Abstract

Smallholder farmers constitute one of the most vulnerable socio-economic groups exposed to the impacts of climate change. Their dependence on natural resources limited adaptive capacity restricted access to credit and susceptibility to environmental fluctuations position them at the frontlines of climate-induced risks. As global temperatures rise rainfall patterns become increasingly erratic and the frequency of extreme weather events intensifies the livelihood security of smallholder farmers is severely threatened. This research examines the multidimensional exposure of smallholder farmers to climate change focusing on the interplay between climatic stressors socio-economic vulnerability limited institutional support and structural inequalities. Smallholders face challenges such as reduced crop yields soil degradation water scarcity pest infestations and declining agricultural productivity—factors that collectively undermine food security and rural economic stability. Moreover the imp