Sugarcane farmers’ perceptions of climate change and their “adaptation” methods in Fiji: adaptation for the industry or for their livelihood?

Prakash, Ravinal and Nakamura, Naohiro (2024) Sugarcane farmers’ perceptions of climate change and their “adaptation” methods in Fiji: adaptation for the industry or for their livelihood? Climate and Development, 16 (8). pp. 665-672. ISSN 1756-5529

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Abstract

This article addresses how Fiji’s sugarcane farmers perceive climate change, attempt to mitigate the impact, and plan to adapt to sustain their livelihoods. Fiji’s sugar industry has recently been struggling due to several factors, and the current climate change is further negatively affecting the industry. Previous studies on farmers’ adaptation methods to climate change across the world have introduced several adaptation methods for the future of agricultural practices; however, such approaches only function under the assumption that farmers are willing to continue engaging in agriculture under climate change. Abandoning sugarcane farms and converting careers has been seen as an undesirable adaptation. Our interviews with 30 sugarcane farmers in Western Viti Levu, Fiji, show that the farmers do not necessarily wish to continue sugarcane farming. Instead, they explore options such as abandoning sugarcane farms or encouraging the next generation to pursue another career pathway for a better future. Under such circumstances, a top-down approach expecting the farmers to continue sugarcane farming by adopting agricultural coping methods may not function well. Instead, climate change policies should focus on preparing farmers for climate change by supporting them to re-envisage their future.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Divisions:	School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User:	Naohiro Nakamura
Date Deposited:	24 Jan 2025 02:30
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2025 02:30
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/14639

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