Unveiling the Link Between Climate Change Perceptions and Migration: A Case Study in Takeo Province, Cambodia

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between climate change perception and migration in Cambodia, a country highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The research focuses on Takeo province, located in the Mekong Delta. Data collection involved a mixed research method, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study findings reveal a perceived increase in average temperature over the past two decades but differing perceptions of annual average rainfall. Factors such as reliance on rainfed agriculture and limited access to irrigation contribute to this discrepancy and influence vulnerability to weather extremes. Socio-economic characteristics, including household head age and landholding size, impact migration decisions, with slow-onset environmental events playing a significant role. The study emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in migration decisions by enhancing the understanding of climate change perceptions and migration in Cambodia. Several recommendations are proposed to address these issues.