Abstract:
This study focused on identifies temporal
rainfall and temperature variability in Anuradhapura
district from 1941 to 2010 and determine farmers’
perception on climate change. This study was
conducted in Thantirimale and Mahavilachchiya GN
of Mahavilachchiya Divisional Secretariat in
Anuradhapura District. Questionnaires and focus
group discussions were used to gather primary data.
Five years moving average and descriptive statistical
tools such as the coefficient of variation and
percentages were adopted in the analysis process.
Result from descriptive analysis of meteorological data
(rainfall and temperature) revealed that the
temperature has increased and rainfall has decreased.
The majority of the farmers’ perceptions from both
areas are parallel with statistical record of
meteorological data. Though they have already
identified that climate is changing and they knew how
to face these changes but they need more awareness
about how to adapt to climate change.
