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Behavioural Determinants of Adaptation and Maladaptation in Coastal Farming: Evidence from Indonesia: English

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/ecag2026oa21169
Submitted
ottobre 2, 2025
Published
2026-06-10

Abstract

Smallholder farmers’ behavioural responses to climate stress play a crucial role in determining the resilience of agri-food systems. In coastal Indonesia, rising salinity and recurrent flooding pose a significant threat to rice yields, rural livelihoods, and food security. Yet, limited research has explored how farmers actually adapt – or fail to adapt – to these climatic pressures. This study examines the social and psychological mechanisms that underline both adaptation and maladaptation, explaining why similar environmental threats elicit divergent behavioural responses. A dual-pathway behavioural model was developed by integrating four conceptual frameworks: the Theory of Planned Behaviour, Protection Motivation Theory, the Risk-Coping-Social Appraisal model, and the Model of Private Proactive Adaptation to Climate Change. Using survey data from 150 coastal rice farmers in Central Java, the study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze relationships among attitudes, perceived social norms, adaptive efficacy, perceived vulnerability, and avoidant coping.
The results indicate that subjective norms, positive attitudes, perceived vulnerability, and adaptive efficacy strongly shape adaptation intentions. Economic constraints and perceived risk severity play less significant roles. Perceived vulnerability increases adaptation when efficacy is high but contributes to disengagement when institutional support is weak. This study enhances our understanding of how farmers adapt their behaviour and suggests that group expectations and local support systems influence coping strategies. The study provides practical guidance for climate adaptation plans, emphasizing the importance of strengthening extension services, building farmers’ confidence, and enhancing food system resilience.

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