Climate Change and Agriculture in Najafabad County: Evaluation Effects and Adaptation Strategies

Agricultura sector due to extensive interaction with the environment, the agriculture receives the greatest impact from climate change and threatens rural communities depending on agriculture activity with serious risks. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of climate change on agriculture and to choose adaptation strategies in Najafabad. The research method in this study is descriptive and analytical and the data was prepared by field work and a questionnaire. The statistical population is Najafabad Farmers. The sample size is 300 farmers who were selected through Cochran's formula in the simple random. The main tool of the research was a questionnaire, the validity and reliability of were confirmed by experts with Cronbach's alpha 0/760. The analysis of the collected data was done with statistical methods and SPSS software. Results showed that farmers are aware of the increase in drought and the decrease in precipitation and the weather getting warmer. For 51% of farmers, crop diversity is one of the adaptation strategies. Almost 53% of farmers believe that the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides increases the capacity to adapt to climate change. 66% of farmers have chosen advanced irrigation systems to deal with climate change. The results of logistic regression showed that the variables of gender, awareness of climate change, information received from extension service offices and adaptation to climate change play an important and decisive role in the production of agricultural products. Three regression models as agricultural product, unemployment and food shortage were compiled all of which were significant.