Across Asia, climate change is increasingly threatening the sustainability of rice production systems on which millions of farmers depend for their livelihoods and food security. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts, and unexpected flooding are creating growing uncertainty for smallholder rice farmers, particularly in Southeast Asia. In Thailand, one of the world’s leading rice-exporting countries, these climate-related challenges are affecting farm productivity, household income, and the long-term resilience of agricultural communities.
To better understand how farmers are responding to these challenges, Pushpalata Neupane, a master’s student in the Agribusiness Management program at the Faculty of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FFANR) conducted a study, under the supervision of Dr. Muhammad Yaseen, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Systems, Engineering and Agribusiness (ASEA). The research was conducted as part of the AIT-funded research project “Climate Risks to Agriculture,” led by Dr. Yaseen as Principal Investigator, with support from the Department of Agricultural Economics and the Agricultural Extension Office in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand.
The study focused on Climate Risk Management (CRM) strategies adopted by smallholder rice farmers in Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. It examined farmers’ perceptions of climate-related risks, the current status of CRM strategy adoption, and the socioeconomic, institutional, and farm-level factors that influence adoption. In addition, the research evaluated the impact of higher levels of CRM adoption on rice yield, net farm income, and overall farm profitability.
The study collected detailed household-level data on farming practices, climate adaptation measures, socioeconomic conditions, and farm performance indicators. In addition to farmer surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted to better understand the practical challenges and opportunities associated with adopting CRM strategies in the study area. The research also applied econometric analysis to rigorously assess the impacts of CRM strategies while addressing potential selection bias in adoption behavior.
The findings provide important empirical evidence on the role of climate risk management strategies in strengthening the adaptive capacity of smallholder rice farmers in Thailand. The study revealed that adopting CRM strategies can improve farm productivity, income, and profitability, while also enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate-related shocks. By identifying the key factors influencing adoption decisions, the research offers valuable insights for agricultural extension agencies, policymakers, and development practitioners working towards climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.
Within the context of Thailand’s national goals for food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation, the study highlights the importance of farmer-centred interventions, strengthened extension support, and evidence-based policy planning to bridge the gap between awareness of climate risk and practical adaptive action.
