Farmers’ Perception about Climate Change, Market Accessibility and Behavioral Determinants of Crop Diversification: Empirical Evidence from Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

This study explores the factors affecting crop diversification in the hill farming system of Uttarakhand, India, bringing together perceptions of climate change, economic viability, institutional factors, and behavioral preparedness. The analyses of the primary data collected from 543 farmers were descriptive statistics, correlation, multiple regression, moderation analysis and logistic regression techniques.

The study identifies a significant link between the perception of climate change and the readiness to diversify, between benefits and barriers of climate change and their role as economic drivers. The factor that becomes most influential is market accessibility, which impacts readiness and actual adoption. Without the supportive market conditions, knowledge and institutional support do not lead to adoption. Logistic regression results support this and show that market access is the only statistically significant predictor of adoption.

The study introduces a two-stage behavioural model of diversification: readiness formation and market driven adoption. The results will complement the literature by combining behavioural and structural views and offer policy suggestions for climate-resilient agricultural development.