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https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3920
Title: | Influence of smallholder farmers’ perceptions on adaptation strategies to climate change and policy implications in Zimbabwe |
Authors: | Jiri, Obert Mtali-Chafadza, Linda Mafongoya, Paramu, L. obertjiri@yahoo.co.uk |
Keywords: | farmer perceptions climate change adaptation policy |
Issue Date: | 1-Feb-2017 |
Publisher: | De Gruyter Open. |
Citation: | Jiri, O. (2017). Influence of smallholder farmers’ perceptions on adaptation strategies to climate change and policy implications in Zimbabwe. Change Adaptation Socioecol. Syst; 3: 47–55 |
Abstract: | Smallholder agricultural production is largely affected by climate change and variability. Despite the negative effects brought by climate variability, smallholder farmers are still able to derive livelihoods. An understanding of factors that influence farmers’ responses and adaptation to climate variability can improve decision making for governments and development partners. This study investigated farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies to climate change and how these influence adaptation policies at local level. A survey was conducted with 100 households randomly selected from Chiredzi district. Data collected was used to derive farmer perceptions to climate change as well as the influence of their perceptions and subsequent adaptation methods to ensuing local agricultural adaptation measures and policies. The results indicated that smallholder farmers perceived general reduction in long-term annual rainfall and rising local average temperatures. Adverse trends in rainfall and average temperature perceived by farmers were consistent with empirical data. These perceptions and other socio-economic factors helped to shape smallholder farmer agricultural adaptation strategies. Policy implications are that the government and development partners should seek ways to assist autonomous adaptations by farmers through investments in planned adaptation initiatives. |
URI: | https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3920 |
Appears in Collections: | Agricultural Economics Staff Publications |
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