Abstract:
Climate change manifestations can have detrimental effects on the rural farmer
households in developing countries. This study investigates farm-level
adaptation to climate change and its implications for household food security in
Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. Stratified sampling technique was followed
to select a sample of 110 paddy farmers in Anuradhapura district and they were
surveyed using a structured questionnaire. An ordered logistic regression was
carried out to identify the impact of climate change adaptation practices at farm level on the household food security. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was
employed to quantify and validate the statements reflecting the determinants
such as social capital (i.e. social networks), climate change adaptation and
exposure to climate change. Indices were computed to quantify these variables
using the responses provided by the farmers, which were then used as
independent variables. Farmer households were categorized into four food
security levels ranging from food secure to severely food insecure using the
Household Food Insecurity Access (HFIA) survey technique. The study revealed
that over 75% of the households were mildly food insecure and more than 80%
of the farmers adopted climate change adaptation practices. According to the
logistic regression analysis, farmers who practiced climate change adaptation
strategies are more food secure than those who did not. The study also revealed
that, social network impact, exposure to climate changes, climate change
adaptation and level of education have significant (p<0.05) impacts on the level
of household food security. Farmers identified the lack of financial assistance
followed by inadequate knowledge and extension services to be the two major
reasons for non-adoption. Therefore, policies should focus on encouraging
farmer communities to follow climate change adaptation strategies through
awareness, training and by increasing household endowments. Empowerment of
farmers is critical in facilitating climate adaptation strategies to reduce
household food insecurity
