Title: From climate perception to climate action: case study of transforming sustainable rice cultivation in DoemBang Subdistrict, Suphan Buri Province, Thailand
Author: Miss Chotika Thamsuwan
Year: 2024
Keywords: Climate perception, Climate change, Mitigation action, Sustainable, rice cultivation, Theory of Planned Behavior
Theme: Environmental Politics and Policy
Advisor(s): Jakkrit Sangkhamanee
The full thesis available here.
Abstract: The thesis explores the critical link between climate perception and sustainable rice cultivation practices. The study highlights the vulnerability of the agricultural sector, particularly rice farming, to climate impacts and emphasizes the necessity of transitioning to sustainable practices as part of Thailand’s broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. Employing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the analytical framework, this qualitative research explores how smallholder farmers in the Doem Bang subdistrict conceptualize climate change and sustainable rice cultivation. The study investigates the socio-psychological determinants—behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—that shape farmers’ intentions and actions regarding the adoption of climate mitigation techniques such as laser land leveling, alternate wetting and drying, site-specific nutrient management, and straw and stubble management. Furthermore, the study also explores how climate knowledge is generated and applied locally, involving collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and experts.Data collection involved in-depth interviews with 24 informants, including smallholder farmers, agricultural officers, and a community leader, complemented by policy reviews and field observations. Findings reveal that farmers' perceptions are influenced by a combination of personal experiences with climate variability, social pressures within the community, and policy-driven incentives. The interplay of these factors determines the extent to which climate awareness is translated into proactive mitigation actions. The research concludes that fostering sustainable practices requires a nuanced understanding of local contexts, robust community engagement, and integrated policy support. The study's insights contribute to shaping targeted strategies and policies that enhance the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, serving as a model for other regions confronting similar challenges. This work underscores the importance of aligning climate perception with actionable, sustainable practices to advance climate resilience in Thailand's rice production