Adaptation to climate change in Indonesia - livelihood strategies of rural households in the face of ENSO related droughts

Abstract

Climate change poses a major threat to the livelihoods of many people, especially those dependent on agriculture. Adaptation to climate change is a necessity to reduce social vulnerability. The adoption of agricultural innovations presents a suitable strategy to reduce negative impacts of increased inter-annual variability in rainfall and temperature. Focussing on the dominant agroforestry system cacao in the Indonesian province of Central Sulawesi, we investigate the adaptation strategies of agricultural smallholders to El Nico-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) related droughts. We apply a triangulation of Rapid Rural Appraisal Methods (RRA), semi-structured in-depth interviews and participatory observations. In addition, results from an intensive cacao-study (n=144) on yields, plot history, structure and location are used. The analysis shows that all interviewed households have been affected by extreme climatic effects such as ENSO related droughts which lead to a decline in agricultural outputs. Our study identifies various types of adaptation strategies on the micro level. Most common strategies are reactive or ex-post adaptations which support the household in coping with the effects of droughts. Further, the study assesses anticipatory adaptation strategies which, if precisely implemented, alter the household’s exposure to future droughts, increase the resilience to cope with changes and reduce the degree of sensitivity of affected households. On the basis of these results we examine why different household types do not implement certain strategies, which could enhance their social resilience. In this context we reveal that the adoption of anticipatory adaptation strategies is strongly influenced by social and human capital. The knowledge transfer - which promotes adaptation - is mainly taking place along ethnic lines and local institutions. For the successful adoption of innovations to cope with ENSO related droughts in the study area, membership in certain ethnic groups, local institutions and networks is of utmost importance.