Universal Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 3(2), pp. 53 - 58
DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2015.030204
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Farmers' Perceptions on Climate Change: A Step toward Climate Change Adaptation in Sylhet Hilly Region

M. Kamruzzaman ^*
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Bangladesh

ABSTRACT

The main objective of the study was to determine and describe the perception of climate change of farmers. The study was conducted at Sreemangal and Baralekha Upazilla of Moulovibajar district. Three villages from each upazilla were selected as the specific study location. A sample of 150 respondents (20%) was randomly selected from a total population of 800 farmers. Data were collected from the sampled respondents throughout July-August, 2013 through interview schedule. Most of the farmers (69.3%) perceived that climate change started between last 5 to15 years. Almost half of the farmers (48.0%) believe that environmental factor is responsible for climate change than supernatural factor. They felt that both rainy season and cold season delays to start but ends early. Mean duration of both seasons has been significantly reduced in recent past than long time ago. Hot season shows opposite scenario as it starts early but delays to end. Mean duration of hot season has been significantly increased in recent past compared to long time ago. Similarly, they believe that hotness has increased (88.7%) and coldness has reduced (60.0%). Farmers found a reduction in overall rainfall (83.3%) and variation in wind speed, duration of strong wind. They felt the incidence of drought has been increased (73.3%) and flood has been decreased (66%). Level of education and access to extension services had significant association with their perceived cause of climate change. Farmers having more education and high access to extension service perceived environmental factor for climate change than supernatural factor and vice versa.

KEYWORDS
Farmers, Perception, Climate Change, Adaptation

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] M. Kamruzzaman , "Farmers' Perceptions on Climate Change: A Step toward Climate Change Adaptation in Sylhet Hilly Region," Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 53 - 58, 2015. DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2015.030204.

(b). APA Format:
M. Kamruzzaman (2015). Farmers' Perceptions on Climate Change: A Step toward Climate Change Adaptation in Sylhet Hilly Region. Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, 3(2), 53 - 58. DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2015.030204.