Factors influencing attitude and adaptation of the livestock farmers towards climate change in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most serious threats for sustainable agriculture and livestock development, with adverse impacts expected on the environment, human health, food security, economic activity, natural resource management, and physical infrastructure. The aim of the study is to identify the factors influencing attitude and adaptation of the livestock farmers towards climate change. The study was carried out in the Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu and the data was collected through structured interview schedule, collected data was analysed using ordinal logistic regression model. The results revealed that status of indigenous flora, source of irrigation and risk orientation were the major factors and educational status and status of exotic flora were also noticeably influencing the attitude of farmers. Improved education, risk orientation and trainings would influenced the adaptation of farmers on climate change. Livestock farmers in irrigated areas show more positive attitudes and stronger adaptation compared to those in rainfed regions. Further, factors influencing livestock farmers’ attitudes and adaptation measures to climate change would help to develop location-specific strategies that support sustainable livestock farming.