Exploring kiwi fruit producers' climate change perceptions

Abstract

Climate change is one of the biggest problems of our time and has a significant impact on the natural ecosystem. Although efforts are being made to reduce the negative effects of droughts and other extreme natural events, they are increasing. Rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall are among the most common of these events. Agriculture is one of the sectors most affected. As a result, the food chain is disrupted. Farmers need to be aware of climate change and take adaptation measures to minimize these disruptions. The study examines the factors that influence kiwifruit producers' perceptions, their problems and their fight against climate change. The study also examines how these factors affect yields in Kastamonu, northern Turkey. The data consists of a survey of 65 kiwi producers. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 28.0. Frequency analyses and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. According to the results of the study, most farmers (67.7%) stated that the seasonal air temperature in their region had increased. The participants stated that operating costs would increase due to climate change. Producers believe that agricultural insurance and organic farming are essential for adapting to climate change. However, there is a linear relationship between the problems encountered in kiwi farming, the perception, struggle and future expectations of climate change and the expectation of a decline in kiwi productivity. By providing direct financial support to farmers, policymakers can encourage them to prevent and reduce the negative impacts of climate change.