Phenomenological Insights into Climate Adaptation among Rural Smallholder Farmers in Indonesia

Abstract

Climate change adaptation is a critical concern in development studies, particularly for rural agricultural communities in the Global South. While many studies emphasize technical solutions and policy frameworks, the lived experiences of farmers adapting to climate-related disruptions remain underexplored. This study investigates how smallholder farmers perceive, interpret, and give meaning to climate adaptation, particularly in settings where cultural identity and ecological uncertainty converge. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, the research explores the adaptation experiences of smallholder farmers in relation to local food security. Twelve farmers from climate-vulnerable rural areas were interviewed in depth. Three key experiential themes emerged: 1) Perceptual disorientation caused by unpredictable environmental changes. 2) Emotional tension arising from the need to abandon traditional agricultural practices. 3) The development of collective adaptation strategies based on local knowledge. 4) These findings suggest that adaptation is not merely a rational or technical adjustment but a deeply meaningful process, shaped by values, identity, and community relationships. Interpretative phenomenological analysis offers insights into the internal, cultural, and symbolic dimensions of adaptation. This human-centered perspective complements and challenges dominant adaptation frameworks. The study’s insights inform the creation of inclusive, culturally sensitive adaptation policies and point to new directions for interdisciplinary research on climate resilience.