Abstract:
Adapting to climate change is critical for rice farmers in the dry zone of Sri Lanka,
yet the adoption of climate adaptation practices remains limited. This study examined
the adoption as a dynamic behavioral process using the trans-theoretical model,
focusing on smallholder rice farmers under minor irrigation systems and rain-fed
conditions in the climatically vulnerable Horowpothana Divisional Secretariat
Division in the Anuradhapura district. Five context-specific on-farm adaptation
practices prioritized by field-level extension officers based on three effectiveness
criteria as yield, quality, and adaptability, and later validated by farmers were
considered for the analysis. Data were collected from 155 rice-farming households
using questionnaire surveys, key-personal interviews, and focus group discussions,
and analyzed using descriptive and ordinal logistic regression methods. The five
prioritized climate adaptation practices included quality seed paddy of climate-smart
varieties, timely land preparation, integrated weed management, integrated pest
management, and the parachute method. Farmers were predominantly in the
preparation stage for quality seed paddy (66%), integrated weed management (52%),
integrated pest management (52%), and the parachute method (37%), while land
preparation was primarily in the maintenance stage (62%). Statistically significant
(p<0.05) factors influencing adoption included household income, climate risk
perception, response efficacy, self-efficacy, available family labor, and cultivated
extent, with positive or negative effects varying across practices. Key barriers to
adoption stages included lack of time (30%) in precontemplation, technical
knowledge gaps (31%) in contemplation and preparation, and economic constraints
in action (31%) and maintenance stages (54%). The findings highlight the importance
of tailored interventions, addressing economic and knowledge barriers, and
enhancing efficacy perceptions to facilitate adoption across stages. This research
provides critical insights for policymakers and extension services to promote climate
adaptation practices and resilience in rice cultivation amidst climate challenges.
