Author : Kay Thi Khaing

Summary : As with most cropping systems, the rice-based farming system in Myinmu Township is weather-dependent. The research sought to analyze the adaptation practices to weather variability of farmers in Myinmu Township, Sagaing Region in Myanmar. Specifically, the study aimed to describe the socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics of rice farmers in the study area; determine the weather variability in Myinmu Township based on long-term climate data; describe the effects of weather variability among rice farmers; describe the adaptation practices used to address weather variability; discuss the sources of information on adaptation practices to weather change; examine the factors that influence farmers' adaptation practices; analyze the effects of adaptation practices on production and income of rice farmers; discuss the sources of information on adaptation practices to weather change; and design an extension framework to promote rice farm adaptation strategies to weather variability.

Primary data were gathered from Myinmu Township, Sagaing Region in Myanmar. Using random sampling, 150 rice farmers from 10 villages served as the respondents of this study.

Majority of the respondents were male with primary education and possessed both irrigated and rainfed areas for rice production with an area of 1-3 ha. Climatic data show that average rainfall and temperature during the past 30 years had increased. Drought, flood, and too high temperature were the common weather events that impacted on crop production. Majority of the respondents experienced serious infestation of pests and weeds due to weather variability. Under drought and flooding, crop production and farm income of most respondents were negatively affected at moderate degrees. The most widely used farmers' adaptation practices to weather variability were planting short-duration varieties, modifying planting methods, practicing crop rotation and using irrigation pumps.

Most farmers received agricultural and weather information from fellow farmers, extension agents from DOA, attendance at group meetings, and from mass media channels such as the radio.

For drought, mulching the soil with crop residues was practiced. Too high temperature, on the other hand, was overcome by diversifying crops planted, engaging in trading activities, and practicing homestead gardening. Flooding was significantly related to crop rotation and use of drainage system. Factors that affected the decision to adopt adaptation practices were household size, farming experience, ecosystem types, total cultivated area for rice, credit access, sources of information, training experience, and access to inputs. Family income was affected by using drought-resistant and short-duration varieties and migration. Some adaptation practices such as changing crops, intercropping, crop diversification, crop rotation, cultivating vegetables and duck rearing were significantly related to crop production. A suitable extension program can facilitate adaptation to weather variability; hence, a framework on how to facilitate adaptation in a rice-based farming system is proposed.