Climate Literacy and Adaptation Strategies among the Small-Scale Farmers in Chongwe District of Zambia

Climate change is characterised by several challenges that it poses to small-scale farmers in many sub-Saharan African countries. Particularly for small-scale farmers who rely on rain-irrigation agricultural systems. This study explored the climate literacy adaptation strategies employed by small scale farmers in Chongwe District. Guided the diffusion of innovation theory, the purpose was to generate insight on how their climate literacy shapes their perceptions of climate change and adaptation strategies that they employ in their agriculture practices in this region. Using qualitative design, data were collected through six focus group discussions with 46 farmers and six key informant interviews with agricultural extension workers. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis which is aligned to the research approach adopted. We found that the small-scale farmers had basic information about climate change which was limited to basic interpretation of their observed effects that included the drought experienced, changes in rainfall pattern, and increase in temperatures. We also observed limited access to climate information, in particular radio was the primary source. The study also found that extension services were not always available and when available they were under-resourced. The common adaptation strategies employed by the farmers include crop diversification, planting seeds that are drought and or disease - resistant, and varying crop planting dates. Notwithstanding, the reality of these strategies is often hampered by limited finances, the use untitled land for farming, limited access to farming inputs, and unreliable extension services. This study offers localized insights into the knowledge-action gap in climate adaptation and underlines the need for integrated extension services and land tenure support. It further highlights the importance of promoting and improving climate literacy learning, improved extension support, and increased access to climate knowledge and information because these are crucial for enhancing small-scale farmers’ resilience and capacity to adapt to climate change in this region.