Farmers’ adaptation to water management under the effect of climate change in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study demographic data of farmers, their farming conditions and water management in farming in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province: and  studied the farmers’ perception toward climate change. 384farmers out of 9,781households were chosen for this research by using simple random techniques.The instrument was constructed by the researcher, and structural interviewed which consisting of close-ended and open-ended questions. Collected data were analysed using Descriptive Statistics. The research findings revealed that the majority of the sample group were men with the average age of 50, married, Buddhist, and had primary-level education. Most of them are Thai and the rest are from other ethnic groups. The average individual income was 83,947 Baht per year and the annual household income was163,968 Baht. Farming areas were 15.8 Rai per household and most of the sample farmers have ownership over the land. Major cash crops include rice, maize, longans and garlics. Labor used in farming was domestic. Most of the farming areas were non-irrigated and depended on natural water sources, particularly rain water. 10% of farming areas flooded for their plants and 25% face inadequate water supply and no action were taken. The only way was to let the nature solve itself. With regard to farmer’s perception of global warming, 74% of the sample farmers perceived of the issue. Most of them explained that global warming was the increase of temperature which affect the changes of seasons and result in products loss due to the increase of various diseases and insect plant pests. The increase use of pesticides and fertilizers also meant higher cost of production and lower income. 68% of the farmers described climate changeas the fluctuation of temperatures which could slow down the growth of plants, contribute to the spread of new diseases and insects. This would result in the higher cost of maintenance and decrease of income. Supports from the government sector which farmer’s need were the provision of reserved water supply in case of drought.