Investigating the effective factors on farmers' perception of climate change risk and the effect of these factors on their adaptive behaviors (The case of Kermanshah County)

Farmers’ perceptions of climate change risk is critically important if they plan to implement appropriate adaptation measures in their farming. Because, farmers' perception of the risk of climate change can affect decisions and their performance. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the factors affecting farmers' perceptions of climate change risk and their adaptation behavior in response to climate change in Kermanshah Township. The statistical population was agricultural farmers in Kermanshah Township, from which 250 farmers were selected as a sample using two-stage cluster sampling method and according to the research objectives and indicators considered by the researcher. The present study is descriptive-correlational research and data were collected through a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by the opinions of experienced experts and the reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha test. Collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (path analysis and multivariate linear regression) by SPSSWin21, The results showed that seven variables could account for 61% of the total variance of farmer’ adoptive behavior. Also, the results of path analysis revealed that five variables, i.e. knowledge, personal feelings, climate change risk perception, personal experiences and social problems had total impacts of 0.599, 0.309, 0.262, 0.253 and 0.247, respectively and they were the most important factors in determining farmer’ adoptive behavior. Also, two variables of value orientation and social norms had total impacts of 0.112 and -0.172, respectively and had a minimal effect on farmers' adoptive behavior. Finally, the findings of this study showed that the ways that individuals perceive climate change is highly personal and influenced by a number of factors. The results also clearly show the need to increase people awareness about the causes, effects and methods of adaptation to climate change.