Climate change adaptability of the agriculture sector in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Climate change has a negative impact on the agricultural sector in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, especially the farms, which are highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters such as flood and drought, as well as pest attacks that may cause production failure. This study aims to build a model of climate change adaptability for farmers in Yogyakarta. This study is qualitative in nature by using data from Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving the community members at the district level. Each of the 12 districts in the area sent two representations of farmer assistants. Data reliability and validity was ensured through triangulation; then examined by using content analysis. The adaptability models for climate change are presented in two scenarios; the first is caused by drought/flooding and the second is by pest attack. From the data, it could be concluded that farmers’ mitigations consist of structural and non-structural approach. The construction of dam as part of the water management is the main structural mitigation undertaking. Learning the weather, the climate and other disaster causes were the main non-structural mitigation undertaking. Moreover, learning was not only from classes and practices, but also via technology transfer using free website sources to enrich farmers’ knowledge in handling pest attack.