راهبردهای سازگاری جامعه محلی برای مقابله با تغییرات محیطی مطالعه موردی: کشاورزان شهرستان نجف‌آباد

Agriculture sector plays a crucial role in the economy and food security of many countries. Agricultural production remains the primary source of income and livelihood for most rural communities worldwide. Agriculture is inherently sensitive to environmental changes and is one of the most vulnerable sectors to the risks and impacts of climate change. Environmental change is expected to affect agricultural performance in the coming years. The aim of this research is to present active adaptation strategies in agriculture to cope with environmental changes. Qualitative research using grounded theory methodology for data collection, analysis, and model development. Semi-structured interviews with 17 farmers. Purposive sampling random for farmers until theoretical saturation was achieved. While many farmers had a limited understanding of climate change, they recognized changes in weather patterns, particularly droughts. The level of understanding among farmers in the study area has improved in recent years. Education, access to extension services, and a variety of information sources have contributed to this improvement. Increased awareness of climate change can strengthen farmers' adaptation skills. The main adaptation strategies identified include: Changing agricultural activities and migration, Diversifying income sources outside of farming, Mechanizing agriculture and developing new irrigation methods, Changing crop types and varieties it was proposed as the most important adaptation strategies in Najaf-Abad county to cope with environmental changes in the agricultural sector.
 
Extended Abstract
 
Introduction
The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the economy and food security of most countries worldwide, with the production of agricultural products remaining the primary source of income and livelihood for many rural communities. Agriculture is inherently sensitive to environmental conditions and is one of the most vulnerable sectors to the risks and effects of environmental changes. It is anticipated that environmental changes will impact agricultural performance in the coming years. Increasing temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and more intense weather events, such as droughts, are expected to alter crop yields and exacerbate water-related risks in various regions. Given the negative impact of these changes on agricultural production, it is essential for rural communities, especially farmers, to adapt in order to sustain their livelihoods and ensure food security. Adaptation is a process of conscious change, often defined as a response to multiple pressures and changes affecting people's lives. Effective adaptation can significantly reduce vulnerability to environmental changes by fostering rural communities that can better cope with environmental variability, mitigate potential risks, and manage adverse consequences. The agricultural sector particularly needs successful adaptation strategies because many families and rural communities depend on it for their survival. For vulnerable rural groups, including many poor households, a resilient and adaptable agricultural sector is crucial for reducing rural poverty. Neglecting adaptive measures can lead to issues such as economic insecurity, social problems, and unstable livelihoods, leaving many vulnerable rural communities in a precarious economic situation for extended periods. Developing adaptation strategies to mitigate and reduce the effects of environmental changes is fundamental. The selection and effectiveness of these strategies will depend on understanding environmental, economic, social, and institutional parameters to address future challenges. Therefore, finding solutions that effectively reduce risks caused by environmental stressors, such as drought and rural poverty, is essential for the sustainable development of agriculture. In Najafabad city, agriculture is a key economic sector and a major source of livelihood for rural residents. However, recent issues such as population growth, urban expansion, environmental instability, and excessive groundwater withdrawal have created significant problems in the agricultural sector, particularly in crop production. This article aims to address the following question: What are the most effective solutions for adapting to environmental changes in Najafabad city?
 
Methodology
The method used in this research is qualitative, specifically employing the Grounded Theory Method (GTM). Grounded Theory, as defined by Glaser and Strauss (1976) and further utilized by Anthony Bryant, aims to develop a theory based on detailed and verified information from human research. This method seeks to discover theories that are contextually grounded and applicable to specific realities. The theories generated through Grounded Theory are typically presented as narratives, diagrams, and sets of hypotheses. In this study, data were collected through direct field observations, group interviews, and semi-structured individual interviews. Initially, a field observation was conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the study area, focusing on all selected rural areas in Najafabad city. Subsequently, to explore additional dimensions of the subject, five interviews were held with university professors who possess extensive knowledge of the city. Additionally, four interviews were conducted with experts in agricultural jihad and natural resource management in the city. Group interviews with 3 to 4 participants were also carried out, followed by semi-structured individual interviews with village residents. It is important to note that field observations continued throughout the interview process. The interviews were conducted during November and December 2018.
 
Results and Discussion
The findings show that although most farmers initially lacked a proper understanding of environmental changes and equated them with drought, there has been some improvement in their understanding in recent years. This improvement is attributed to higher levels of education, better access to extension services, and a greater variety of information resources available to farmers. Additionally, the survey results (interviews with farmers) indicate that increasing awareness about environmental changes can enhance farmers' skills in adapting to these changes. The study also identified several key adaptation strategies for dealing with environmental changes in the agricultural sector of Najafabad city. These strategies include changing agricultural activities and migration, diversifying income sources beyond farming, mechanizing agriculture, developing new irrigation methods, altering cultivation practices, and switching to different seed types and crop varieties.
 
Conclusion
Environmental changes and their resulting consequences are considered the biggest challenges facing Iran's agriculture both now and in the future. The agricultural sector is inherently sensitive to climate change, making it one of the most vulnerable sectors to the effects of global environmental changes. Additionally, population growth, lifestyle changes, and our management of natural resources have exacerbated the pressure on these resources and land. The dimensions and trends of environmental changes in the city highlight the significant role humans play in intensifying negative environmental consequences in various areas. Key risks caused by environmental changes, such as water pollution, soil contamination, dust storms, salinization, and the depletion of groundwater resources, pose significant threats to the agriculture and natural resources of Najafabad city. Field investigations revealed that while most farmers initially did not have a proper understanding of environmental changes and equated them with drought, there has been some improvement in their understanding in recent years. The findings suggest that higher levels of education, access to extension services, and a variety of information resources have been effective in enhancing farmers' understanding of environmental changes.
 
Financial sponsor
According to the responsible author, this article has no financial sponsor.
 
Contribution of the authors to the research
First author: data analysis, compilation of findings and conclusions.
Second author: He played an active role in the statement of the problem, theoretical foundations and data analysis.
 
Conflict of interest
 The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest in writing or publishing this article.
 
Appreciation and thanks
The authors of the article express their sincere gratitude to all the residents of Najafabad city, experts, specialists and professors, as well as the management of the agricultural jihad of Najafabad city and the regional water organization of Isfahan province, who accepted the effort and provided the necessary support.