creating an effective adaptation process to climate change. Scientific research-driven adaptation measures with stronger support systems appear more sustainable.

Climate variability, consumption risk and poverty in semi-arid Northern Ghana: Adaptation options for poor farm households

This paper presents a micro-level simulation study on possible impacts of farm level adaptation strategies using a spatial dynamic hydro-economic model called Mathematical Programming based Multi Agent System. The model was validated for the Northern semi-arid region of Ghana. The simulation results revealed that climate variability has substantial impacts on the poverty and food security status of farm households. Policy interventions like the provision of agricultural credit and expansion of irrigation access are found to be highly important in reducing the adverse effects of climate variability for the capital constrained and poor rainfed farm households. However, to achieve significant changes in food security, a mix of adaptation strategies in the form of credit and irrigation has to be provided simultaneously. We also found that farm level adaption through shifting planting date as well as adopting early maturing crop varieties can substantially reduce the adverse impacts of climate variability.

English

The study examines farmer adaptation strategies to climate change in Southern Africa based on a cross-section database of three countries (South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe). A multivariate discrete choice model was used to analyse the determinants of farm-level adaptation strategies. Results confirm that access to credit, free extension services, awareness of climate change are critical determinants of farm-level adaptation options. Policies aimed at easing identified key limits to farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate change need to emphasize the critical role of: extension services; provision of improved climate, production and market information as well as the means to implement adaptation through affordable credit and insurance against climate risks (safety nets). Key words: Climate change, farm-level adaptation, Southern Africa.

Review of Farm Level Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in Africa

Review of Farm Level Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in Africa

Review of Farm Level Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in Africa

Climate change poses social, economic and environmental problems on a global scale. It is a threat to agricultural development, as it has multitude manifestations among which include increased infestation of crops by pest and diseases, increased rural-urban migration, increased biodiversity loss, frequent drought and flood. These evident consequences of climate change however, can be reduced through adaptation. The review revealed that farmers practiced various adaptation strategies peculiar to the impact of climate change in their localities. These include mixed cropping, early planting, use of new crop varieties and soil management techniques among others. Inadequate inputs, lack of information on climate change forecast and poverty were the constraints to climate change adaptation among crop farmers as reviewed by this study. It is recommended that more campaign need to be carried out to sensitize farmers on the dangers and consequences of climate change and need for adaptation. Farmers need to be empowered economically through access to loans for them to procure adaptation inputs.

Climate change and variability in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review of current and future trends and impacts on agriculture and food security

Sub-Saharan Africa has been portrayed as the most vulnerable region to the impacts of global climate change because of its reliance on agriculture which is highly sensitive to weather and climate variables such as temperature, precipitation, and light and extreme events and low capacity for adaptation. This article reviews evidence on the scope and nature of the climate change challenge; and assesses the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. From the review, it is apparent that the climate in Africa is already exhibiting significant changes, evident by changes in average temperature, change in amount of rainfall and patterns and the prevalence of frequency and intensity of weather extremes. The review also revealed that although uncertainties exist with regards to the magnitude of impacts, climate will negatively affect agricultural production in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, as result of current and expected climate change, the area suitable for agriculture, the length of growing seasons and yield potential, particularly along the margins of semi-arid and arid areas, are expected to decrease. These impacts will affect all components of food security: food availability, food accessibility, food utilisation and food stability and hence increase the risk of hunger in the region. The review thus confirms the general consensus that Sub-Saharan Africa is the most vulnerable region to climate change. It suggests that, policymakers and development agencies should focus on formulating and implementing policies and programmes that promote farm level adaptation strategies currently being practiced by farmers across the region.