Assessment of Climate Change Perception and Adaptation Strategies Among Dried Fig Producers

Dried figs occupy a strategic position as an agricultural product for Turkey, with the primary objective of this study being to elucidate producers' perceptions of climate change and their associated adaptation strategies. The study area, Aydın province, accounts for approximately 65% of Turkey's dried fig production. Data on producers' perceptions and adaptation strategies were collected through a survey method. A total of 100 producers were surveyed in key producer villages across the districts of İncirliova, Germencik, Köşk, and Nazilli—where dried fig production is most intensive—using purposive sampling, a non-probability sampling technique. According to the estimation results of the first logistic regression model, in which minimum tillage (MTI) serves as the dependent variable, and the second logistic regression model, where soil conservation and moisture loss prevention practices (TMNKO) constitute the dependent variable, the following key results and conclusions have been obtained: Had all producers adopted the MTI adaptation strategy, they could have achieved an additional 0.85 kg of dried fig yield per unit area, producers who adopted MTI obtained 1.1 kg more dried fig yield per unit area. Had all producers adopted the TMNKO adaptation strategy, they could have achieved an additional 0.4 kg of dried fig yield per unit area. Producers who adopted TMNKO obtained 0.55 kg more dried fig yield per unit area. The Integrated and Controlled Product Management (EKÜY) Project, and also TARSİM activities is deemed to play a pivotal role in raising producers' awareness of climate change and developing adaptation strategies to address it.