| Abstract | This is a study of coastal community vulnerabilities and implemented adaptation strategies
in the context of climate change in a rural coastal region on the north coast of Java Island,
Indonesia. By using a gender perspective, this study also provides a deeper understanding
of the difference between and within households in terms of these vulnerabilities and
adaptation strategies. Furthermore, this study aims to identify the changing patterns of
livelihoods and account for the factors influencing coastal communities by analyzing their
vulnerability as well as understanding household perceptions toward climate change
phenomena.
The type of research employed in this study was both descriptive and exploratory. At the
same time, the study applied both quantitative and qualitative sampling methods, data
collection and analysis. The study has been carried out in a rural sub district in the North
Coast of Java, named Cantigi, Indramayu Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. This
sub district has long been known for experiencing annual flooding from heavy rainfall and
storm surges during the monsoon season, as well as witnessing droughts during summer.
There were 109 respondents and 11 informants included, and the respondents represented
households and are comprised of various livelihood activities that exist in the study area
such as farmers, fishermen, laborers and so forth.
It was found that by having different vulnerability and adaptation strategies, different
villages, livelihood groups and community members in a rural coastal sub district are
affected by adverse impacts of climate change differently. The main vulnerability that
exposes the area to climate and coastal hazards is its geographic position, only 0.6 m above
sea level. In addition, financial, social and environmental vulnerabilities also exist in the
sub district. The study also found that long-term sustainable adaptation strategies
implemented have been proven to be the most effective and efficient to reduce both
vulnerability and the adverse impacts of climate change simultaneously.
In Cantigi sub district, changing livelihood patterns, covering changing livelihood activities
and changing livelihood equipment and practices, are not only part of climate change
impacts, but also adaptation strategies implemented by households. Climate change and its
variability is the main, but not the only, reason for people to change their livelihood
patterns. In terms of people's perception towards climate change, this is strongly
influenced by their occupation. Most respondents in the study area opined that the impacts
of climate change are negative. Nevertheless people's knowledge and understanding about
climate change was limited in scope and their main concern lay with economic issues.
They are likely to pay more attention to climate change issues when it impacts on their
household livelihood security.
Eventually, this study recommends structural and non-structural adaptation strategies as
well as possible further studies. Structural measures comprise of sea dikes, wetland
restoration, rainwater harvesting and improvement of public infrastructure. Meanwhile,
non-structural adaptation strategies include provision of reliable weather forecasting and
early warning systems, establishment of climate disaster posts and teams that are linked
from local to national levels, trainings and activating community based organizations as
well greater involvement of women in these organizations, provision of an accessible
savings and loan program, insurance for farmers and fishermen, application of ecological
pest management and enforcement of law and customary law.
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