A Conceptual Framework on Climate Change Sensitivity and Technology Adoption Among Farmers
Abstract
This conceptual paper investigates how economic, political, cultural, and institutional responses to climate change influence farmers' use of adaptive technologies. Drawing on interdisciplinary theories and contextual literature, it proposes an integrative framework in which these sensitivities act as interconnected factors that either promote or impede innovation. Economic sensitivity determines farmers' financial capacity and their willingness to invest in climate-related risk-mitigation technologies. Political sensitivity refers to the role of policies, governance, and resource allocation in creating enabling environments for trust and adoption. Cultural sensitivity emphasises the impact of local knowledge, traditions, and collective practices on farmers' perceptions of technological change, demonstrating that technologies that align with established norms are more likely to be adopted. Institutional sensitivity focusses on the role of research organisations, agricultural extension services, and financing mechanisms in providing the knowledge and support required for successful adoption. The paper contends that climate-smart agricultural systems necessitate adaptive strategies that combine technological solutions with socially grounded and context-specific methods. This paper addresses a gap in prior research, which has typically treated these sensitivities separately, by proposing an integrative framework. By situating adoption decisions within these interconnected sensitivities, the framework improves understanding of how social, economic, and institutional dimensions interact to shape farmers' reactions. It also provides useful insights for developing inclusive policies and practices that boost resilience and enable long-term agricultural transformation.
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