Climate Change Adaptation Knowledge Among Rice Farmers in Lake Toba Highland, Indonesia

Climate change has increasingly disrupted traditional farming systems, particularly in highland areas where environmental changes are more pronounced. This study explores how rice farmers in the Lake Toba highlands, Indonesia—both irrigated and non-irrigated—have gradually shifted away from traditional knowledge (TK) in response to climate challenges and what new adaptation strategies have emerged to sustain rice production. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a broad and holistic perspective. Data were collected from 130 purposively selected rice farmers in two sub-districts: Harian (irrigated) and Pangururan (non-irrigated). Data were gathered through in-depth interviews guided by semi-structured statements, focusing on farmers’ lived experiences and adaptation strategies across the rice farming cycle—from planting to harvesting. The findings revealed that while the two groups differ in water access and environmental conditions, they show similar trends in shifting away from traditional indicators. Farmers increasingly adopted new adaptation strategies such as joining farmer groups, using water pumps in non-irrigated areas, switching to more climate-resilient crop varieties, and adjusting planting calendars based on personal observation rather than inherited natural signs. This shift from traditional to practical, experience-based strategies reflects farmers’ responses to the fading reliability of traditional knowledge under changing climatic conditions. Despite the loss of symbolic TK practices, farmers continue to demonstrate resilience through peer collaboration and contextual decision-making. This study highlights the need to strengthen farmer-led adaptation while preserving valuable elements of TK. Future research should expand across the Lake Toba highlands and incorporate quantitative methods to capture broader patterns of local adaptation.