Bridging the intention–adoption gap in climate-resilient agriculture: Evidence from hill farmers in Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Although farmers' awareness on climate change and policy interest in crop diversification in hill regions have been growing, the actual adoption of crop diversification among farmers in hill regions is still low. The study analyzes the behavioural readiness and actual adoption of diversification practices among the farmers in Uttarakhand in the study area. Descriptive statistics, correlation, multiple regression and logistic regression techniques are employed for analysis of primary data collected from 543 farmers. The findings show that the perception of climate change, climate knowledge, and perceived benefits are positively associated with improving diversification readiness. But these do not necessarily lead to adoption. The only variable to be statistically significant in predicting adoption behaviour is market accessibility, indicating the existence of an intention–adoption gap. The study proposes a two-stage behavioural framework in which readiness is shaped by perception and awareness, while adoption is constrained by market conditions. The results add to the literature by moving beyond the research on determinants of readiness to research on barriers to implementation and provide policy guidance for improving agricultural resilience in mountain areas.