Climate change trends in Malta and related beliefs, concerns and attitudes toward adaptation among Gozitan farmers

•Results show a definitive climatic shift in a number of weather parameters and related indices over the Maltese islands.•An association between the climatic trends and perceived beliefs in agricultural practices, yields and readiness to adapt.•Four typologies identified for crop/fruit cultivation farmers (Innovator, Conservative, Disengaged and Skeptical).•Barriers preventing take up of adaptation measures included lack of accurate knowledge about climate change impacts.•Results can be used to tailor an effective and segmented outreach approach that can target the identified farmer typologies.

In this study we report the results obtained from an island-wide survey aimed at researching an under-emphasized key feature of climate change adaptation—namely willingness to adapt on the basis of the perceptions and beliefs held by the Gozitan livestock and crop farmers. Some of the main objectives of this study included the: (1) determination of whether the current perception is in line with the observed climatic changes at the local scale, and (2) identification of the typology of these farmers, together with those factors that affect both skepticism and acceptance of climate change. This study provided an important first step in the objective validation of local farmers' perceptions of climate change, as well as in the development of a comprehensive understanding of their attitude, beliefs, willingness and capacity to adjust their practices in response to climate change. The results pointed to several important conclusions that can be used to inform research, outreach strategies and policy formulation, targeting the Gozitan farming sector to adapt to climate change without delay. The forgoing analysis showed a dire need for more information both on impacts and risks, as well as on ways how to introduce new farming techniques and practices.