Study of farmer perception about the impact of climate variability and change on dairy farming for adaptation strategy

Abstract

This study aims to examine the perception of farmers on climate variability and change and what aspects were most affected by climate variability and change as well as what adaptation strategies can be carried out by farmers. This study was conducted in July – September 2021 at the dairy farm of a livestock farmer group in the city of Salatiga, Central Java Province, Indonesia. A total of 286 farmers from a total of 11 groups were used as respondents in this study. Each group had 26 ± 10.94 dairy cows. Data were obtained through interviews and filling out questionnaires. Descriptive statistical analysis and Friedman’s test (K-related sample test) with SPSS version 25 were used to analyze the data. The percentage of farmers who believe in the phenomenon of climate change was higher than those who do not. In general, farmers know about climate change through personal observations. Most farmers feel that the temperature continues to increase every year, but during the rainy and dry seasons, there was no change. Based on the farmer’s perception, the biggest impacts caused by climatic conditions were the availability of forage and water and milk production. Adaptation strategies that can be carried out by farmers to overcome the availability of feed were making silage, using agricultural waste and the role of the government was needed to provide concentrated subsidies. Drilling wells and rainwater storage can be used as a strategy to overcome restrictions on water availability.