Economic Impact Assessment of Climate Change on Cassava Production

Abstract

              This objective of this research was to study the impacts and adaptation strategies of cassava growers in Chaiyaphum province. This research uses Cobb-Douglas production function and estimation method the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) in this study, using a secondary data from 2000 to 2016.

               The estimation result of Cobb-Douglas equation shows that average temperature statistically had a negative significant effect on the yield of cassava. In terms of cassava planting area, factors which includes total rainfall, and time trends statistically had a positive significant effect on cassava yield. In terms of adaptation tendency of cassava growers in Chaiyaphum province, the first approach found that 95 percent of farmers, which are been used as sample in this study divert to the usage of drought-tolerant cassava varieties. The second approach found that, 64 percent seek for other occupation apart from the agricultural sector in order to increase their income thereby, they engage in construction job as a labor. The third approach found that, 73 percent of the farmers follow up news and information pertaining to climate changes and they did so by listening to official announcement via community radio. Suggestions from this study suggests that Agricultural promotion agencies should provide knowledge and information to farmers on climate change. Organize training; advise them on how to grow cassava in the proper manner in accordance to the changing seasons. Including research on cassava varieties and develop production technologies to be in accordance with the climate change, which occurs in each area, and this will lead to an increase in the production of cassava yield.