Community Based Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies in Relation to Water and Crop Management in Batticaloa District

Abstract

Changes in climate affect livelihood of the people through changes in water availability, water quality and temperature. Agriculture and climate change are inextricably linked, and thereby changes in climate threaten agricultural production. Since climate change is inevitable, proper adaptation and mitigation measures are vital for gradual reduction of the adverse effects of climate changes. Hence, the study was carried out in the areas of Ayithyamalai, Mankeni, and Selvapuram of Batticaloa District to investigate the prevailing community based adaptation and mitigation measures to tackle the problems in water and crop management. Data were collected through field visits and questionnaire survey. The study showed that 23.6% of the households have rainwater harvesting tanks to rectify the problems of water scarcity in dry season. Water purification was practiced by 54.5% of population to get clean water. Moreover, 8.70% of the farmers grow vegetable crops in both Yala and Maha seasons instead of paddy. However, 32.7% of the farmers cultivate paddy in Maha season and grow vegetables in Yala season while 58.5% of them are cultivate paddy in Maha season only. Since people are not well aware of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in these study areas, many motivational works and ideas from government and NGO sides would help to improve their awareness level on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.