Sustainable Resilience in Flood-Prone Rice Farming: Adaptive Strategies and Risk-Sharing Around Tempe Lake, Indonesia

Riri Amandaria, Rahim Darma (), Majdah M. Zain, Letty Fudjaja, Muhammad Aksha Wahda, Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman, Hamed Bakheet Ali and Rida Akzar
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Riri Amandaria: Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Negeri Makassar, Makassar 90222, Indonesia
Rahim Darma: Department Agricultural Socio-Economics, University of Hasanuddin, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
Majdah M. Zain: Faculty of Agriculture, University of Islam Makassar, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
Letty Fudjaja: Department Agricultural Socio-Economics, University of Hasanuddin, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
Muhammad Aksha Wahda: Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Negeri Makassar, Makassar 90222, Indonesia
Nitty Hirawaty Kamarulzaman: Department of Agribusiness and Bioresource Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
Hamed Bakheet Ali: Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman 14415, Sudan
Rida Akzar: Center for Golbal Food and Resources, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5001, Australia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-27

Abstract: Recurrent flooding near Tempe Lake, Indonesia, exacerbated by climate change, presents significant challenges for rice-farming communities, threatening their livelihoods and food security. This study explores the adaptive strategies employed by farmers to mitigate flood-related risks and evaluates the role of institutional frameworks in risk-sharing mechanisms. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analysed primary survey data from 140 rice farmers and conducted interviews with irrigation pump operators. The study viewed 30 years of historical flood records to identify environmental patterns affecting agricultural practices. The findings indicate that farmers employ various adaptation strategies to enhance resilience, including irrigation technologies, risk-sharing agreements, and livelihood diversification. Informal co-operative structures play a crucial role, with landowners covering 50% of production costs and farmers receiving 60% of profits after deducting operational expenses. However, flood-related income disruptions and shifting environmental conditions threaten long-term sustainability. This study emphasizes the need to formalize risk-sharing agreements, promote flood-resistant crop adoption, and improve water management infrastructure to address these challenges. Additionally, policies should support the development of community-led co-operative models and flexible contract structures, as well as training and access credit to ensure fair compensation for climate-induced losses. Integrating institutional support, technological advancements, and community-driven adaptation strategies can enhance economic stability, strengthen food security, and ensure the long-term viability of rice farming in flood-prone regions.

Keywords: vulnerability; partnerships; agricultural practices; livelihoods; institutional support (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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