L. Vignesh Rajkumar and M. Krishnaveni
Abstract
The research examines the farmers perception on climate change and coping strategies and its constraints in Vaigai river basin. The study mainly focuses on assessing the farmers knowledge on climate change and constraints to practice adaptation strategies. The research area is divided into three reaches as head, middle and tail. About 150 farmer respondents were surveyed from each reach were surveyed and this data was used to calculate the adaptive strategy index and problem confrontation index. The results showed that majority of the farmers had experienced climatic events and they majorly perceive an increase in temperature and a decrease in rainfall. In order to cope up with changing climate, the farmers practiced the best strategy within the range of their experience and knowledge. Farmers ranked increased use of irrigation as the most proactive adaptive measure to confront climate change. There is significant evidence detailing the slowing up of adaptation strategies followed by the farmers. Water shortage, financial short-come and unforeseen weather were ranked highest as constraints to cope with climate change by the respondent groups of three reaches. This study could be a preliminary venture in understanding farmers perception at a farm level. The research employed only primary data, results from survey at farm level, further continued micro level studies with greater resources and team work would explore other variables at a better note. The outcome of the research would be a comprehensive report to the policy makers and the governmental agencies to facilitate the farmers with appropriate adaptation strategies to the adverse effects of climate change. To enhance options towards tackling the challenges of climate change on farming community, it is essential to have a broader knowledge about their perception of climate change, adaptation strategies followed and their constraints. The field reality being documented endows better understanding about the impacts at grass root level and policy implications can be made by agencies to improve the livelihood of farmers. Major gaps in the literature were filled through a descriptive methodology, using a qualitative approach looks into the perceived changes in rainfall, temperature and other factors indicating climate change, their impacts and adaptations strategies taken up by farmers in different reaches.