Farmers in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, are already taking steps to adapt to the changing climate, according to a recent study titled Aka’tika Uira (Realign the Wheel): An analysis of the climate adaptation methods adopted by farmers in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
The research was carried out by Selane Tairea and colleagues (Lauren Turner, Heather Worth, Temarama Anguna-Kamana, Tearoa Iorangi, Puna Kamoe, Kuraiti Rasmussen, Vincencia Vakapora, Eitiare Vano) from Te Puna Vai Mārama – The Cook Islands Centre for Research in collaboration with the University of the South Pacific and the Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture.
The study aimed to better understand how Pacific farmers experience climate change, how they respond to it, and the challenges they encounter while growing in shifting climatic conditions. Farmers are often excluded from research and policy discussions despite being the most affected by climate change issues and implementation strategies. Their knowledge and actions are essential for building resilience.
The survey was conducted among 174 farmers in Rarotonga from August to September 2024. The survey formed part of the PHOAFS Regional Research Agenda (RRA), which is gathering information from multiple Pacific countries. Descriptive and bivariate (statistical) analyses were used to examine the results.
Farmers reported three main climate impacts. Almost half (49%) said they faced inconsistent rainfall. 50% reported rising temperatures, and 49 per cent pointed to an increasing frequency or severity of droughts.
Despite these challenges, most farmers (87.9%) said they had made at least one adaptation to changing weather patterns and were most likely to adapt in response to drought conditions.
The main adaptation methods focused on crop and soil management. More than half (52 per cent) of all adaptations fell into this category. Examples included crop rotation, mulching, and composting.
The research also looked at whether factors such as age, gender, or farm size influenced whether farmers adapted. Unlike some other studies, this one found no demographic factors affecting adaptation. In other words, farmers across all backgrounds were equally likely to make changes.
The findings show two important points. First, farming is holistic, drawing on both land and community. Second, growers are already making efforts to adapt to climate change, even though resources are limited and support is lacking.
The study concludes that more practical support is needed at the government level. This includes improving opportunities for farmer education and increasing access to resources. With better support, the efforts of farmers can be strengthened, ensuring agricultural production continues in the face of climate challenges.
