Factors affecting farmers’ attitude towards climate smart agricultural technologies in Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Agriculture and climate change are closely interlinked, with increasing climatic variability posing significant threats to agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Climate Smart Agricultural Technologies (CSATs) offer a strategic approach to enhance resilience and sustainability; however, farmers’ attitude plays a crucial role in shaping their orientation toward such technologies. The present study was undertaken during year 2022–24 to analyse the factors affecting farmers’ attitude toward Climate Smart Agricultural Technologies in Chhattisgarh, India. An ex post facto research design was employed for the study. The state was represented through proportional random sampling across three agro-climatic zones Northern Hills, Chhattisgarh Plains, and Bastar Plateau. Total six districts were selected, followed by the selection of two blocks from each district and two villages from each block. A total of 360 farmers were selected through a multistage random sampling procedure. Primary data were collected using a structured and pre-tested interview schedule. Farmers’ attitude toward CSATs was treated as the dependent variable, while personal, socio-economic, farm-related, communication and psychological characteristics were considered as independent variables. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Karl Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient. The findings revealed that education, farm size, occupation, family annual income, irrigation facilities, social participation, extension contact, innovative proneness, risk orientation, perception toward climate change, ownership and utilization of ICTs, source of information, information needs and WBAAS showed positive and significant relationships with farmers’ attitude. In contrast, farming experience, cropping pattern, livestock possession, and farm mechanization were non-significant. The study highlights the importance of educational, informational and psychological factors in shaping favourable attitudes toward CSATs, which are essential for promoting sustainable agriculture under changing climatic conditions.