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.
