Strategies to Stimulate Climate Change Adaptation in Malaysia’s Agricultural Sector

Abstract

The ability of farmers to perceive climate change is a fundamental prerequisite for choosing adaptation practices. Localized forms of perception of climate risk strongly depend on societal, ethnic and economic conditions in which people undergo risk and perception influences behaviour and assist decision makers. In line with this, this chapter examined farmers’ perception, adaptation barriers and their adaptation behaviour. The study found that perceived sensitivity, perceived severity and perceived benefits of climate change play an important role in raising awareness of climate change and the formation of favourable attitudes to minimize the adverse effects of climate change. The study also addresses the mediating effects of climate change awareness and attitudes towards climate change between perception and adaptation behaviours. Policy makers could increase outreach to local stakeholders, to increase awareness of these policies and plans and provide opportunities for feedback. Malaysia needs to build public support for adaptation. Public support for adaptation is generally lacking in the ASEAN countries, and needs to be generated on the ground.