Farmers’ choices and factors driving adoption of climate change adaptation strategies in saline coastal area of Bangladesh

Abstract

Growing climate change adaptation issues are driving the demand for efficient solutions in the agriculture sector, which will improve farmers’ livelihoods and economic situations. This study examined the perceptions of major climate risks and factors driving adoption of climate adaptation strategies in saline coastal areas of Bangladesh. Survey data were collected from 100 farmers producing Rabi crops by using a semi-structured questionnaire. A binary logistic model was used to identify the driving factors of the adoption of adaptation strategies. Results revealed that farmers’ group membership and perception of a decrease in rain frequency influenced adoption of intercropping, while experience in farming, owned farmland size and perception of increase in soil salinity influenced adoption of mulching. In addition, age, group membership and perception of a decrease in rain frequency had a positive influence on adoption of use of mini pond. Furthermore, household size and access to training influenced adoption of changing sowing time, while farming experience had a positive influence on change in cropping pattern. These findings suggest an opportunity for institution-led support for providing farmers with hands-on training. Developing collaboration with research institutes, the ministry of agriculture, extension, development partners and civic leaders for enhancing farmers’ group membership capacity would be of benefit on increasing the adaptive capacity of farmers.