Climate vulnerability, agricultural dependency and climate change adaptation in rural Cambodia: a case study in Tramkak District, Takeo Province.

Abstract

Around 76% of Cambodian people live in either rural or remote areas and are largely dependent on rain-fed agricultural production for subsistence livelihoods. In recent years, the agricultural sector has been negatively impacted by climate change. This study assesses climate vulnerability as experienced by rice farmers, assesses adaptation practices, and considers how farmers are involved in climate change adaptation in Takeo Province, Cambodia. It was found that: (1) climate vulnerability experienced by rice farmers in the study area ranged from medium to high (sensitivity 0.78, exposure 0.58, and adaptive capacity 0.42). Rice farmers have become highly sensitized and moderately exposed to climate change. The majority of the rice farmers perceived that they had become vulnerable to climate change. For instance, farmers had observed changes in water levels and irregular rainfall, affecting irrigation systems. Moreover, the adaptive capacity of rice farmers remained low. (2) Climate change adaptation practices of rice farmers were limited to three methods of rice cultivation, including broadcast sowing of rice seedlings, planting rice seedlings, and constructing wetlands. Additionally, the rice farmers still deployed traditional cultivation methods; while changing the timing of crop cycles due to changing rainfall patterns. (3) Four key contributors to encouraging rice farmers to participate in climate change adaptation activities include: improving knowledge; gaining new skills, receiving invitation letters to attend activities; and being a member of a community. In addition, rice farmers accessed opportunities to exchange knowledge with other communities and have received support from NGOs and the Royal Government of Cambodia.