Navigating Climate Challenges: Insights from smallholder of Mbangassina’s Local Communities in the Centre Cameroon Region

This comprehensive study explored the factors shaping smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change in the Mbangassina Subdivision. Data collection methods included structured interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The findings revealed that 97.2% of the farmers surveyed noticed changes in temperature and rainfall over the past 30 years. Specifically, 17.8% observed an increase in rainfall, 75.6% noted a decrease, and 6.7% saw no change over the last 10–30 years. Additionally, there has been a significant rise in mean and maximum temperatures. From 1981 to 2022, Mbangassina recorded an average annual rainfall of 1491.26 mm, with yearly fluctuations influenced by seasonal variations, geographical factors, and climatic oscillations. While linear regression offers a simplified model, other factors such as greenhouse gases, natural variability, and regional effects also impact temperature changes. The study identified significant associations between perceived climate change impacts and factors such as age, years of farming experience, annual income, microfinance/banking status, gender, community membership, and socioeconomic level (residential situation) ( p  < 0.050). Furthermore, adaptive capacity to climate change impacts was influenced by years of farming experience, a usable agricultural area, annual income, microfinance client status, marital status, residential situation, and membership in a farmer organization. The research underscores the importance of understanding local factors that influence climate change perceptions. This knowledge can aid smallholder farmers in better coping with climate challenges and inform the development of effective adaptation strategies. Policymakers can create an enabling environment that empowers smallholder farmers to adapt to climate change and improve their livelihoods.