Perception and adaptation practices of smallholder farmers to climate variability in the Lower River Region, The Gambia

Abstract

Climate change and variability present challenges to food security in the Gambia. Yet, it is not clear how smallholder farmers in the Gambia are adapting to climate change and variability. This study explored the extent of climate variability andthe adaptation practices of smallholder farmers in the Lower River Region of The Gambia. The study used questionnaire surveys (with 180 households) to assess the perception of smallholder farmers on rainfall and temperature patterns.The study used climate data from 1981 to 2016 and employed the modified Mann-Kendall test to understand the extent of climate variability in the study area. The results showed a significant variability in mean annual rainfall during the last 35 years in the Lower River Region of The Gambia. The perception of studyrespondentsrevealed that, erratic rainfall pattern and increased temperature were consistent with the available empirical rainfall and temperature data. In response to these perceived changes, smallholder farmers have initiated a number of on-farm and off-adaptation practices to address the threats of climate variability. The key on-farm adaptation practices include the use of drought tolerant crops varieties, changing planting date, planting of early maturing varieties, irrigation and land fallowing.In terms of off-farm adaptation practices, smallholder farmers were engaging in livelihood diversification, temporary migration, charcoal production and firewood selling. Others were also relying on remittances from friends and families to address the risk associated with climate variability. The study concludesthat, smallholder farmers in the study communities were knowledgeable about climate fluctuations,and have adopted appropriate practices to address these changes. The study recommends strengthening the capacity of smallholder farmers through skill acquisition to manage future consequences of climate change and variability.