INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCES IN ADAPTING TO DROUGHT IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN SANDY AREAS OF QUANGTRI
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the impacts of climate change on agricultural production in the sandy coastal communes of Quang Tri and local people’s indigenous knowledge in adapting to climate change, specifically drought. The tools for participatory assessment such as household interviews, focus group discussions and field observations were used to gather information for the research. The research results showed that climate change, especially drought, had significant impacts on agricultural production in the study area. Reduction of cultivating land, spread of crop pests and animal diseases rise of production costs, fall of productivity and degradation of agricultural product quality were the major impacts. Local people have applied various indigenous knowledge and experience to adapt to drought such as using drought resistant crop varieties; soil moisture conservation techniques; knowledge of management and prevention of animal diseases. The study showed that in order to improve local people’s ability to adapt to drought, their indigenous knowledge and experience should be documented and disseminated by integrating with production guidance activities, agriculture extension plans and operation of non-governmental organizations.
Keywords: drought, agriculture in sandy area, climate change, indigenous knowledge, adaptation.
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