Drivers of adaptation to climate change in vulnerable farming communities: a micro analysis of rice farmers in Ndop, Cameroon

Abstract

Farmers in developing economies often struggle to adapt to climate change and their decisions to adapt usually hinges on perception and prevailing socio-economic factors. This study examines factors controlling farmers’ decision to adapt to climate change and evaluate the impact of such decisions on farm output. Using primary data from 138 rice farming households in Ndop-Cameroon, we employ the probit model with endogenous switching regression to investigate the impact of the farmers’ adaptation decisions on output. The results indicate that access to credits, other incomes, farmers’ age, extension services and farmer groupings form key factors that significantly affects farmers’ decision to adapt to climate change. Strategic implementation of adaptive measures, significantly increased average output of adapters by 49%. Building resilience against climate change and ensuring food security, therefore requires stakeholders to take into account existing management strategies and the underlying factors influencing these. This study suggests the crucial need for institutional advancement and policy changes towards credit accessibility for rice farmers. More local farmers’ associations should be created and extension services improved to enhance effective adaptation and farmers’ vulnerability.