Adaptiveness to Enhance the Sustainability of Freshwater-Aquaculture Farmers to the Environmental Changes

Abstract

Two alternative physical adaptations of freshwater-aquaculture farmers were observed along the upstream Bangpakong Watershed, Thailand. First was the modification of aquaculture types: (1) completely changing former species to others; (2) mixing freshwater prawn with current cultured species; (3) mixing fish with L. vannamei, and second was the direct reaction to environmental changes, including adding freshwater into cultured ponds to reduce temperature and dilute salt concentration; modifying pond-depth; aeration application; and reducing the amount of food or net covering on the water surface during flooding. Principal component analysis revealed that four key components (Options, Learning, Competitiveness, and Plan) reflected the perceived adaptive capacity of farmers to environmental changes. However, culture types have no significant effect on these four components. Farmers with an alternative source of income and practicing monoculture fish farming tend to have a greater ability to change occupation. Old age and more extended experience in aquaculture indicated a low ability to change occupation. The well-educated farmers and farmers who preferred to pass on aquaculture occupation to their children showed higher ability to learn and adapt, but this is not the case for older farmers. Thus, understanding the adaptations of the farmers may assist in promoting appropriate development programs based on their contexts as well as helping decision-makers to have a better plan for strengthening their adaptive capacities based on their perceptions.