14.3.3 Learning Opportunities from Applying Behavioral
Changes Theory in Adaption Processes
Application of the theory of planned behavior has valuable potential to complement
and extend the monitoring and evaluation of biophysical changes (the foci of
previous agriculture and food security adaptation efforts). Three major learning
opportunities can be identified from its use to monitor and evaluate adaptation
processes reported here. As outlined below, the interviewees’ stories of changes
provided evidence of: (i) behavioral changes induced by adaptation activities; (ii) a
need to maintain new patterns of behaviors and (iii) possibilities to identify
adaptation-based metrics from behavioral change stories.
• Evidence of various new behavior patterns: Stakeholders including researchers
and extension officers from both governmental and nongovernmental organizations have learned the existence of a wide range of changes in farmers’ behavior.
It was particularly easy for them to identify adaptation-relevant behavior. Furthermore, the most significant change technique allowed farmers to learn how to
own the adaptation process and express views about potential barriers to adaptation outcomes or maintaining initiated behavioral changes. It provided opportunities for other farmers to learn about types of changes that are occurring in
their community. In this manner it can help remove barriers related to attitude,
subjective norms and perceived behavioral control within farmers’ communities
and enhance community and other stakeholders’ engagement in the CCAFS
program.
• New behavior patterns need maintenance: The results also suggest that initiating new behavior patterns may expose farmers to new challenges. Their stories
of change provided researchers with insights into barriers related to assets and/or
additional adaptive capacities after the farmers’ initiation of adaptation-relevant
behavioral changes. Such insight will facilitate discussion by researchers,
farmers and extension officers regarding additional support farmers may require
to maintain effective new behavior patterns, and avoid potential reversion to old
practices that are considered inappropriate for adaptation to climate change.
Furthermore, addressing the additional burdens faced by farmers after they have
initiated relevant changes is important to minimize the risk of maladaptation to
climate change.
• Developing adaptation-related metrics from behavioral change stories: Characteristics of behavioral changes portrayed in the stories of change could be
readily identified, classified, counted, and used in designing metrics that effectively reflect progress towards adaptation. For instance, evidence that farmers
have changed their agricultural practices to include assisted natural regeneration
of trees on their farmland indicates that the adaptation initiative has contributed
to increases in: (i) the area of land under this practice, (ii) the agricultural
productivity and production of that land, and (iii) the food security of farm
households involved. This is highly significant, because assuring traceability of
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Changes Theory in Adaption Processes
Application of the theory of planned behavior has valuable potential to complement
and extend the monitoring and evaluation of biophysical changes (the foci of
previous agriculture and food security adaptation efforts). Three major learning
opportunities can be identified from its use to monitor and evaluate adaptation
processes reported here. As outlined below, the interviewees’ stories of changes
provided evidence of: (i) behavioral changes induced by adaptation activities; (ii) a
need to maintain new patterns of behaviors and (iii) possibilities to identify
adaptation-based metrics from behavioral change stories.
• Evidence of various new behavior patterns: Stakeholders including researchers
and extension officers from both governmental and nongovernmental organizations have learned the existence of a wide range of changes in farmers’ behavior.
It was particularly easy for them to identify adaptation-relevant behavior. Furthermore, the most significant change technique allowed farmers to learn how to
own the adaptation process and express views about potential barriers to adaptation outcomes or maintaining initiated behavioral changes. It provided opportunities for other farmers to learn about types of changes that are occurring in
their community. In this manner it can help remove barriers related to attitude,
subjective norms and perceived behavioral control within farmers’ communities
and enhance community and other stakeholders’ engagement in the CCAFS
program.
• New behavior patterns need maintenance: The results also suggest that initiating new behavior patterns may expose farmers to new challenges. Their stories
of change provided researchers with insights into barriers related to assets and/or
additional adaptive capacities after the farmers’ initiation of adaptation-relevant
behavioral changes. Such insight will facilitate discussion by researchers,
farmers and extension officers regarding additional support farmers may require
to maintain effective new behavior patterns, and avoid potential reversion to old
practices that are considered inappropriate for adaptation to climate change.
Furthermore, addressing the additional burdens faced by farmers after they have
initiated relevant changes is important to minimize the risk of maladaptation to
climate change.
• Developing adaptation-related metrics from behavioral change stories: Characteristics of behavioral changes portrayed in the stories of change could be
readily identified, classified, counted, and used in designing metrics that effectively reflect progress towards adaptation. For instance, evidence that farmers
have changed their agricultural practices to include assisted natural regeneration
of trees on their farmland indicates that the adaptation initiative has contributed
to increases in: (i) the area of land under this practice, (ii) the agricultural
productivity and production of that land, and (iii) the food security of farm
households involved. This is highly significant, because assuring traceability of
264
J. Somda et al.