A better understanding of area-specific adaptation is crucial to develop and implement proper adaptation strategies that can alleviate the threats of climate change. This study examined the climate change perceptions, determinants and impact of adaptation strategies in saline coastal areas of Bangladesh. Cross-sectional data collected from 100 households producing watermelon in the Rabi season were used for the analysis. Heavy rain was reported as major climate risks of crop loss by the farmers. Mulch was the most widely used climate risk adaptation technique in the study area. Age had a positive influence on farmers' adoption of the use of mini ponds for irrigation while negative influence on adoption of suitable saline tolerance varieties. Experience in watermelon farming influenced the adoption of suitable salt-tolerant varieties. Multinominal probit and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) results indicated that 'farmland size owned' is less likely to use the pond for irrigation and suitable salt tolerant varieties. Membership of a farmer association and perception of decreasing rain influenced farmers' adoption of mulching, intercropping, use of mini ponds for irrigation, and suitable salt tolerant varieties as adaptation strategies. Policy focuses on the provision of agricultural services and strengthening strong partnerships with different collaborators and development partners for adaptive capacity of climate adaptation strategies would be of effective.
Begum, MEA; Hossain, MI; Mainuddin, M
Climate change perceptions, determinants and impact of adaptation strategies on watermelon farmers in the saline coastal areas of Bangladesh
Letters In Spatial And Resource Sciences