Understanding farmers' perception on climate change: A global perspective

Authors

  • Nur Afiani Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayis University, Atakum, Samsun Province 55270, Turkey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61511/pacc.v2i1.2025.3272

Keywords:

agricultural, climate change, factors influencing, farmer’s perception

Abstract

Background: Farmers’ understanding of climate change is crucial because their perceptions determine the adaptation strategies implemented on agricultural land. This study aims to identify the factors influencing farmers’ perceptions of climate change and examine how these perceptions vary across different geographical and climatic conditions through a literature review. Methods: A semi-systematic literature review was conducted by screening peer-reviewed articles from major academic databases. Selected studies were categorized based on methodologies, study regions, and key variables to compare perception patterns, influencing factors, and policy implications across countries. Findings: The review indicates that farmers worldwide perceive rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increasing extreme events such as droughts and floods. Perception is influenced by socio-demographic factors including age, gender, farming experience, and education level, as well as institutional factors such as access to extension services and climate information. Farmers with better access to resources and information tend to demonstrate stronger awareness and more proactive adaptation. Social and cultural dimensions, particularly social networks, also play a significant role in shaping climate change perceptions. In communities that rely heavily on traditional agricultural practices, strengthening appropriate social networks can substantially enhance awareness and adaptive responses. Conclusion: Strengthening farmer education and implementing structural reforms in communication and governance are essential to improving climate change awareness and adaptive capacity. Understanding perception patterns provides valuable insights for designing effective adaptation policies to support agricultural resilience and food security. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study highlights the combined influence of socio-demographic characteristics, resource accessibility, and socio-cultural networks in shaping farmers’ climate change perceptions across diverse geographical contexts, offering integrated insights for policy development.

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2025-02-28

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