This research examined impacts and adaption options to climate variability and change among cropping smallholders in the rain-fed farming systems in North-West Cambodia. The household survey was done in early 2013 where 390 farmers were interviewed using participatory diagnostic tools. The study found most respondents perceived the changes in climate – included changed rainfall pattern (93%), extended dry season (82%), delayed the start of rainy season (92%), declining annual rainfall (89%) and rising temperature (91%). Most of these perceptions were consistent with regional climate records. Comparing the current yield (2012) and past yield (2008), the farmers experienced yield declines of 28% (maize), 16% (cassava), 22% (soybean), 19% (mungbean) and 29% (peanut); while the official statistics showed the yield decreases of 20% (maize), 28% (cassava), 20% (soybean), 9% (mungbean) and 3% (peanut). Although the causes of yield declines could not be clearly explained, the farmers believed climate was one of the most critical factors causing the decline.

Changing crop species and adjusting sowing date were the most common measures proposed by farmers to tackle climate variability and change in the region. However, most of them struggled to deal with the adverse climate impacts. Options to reduce climate risk such as adoption of conservation agriculture practices did not appear to be a consideration by farmers. Studies on climate variability and change in relation to farming systems are urgently required, and appropriate coping and adaptation measures should be assessed and implemented to more effectively reduce the risk of adverse impacts of climate change.