Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Climate variability poses a growing challenge to smallholder farming systems in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Uva Province. This study examined farmer perceptions, awareness, and adaptation responses to climate change in the Badulla District through a survey of local farmers complemented by interviews with key stakeholders from the Provincial Department of Agriculture.

The findings revealed that farmers are generally well aware of climate change, with their understanding shaped largely by mass media and, to a lesser extent, by extension services, schools, and print media. Most farmers perceive climate change as being driven by both human and natural causes, and they frequently associate it with locally experienced impacts such as irregular rainfall patterns and declining water availability. Education emerged as an important factor influencing awareness, with better-informed farmers demonstrating stronger recognition of climate risks. Adaptation strategies were primarily low-cost, experience-based measures such as crop diversification and adjustments to planting and harvesting schedules. More resource-intensive approaches, including the use of improved varieties, mulching, and water-harvesting practices, were adopted less frequently. Farmers generally expressed only moderate confidence in the effectiveness of these strategies, reflecting limitations in both knowledge and resources. Key barriers included inadequate access to information, limited financial capacity, and insufficient technical support.

Insights from interviews highlighted that while farmers rely strongly on personal observation and practical experience, they tend to resist unfamiliar or knowledge-intensive practices. Although institutional support, mainly from the Department of Agriculture, has been significant, many farmers remain underserved due to gaps in outreach, communication, and the adoption of decision-support tools such as the national Crop Calendar. Overall, the study emphasizes the need to strengthen climate communication strategies, tailor interventions to farmers’ education levels, integrate financial and technical support, and improve institutional outreach. Such measures are crucial to translating awareness into effective adaptation and building resilience within local agricultural practices.