Impact of climate change beliefs on farm households’ adaptation behaviors: the case of Ivory Coast.

Abstract

This paper examines how climate beliefs influence the adaptation decisions of Ivorian farmers. Based on the level of exposure to climate shocks and the type of farming practiced, two regions (Bouaké and Bonoua) were selected for data collection and 658 households were surveyed. Using a multivariate probit model, we analyze the impact of climate beliefs on decisions to implement an adaptation strategy. Our results indicate that the impact of beliefs on adaptation decisions varies according to the region considered. In Bouaké, religious and traditional beliefs, as well as subjective predictions of temperature trends, are the main drivers of farmers' adaptation decisions. In Bonoua, on the other hand, concerns about climate change and confidence in scientific studies on the worsening of CC determine farmers' adaptation decisions. In addition, the results of beliefs about the anthropogenic origin of climate change appear decisive. Policy recommendations are derived from our findings. Code JEL : Q54, C13, D81