Abstract:
The study was done to determine perception, impacts and adaptation of coastal communities towards
climate change. A total of three villages and 120 respondents were involved in the study. Both Focus
Group Interviews and a structured questionnaire survey were employed for collection of both
qualitative and quantitative data. Content and structural functional analysis was used for qualitative
data while descriptive and logistic and regression analysis was employed for quantitative data.
Results indicates that majority of the community are involved in both fishing and farming activities for
both food and cash income. Results indicates further that majority of the respondents are aware of
climate change and they perceive the same in relation to unusual rainfall (87.5%), drought (93.3%),
floods (74.1%) and increased incidence of pest and diseases (55.8%). It was also found that farmers
are coping with food insecurity as a result of declining food stocks and they have also developed
adaptation strategies related to farming operations and livelihoods. However, adaptation varies
depending on various farm and household factors and in this income, number of plots, extension
services and farm size were highly significant and showed strong positive influence on adaptation to
climate change. It is concluded that farmers are aware of climate change and have developed both
coping and adaptation strategies against climate hazards. Promotion of extension and enhancement
of off-farm activities are recommended for enhancing adaptive capacity of the population in the study
area.
