Farmers climate change perception and adaptation responses in Cameroon

Climate change is a growing threat to agriculture, food security, and livelihoods in Cameroon, particularly for smallholder farmers who are central to achieving Sustainable Development Goals such as Zero Hunger and Climate Action. This study integrates climate data from 2000 to 2023 with survey responses from 256 farming households across three agroecological zones (AEZs) to compare farmers’ perceptions with observed climate trends, identify the drivers of climate risk perception and adaptation, and document adaptation strategies and constraints. The results show a statistically significant warming trend across all zones, partially aligning with farmers’ perceptions. Although annual rainfall trends were not significant, perceived changes may be linked to significant decreases in April rainfall, a critical month for planting and crop maintenance. Farmers also reported declining yields, reduced water levels, recurrent drought and changing crop seasons. While 80 percent of the farmers observed climate change, only 52 percent adopted adaptation strategies. The Heckman selection model revealed that access to weather information and farm size drive perception, whereas adaptation is influenced by wealth status, market access, gender, household status, family labour, and postharvest conservation practices. Importantly, AEZs significantly shape both perception and adaptation decisions, with distinct strategies and constraints emerging across zones. These include expanding cultivated land, adopting short-season maize, increasing pesticide use, crop diversification, and agroforestry. Financial constraints, lack of information and labour shortages remain key barriers. The study concludes that perception alone is insufficient for adaptation and calls for zone -specific interventions to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Cameroon’s agricultural sector.