Op-ed by Areeya Obidiegwu, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Kasetsart University
With world leaders at COP29 focusing on climate adaptation financing, Thailand finds itself at a critical juncture. While the country has earned recognition for its climate efforts—through National Adaptation Plans (NAP), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), and a net-zero emissions roadmap by 2065—the question remains: are Thai farmers adequately equipped to handle the escalating impacts of climate change?
Agriculture contributes over 8% of the nation’s GDP and employs nearly one-third of the population. However, the sector is increasingly vulnerable to challenges like intensifying droughts and floods, aging farmers (average age 58+), stagnant productivity, and rising costs for inputs like fertilizers and fuel. These issues are eroding profitability and threatening farmers’ livelihoods.
While government initiatives, such as NAP and industry training programs, are positive steps, many farmers continue to face hurdles in adopting sustainable practices. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) provides practical solutions that improve resilience and sustainability. For instance, rice farming techniques like alternate wetting and drying, site-specific nutrient management, and stubble burning avoidance enhance yields, lower costs, and reduce environmental harm. Pilot projects in Ayutthaya demonstrate these benefits, with farmers cutting water and fertilizer use by up to 30% while boosting yields.
Despite the potential, government efforts have struggled to deliver meaningful support to farmers. Many hesitate to shift from traditional methods due to high costs and skepticism about the long-term benefits of sustainable farming. Older farmers, in particular, resist change without financial backing or assurances of success.
Reallocating agricultural subsidies from post-disaster compensation to proactive resilience-building measures could drive widespread adoption of CSA. Financial and technical support for practices like precision irrigation, adaptive crop calendars, and sustainable pest management can help farmers adapt to climate challenges. Access to climate data, user-friendly tools, and insurance products can further empower them to make informed decisions.
Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to scale sustainable farming solutions. Brazil’s Low-Carbon Agriculture Plan offers a valuable model, with banks and agribusinesses supporting eco-friendly farming. Thailand could implement similar strategies to accelerate CSA adoption, streamline processes, and facilitate access to sustainable technologies.
Thai farmers have the capacity to adapt, provided they receive the right incentives and resources. Moving from reactive measures to proactive investments in resilience can secure the agricultural sector’s future and strengthen the country’s position in addressing climate change. Sustainable farming is not only a necessity for survival but also an opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable future.
