Beliefs and Risk Perception of Farmers’ of Khuzestan Province toward Climate Change

Abstract

Global warming or climate change, one of the most serious environmental challenges and the long term effects it, can have social, economical and environmental consequences. Also The agricultural sector is one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate change. Since the farmers are the critical decision makers in terms of how to manage agricultural land to adapt to changing climate conditions, their beliefs and risk perception toward climate change are important factors for the adaptation of farmers. therefore The aim of this study was to determine factors affecting farmers’ beliefs and risk perception. The sample is based on Cluster random sampling selected among farmers in Khouzestan province (n=400). The results of regression showed that, among the research variables, the variable trust in media is strongest predictor of belief in the occurrence of climate change (β= 0/25) and belief in the causes of climate change (β=0/23). Also, the risk salience is the strongest predictor of belief in the effects of climate change (β= 0/35) and belief in the effects of climate change, is the most powerful predictor of perceived risk (β= 0/35). On the results of research, Recommendations for development of risk perception and beliefs toward climate change and drought are offered.

Keywords

• global warming
• trust
• risk perception
• climate change
• belief
• khuzestan. farmers