Year: 2026 | Month: October | Volume: 13 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 26-34
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20261004
Effects of Sociodemographic Characteristics on Climate Change Literacy and Adaptation Strategies among Small-Scale Fishers in Takisung District, Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan
Lasriyanto1*, Achmad Syamsu Hidayat, Erma Agusliani
Master of Fisheries Science, Lambung Mangkurat University, South Kalimantan, Indonesia
Corresponding Author: Lasriyanto
ABSTRACT
Uncertainty in seasonal patterns and marine conditions requires small-scale fishers to understand climate information and adjust their fishing activities. This study aimed to analyze the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on climate change literacy, the effect of literacy on adaptation strategies, the direct effect of sociodemographic characteristics on adaptation, and the mediating role of literacy. A survey of 100 small-scale fishers was conducted in Takisung District, Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan, from January to June 2026. Respondent eligibility criteria were established purposively, while participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires, structured interviews, observation, and documentation, and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Sociodemographic characteristics were modeled as a formative construct, while literacy and adaptation were modeled as reflective constructs. Literacy had a positive and significant effect on adaptation strategies (β = 0.366; t = 4.128; p < 0.001). The effects of sociodemographic characteristics on literacy (β = 0.273; p = 0.297) and adaptation (β = 0.386; p = 0.183) were not significant. The indirect effect through literacy was also not significant (β = 0.100; p = 0.317). The model explained 7.5% of the variance in literacy and 36.0% of the variance in adaptation. Following respecification, adaptation was represented by fishing gear modification and changes in fishing locations. Climate literacy was a direct predictor of operational adaptation in the model, but its role as a mediator of the effect of sociodemographic characteristics was not established. These findings support the development of climate education linked to fishing decisions, while accounting for measurement limitations and the nonprobability sample.
Keywords: sociodemographic characteristics; climate change literacy; adaptation strategies; small-scale fishers; PLS-SEM.
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