International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Ashish Yadav, AP Verma, Gaurav Mishra, Ashutosh Suryavanshi, Nirmal Chandra, BP Mishra, BK Gupta, Dheeraj Mishra, PK Ojha, Divya Katiyar, Gaurav Shukla and Abhishek Kalia

abstract
This paper explores the constraints faced by farmers in the Banda District of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India while adapting to climate variability. Data was collected from 180 randomly selected farmers through structured interview schedule. The region is highly vulnerable to climate change, primarily relying on rainfed agriculture, which amplify socio-economic challenges. The study categorizes constraints into personal, institutional, technical, weather-related, crop-variety-related, labour-related, and economic barriers that hinders effective climate adaptation strategies. Among personal constraints, illiteracy (2.88 wms) and fragmented landholdings (1.89 wms) were identified as significant challenges, limiting access to climate-related information and impeding the adoption of adaptive measures such as soil conservation and diversified farming. Institutional constraints, including poor extension services (2.68 wms) and limited access to credit (1.80 wms), further increased the difficulties faced by farmers. Additionally, high input costs and distant agricultural supply centres hinder timely and efficient decision-making. Weather-related constraints, particularly unreliable weather forecasting (2.50 wms) and unpredictable monsoon (1.74 wms), significantly affect agricultural planning. Crop-related constraints such as non-availability of the insect-pest and disease-tolerant varieties (2.40 wms), high input costs (1.96 wms), restrict farmers' capacity to mitigate risks. The paper also highlights labour-related challenges, including high labour costs (2.22 wms) and financial limitations in hiring adequate manpower (2.52 wms) for adaptive agricultural practices. Non-farm income diversification is another crucial adaptation strategy, but low wages (2.52 wms), and poor skills (2.00 wms) restrict its effectiveness. Livestock farming also faces significant obstacles, with feed shortages (2.38 wms), susceptibility of high-yielding breeds (2.33 wms) to climate stress, and breeding issues being major concerns. Statistical analysis suggests that socio-demographic factors such as landholding size, herd size, milk production, and annual income have a strong correlation with the ability to overcome climate adaptation constraints. The findings emphasize the need for improved agricultural extension services, access to institutional credit, better weather forecasting systems, and increased availability of climate-resilient crops. Addressing these challenges is crucial to strengthening the resilience of farmers in the face of climate variability.