Paddy Farmers Perceived the Socio-Economic Impacts of Climate Change: A Case Study in Pasir Mas, Kelantan

Abstract

Agricultural activity is very crucial in the rural area because it provides households with food and revenue besides contributing approximately 7.3% to the national gross domestic product (GDP) in Malaysia. Agriculture is the third driver of Malaysia’s economic growth. However, the phenomena of uncertain climate nowadays have caused agricultural activity such as paddy farming to be severely affected as the climate is the primary determinant of agricultural productivity. This study was conducted to identify the level of knowledge and awareness of the paddy farmers about climate change and its impact on the socio-economy in Pasir Mas, Kelantan. Besides that, the critical factors that influenced the awareness of the paddy farmers on the climate change impact also examined. A questionnaire was utilised as the primary research instrument, and the total number of respondents was 119. Descriptive and inferential analysis was adopted to analyse the primary data that was collected. The result shows that approximately 90% of the respondents have the knowledge and are aware of climate change and its impact on paddy plantation and production. This study also revealed that farming experience is the factor that influences the awareness of the paddy farmers about climate change. Besides that, the findings indicate that adaptation and mitigation measures are needed to avoid the future impact of climate change. Accordingly, the government as the policymaker and the local authority has the most crucial role in ensuring climate adaptation and mitigation at all levels of community.