Adaptive Perception and Adaptation Responses to Weather Shocks

What is it about?

This study examines the influence of adaptive perception on farmers’ adaptive responses to climate change induced natural shocks in the Mekong River Delta (Viet Nam) from a data set of 329 farmers in 2017. Seemingly Unrelated Regression model is used and results show that, controlling for household and household head’s characteristics, farm characteristics, institutional factor, infrastructure, climate conditions, and past climate experiences, adaptive perceptions are the most important factor of adaptive responses. With respect to policy implication, sources and quality of information can be of important consideration due to the potential influences on farmers’ adaptive perception and their adaptation assessments. In addition, awareness on climate change and adaptation methods should be highlighted. Other policy options could also be suggested, such as: strengthening education level of farmers, and facilitating cheap technologies for farmers.

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Photo by Kiril Dobrev on Unsplash

Photo by Kiril Dobrev on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Wolf and Moser (2011), on individuals ‘role in climate change, distinguish between understanding (acquiring and employing factually correct knowledge of climate change), perception (views and interpretations based on beliefs and understanding), and engagement (a state of personal connection that encompasses cognitive, affective, and/or behavioural dimensions). In practice, it is possible that adaptation choices may not be in effect due to lacking of clear understanding of adaptation measures, or adaptation deficit exits between adaptive perception and adaptation choices. While several studies so far explore the influence of climate change understanding, perception, or engagement on adaptation behaviour, there is still a missing link between adaptive perception and adaptation behaviour in terms of empirical evidences. By adaptive perception, the current paper means the views and interpretations of adaptive measures based on beliefs and understanding.