Improving local adaptive capacity to mitigate the negative impact of climate change: A case study of Tram Kak District, Takeo Province

Abstract

Climate change is a long-term change in temperature and weather patterns. Drought is one of the two major natural disasters in Cambodia. The study aims to better understand the negative impact of climate change on the rice production of small-scale farmers in two communes in Tram Kak district, Takeo province, by focusing on droughts or water shortages. It was found that (i) the small-scale farmers of Sraeronorng commune mostly cultivated late-cycle rice, and the harvest was completed later than small-scale farmers in the Nhaenghorng commune, and (ii) the impact of drought over a decade affected small-scale farmers in the Nhaenghorng commune more than the Sraeronorng commune, except in 2021 when the impact on rice production in the two communes was similarly high. If a drought or water shortage came, most small-scale farmers would have a dispute over access to water from canals or community ponds to irrigate their rice fields. However, (iii) the small-scale farmers were found to have a high adaptive capacity to droughts or water shortages. The study also found that most small-scale farmers tried to construct their water sources to supply their agricultural cultivation, such as digging their ponds. However, these water sources can only provide small amounts of irrigation to reduce rice damage in the event of a long-term drought or water shortage. In addition, it was very important that all key stakeholders, both at the national and local levels, take more action to ensure the resilience of rural communities. These actions should focus on developing high-quality irrigation systems, training on agricultural techniques, selling drought-resistant rice seeds at a low price, and strengthening small-scale farmers’ capacity to produce their quality seeds. Local development projects must include planning and participation of community members.