Exploring tomato farmers’ knowledge and adaptation practices to climate change: Insights from Chinsali district, Zambia

Climate change poses a severe threat to agriculture in developing nations, with smallholder farmers in Zambia being particularly vulnerable. This study examined the knowledge and awareness of climate change among tomato farmers in Chinsali District, Zambia, and evaluated the adaptive practices used to mitigate its effects on tomato production. Using non-probability convenience sampling, structured questionnaires were administered to 40 farmers to collect quantitative data. The results revealed a gender imbalance, with 82.5% male participants, likely due to the high capital demands of tomato farming, which limit female and youth participation. While 64.9% of respondents were highly aware of climate change, mainly informed by radio, only 5.5% rated their knowledge as very good. Farmers reported noticeable shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns and relied on measures such as drought-resistant seeds and irrigation systems. These adaptations were constrained by limited financial resources and inadequate extension services. To strengthen resilience, there is a need to improve access to climate-resilient inputs, expand extension support, and provide financial assistance through subsidies or microloans. Enhanced climate change education and farmer cooperatives can further boost adaptive capacity. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions to support sustainable tomato production amid climate-related challenges.