Typology of Wheat and Vegetable Farmers’ Perception Towards Climate Change Through of Q-Methodology

Abstract

Climate change and global warming are serious challenges in the 21st century with significant negative impacts on the agriculture. Farmers are important players if agriculture is to be adjusted to the changing climate conditions. Their perceptions about climate change directly affect their behavior toward this problem. Therefore, it is important to recognize and classify their perceptions to improve the rural de-velopment programs. We used the Q methodology to classify the farmers' perceptions toward climate change in Hamidiyeh County in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Q research initiates by recognizing a concourse, often shaped by dialogs with elite people. Then, a Q statement is nominated, which represents an indi-vidual's belief. In this study, by reviewing the literature and interviewing with 6 agricultural experts and farmers, 160 statements were identified. Then, by sorting them, we arrived at 42 final statements or Q-sample. This Q-sample was sorted by 46 farmers, selected through purposive sampling. To analyze the data, we used PQMethod 2014. The factor analysis of Q sorts revealed two discourses; support seekers and adaptable among the 27 vegetable growers; and two other discourses among 19 wheat farmers; fatalism passive-adherents and disappointment. Various individuals think differently about the causes, impacts, self-efficacy, responsibility, adaptation, and intention to mitigation of greenhouse gasses and climate change. Therefore, based on the perceptions, knowledge, and behavior of the individuals, policy makers can provide various recommendations to deal with climate change.