Perceived Self-Efficacy and Adaptation to Climate Change in Coastal Cambodia

In response to climate change at different spatial scales, adaptation has become one of the focal points of current research and policy developments. In the context of coastal Cambodia, there is little research on local level adaptation to climate change. Using ordinal logistic and logistic regression analyses, this study examines the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and anticipatory and reactive adaptation to climate change among 1823 households in coastal communities in Cambodia. Findings indicate that individuals who reported higher categories of self-efficacy were more likely to report both anticipatory (OR = 1.74, p < 0.001) and reactive adaptation (OR = 3.61, p < 0.001) measures. Similary, tndividuals who had higher education had higher odds of reporting anticipatory adaptation (OR = 1.71, p < 0.001) and reactive adaptation (OR = 1.63, p < 0.05) when compared with those without formal education. Participants who have been living in their current residence for six years or more were more likely to report anticipatory adaptation (OR = 1.09, p < 0.05) and reactive adapation (OR = 1.22, p < 0.001) compared with those who had lived there for a shorter duration of time. Region of residence was positively associated with both anticipatory and reactive adaptation. In this context, it is important to note that individuals in the most agriculture-dependent and climate sensitive province reported the least anticipatory and reactive adaptation measures. Policy makers should target empowerment of the most vulnerable population to facilitate better adaptation behavior, and mainstreaming of knowledge on climate change adaptation through both formal and informal education at the community level.