Abstract:
The present study was undertaken to determine the impact of Climate Smart
Agriculture on farmers livelihoods.Data were collected from 376 households from
CSA (study group) and non CSA (control group) farmers during July to December,
2018. In order to collect relevant information from the respondents, structured
interview schedule was used. Before-After study with control method was adopted for the
study to assess the impacts on farmer’s livelihoods. It is observed that an overwhelming
majority of the respondents (86.60%) in the CSA group had medium to high change
in livelihoods whereas the change in non-CSA group was 26.60%.The findings
indicated that CSA approach had significant improvement in most of the livelihood
parameters. Substantial positive changes were observed in food consumption (calorie
intake), food stock (availability), taking balance diet intake level, housing, safe
drinking water, sanitation, clothing and healthcare faculties. The analysis revealed
that out of 13 variables, 6 variables namely knowledge on Climate Smart Agriculture
practices, benefit obtained from CSA, empowerment status, use of CSA technologies
and organizational support had significant contribution on the change of farmers’
livelihoods. Whole model of 13 independent variables explained 45.9% of the total
variation showed in livelihoods of the farmers. Out of 45.9% explained variance, two
variables namely knowledge on CSA and benefit obtained from CSA contributed
(39%). It reflects those two variables are the most dominant and signifying predictors
for changing the livelihoods of CSA practicing farmers. This study can establish a
message that positive changes in the livelihoods of farming community are associated
with practicing Climate Smart Agriculture.
