Socioeconomic Impacts of Climatic Change on Paddy Cultivation: An Empirical Investigation in Malaysia

AbstractThe changing natures of climatic factors have different impacts on agriculture based on areas,periods and crops. Farmers are the most vulnerable group who are affected both directly andindirectly through climatic changes. In the study area in Malaysia, climatic changes have adverseimpacts on farmers. Due to climatic change productivity and profitability of paddy cultivationhave declined in the Integrated Agricultural Development Area, North-West Selangar. Farmersperceive that paddy cultivation is no longer profitable due to low productivity as a result ofclimatic changes. They now prefer full-time to part-time engagement in paddy cultivation. Heavygovernment subsidy and encouragement are not enough; it requires increase in productivity andprofitability of paddy cultivation for making its viable and sustainable sector. All efforts ofmitigation and adaptation must be pursued to counter the adverse impacts of climatic changesand increase the productivity of paddy cultivation in the area. It is observed that there is a highdegree of income inequality among the paddy farmers in the study area.