Probing Farmers’ Awareness about Climate Change and Adaptation in Karkihalli Village, Koppala District, Karnataka

Abstract

Study conducted in Karkihalli village, Karnataka, India, aimed to assess the impact of climate change on agriculture and livestock, as well as the adaptation and mitigation strategies employed by farmers. Through interviews with ten farmers, it was found that a majority of farmers were aware of climate change and had observed various climate-related changes over the past two decades. These changes included rising temperatures, decreased rainfall, prolonged droughts and increased occurrences of heat waves, among others. The impact of climate change on agriculture was evident in the form of water scarcity, declining water quality and increased susceptibility of crops and livestock to pest and disease attacks. Farmers noted specific challenges such as new diseases affecting crops, such as fall armyworm and wilt disease, which led to significant crop losses. Erratic monsoon patterns and hailstorms further exacerbated the situation, resulting in reduced agricultural yields and earnings. The deteriorating quality of food due to chemical farming practices was observed to have adverse effects on human health, with changes in food consumption habits contributing to an increase in diseases. Moreover, livestock diseases were more prevalent in recent years, likely linked to climate-related shifts. Farmers identified various drivers for climate change adaptation, including a lack of information and knowledge about climate change, accessibility to credit facilities and the outbreak of new diseases or food scarcity. While many lacked knowledge about climate change mitigation strategies, they had adopted practices like crop rotation, improved seeds and soil conservation technique.