Knowledge Levels, Experiences and Future Decisions of Hazelnut Farmers on Climate Change

Abstract

Climate change concerns agricultural production globally and therefore all consumers and producers. Climate changes, which lead to low productivity and quality, especially for producers, may adversely affect the income level and welfare of the rural population in the long run. In order to avoid such situations, many international, national, regional and local organizations recommend keeping the issue on the agenda and taking a series of measures as much as possible. The aim of this study is to examine the information sources, knowledge levels, future concerns and decisions about the future in case of negative impact of the producers engaged in hazelnut farming in the Çarşamba District of Samsun. Research data were obtained from face-to-face surveys with 135 farmers drawn according to stratified sampling method. Research findings revealed that farmers mostly learn about climate change from television and internet, they are very concerned about climate change, and they will resort to various measures if climate change seriously affects their agricultural production. In the research, it is suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture, faculties of agriculture and producer organizations should carry out various training and extension studies in order to raise awareness of farmers and train farmers on the measures that can be taken.