Adaptation to Climate Change by Up Country Vegetable Farmers
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
In Sri Lanka, climate change impact is the second most gravely affecting reason for food
insecurity and agriculture is the most vulnerable sector to climate change. Specifically,
vegetables, legumes, coarse grains, and potatoes are likely to be adversely affected. Thus,
the need for adaptation is pressing for these seasonal cropping systems given the
importance of climate change impacts on livelihoods. For successful adaptation policies
and recommendations should be formulated based on a robust analysis of factors
influencing farmers’ decision to adopt. Based on a cross-sectional survey conducted for
upcountry vegetable farmers, the study elucidates farmers' perceptions of climate change,
ongoing adaptation measures, factors influencing farmers' decisions to adapt, and
constraints. Data were collected from 150 farmers in Nuwaraeliya, Welimada, Badulla,
and Bandarawela divisional secretariat areas. Multinomial logit model analyses factors
affecting to the adaptation by farmers. Results indicate gender, education level, farming
experience, income, willingness to take credit, the extension on the crop, climate change
information, farmer to farmer extension, total annual rainfall, and average annual
temperature as the significant factors. Further, early or late planting, crop or variety
switching and intensive use of inputs are the commonly used current adaptation options.
Results explain that farmers lack climate information. Moreover, higher costs to adapt
and lack of vigorous seeds impede adaptation. The study suggests educating farmers
about potential adaptation options is pivotal. Moreover, policies related to education,
adaptation cost, and vegetable seed importation should be amended to promote
adaptation. Providing comprehensive climate change information and improved crop
extension service are the practices that need governmental support. Furthermore,
intensive studies on climate change and networking farmers to initiate an information
portal will nurture climate change adaptation.
Keywords: Climate change adaptation, Upcountry vegetable farmers, Multinomial logit
model
Description
Keywords
Agriculture, Crop Production, Climate change