Behavioral Patterns of Older Farmers in Selecting Coping Strategies for Plantation in Response to Drought

The agricultural sector, especially in rural areas dependent on rainfall, is heavily impacted by escalating droughts, which are expected to worsen in the coming years. In developing countries like Thailand, this challenge threatens the livelihoods of farmers and their quality of life. In 2023, Thailand's agricultural sector suffered over $13.45 million in damage due to a dry spell from May to September, affecting more than 25,000 farmers and over 110,000 acres of farmland. This loss was greater than the $5.7 million in damages from flooding.

Older farmers are a supreme vulnerable group at high risk from climate change. They face challenges due to physical limitations, reduced adaptive capacity from a lack of skills and resources, and difficulty learning new methods. Supporting elderly farmers in addressing drought and other climate-related challenges is essential. Such assistance aims to enhance their well-being, helping them cope effectively with these impacts and ultimately improving their quality of life

The main objective of this study was to analyze the behaviors of older farmers in selecting coping strategies in response to drought during their farming activities. Our findings revealed three significant behavior patterns among farmers aged 60-69 in drought-prone areas of Thailand.

First, self-recognition plays a crucial role in the adaptability of aging farmers. Their long-standing experience with traditional agricultural practices often leads to the belief that these methods are best suited to their local conditions. However, this mindset may limit their awareness of changing environmental factors. In this context, learning typically occurs through observation, imitation, comparison, and self-regulation.

Second, normative values are a key factor in shaping older farmers’ decisions when selecting drought coping strategies. Their choice is influenced by behavioral beliefs and attitudes, which, in turn, affect their confidence in government policies addressing these challenges. Behavioral beliefs are shaped by expectations of the outcomes of participating in programs, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness. The key costs include labor, financial resources, and time required for participation or strategy development. If the perceived cost-benefit ratio is favorable, elderly farmers are more likely to adopt the proposed strategies to tackle drought-related challenges.

Self-protective behavior in older farmers becomes more complex during drought. Their responses may involve direct actions like protecting crops and improving resiliency, or avoidance behaviors such as accepting fate or rejecting mitigation measures. A key factor influencing their decisions is cost-benefit comparison, shaped by their experience and agricultural culture. They evaluate the costs of participating in drought response efforts, considering past threats, and weigh the expected benefits from government support, such as financial aid and skills training. These factors guide their choice of coping strategies.

Based on these findings, we emphasized the behavioral patterns that can determine the success of agricultural extension and government promotion efforts. It is crucial to ensure the synthesis of adaptive patterns and processes of older farmers in response to climate change, considering the influence of cultural, behavioral, and socio-economic factors.

Keywords: Older farmers, drought, behavioral response, coping strategies, aging agriculture