Socioeconomic Study of Climate Change : An Assessment of Agriculture and Livelihood Sustainability on Paddy Farming in Malaysia

The changing nature of climatic factor has adverse impacts on agricultural sustainability, food security, and socioeconomic sustainability in many countries. In Malaysia, due to the rapid changes in climatic conditions, agricultural productivity and profitability are expected to decline in the future leading to agricultural unsustainability. At the same time, the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers are boldly changing. This empirical study investigates the vulnerability and impacts of climate change on agriculture, especially on paddy sector, and the socioeconomic status of the farmers, as well as their farming and livelihood adaptation approaches in Malaysia. Based on the findings, it provides policy recommendations and action plans for different stakeholders to adapt and cope with climate change properly. As this is also the common phenomenon for many countries, the governments, international organizations and other agencies involve in climate change issues will greatly benefit from the findings of the study.