Understanding Smallholder Farmers' Perceptions of Climate Change in Rumphi District, Malawi

Abstract

The effects and causes of climate change and variability have been a cause of controversy and debate 
for many years in many parts of the developing world. Perceptions vary about the effects and causes of 
climate change and variability. This study assessed smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate 
variability and climate change adaptation in Bolero Community, Rumphi district in northern Malawi. 
Data were generated through a knowledge, attitude and practice survey using semi-structured interview 
and focus group discussions targeting 100 respondents in the study area. The data were analyzed 
using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The results revealed that 76% of the farmers that were 
interviewed perceived increased temperatures and 74% perceived decreased rainfall. Results on 
temperature were supported by meteorological data but rainfall data for Bolero area showed no 
significant changes overtime. Results, however, demonstrate increased awareness by smallholder 
farmers about the meaning of climate change and variability but are mixed on actual causes of this due 
to insufficient scientific knowledge. Some relate it to human activity while others associate it to 
traditional, cultural, and religious practices. Among the few who believe their own human activity 
contributes to the situation, they feel that easy access to markets, credit, water resources, irrigation 
services, tree seedlings and information on climate change, can motivate them to adopt coping and 
adaptation mechanisms to climate change and variability. Thus, it is important to improve the scientific 
knowledge of smallholder farmers in understanding the causes of climate change and variability 
through increasing the level of awareness among smallholder farmers about the impact and causes of 
climate change and variability. Furthermore, more programmes that motivate farmers to adopt coping 
and adaptation mechanisms in dealing with climate change and variability are needed. Such projects 
should consider cultural and traditional beliefs of smallholder farmers.