Smallholder oil palm farmers’ pro-adaptation behaviour under climate impact scenario: application of protection Motivation Theory

ABSTRACT

Persistent climate impacts in Malaysia pose severe difficulties for smallholder farmers, whose livelihoodsare primarily dependent on resources from agriculture. Adaptation policies are essential to adapt to the Motivation Theory (PMT) was applied to fill this gap as an underpinning for identifying the major contributing factor of farmers' adaptation behaviour to climate effects. A study of 382 smallholder farmers in the Malaysian peninsula was conducted using a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique, revealing that specific farmers were postponing protection actions in the face of serious continuous impact. A low tendency to adopt policies suitable for decreasing climate impacts has been noted. Partial least square (PLS) path design and Bayesian system analysis were used to reveal the responsiveness, perceived severity, cost of reaction, perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, earnings, and social norms considerably affected the adaptation behaviour. The feeling of controlling climate effects on the farm can increase the adoption of protective measures. Hence, collaborative programmes need to be developed to support farmers, and foster feelings of control over climate change and its impacts.

Keywords:

• Adaptation
• climate impacts
• Protection Motivation Theory
• susceptibility

Acknowledgments

Under the Malaysian Ministry of Education, the authors would like to acknowledge the Transdicipline Research Scheme for their support and extend their gratitude to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) including Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and all enumerators for their assistance in offering appropriate information and collecting data for this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Isah Shehu Nabara

Dr. Isah Shehu Nabara is affiliated to Department of Agriculture, Niger state college of education, Minna, Nigeria. Dr. Nabara is currently working as a senior lecturer and has numerous publications within the specialty and published in reputed national and international peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Nabara is actively associated with different national and international societies and academies.

Norsida Man

Dr. Norsida Man is affiliated to Department of Agribusiness and Bioresource Economics, Universitiy Putra Malaysia. Dr. Norsida Man is currently providing services as Associate Professor. Dr. Norsida Man contributions have acclaimed recognition from honourable subject experts around the world. Dr. Norsida Man is expertise in the area of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Extension.

Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman

Dr. Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman is affiliated to Department of Agribusiness and Bioresource Economics, University Putra Malaysia. Currently providing services as Associate Professor. She has published numerous publications in various national and international peer-reviewed journals and presented scientific papers across the world. Dr. Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman is expertise in the area of Agribusiness Supply Chain Management.

Zulkefly Sulaiman

Dr. Zulkefly Sulaiman is affiliated to Department of Crop Science, Universitiy Putra Malaysia, where Dr. Zulkefly Sulaiman is currently working as Professor. Dr. Zulkefly Sulaiman has numerous publications within the specialty and published in reputed national and international peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Zulkefly Sulaiman is actively associated with different national and international societies and academies. Dr. Zulkefly Sulaiman major research interest is in studies related to Agronomy.