Assessing Socio-economic Determinants of Farmers’ Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change: An Empirical Study from Gaya District, Bihar, India

Abstract

Climate change poses a growing threat to agricultural systems, particularly impacting smallholder farmers in vulnerable regions like Bihar, India. This study assesses the adaptive capacity of farmers in Gaya district and identifies key socio-economic factors influencing their response to climate variability. A total of 240 farmers were selected using a multistage random sampling method across diverse agro-ecological zones. Quantitative data were collected through structured interviews and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings reveal that variables such as education (62.91% educated up to secondary level or higher), farming experience (82.92% with over 20 years), access to climate information (42.09% with low access), off-farm income (45.42% earning ₹50,000–₹2,00,000), and land ownership significantly affect adaptation. The study underscores the role of knowledge dissemination, media exposure, and institutional support in strengthening resilience. Results suggest that targeted interventions addressing education, information access, and income diversification are essential for enhancing the adaptive capacity of farming communities under climate stress. In summary, quantitative findings affirm that education, income diversity, land access, and information exposure significantly affect farmers' adaptability. To build a resilient agricultural sector, there is an urgent need for policy measures that improve education, expand irrigation, enhance information dissemination through mass media and extension services, and promote financial inclusion.