Op-ed attributable to Areeya Obidiegwu, Assistant Professor Department of Agricultral and Resource Economics, Kasetsart University.
As world leaders gather at COP29 to discuss climate adaptation financing, Thailand stands at a pivotal crossroads. Thailand gained global recognition for our climate commitments, from submitting National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to unveiling a roadmap for net-zero emissions by 2065. But here’s the real question: are we doing enough to prepare our farmers for the harsh realities of climate change?
Agriculture contributes over 8% of Thailand’s GDP and employs nearly one-third of the population. However, the sector faces mounting challenges—not only from intensifying natural disasters like droughts and floods, but also from an aging farming population (average age over 58), which poses hurdles for labour and innovation. Stagnant productivity and rising costs for fertilizers, fuel, and equipment are further shrinking profitability, leaving many farmers struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
Acknowledging the urgent challenges faced by Thai farmers, the government has introduced measures like NAP and conducted training for industry players—commendable steps in the right direction.
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) offers proven and practical solutions that better prepare farmers for climate change and secure their livelihoods. In rice farming, practices like alternate wetting and drying, site-specific nutrient management, and avoiding stubble burning benefit both farmers and the environment. They boost yields, cut costs, improve drought resilience, enhance soil health, reduce chemical runoff, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Pilot projects in Ayutthaya have proven effective, with farmers reducing water and fertilizer use by up to 30% while increasing yields. CSA offers tangible, proven ways to secure livelihoods and sustainability.
However, the climate adaptation measures rolled out by the government thus far have often failed to translate into tangible support on the ground, where it matters most. Most farmers are still not embracing this shift. Two key barriers stand out: the high costs involved and scepticism about whether sustainable farming truly offers a long-term solution to combat climate change impacts.
Many farmers, particularly older ones, are reluctant to adopt new technologies without clear financial support or guaranteed success. Sticking to traditional methods feels safer, even if it limits progress.
So how do we overcome the barriers and scale these benefits nationwide?
Thailand spends billions on agricultural subsidies, much of which compensates farmers after disasters. What if we redirect some of the money to proactively implement sustainable farming, such as financial and technical support, to help farmers better adapt to climate change?
There is a growing range of sustainable farming solutions available today. From sustainable integrated pest and disease management solutions to innovative crop strategies which improve yields while preserving the environment. By adopting these sustainable practices, farmers can reduce their reliance on harmful chemicals, improve soil health, and ensure long-term yield, therefore income reliability.
We could also subsidise resilience-building practices like precision irrigation or adaptive crop calendars. Farmers also need access to accurate climate data, user-friendly apps, and risk-buffering insurance to make informed decisions and adapt to climate challenges before they intensify.
Thai farmers are ready to adapt if given the right tools and incentives.
Climate change adaptation doesn’t have to break the bank—public and private collaboration can help fill the gaps. Look at Brazil’s Low-Carbon Agriculture Plan, where banks and agribusinesses work together to support sustainable farming. Thailand can adapt similar models to accelerate CSA adoption. The government should also streamline processes and collaborate with industry stakeholders to accelerate farmers' access to eco-friendly products, climate-smart and sustainable practices.
Platforms like COP29 and the recent floods repeatedly highlight the urgency of addressing climate change. Thailand should lead by prioritising innovative, sustainable farming practices to ensure the sector's long-term resilience.
Thailand must move from short-term fixes, like disaster compensation, to long-term investments in farming resilience. Farmers, in turn, must view agricultural innovation as essential for survival, not a luxury.
Sustainable farming will make Thai agriculture more resilient to climate change, ensuring a stronger future for farmers. Thriving amidst climate change is not just a necessity, it’s an opportunity to secure a stronger, more sustainable future for all.
