Rice Farmers’ Perceptions and Adaptation to Climate Change in Wiset Chaichan District, Ang Thong Province

Abstract

The objective of the research was to investigate rice farmers’ perceptions and adaptation to climate change in Wiset Chaichan district, Ang Thong province. Interview schedule was used for data collection from 98 rice farmers in Ang Thong province. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were applied for data analysis. The findings revealed that most farmers were aware of rising temperature and reduced rainfall. Farmers had the ability to adapt to the risks of the climate crisis. In the face of climate risks in agriculture, farmers had demonstrated different adaptations in the pre-risk period, including using drought-tolerant or flood-resistant varieties, and adjusting crop planting and harvesting periods. During risk, farmers were increasingly observing crops for both diseases and potential new dangers. And post-risk, most farmers had changed their cropping system to grow crops once a year instead, and use new technologies and varieties. Thus, it can be seen that farmers perceive and adapt differently on and off farms. In the long run, farmers still need external support, and increased investment in new agricultural technologies, as well as locally appropriate information dissemination mechanisms and technologies to prepare for risks.