Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change, Adaptation Practices, and Barriers in the Delmarva Peninsula, USA

Global climate change poses increasing challenges to agricultural production and global food security by intensifying temperature and precipitation variability and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. While several studies have examined farmers’ perceptions of climate change in the United States, limited empirical evidence exists for the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia (Delmarva) Peninsula. This study assessed farmers’ perceptions of climate change in the Delmarva region and identified key factors influencing these perceptions, as well as adaptation strategies employed to address climate-related risks. Primary data were collected through a structured survey administered to farmers across the Delmarva Peninsula, while secondary data consisted of historical temperature and precipitation records obtained from meteorological stations in the region. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize farmer perceptions and adaptation practices, and a logit regression model was applied to examine socioeconomic and experiential factors influencing perceptions of climate change. Analysis of climate data revealed notable variability in temperature and rainfall patterns, with the warmest temperatures occurring during June, July, and August and peak rainfall generally observed between May and September. Survey results showed that a large majority of respondents (88.2%) perceived that climate change is occurring. Logit model results indicated that farmers’ age, education level, acceptance of climate change adaptation practices, and observed changes in climate over the past 5–10 years positively influenced perceptions of climate change. Adaptation strategies included selective crop choices, avoiding cultivation in flood-prone areas, adoption of soil conservation practices, and the use of crop insurance.