Title: DRIVERS AND CONSTRAINTS FOR ADOPTION OF CLIMATE RESILIENT TECHNOLOGIES ACROSS DIFFERENT AGRO-ECOLOGICAL REGIONS

Authors: B. Devojee, J. V. Prasad and Shaik N. Meera

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: Implementation feasibility, synergy with govt plans and inclusivity of women

Volume: 41

Issue: 1

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.1.0001

Abstract: The present study assessed the drivers and constraints influencing the adoption of Climate-Resilient Technologies (CRTs) across diverse agro-ecological regions of India using a standardized methodological framework jointly developed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA). The study covered 30 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across 23 states and one Union Territory, representing a wide range of climatic vulnerabilities and agro-ecological zones. Three key stakeholder groups, KVK scientists (n=3), line department officials (n=5), and NICRA-associated farmers (n=10), were purposively selected to capture scientific, administrative, and grassroots perspectives. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule using Likert scales (0-5 and 0-3) to quantify perceptions related to implementation feasibility, adoption barriers, incentive mechanisms, and institutional support systems. Climate-resilient interventions across crop production, livestock and fisheries, water-saving technologies, soil health management, and ex-situ natural resource management were systematically evaluated. Results revealed that crop production technologies were perceived as the most technically feasible (mean score 4.04), followed by water-saving technologies (3.85) and livestock and fisheries interventions (3.76). Ex-situ water harvesting technologies showed the highest alignment with government programmes (3.66). Women's participation was highest in livestock and crop-based interventions, while lower inclusivity was observed in soil and moisture conservation practices. The major barriers to CRT adoption were low technology acceptability (3.26), limited awareness (2.98), and labour constraints (2.95), outweighing purely financial limitations. Access to capacity building (3.23) and market linkages (2.60) emerged as the most influential enabling factors, whereas subsidies and affordable credit played a relatively limited role. Custom Hiring Centers, youth farmer groups, and women self-help groups were identified as the most effective institutional mechanisms for scaling CRTs. The study concludes that strengthening knowledge systems, institutional support, and policy convergence is critical for accelerating the adoption of climate-resilient technologies in India.