This study aimed to assess and understand the knowledge of farmers and the indigenous coping mechanisms adopted by the farmers to mitigate the climate variability in Semi-arid region of Karnataka. The pre-tested and structured interview schedules were employed for collecting data from 240 representative farmers from Vijayapura and Bagalkot district using multistage sampling technique and data were analyzed and interpreted using appropriate statistical tools. The findings of the study shows that most farmers reported experiencing climate variability, particularly the declining rainfall (70%) and rising temperatures (48%) in the recent years. Nearly 3/4 th of the farmers perceived that climate variability has adversely effected farming because of frequent crop failures and decreasing crop yield due to lack of water for irrigation as a result of declining groundwater in the region. The farmers employed indigenous knowledge and coping strategies to reduce the adverse impacts of climate variability. Farmers adopted traditional coping mechanisms like adjusting planting dates, adopting early maturing and drought resistant varieties, and practicing intercropping or mixed farming to mitigate the effects of climate change. They also diversified their cropping systems and livelihood enterprises to alleviate climate change risks and enhance resilience. Farmers with greater experience, higher education levels, large land holdings, and access to irrigation are better equipped to manage climate variability.
Dupdal et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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