Amish and Non-Amish Farmer Perspectives on Climate Change Causes, Effects, and Adaptation Strategies

Abstract

Successful agricultural extension programs on climate change require a better understanding of the diverse and evolving farm population. Amish communities are an increasing constituency of rural populations. Ohio Amish and non-Amish farmers (n = 122) were surveyed on attitudes about weather events, climate change, potential adaptation, and policy strategies. Farmers’ belief in climate change and its associated effects were relatively low compared to other studies, with Amish farmers’ belief in climate change less than half that of their non-Amish counterparts. Farmers also tended to focus on isolated weather events over long-term trends. Respondents expressed more concern about government strategies to address climate change than the biophysical climate change effects, with a strong desire to adapt independently of government policy. These sentiments were more profound among the Amish. Both Amish and non-Amish farmers expressed views about God being in control of the weather and, thus, not a pressing source of concern for them. Results indicate the importance of Christian land stewardship principles and point to future research and outreach possibilities that could develop a better understanding of farmer motivations toward climate friendly practices through interviews and collaborative partnerships to promote conservation behaviors in culturally appropriate ways.