Abstract

Climate change and variability have garnered global attention over the years and are perceived as a social problem that requires attention. Climate change impacts are observed all over the world; while some regions experience positive impacts, such as prolonged growing season and increase in crop yield from an increase in temperature, others experience negative impacts, such as a decrease in crop yield from the effects of droughts, floods, or hurricanes and an increase in pests and diseases. Agriculture is one of the sectors of the economy most impacted by climate change and variability, and the projected increase in the occurrence of extreme weather events will further exacerbate its vulnerability. It is believed that climate change perception precedes any adaptation behavior and, therefore, must be examined. With the use of surveys, this study of Missouri farmers examines their perceptions of climate change and their ability to make a connection between changing climate trends and extreme weather events. Additionally, we investigate the relationship between farmers’ perceptions of climate change and their adaptation behavior. Results from the study appear to suggest that although farmers were able to speak to their experiences of extreme weather events, they did not seem to make a connection to the changes in temperature and rainfall. There did not seem to be a significant difference between farmers’ perceptions of climate change and their adaptation behavior.