An evaluation of farmers’ perception, awareness, and adaptation towards climate change: a study from Punjab province Pakistan

Globally, all environmental sectors are threatened by climate change, most especially to the food and agriculture sectors. Pakistan is a developing country that is most vulnerable to extreme and harsh climatic conditions, especially in Southeast Asia. Climate change has often adverse effects on Pakistan because it is often affected by severe weather conditions. Although, some studies have reported on farmers’ perceptiveness regarding climate change adaptation and mitigation, there is still insufficient awareness among Pakistanis’ farmers. Key knowledge is very important for farmers to overcome the harsh climatic conditions for harvesting and saving crops. To bridge this gap, this research discovered the awareness level of climate change, weather conditions, and related factors among Pakistani farmers. Through a stratified random sampling technique, 500 structured questionnaires were distributed among the farmers in four districts of Punjab Pakistan for study analysis. The probit model was used to analyze the farmer’s perception regarding climate change, socio-demographic and economic variables. The findings of this research showed that 75% of farmers are aware of climate change. Perception of climate change between farmers was directly associated with agriculture experience, farmers’ age, land ownership status, level of education, information sources, and access to extension. Also, our research showed that farmers’ assessment of adaptive behavior showed that farmers are actively implementing crop diversification, irrigation, and other adaptation strategies. Results of this study will help government agencies and policymakers in Pakistan and other regions to develop sustainable adaptation measures in the framework of climate change. RESUMO: Globalmente, todos os setores ambientais estão ameaçados pelas mudanças climáticas, principalmente para os setores de alimentos e agricultura. O Paquistão é um país em desenvolvimento mais vulnerável a condições climáticas extremas e adversas, especialmente no sudeste da Ásia. As mudanças climáticas costumam ter efeitos adversos no Paquistão, porque muitas vezes é afetado por condições climáticas severas. Embora alguns estudos relatem a percepção dos agricultores em relação à adaptação e mitigação das mudanças climáticas, ainda há consciência insuficiente entre os agricultores paquistaneses. O conhecimento chave é muito importante para os agricultores superarem as duras condições climáticas para a colheita e economia de