Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Climate change poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, particularly for smallholder farmers who are often more vulnerable to its impacts. This thesis investigates the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers in a specific region. The study aims to identify the challenges faced by these farmers, explore the strategies they employ to adapt to changing climatic conditions, and assess the effectiveness of these adaptation measures. By conducting a case study in the specified region, data was collected through surveys, interviews, and field observations to provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation. The research findings reveal that smallholder farmers in the region are indeed facing adverse effects of climate change, including changes in rainfall patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and rising temperatures, all of which are impacting agricultural productivity. Farmers have employed various adaptation strategies such as altering crop calendars, changing crop varieties, and implementing water-saving techniques to mitigate these challenges. However, the study also highlights the limitations of these adaptation measures, including financial constraints, limited access to information and resources, and lack of government support. Through a detailed analysis of the data collected, this thesis provides insights into the specific challenges faced by smallholder farmers in the region and the effectiveness of their adaptation strategies. The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions and policies to support smallholder farmers in adapting to the changing climate and ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods. This study contributes to the existing literature on climate change adaptation in agriculture and provides valuable recommendations for policymakers, extension services, and development practitioners to enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers in the face of climate change. Keywords Climate change, Agricultural productivity, Smallholder farmers, Adaptation strategies, Resilience, Sustainability.

Thesis Overview