Introduction

Climate change poses a significant threat to smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, jeopardising their agricultural productivity dominated by rain-fed farming, low financial and institutional capacities, and limited access to adaptive technology and information. Climate change risks associated with extreme weather events such as erratic rains and rising temperatures, coupled with resource constraints and limited adaptive capacity, compound smallholders' vulnerability. Interestingly, climate-smart agricultural (CSA) technologies offer a promising pathway to a transformative approach by enhancing productivity, sustainability, and resilience. However, in the context of socio-cultural diversity, institutional frameworks, and behavioural aspects, the decision of farmers to adopt climate-smart technologies proves complex and insufficiently understood. Objective This ongoing study aims to investigate strategies used by smallholder farmers to adapt to climate change and factors informing their decisions to adopt climate-smart technology. Methodology This research will adopt a mixed-method approach involving a random sample of 340 smallholder farmers of ages 18 and above who will be surveyed using structured questionnaires across climate-vulnerable farming communities in Zavala district. The study will conduct four focus group discussions (FGDs) comprising 8–10 participants purposively selected based on gender, age, and farming experience to capture diverse perspectives on adaptation to climate change. Furthermore, ten key informant interviews (KIIs) will be carried out with agricultural extension officers, local leaders, and climate experts selected through purposive sampling based on their roles and expertise in climate adaptation and community-based agricultural support. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. Significance The study will contribute to understanding smallholder decision-making under climate stress and identifying entry points to enhance climate-smart technology adoption. Insights will inform innovation, policy, extension, and resilience-building interventions in agrarian systems.

Keywords : Climate change, smallholder farmers, climate-smart technology, adoption decision.