Abstract

The primary challenge in addressing climate change is not the lack of adaptation strategies; rather, it is the inability of people to adapt to climate change. Using the protection motivation theory, this study aimed to analyze contextual factors influencing drought adaptation behaviors in Northern Cameroon. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using non-probabilistic and probabilistic sampling techniques to recruit 343 women farmers. The data was analyzed using path analysis with mediation modeling.  The results showed that protection motivation influences adaptation behaviors. Dimensions of protection motivation, such as perceived severity, self-efficacy, and response efficacy, were positively associated with adaptation behaviors, while response cost negatively influenced adaptation behaviors. Additionally, environmental awareness positively influenced adaptation behaviors. The study concludes that protection motivation is an important factor influencing adaptation behaviors. However, it is insufficient to initiate long-lasting adaptation behaviors due to limited knowledge about climate change impacts and inadequate sustainable farming techniques. Therefore, environmental awareness among women farmers can boost protection motivation and improve adaptation behaviors. Agricultural extension services should prioritize building the capacities of motivated women farmers to enhance their adaptation behaviors.

Key words: Protection motivation, environmental awareness, drought adaptation behaviors, women farmers, Northern Cameroon.