Farmers’ Adaptation to Climate Change and Variability in Laos: Perception, Adaptation, and Incentives and Barriers

Abstract

This thesis explores adaptation to climate change and variability by paddy farmers in Lao PDR. Agriculture is recognized as the most weather dependent sector of the economy, climate change, in particular changes in temperature and rainfall, will directly impact agricultural production, especially rainfed crop production. Higher temperatures during critical growth stages may negatively affect the yield and quality of crops. Changing patterns of rainfall are expected to affect the supply and demand for water. For smallholders and subsistence farmers, climate change threatens food security and will compound poverty. Taking into account the adverse effects posed by climate change, this thesis explores the perceptions and adaptations made by paddy farmers, and those factors (incentives and barriers) that influence their decision and capacity to undertake adaptation. These are explored by employing qualitative methodologies, including interviews with farmers, government officials and representatives of NGOs working in Laos. Fieldwork was conducted in Laos in October, 2013.The thesis illustrates that farmers have noticed changes in temperature and rainfall, in particular changes in the pattern of rainfall. These perceptions are backed by the views of the government officials and NGO officials. Farmers’ adaptation measures in response to climate change vary in terms of the farmers’ individual livelihood strategies. Two types of actions are identified: those that respond to climate change and variability, and those that respond principally to other forces but nonetheless reduce the vulnerability and improve the resilience of farm households. While resource availability (land, funding, labor, and knowledge) are necessary to enable farmers to undertake change, some adaptations depend on the direct intervention by the Government or NGOs whether in terms of community infrastructure, inputs, or knowhow. Many adaptations have been implemented in response to climate change and variability but it is hard to untangle this motive from broader drivers in favor of sustainable development. Key Words: Adaptation; Agriculture; Climate Change; Variability; Farmers; Laos; Vulnerability; Resilience; Adaptive Capacity; Sustainable Development.