Stakeholders’ perceptions and responses to climate change impacts on agricultural sector in mountainous areas of Thua Thien Hue province

Abstract

This study aims to analyse stakeholder perceptions and responses on climate change (CC) impacts on agricultural sector in the mountainous areas of Thua Thien Hue province. Data was collected by surveying 462 farmers in Nam Dong and A Luoi districts with a structure questionnaire; in-depth interviews of 29 agricultural officials; 12 agricultural input suppliers, and representatives of 18 community organizations. The research results show that stakeholders have very different perceptions regarding the causes, impacts, and responses to CC (P value <.00). Most stakeholders believe that CC has many causes of which deforestation and too much waste were the two main factors. However, more than 45% of farmers believe that CC is due to God. Regarding CC impacts, a large percentage (81.4%) of interviewed farmers were most concerned about drought due to its increased intensity and widespread effects. Meanwhile, agricultural officials were focused on foreseen and shocked extreme events such as landslides and flash floods, which occur only at par-ticular sites along the streams. Agricultural enterprises are often proactive and aware of people’s concerns to provide related services such as resistant seeds, irrigation facilities, and fertilizers. However, very few (8.44%) farm households in the region have access to these services because of limited financial capacity.