Salt farmer’s adaptation strategy facing climate change (case study in Pati Regency)

Abstract

Climates change impact on salt productions in Pati Regency. The salt farmer usually only shifts to aquaculture in the rainy season. Thus, while the climate becomes unpredictable, they adapted to extreme weather conditions. However, changes in weather such as dryer summers, rain in summer, more extended summer season, longer rainy season, and high tides. It made the salt production decrease. Salt farmer have their adaptation strategies during climate change. This research aims to analyze reasons for adaptation strategies regarding climate change. The research conducted in Pati Regency from 2011 to 2016. Pati Regency is the 3rd most significant salt production area in Indonesia. We interviewed the respondents, as well as confirmed the data to other farmers, extension officers, and agency officers in the district. The data used in this paper are the salt farmer perception is regarding climate change and their adaptation strategies. We also used content analysis to strengthen our data based on literature and other founding. We found that Salt farmers use their strategy to fasten production, such as using canvas, black stone, LDPE (Low-Density Poly Ethylene), and HDPE (High-Density Poly Ethylene). LDPE and HDPE were introduced by Ministry Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) in 2013 and turned out to be very helpful for the farmers. The technology introduced by MMAF increased production by 14% and price by 144% than before while working loads become lighter, especially in the harvesting process. Several adaptation strategies have implemented in other Regencies, such as MMAF technology. However, it still needs continuous persuasion because not all farmers wanted to apply it.