Abstract:
Climate change has a significant impact on the agricultural sector, affecting various
crops, including rubber. Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and extreme weather
events influence rubber production, growth, and yield, posing challenges to
sustainability and economic stability in rubber-producing regions. This study examines
smallholder rubber farmers' awareness and adaptation strategies in response to climate
change in Monaragala District. The structured questionnaire was developed using
interviews with stakeholders and adapting scales from the literature. The data was
collected from 100 farmers using a pre-tested questionnaire. The study found that most
rubber farmers in the Monaragala District are aware of climate change, with 57%
acknowledging its impact on agriculture. About 63Yo statedthey could recognise visible
climate changes, such as irregular rainfall and rising temperatures, which they believed
were affecting rubber cultivation. However, 76Yo reported that financial difficulties
were the main obstacle to adopting adaptation strategies. Other major challenges
included limited access to climate-related information (75%), insufficient government
support (84%), and poor access to modem farming technologies (82%). The analysis
showed that32o/o of the variation in farmers' adaptation behaviours could be explained
by the identified influencing factors (R3 : 0.319). Three key factors were statistically
significant: access to climate adaptation :iaining (p : 0.001), education level (p :
0.047), and financial losses from climate events (p: 0.029). Farmers who had received
useful training, had higher education, or experienced financial losses due to climate
extremes were more likely to act. The findings emphasise the crucial role of knowledge,
experience, and institutional support in facilitating climate adaptation. To ensure the
long-term sustainability of rubber farming in Sri Lanka, targeted policies, farmer
education programs, and improved financial access are essential. These insights are
valuable for policymakers, researchers, and agricultural extension officers in
developing adaptation strategies tailored to smallholder farmers. Strengthening
institutional frameworks and integrating scientific advancements with traditional
practices can enhance the resilience of Sri Lanka's rubber industry against future
climate challenges.
