Farmer adoption and intensity of use of extreme weather adaptation and mitigation strategies: evidence from a sample of Missouri farmers

Climate change and its associated weather extremes pose a threat to agriculture. To slow down climate change and reduce its associated risks, governments around the world are currently developing policies to encourage farmers to engage in adaptation and mitigation efforts. The aim of this study is to assess the adoption and intensity of use of extreme weather adaptation and mitigation strategies among a sample of Missouri farmers and to identify the factors that influence adaptation and mitigation behavior. Of particular interest is the influence of the 2019 Missouri River flooding on adaptation and mitigation efforts. An econometric hurdle model that separates the decision on whether to adopt adaptation/mitigation strategies from the decision on how many strategies to employ was used to achieve the study's purpose. Improving field drainage or soil water retention capacity for potential flooding was found to be by far the most used adaptation. The most used mitigations were increasing use of minimum tillage, managing fertilizer, and planting cover crops. Types of crops grown, farm income, and opinions on extreme weather events were the most important determinants of both adaptation and mitigation decision. Direct experience with the 2019 Missouri River floods is found to only influence adaptation decision. Adaptation and mitigation intensity were found to be strongly influenced by opinions on government support for adaptation and CRP involvement, respectively. Directions for policy and outreach that can promote adaptation and mitigation efforts among farmers are discussed.

Automated summary

Climate change and extreme weather pose a threat to agriculture. Governments worldwide are developing policies to encourage farmers to adopt adaptation and mitigation strategies. This study examines the adoption and intensity of such strategies among Missouri farmers, with a focus on the impact of the 2019 Missouri River flooding. The findings highlight the importance of field drainage, soil water retention, minimum tillage, fertilizer management, and cover crops as adaptation and mitigation measures. The choice of crops, farm income, and opinions on extreme weather events are key determinants of adaptation and mitigation decisions.