AbstractIn Sri Lanka, the agriculture sector is most vulnerable to climate change and this is increasingly affecting food security. Vegetables, legumes, coarse grains, and potatoes are likely to be adversely affected due to climate impacts. Based on a cross-sectional survey conducted on 150 vegetable farmers in the up-country area of Sri Lanka, this study elucidates farmers’ perceptions of climate change, ongoing adaptation methods, factors influencing farmers’ decisions to adapt, and barriers to adaptation. The study finds that gender, educationlevel, farming experience, income, willingness to take credit, extension on crop, climate change information, farmer-to-farmer extension, rainfall and temperature as the significant factors influencing adaptation. Furthermore, early or late planting, crop or variety switching, and intensive use of inputs are the commonly used adaptation options. Information constraints emerge as a major barrier followed by high costs for adaptation and lack of vigorous planting materials. The study suggests educating farmers about potential adaptation options is pivotal.
Factors Influencing Farmers’ Adoption of Protected Agriculture: A Case of Vegetable Farmers in Dry Zone Sri Lanka
