Effectiveness of smallholder farmers’ adaptation to climate extremes: evidence from the Southern Province of Zambia

Abstract

Climate extreme is one of Zambia's most pressing issues impacting socio-economic development. This paper assessed the impact of adaptation to climate extremes, as well as the effectiveness of adaptation strategies to mitigate the negative impact on food production. A total of 270 smallholder farmers were sampled. Descriptive analysis and the endogenous switching regression model were applied. According to the study's findings, adapted farms and non-adapted farms have a number of different characteristics. Furthermore, based on the estimates of the endogenous switching regression model, owning a radio, seed quantity and farming experience had a positive relationship with adaptation. Also, the results showed that adaptors are ‘better producers’ than nonadaptors. In light of the findings, some policy recommendations were made. When drafting policies, it is necessary to (a) draw on the expertise and experience of farmers and local institutions, (b) consider the assets of farmers and (c) enhance farmers’ access to more affordable agricultural inputs.