Farmer perceptions and adaptation to agricultural water scarcity in Kondagaon district, Chattisgarh, rural India

Water scarcity is rapidly intensifying due to climate change and other related factors. In India, over 60% of wheat and rice cultivation faces significant water scarcity. Thus, it is important to understand farmers’ perspectives and adaptation responses through the application of model for private proactive adaptation to climate change MPPACC. However, there is limited empirical application of the MPPACC model in rural micro-level contexts within the Indian subcontinent, leaving its relevance for understanding farmers’ adaptation to water scarcity underexplored. The study aimed to examines farmers’ perceptions and adaptation to agricultural water scarcity using MPPACC in Kondagaon district, India. Quantitative approach using cross- sectional research design was employed. Data was collected from 146 farmers via survey questionnaires. Structural equation modelling (SEM) used to assess the predictive ability of MPPACC in explaining farmers’ adaptation intentions and strategies. The finding indicates that MPPACC explained 43.8%-46.2% of the variation in farmers’ adaptation intention and strategies against agricultural water scarcity. The model only moderately predicts variations in farmers’ perceptions and adaptation strategies, indicating missing components that warrant refinement through additional relevant variables. Hence, the study offers valuable information for agricultural practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to develop appropriate strategies for effective farmers adaptation strategies.