OICC Press International Journal of Agricultural Management and Development 2159-5860 15 1 2025 03 27 Internal Emotions and External Barriers Hindering Farmers' Adaptive Behavior to Climate Change 10.71877/ijamad.2025.17302 EN Roya Karami Department of Agriculture, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 03 27 This study aimed to investigate the factors hindering adaptive behaviors to climate change. Although focusing on barriers to adaptation may appear pessimistic, internal psychological distress is a genuine response to threats such as climate change, and—along with external barriers—can reduce adaptability. The study population consisted of farmers in Zanjan Province, Iran. The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula, and stratified sampling was employed. An investigation of the adaptive behaviors adopted by farmers over the past five years showed that strategies such as using drought-tolerant native crop varieties with lower water requirements—drawing on local knowledge and experience—were the most commonly implemented. Inferential results indicated that internal emotions such as eco-anger, followed by external barriers including financial, water, information, and technological constraints, were the most significant obstacles to adopting adaptive behaviors. Additionally, age, work experience, and farm size showed a negative correlation with farmers’ adaptive behavior. The study concludes with discussions and recommendations for relevant organizations to address climate change and enhance adaptive responses.