Climate risk management strategies and food security: Evidence from Cambodian rice farmers

Abstract

This study investigates the adoption of three climate-resilient strategies (3CRS), drought/flood-resistant rice varieties, integrated pest management (IPM) practices, and weather advisory; the impact of 3CRS on food security, namely, productivity and profits of the Cambodian paddy farmers. Using endogenous switching regression (ESR) approach and household survey from Cambodian farmers, the study finds a low adoption rate (14%) of 3CRS. The low adoption of 3CRS means missing opportunities for rice farmers. Access to information through training and input suppliers is found to increase the adoption of 3CRS. The adoption of 3CRS increases rice yields and profits by 36% and 45%, respectively. Additionally, if nonadopters adopted 3CRS, rice yields and profits would increase by 55% and 52%, respectively. Findings suggest the development of institutional capacity, implementation, and dissemination of knowledge of climatic changes, and adaptation strategies to increase food security.