Farmers’ perception on climate change

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.