Climate change effects on crop production.

What is considered climate change varies across space and time, partly due to micro-level differences in weather events and human experiences of climate change effects mediated by socio-cultural factors such as gender. It is essential to understand micro-level variations in climate, their effects, and adaptation measures adopted by men and women smallholder farmers, who constitute a large proportion of the population of Sub-Saharan Africa. This study employed a qualitative participatory research tool to co-produce knowledge on smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change, its effects on their crop and livestock production, and the adaptation measures they have instituted. Data was collected from ten farmers in each of six chiefdoms from three districts in eastern Zambia. The data was transcribed and analyzed for common themes guided by the study’s research questions. Results show similarities in perceptions of micro-level climate change across the study sites, with subtle differences influenced by the interaction of gender and other factors. The most common climate change effects on livestock production are increased incidences of diseases, fodder and water shortages and lower productivity. For crop production, yields and pest infestations were reported. Autonomous adaptation measures for livestock production included fodder and water supplementation, investments in medicines and vaccines, and improved shelter construction. Crop production risk was mediated through early planting, crop diversification, crop residue retention, and applying fertilizers, pesticides, and lime. The adaptation measures were perceived to be effective to varying degrees, with those contingent on purchased inputs seen as less effective by women. Co-production of knowledge helped research participants learn about adaptation measures used in other chiefdoms and enhanced their understanding of the micro-scale similarities and differences in climate change. The study recommends that practitioners, policymakers, and researchers pay attention to micro-level climate variations in their design and implementation of interventions to ensure they are appropriate for all community subgroups.