Extension-Education modeling of farmers' adaptation to climate change: A mixed method study

This study aimed to develop an extension-education model of farmers adaption to climate change using an exploratory mixed method approach. In the qualitative part, the grounded theory method based on 18 semi-structured interviews was used. In the quantitative part of this study, the structural equation modeling was applied. By using stratified random sampling, the perceptions of 350 experts and middle level managers of organizations related to climate change were studied. The findings of the qualitative part of the research revealed 223 primary codes, 72 secondary codes, 46 concept codes, 30 sub-categories and six main categories. The identified model was evaluated by structural equation modeling and Smart pls2 software package. Findings showed that man-made activities in agriculture and industry have the highest effect and power in predicting farmers' adaptive capacity to climate change.