FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS AND ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A SURVEY OF AGRICULTURAL INPACTS IN JAPAN

Abstract

 In this study, we analyzed farmers’ perceptions of climate change and whether they intend to adapt to such changes. A web-based survey was designed in February 2019 to investigate the perceptions of Japanese farmers who produce rice, wheat, or vegetables regarding the potential impact of climate change on their farming activities. Responses were received from 426 farmers (358 men, 68 women). As a result, 215 farmers (50.5%) responded that they had experienced damage attributed to global warming. When asked about their risk perceptions of various types of damage and disasters, “typhoons”, “heat waves/intense heat”, “earthquakes”, and “heavy rainfall” were considered to be the most serious hazards, in order. Regarding the implementation of adaptation measures to reduce these threats, 27.0% of the farmers have implemented practical measures to prevent crop damage due to global warming. Our findings suggested that, although the farmers were less aware of the technical terminology related to climate change in Japan, those farmers who had previous experience with damage that may have been attributed to global warming, and those who had a higher risk perception of extreme weather, were proactive in implementing adaptation measures.