Perceptions and adaptation to climate change among family farmers in western Paraná, Brazil

Abstract

Climate change impacts the ability of food systems to provide adequate nutrition to a growing population. Understanding family farmers’ perceptions of climate change is crucial for implementing mitigation and resilience strategies. This research analyzed how family farmers in the western region of Paraná, Brazil, perceived the effects of climate change on their productive activities and how they responded and adapted. During visits to 85 rural properties, a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale was administered to assess climate change impacts, response limitations, and mitigation strategies. Results were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and HCA. Farmers strongly perceived increased temperatures and reduced rainfall, which were associated with a higher incidence of agricultural pests and diseases, water scarcity, and increased production costs. The main adaptation strategies adopted included the use of organic matter for soil cover, irrigation, crop diversification, and organic fertilizers. Farmers were grouped into three clusters based on hierarchical cluster analysis using PCA indices, sociodemographic variables, and productive activities: (i) Diversification and Structural Limitations; (ii) Experience and Concerns about Productivity; and (iii) Sustainable Practices and Vulnerability to Resources. These groups presented distinct socioeconomic and productive characteristics, reflecting differences in vulnerability and adaptive capacity. Structural limitations, restricted access to financial resources, and limited technical assistance were common challenges among the groups. The findings reinforce the need for targeted public policies and technical support strategies to strengthen climate resilience in family farming systems.