Abstract:

Purpose: This study aimed to reveal the adaptation actions and strategies of the farmers in the Menemen of İzmir, where the negative effects of some extreme weather events, especially drought, have been experienced in recent years, in order to avoid the risks related to climate change and to reduce the exposure to these risks. Design/Methodology/Approach: The main material of the study consists of the data obtained from interviews with 71 farmers engaged in wheat cultivation in the 2022-2023 growing season in Menemen of İzmir. Simple statistical calculations and Khi-square analysis were used to analyse the data. Findings: The findings reveal that farmers have been adversely affected by weather events such as drought and excessive rainfall in recent years, that they have changed crop patterns made crop changes in order to reduce risks and exposure to risks, that they have made practices in cultivation activities according to risks and thus production costs have increased, and that industrial agricultural methods are insisted on with smart systems and technological applications. Originality/Value: The climate changes experienced in recent years and the possible impacts of these changes show that the issue of adaptation to climate change and mitigation of its impacts should be monitored more carefully. It is important to develop various and permanent solutions to the problems experienced for adaptation and mitigation of impacts. It is imperative that agricultural production and farmers, who are adversely affected by climate change, adapt to changing conditions. Therefore, this study is important in that it will develop information about the climatic problems experienced by the farmers of the Menemen district, where important and strategic crops are grown for both Türkiye and İzmir and adaptation actions, including individual perceptions and targets, which will allow the producers to contribute to the understanding of the adaptation processes and has unique value.

Keywords: