Title: Perceptions of agriculture-related agencies and farmers in the Malaysian Borneo on climate change: an exploratory qualitative study

Authors: Kuok Ho Daniel Tang; Rex Uzonna Ukaejiofo; Shorna Allred

Addresses: Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA ' Global Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA ' Department of Geography and Environment, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Abstract: This study qualitatively examines how the farmers and agriculture-related agencies in Malaysian Borneo perceived and adapted to climate change, and the challenges faced. A total of 21 in-depth focus group interviews were conducted. The field interview notes were transcribed verbatim, thematically analysed and coded. The respondents generally perceived a warming climate with irregular rainfall, unpredictable weather patterns and extreme weather events. Some viewed climate change as a new norm and an act of God. The major impacts perceived were shoreline erosion, flooding, phenological changes and affected crops. The actions taken consisted of sustainable agriculture, modern farming, competence building, planting of resilient crop varieties, provision of support and conservation, though they were not intended as adaptations to climate change. The challenges noted were the uncertainty of climate change, the lack of information and infrastructure, and the more pressing impacts of other development.

Keywords: climate actions; agriculture; Sarawak; impacts; adaptation; challenges.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2024.135988

International Journal of Global Warming, 2024 Vol.32 No.2, pp.245 - 265

Received: 07 Jun 2023
Accepted: 06 Jul 2023
Published online: 11 Jan 2024 *

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