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Author
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Muchabaya Jevas Gift
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Title
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Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (kap) of smallholder farmers on climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
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Abstract
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ABSTRACT
Background: Climate change is defined as long-term changes in temperature and precipitation trends. The changes are mostly caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide and methane. Effects of climate change include droughts, water shortages, wildfires, sea level rise, flooding, melting of ice polar regions, and loss of biodiversity. Climate change policies anticipate a rise in the temperature by the end of the century as a result of global emissions despite the need to minimise emission and need to adjust to climate change. The world at large must take action to lessen the worst effects of climate change by cutting emissions, switching to green energy technologies and investing in climate change adaptation strategies.
Materials and methods: Study employed research questionnaires to collect data from 43 participants on their demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. For data analysis, SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel were utilised.
Data analysis: Microsoft Excel and SPS were used. Responses were categorized as 'Good', 'Fair', or 'Poor'. Binary logistic analysis was used to determine factors affecting knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Results were presented with tables and graphs, and the statistical analysis employed a 95% confidence interval and a 5% level of significance.
Results: 41.9% of the sample were male and 58.1% were female. Average scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 51% which was fair, 45% which was poor, and 53% which was fair. The population heavily relies on cell phones/smartphones to access information.
Conclusion: Farmers in Manhenga have a fair knowledge of climate change, but there is confusion about its specific factors. Attitudes towards climate change were poor, but most are willing to learn and take action. Practices were fair but there is room for improvement. Farmers rely heavily on cell phones for accessing information, highlighting the importance of leveraging technology for information dissemination.
Recommendations: include strengthening extension services to provide accurate climate change information, improving the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices through targeted training, and exploring technology to reach and engage with smallholder farmers more effectively.
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Date
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JUNE 2024
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Key terms
Smallholder farmers, climate change, adaptation mitigation measures
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Supervisor
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NIL
Jevas Gift Muchabaya