Understanding the adaptive behaviors of farmers on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau: a mixed-methods study on the mediating role of risk perception and the moderating effects of climate change benefits and self-efficacy

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau region has been significantly affected by climate change. The adaptive behaviors of local farmers play a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological balance and the well-being of residents. This study employs a mixed-method approach that combines in-depth interviews and questionnaire surveys to explore the adaptive behaviors of farmers on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in response to climate change, as well as the factors influencing these behaviors. The findings from the in-depth interviews indicate that the farmers primarily cope with the challenges posed by climate change through six types of adaptive behaviors, which include adjusting the planting time of crops, optimizing the planting structure, engaging in livestock farming, adopting plastic coverings, purchasing agricultural insurance, and participating in non-agricultural activities. Survey results confirm that climate change beliefs positively influence adaptive behaviors, with risk perception serving as a mediator, and climate change benefits and self-efficacy acting as moderators. Additionally, experienced benefits of climate change and self-efficacy moderate this relationship, whereby farmers who experience greater benefits tend to underestimate risks, resulting in fewer adaptive actions. This study advances the understanding of climate-adaptive behaviors by elucidating the underlying psychological mechanisms among farmers in extreme climatic environments.