The potential of local government support for climate change adaptation of lowland rice farming

Abstract

Climate change has impacted the production and productivity of agricultural commodities, including rice as the main food crop. All parties must play an active role in overcoming climate change impact, coming under the local government. This study was carried out by performing focus group discussions (FGD) and filling out questionnaires to identify the potential, opportunities, and problems faced in supporting climate change adaptation. A SWOT analysis was employed by considering Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. The study was conducted in two regencies in Central Java Indonesia, namely Purworejo and Banjarnegara, where a climate change adaptation program has been initiated. Local government support is needed to get continuity of climate change adaptation. The results show that the potential of local government support for climate change adaptation should prioritize the Strength Opportunity (SO) strategy. The choice of SO strategy is based on various strengths owned by the local government and many opportunities which can still be reached by growing people’s awareness of climate change. The alternatives of local government support are providing information and appropriate innovations for climate change adaptation. Public awareness and willingness are means for successful adaptation. Physical program supports, such as infrastructure, should be equipped with non-physical programs and local regulations as reinforcement.