Presentation Title
Farmer’s Attitudes & Beliefs of Climate Change Over Time
Abstract
Background
Numerous studies have explored factors influencing farmer’s attitudes and beliefs about climate change, but few if any have examined these perceptions over time. This study assessed shifts in farmer’s perceptions of climate change over six years following a five-year drought in California.
Methods
Data were collected through mail surveys from farmers in Yolo County, California in 2011 and 2017 using publically available pesticide use reports and organic registrations. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Stata software and statistical comparisons were conducted using Kruskal Wallis tests (non-parametric ANOVA).
Results
Mean farmer age, full-time farmer status, and mean farm sizes were not statistically different indicating a demographically similar population. Farmers in 2011 were much more likely to pump more groundwater in the future (70% likely or very likely, p
Conclusion
These results suggest that significant shifts in climate perceptions and behaviors have occurred in this farming population following five years of drought. Since climate perceptions have been linked to mitigation and adaptation behaviors among farmers, these results could further influence future agricultural changes.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Meredith Niles
Faculty/Staff Collaborators
Amy Nickerson (Advisor), Diane Imrie (Advisor)
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Dietetics, Nutrition and Food Sciences
Primary Research Category
Food & Environment Studies
Farmer’s Attitudes & Beliefs of Climate Change Over Time
Background
Numerous studies have explored factors influencing farmer’s attitudes and beliefs about climate change, but few if any have examined these perceptions over time. This study assessed shifts in farmer’s perceptions of climate change over six years following a five-year drought in California.
Methods
Data were collected through mail surveys from farmers in Yolo County, California in 2011 and 2017 using publically available pesticide use reports and organic registrations. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Stata software and statistical comparisons were conducted using Kruskal Wallis tests (non-parametric ANOVA).
Results
Mean farmer age, full-time farmer status, and mean farm sizes were not statistically different indicating a demographically similar population. Farmers in 2011 were much more likely to pump more groundwater in the future (70% likely or very likely, p
Conclusion
These results suggest that significant shifts in climate perceptions and behaviors have occurred in this farming population following five years of drought. Since climate perceptions have been linked to mitigation and adaptation behaviors among farmers, these results could further influence future agricultural changes.