From Adversity to Recovery: Adaptive Capacity Experiences of Middle-Class Farmers amidst the Implementation of Rice Tarrification Law

In my study, I explored how the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) has significantly affected middle-class farmers by inundating the market with cheaper imported rice, which has lowered farmgate prices, reduced their income, and impacted their overall experiences during its implementation. Using a phenomenological approach, I purposively selected ten middle-class farmers, and through my analysis, I identified key themes. I found that the adversities they faced included rising farming costs, decreasing income, and increasing debt and financial strain. I also observed that adaptive strategies involved diversifying farming practices, adapting sustainable methods, and accessing government assistance. In terms of recovery, I saw that economic diversification, self-sufficiency, and building financial independence were essential. For future research, I suggest focusing on the experiences of landless farmers under Rice Tarrification Law and quantitative research may use the emerging themes to determine the factors of recovery, and the sub-themes as indicators.