Farmers Responses on Climate Change to Support Sustainability of Farming System in Lampung Region

ABSTRACT Climate change is a natural and an unavoidable phenomenon due to natural degradation. The impact of climate change such as extreme droughts and floods on agriculture occurs in some areas of Lampung Province. It is expected can decrease in rice production and livestock businesses which effect to farming sustainability. Following problem of the effect is farmer response to climate change. The aim of this research was to analyze the responsiveness of farmers-breeders in dealing with climate change in Lampung Province. Research method was carried out by farmers surveying in Tanggamus district, Central Lampung and East Lampung. Research location was determined purposively. The number of respondents was 100 farmers-breeders who were determined randomly. The research was performed in April-September 2017. Data was collected through structured interviews by using questionnaires according to research objectives. The results showed that farmers in Lampung tend to be responsive to climate change. In order to overcome the climate change, the breeders provide food reserves by planting forage crops and optimizing the use of agricultural waste. While rice farmers applied alternative irrigation reserves for the dry season and built drainage channels and collected water in the rainy season. It was important to socialize to the wider community in an integrated manner to support environment sustainability. The community is encouraged to protect the natural environment from potential damage. The government needs to build alternative irrigation sources as water reserves in the dry season as well as water reservoirs as a place to collect the water during rainy season