Farmers’ awareness and adaptive crop-soil management to rainfall variability in Kurunegala paddy cultivation

Abstract

Paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka is highly dependent on rainfall patterns, economic resources and temperature changes. Changes of these factors influence the adaptability of agriculture. This research evaluated farmers’ awareness of changing rainfall patterns, their impacts on cultivation and the adaptation strategies employed. The study was conducted in two Divisional Secretariat (DS) Divisions, Kuliyapitiya West and Kurunegala, in the Kurunegala District, using a multistage sampling method to select 100 paddy farmers. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering demographic factors, cultivation practices, observations of rainfall pattern, impacts on yield, adaptation strategies and challenges faced. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results showed that years of farming experience did not significantly influence farmers’ awareness of rainfall variability, adoption of adaptation strategies, or the type of government support (fertilizer, seeds, plant protect chemical) requested. Independent t-tests comparing adopters and non-adopters of strategies such as adjusting planting time, using resistant varieties and water management yielded p-values greater than 0.43, indicating no significant differences. A one-way ANOVA examining farming experience among farmers requesting fertilizer subsidies, high-quality seeds, cash assistance, or other aid showed no significant variation (F (3,41) = 2.747, p = 0.055), with post hoc tests confirming similarity (p = 0.069). Most farmers reported irregular rainfall and yield reductions. The main barriers to effective adaptation were limited financial resources and technical knowledge, restricting farmers’ ability to invest in necessary inputs for paddy cultivation. Overall awareness of rainfall variability and the responses to it were consistent among farmers, regardless of their level of experience. The study highlights the urgent need for government involvement, improved access to climate information and farmer training programs to mitigate the adverse effects of rainfall variability on paddy cultivation.