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Research Article

Cluster Analysis-Based Discernment of Farmers’ Typologies and Climate Change Adaptation Strategies among Rural Women

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Simran Pundir — PG Scholar, Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
R N Padaria — Joint Director (Extension),Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
L Muralikrishnan — Senior Scientist, Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
S Aiswarya — Scientist, Transfer of Technology Unit, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar-125001, Haryana, India
Sweety Mukherjee — Ph.D. Scholar, Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
Kotha Shravani — Ph.D. Scholar, Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
Bhaskar Ghosh — Ph.D. Scholar, Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India
Published 2 Jan 2025 Vol. 61 No. 1 (2025), pp. 78-82 ● Open access
❝ How to cite 🔗 https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2025.61114
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Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, particularly in vulnerable regions like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, where women contribute significantly to the agricultural workforce. They play a pivotal role in adopting climate-smart adaptation strategies ensuring food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. The study was conducted in 2024 to explore women farmers ‘adaptation strategies using K-means clustering. Based on their prioritization of 16 strategies, randomly selected 100 women farmers were found to belong in four distinct clusters. Cluster 1 emphasized crop and agronomic practices, changing planting dates, crop rotations, and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR). Cluster 2 prioritized mechanization and technology integration, raised-bed planting and laser levelling. Cluster 3 focused on soil and water management and harvesting practices, zero tillage, crop diversification, while Cluster 4 preferred sustainable practices as mulching, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and bio-fertilizers. The analysis underscores the need for targeted agricultural and extension interventions tailored to each cluster’s unique priorities. Strategies include promoting climate-resilient crops, precision agriculture, conservation techniques, and bio-inputs. Extension approaches such as field demonstrations, custom hiring centers, and capacity-building workshops are recommended. These findings highlight importance of cluster-specific strategies to empower women farmers and enhance their resilience to climate change, contributing to sustainable development goals. 

KeywordsClimate changeRural womenAdaptation strategiesCluster analysisSustainable development

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