Climate change adaptation and resilience among vegetable farmers

ABSTRACT

Challenges associated with climate change have reduced vegetable production. Adoption of adaptation strategies for increased production has not resulted in a yield increase. Factors affecting climate change adaptation among 118 farmers involved in sustainable vegetable production were assessed. Vegetable farmers used a mix of adaptation measures that included traditional practices (minimum tillage, construction of the local dam, construction of drainage, avoidance of flood-prone area, increase the use of organic manure), and modern technology (construction of a water harvester, listening to early warning information, increased use of herbicide, increased use of fertilizer, use of pumping machine, sprinkler irrigation furrow irrigation), membership of the religious organization, access to timely information about the occurrence of climate change (β = 0.24, p < 05), and constraints to adaptation (β = 0.63, p < 05) had positive, significant, consequences on climate change adaptation procedures. It was determined that inadequate-skilled labor and financial constraints discouraged adaptation to climate change; access to timely information encouraged adaptation. More timely exchange of information and availability of tools to meet adaptation needs for vegetable production sustainability and profitability could help grower address challenges of climate change. Understanding factors affecting adoption could reduce constraints associated with inadequate-skilled labor, financial inadequacy, and exchange of information on climate change adaptation.

KEYWORDS:

• Climate
• resilience
• strategies
• vegetables