Coping with Climate Variability: A Study of Indigenous Agricultural Practices in the Semi-Arid Region of Karnataka

This study aimed to assess and understand the knowledge of farmers and the indigenous coping
mechanisms adopted by the farmers to mitigate the climate variability in Semi-arid region of
Karnataka. The pre-tested and structured interview schedules were employed for collecting data
from 240 representative farmers from Vijayapura and Bagalkot district using multistage
sampling technique and data were analyzed and interpreted using appropriate statistical tools.
The findings of the study shows that most farmers reported experiencing climate variability,
particularly the declining rainfall (70%) and rising temperatures (48%) in the recent years.
Nearly 3/4 th of the farmers perceived that climate variability has adversely effected farming
because of frequent crop failures and decreasing crop yield due to lack of water for irrigation as a
result of declining groundwater in the region. The farmers employed indigenous knowledge and
coping strategies to reduce the adverse impacts of climate variability. Farmers adopted
traditional coping mechanisms like adjusting planting dates, adopting early maturing and drought
resistant varieties, and practicing intercropping or mixed farming to mitigate the effects of
climate change. They also diversified their cropping systems and livelihood enterprises to
alleviate climate change risks and enhance resilience. Farmers with greater experience, higher
education levels, large land holdings, and access to irrigation are better equipped to manage
climate variability.