Adaptation of Farmers to Climate Change: A Case Study of Shrimp Farmers in Kamphaeng Saen District, Nakhon Pathom Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) general information of shrimp farmers in Kamphaeng Saen district, Nakhon Pathom province, 2) climate change impacts on shrimp farming, and 3) adaptation to climate change of shrimp farmers. Interview schedule was applied for data collection from thirty-two shrimp farmers. Descriptive statistics were applied for data analysis. The findings revealed that 1) most of the samples were males younger than 40 years old, who were in working age, graduated from elementary school, had experience in raising shrimp for 5-10 years and had their own land. 2) The effects of climate change included shrimp not eating or eating less food, and poor water quality due to the lack of oxygen in the pond, especially in summer. 3) Adaptation of samples to climate change: most farmers preferred to check the feeding from feed tray. The soil was conditioned by limestone. Sick shrimp symptoms from abnormal shrimp gums were observed. Therefore, in response to climate change, farmers should find techniques to increase oxygen in the pond and the government officials should educate them about proper shrimp feeding especially the management of feeding in unusual environments in low oxygenated water and water quality care should be provided so that farmers could adapt to climate change