Communication of Climate Risk and Food Security: A Study on Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change in South Lampung Regency

Climate change poses a tangible threat to the agricultural sector, which is highly dependent on weather and climate conditions. South Lampung Regency, one of the agricultural centers in Lampung Province, faces serious challenges including declining productivity, shifting planting seasons, and increased risk of crop failure. In this context, farmers’ understanding of climate change risks and the ways they receive and interpret related information are crucial in supporting local food security. This study addresses the gap in understanding how risk communication can play a key role in shaping farmers’ perceptions and adaptive responses to climate change. Using a descriptive qualitative approach supported by quantitative data, this research involved in-depth interviews, surveys, and participatory observations with farmers, community leaders, and agricultural extension agents in Panengahan and Bakauheni Districts. The findings reveal two main typologies of farmers’ perceptions—traditional-reactive and adaptive-informational—each with distinct patterns of information access and adaptation strategies. Risk communication pathways are dominated by a mix of informal (social media, peer discussions) and formal (extension services, government programs) channels, yet a gap remains between the information provided and the farmers’ practical needs. The study proposes a locally grounded risk communication model that integrates scientific information with traditional knowledge, aiming to enhance adaptive capacity and strengthen food security.