Factors affecting climate change adaptation among paddy farmers in coastal area of Ampara district

Abstract

Climate change impacts rice cultivation in the Ampara district, negatively impacting agricultural productivity. However, climate change adaptation techniques are applicable in farming practices that can mitigate this negative impact. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the factors affecting climate change adaptation practices among paddy farmers in the Ampara district of Sri Lanka. A questionnaire survey was conducted among randomly selected 300 paddy farmers in the Ampara district, and data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software of version 25. Results revealed that 22% and 77.9% of respondents’ main and secondary occupation was paddy farming, respectively. Half of them have completed secondary education, while 22% were degree holders. Furthermore, 98% of farmers do not use any Information and Communication Technology (ICT) related equipment and application for paddy farming. Among the farmers surveyed, 40% felt that pursuing new adaptation practices, including following the SRI method and using ICT related techniques without experience, is an extra burden and risk to farming practices. However, 80% of farmers believe that practicing adaptive climate measures can mitigate the negative effect of climate change. Nearly 96% of farmers do not get any information or guidance from the relevant organizations related to climate change for the last five years. However, farmers have faced difficulties in adopting the Ampara district's climate practices due to lack of awareness, poor educational level, and extension services. Therefore, these limitations could be the priority areas to focus on to improve climate change adaptation among the paddy farmers in the Ampara district.