Impact of climate change on farmers and adaptation strategies in Rangsit, Thailand

Abstract

Climate change presents a significant global challenge, particularly for developing nations. It is crucial for long-term investment decisions to incorporate measures for climate change adaptation and resilience. The uncertainty surrounding future climate conditions has made it difficult and expensive to design structures supporting climate adaptation. This study reflects the perspectives of farmers regarding climate change and identify the major adaptation strategies. A bottom-up approach, involving data collection data from 208 households in Beng Cham Aor and Sala Kru sub-districts of Nong Sua, Pathumthani, Thailand was used. The independent variables influencing the farmers' decisions to adopt agricultural adaptations and potential barriers in implementation were studied. A multivariate Probit model was employed to identify the factors that impact selection of adaptation strategies at the farm level. Factors such as age, income, household size, distance from the market, and farming experience significantly influenced farmers' choices regarding farm-level adaptations. The development of policies to support research in science and technology, to provide necessary assistance to farmers in adapting to the changing climate are recommended. The study assessed farmer's level of satisfaction based on their income/assets, agricultural practices, social/community aspects, and family characteristics. The case study of small-scale water resource management in Bueng Cham Aor, demonstrated that farmers were able to effectively secure more water during drought periods by employing local knowledge and data systems, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Thailand. The significance of comprehending the viewpoints of farmers regarding climate change and the factors that affect their strategies for adapting to it are emphasized. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers and researchers who are dedicated to formulating effective measures to alleviate the adverse effects of climate change on the agricultural industry in developing countries.