American-Eurasian J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 12 (7): 967-972, 2012 ISSN 1818-6769 © IDOSI Publications, 2012 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.aejaes.2012.12.07.1835 Corresponding Author: Apiaty Kamaluddin, Graduate Scool, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia. Tel: +0811445599. 967 The Adaptation of Rice Paddy Farmers Towards Climate Change Apiaty Kamaluddin, Ambo Ala, M. Saleh S. Ali and Darmawan Salman 1 2 3 3 Graduate Scool, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia 1 Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia 2 Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, 3 Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia Abstract: The objective of this study is to determine the intensity of climate change and analyze its impact’s adaptation strategies pursued by rice paddy farmers in experiencing such change in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study was conducted in two phases, namely Phase I lasted from September 2010 until December 2010, while Phase II was conducted in June-until October 2011. Phase I focused on the effects of climate aberrations that occurred in 2010, where there was a prolonged rainfall condition. The results showed that climate change which occurred in 2010 did not directly affect the development of some Nuisance Plants Organisms (NPO) but led to the emergence of black beetle pests. Increased population and intensity of pest attack is important as tungro crackle occurred in some locations due to inappropriate and irregular cropping patterns, mono-cropping system, increased use of urea dose and imbalanced use of fertilizers. Similarly, the use of fertilizer on average is far lower than the recommended dose, except for urea. Varieties grown by farmers during the five year period (2006-2010) in the three districts were relatively unchanged. Several adaptation efforts undertaken by the farmers at the farm level include water saving, change in time and cropping pattern, crop varieties regulation and planting of other crops which are more adaptive to the current climatic conditions. The smallholders were the group that is most sensitive to climate change impacts where they have to irrigate their farms for business survival. A few farmers have to borrow money from banks, moneylenders and families to support their living in adapting towards climate change. Some have to look for non-farming jobs where their lands got dried as a result of the global climate change. Key words: Climate change Impact Rice paddies Farmer Rainfall Pest infestation INTRODUCTION It can be observed that the maximum rainfall occurs Climate change, a common global problem is a state In this condition, the sun is behind the line so that the air of the world’s changing climate patterns either naturally over southern Australia experienced low pressure while in or resulting from human exploitation. A cold and heat Asia experiencing high pressure. As a result, the air flow disruptions creates a chaotic weather phenomena, moves over the sea with a considerable distance so that including erratic rainy weather, the flow of heat and air currents can carry large amounts of water vapor extreme cold, wind direction changed dramatically and (west or northwest monsoon). Consequently, this so on. The occurrence of climate change has been particular region passed through the western Monsoon launched by the International Panel on Climate Change will experience rain. Because of the west or east wind (IPCC) and its impact is felt in various parts of the Monsoon affect the formation of the rainfall pattern in earth human being [1, 2]. Climate change is taking place in some areas of Indonesia, the changes are expected to various levels and in various ways. For example, in the occur in the form of the rainfall’s amount, intensity and 20 century the United States of America became wetter, duration. It is necessary to study the rainfall data in a long th while the Sahel region of central Africa was drier. series. Kaimuddin [3] in his spatial analysis of the average between the months of December, January and February.