Perception of and Adaptation to Climate Change by Farmers: Case Study in Highland and Lowland Agro-Ecology in Buleleng Regency of Bali Province

Abstract

This study aims to explore the farmer’s perception of climate change, adaptation strategies are implemented by farmers, and the factors that influencing it. Ninety-seven respondents in Pancasari and Panji Anom village, Buleleng regency of Bali Province were interviewed based on a questionnaire. Both villages are considered as representative highland and lowland agro-ecological areas. The size of respondents in each ecological area were determined proportionately. These respondents were selected by accidental sampling technique. The data collected were about farmer’s socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, infrastructure related to agricultural activities, technology and institutions that were accessible by farmers, the right of property by farmers, the farmer’s perception on climate change, and the adaptation strategies adopted. Data profile and perceptions of farmers were presented with descriptive statistics, whereas, the factors that influence farmer’s perception and their strategies employed to adapt were analyzed by econometric approach using binary logistic regression. The results showed that climate change has been felt by most of farmers. It was shown by the majority of respondents (73.2%) said that there has been rising in temperature, 28.87% said it has been the uncertain rainfall patterns, and 36.08% of the farmers have a perception that climate change as a result of natural factors and humans. The result also showed farmer’s perception of climate change were significantly related to education, income, and agro-ecology. However, experience, income, irrigation conditions, access to credit, access technologies, and ecological areas were factors that significantly influencing adaptation strategies of farmers.

Keywords: Farmer, climate change, perception, adaptation