IMPACT OF CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE ON FARMERS’ LIVELIHOODS

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to determine the impact of Climate Smart Agriculture on farmers livelihoods.Data were collected from 376 households from CSA (study group) and non CSA (control group) farmers during July to December, 2018. In order to collect relevant information from the respondents, structured interview schedule was used. Before-After study with control method was adopted for the study to assess the impacts on farmer’s livelihoods. It is observed that an overwhelming majority of the respondents (86.60%) in the CSA group had medium to high change in livelihoods whereas the change in non-CSA group was 26.60%.The findings indicated that CSA approach had significant improvement in most of the livelihood parameters. Substantial positive changes were observed in food consumption (calorie intake), food stock (availability), taking balance diet intake level, housing, safe drinking water, sanitation, clothing and healthcare faculties. The analysis revealed that out of 13 variables, 6 variables namely knowledge on Climate Smart Agriculture practices, benefit obtained from CSA, empowerment status, use of CSA technologies and organizational support had significant contribution on the change of farmers’ livelihoods. Whole model of 13 independent variables explained 45.9% of the total variation showed in livelihoods of the farmers. Out of 45.9% explained variance, two variables namely knowledge on CSA and benefit obtained from CSA contributed (39%). It reflects those two variables are the most dominant and signifying predictors for changing the livelihoods of CSA practicing farmers. This study can establish a message that positive changes in the livelihoods of farming community are associated with practicing Climate Smart Agriculture.