Local Cotton Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change Events and Adaptation Strategies in the Cotton Basin of Cote d'Ivoire

Ismail KONE, WASCAL
Konan-Kan Hippolyte KOUADIO, UFR Sciences de la Terre et des Ressources Minières (STRM) Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Emmanuel N'Goran KOUADIO, Directeur de la Station de Recherche sur le Coton (SRCot), CNRA

Climate change poses a significant threat to rural livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the perceptions and adaptation strategies of local cotton farmers in vulnerable areas of Côte d'Ivoire. Surveys of 355 smallholder farmers in four departments reveal that respondents perceive climate change through changes in weather patterns, impacting their livelihoods negatively. Increased temperatures and decreased rainfall, aligned with climate data, were reported in Korhogo and Boundiali. Farmers employ various coping strategies, including adjusting planting dates, diversifying crops, and engaging in rituals. Adaptation strategy adoption correlates with farmers' climate change perceptions and available coping mechanisms. However, insufficient knowledge and government support hinder effective adaptation, leading to low cotton productivity. Policy interventions are essential to assist farmers in making informed adaptation decisions amidst climate change challenges. Keywords: climate change, farmers’ perceptions, adaptation strategies, cotton crop, Côte d’Ivoire.