International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Rishi Dev Jaryal, Devraj Jevlya, VJ Savaliya and Abhay Thakur

abstract
Climate change is actually posing a serious threat to agriculture, particulary in vulnerable regions of the country like the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. It experiences frequent droughts, cyclones and erratic rainfall and that’s why a study was undertaken to determine the socio-economic, psychological, communicational and situational dimensions that affect farmers’ adaptations to climatic change in the region. A sample of 240 respondents as selected using multistage random sampling from four districts namely Amreli, Jamnagar, Porbandar and Gir Somnath. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire consisting of 14 independent variables. The results reveal that a majority of the respondents were middle aged, with medium levels of farming experience, education, farm size and demonstrated moderate levels of extension participation, mass media exposure, and information seeking behaviour. Furthermore, psychological traits like scientific orientation, risk taking ability and preparedness for adaptation were found to be prevalent among most respondents. It is to be highlighted that nearly 80.00 percent of the farmers followed a highly diversified cropping pattern, which reflects a practical adaptation response to climate change. The study concludes that while farmers exhibit a fair degree of adaptation, mediocrity was prevalent which can be enhanced by strengthening extension systems, weather forecast services and stringent and targeted programmes. The study relied on descriptive analysis highlighting the facts and factors which are crucial to building climate-resilient agricultural communities in the region.