The Role of Traditional Knowledge Due to Climate Change Adaptation and Economic Wellbeing in Island Communities: A Case Study of Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

Traditional knowledge pertaining to Islands is crucial in combating climate change. Many scholars have examined the usage of traditional knowledge amongst Island communities. However, studies regarding traditional knowledge from the stance of Island dwellers on monitoring and responding to climate change in Terengganu, Malaysia, are scarce. Therefore, this study assessed the mediating impact of adaptive capacity on the relationship between traditional knowledge use (i.e., cultural beliefs, cultural practises, and personality traits) and the economic wellbeing of Island residents in Terengganu in light of climate change. This cross-sectional study deployed the survey questionnaire method by involving 354 Redang and Perhentian Island communities selected via purposive sampling. The two Islands were selected due to their size and topographical features. The collected data were analysed via structural equation modelling–partial least square (SEM-PLS) by using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The findings revealed that two traditional knowledge dimensions (i.e., cultural belief and cultural practice) were correlated in a significantly positive manner with the economic wellbeing of the two Island communities due to climate change, while personality traits did not exert any impact. Next, adaptive capacity mediated the link between the personality traits and the economic wellbeing of the communities in the two Islands. In conclusion, this research work succeeded in examining the use of traditional knowledge and the mediating impact of adaptive capacity on the correlation between traditional knowledge and economic wellbeing of the communities dwelling in Redang and Perhentian Islands in view of climate change.