Today, climate change is the biggest challenge facing the planet. I think, it is a delicate topic, extremely complex, and also multidisciplinary. When dealing with the impacts of CCV (climate change and variability) on agriculture, we often come with adaptation options as solutions. Adaptation is a means of survival. However, many works of the literature suggest that due to BARRIERS and DETERMINANTS, we farmers couldn't totally avoid such huge impacts of CCV. THESE factors hinder farmers not to fully address such life-threatening impacts, particularly farmers of poor countries.
I am not clear with:
- The differences between BARRIERS and DETERMINANTS
- Could they overlap? If yes, where and how?
All RG researchers, thank you for creating a network of meaningful connections that always bring opportunities for the needy.
Alem Redda
My understanding is that barriers are a hindrance to adoption. Determinant factors on the other other hand does not sound correct, because determinants are factors. Determinants and factors mean the same thing. Those factors that influence either positively or negatively are determinants of adoption (derived from the word 'determine'). This implies that determinants is a broad word which also includes barriers.
Dear Dr Joseph Kipkorir Cheruiyot really thank you for opening my eyes. You are right. The word 'factors' is not necessary there. I was in doubt just for the reason you put it here.
But many works of literature ( attached herewith as an e.g.) show that:
1) age, gender, family size, household wealth, etc. as Determinants (Social constraints), and;
2) Other factors "outside" the control of the socio context such as the ff are called BARRIERS that hinder farmers to adopt CC adaptation options.
For example:
- Poor soil fertility
- Lack of access to water for irrigation
- Lack of farm labor ( or hired labor)
- High cost of farm off-farm inputs
- Unpredictability nature of weather
- Lack of access to seasonal weather information
I think I have to correct the previous question:
What are the differences between BARRIERS and DETERMINANT factors of farmers in adopting adaptation strategies to curb the negative impacts of CCV?
into:
What are the differences between BARRIERS and DETERMINANTS (Social constraints) of farmers in adopting adaptation strategies to curb the negative impacts of CCV?
The ff sample paper contains the words: Constraints, barriers, and determinants
Still waiting for your more professional advice!!! I'm still in doubt.
I'll get back to you with my concerns.
STAY BLESSED!!!
Alem
Determinants is often used to refer to factors that decisively influence adoption. Many studies for example suggest that Education levels and income levels are determinants of adoption of many agricultural best-practices. On the other hand, even the well-educated, high income categories of individuals are faced with obstacles(barriers) such as the Geographical location-related barriers, policy restrictions/policy environment etc. This is what makes the difference between determinants and barriers.
@Alem Redda, you have correctly put it, the barriers are obstacles such as lack of irrigation water. If such obstacles are removed, then it is no longer a factor in the adoption process and what remains are the socio-economic factors as you put it. Barriers apply to everyone irrespective of the socio-economic category.
Dear Dr. Joseph Kipkorir Cheruiyot, thank you so much for the nice clarification!!!
Now, I'm getting better in that:
- the terms "Barriers" and "Determinants" are two and separate concepts,
- once the barriers are removed, the determinants (socio-economic constraints) could remain /exist within the farmers context.
- However, the question "Could they overlap somewhere anyway?" remains in my mind. Sir., what do you say?
Wish you all the best this life can deliver, today and always!!!
Alem