EVALUATING DETERMINANTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE PERCEPTION AMONG FARMING COMMUNITIES IN DISTRICT MARDAN, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA-PAKISTAN

Abstract

This research endeavor, conducted in year 2019-20, explores farmers’ perception regarding climate change and the impacts of socioeconomic indicators affecting these perceptions in district Mardan, KP-Pakistan. For this purpose, total of 140 sampled respondents, seventy from each village were selected for primary data collection. Ordered probit model was used to quantify the determinants of climate change perception. Demographic characteristics revealed that average age of the respondents was 44.42 years, with average schooling, household size, farming experience and farm size of 7.73 years, about 9.96 members, 27.90 years and 3.1 acres, respectively. The study findings indicated that age, education, household size, farming experience, total income and nature of land significantly (p < 0.05) affect farmers’ perception of climate change specifying that younger farmers perceive climate change impacts more as compared to older farmers, while experienced were more likely to perceive than inexperienced. Educated farmers perceived changes in climate more than less educated or uneducated. Small holders perceived more than big landlords, rain-fed farm holders perceived more than irrigated farm holders, high income farmers perceived more than low income farmers, owners perceived more than owner-cum tenants and tenants and small families perceived more than big families. The study recommended climate change awareness programs through government and nongovernment organizations, i.e. education programs, farmer field schools (FFS), agricultural extension agencies to bridge the farmer- research gap, government role in realistic land reforms, establishment of farm services centers (FSCs), climate information centers and diversify farm income opportunities.