Exploring farmers’ climate change views and challenges to reduce climate vulnerability and enable adaptation: Evidence from Ireland

Farm-level climate adaptation is necessary to mitigate and prevent climate change impacts and thereby build resilience within farming communities. This exploratory qualitative study aimed at examining farm-level climate resilience. Notably, we explored experience and impacts of climate change faced by Irish farmers, and identify farm-level strategies towards climate adaptation and factors affecting their implementation. Qualitative data was gathered from farmers and farm advisors to capture different perspectives. The data was analysed through thematic analysis. The results showed that farmers experienced a range of environmental, work organisation, social, and economic climate impacts, which were interconnected. Farmers responded by adopting reactive and proactive adaptation strategies, with the aim of mitigating impacts and/or reducing vulnerability to future weather events. The implementation of these strategies was influenced by a series of economic, environmental, social, and institutional factors. Overall, the results highlight the need for continued support for farmers and agricultural advisors to enable climate adaptation.