Thesis (M.B.A.)--Boston University

No description available.

The primary objective of this study was to examine changes in resource productivity and factor shares as irrigation was introduced on small rice farms using traditional management techniques. Average output on irrigated farms was double that of dry farms. This was because irrigated farms produced two crops as opposed to one crop on farms without irrigation. Examination of marginal products showed that farmers with irrigation could profitably use more land. Dry farmers could profitably use more labor. The low labor input and high MP of labor on dry farms occurs because these farmers are undercapitalized and are obliged to accept off-farm employment at crucial periods of the rice . growing season. On both farm types, irrigated and dry, factor shares of land were high suggesting that a redistribution of land would also redistribute income. This information provides criteria for formation of rice production policy in Ecuador.

To cope with the impact of rice import on rice industry due to Taiwan¡¦s joining in the WTO, Agriculture and Food Agency of Agriculture Council, Executive Yuan has drawn support from farmer groups or food dealers with marketing capabilities as well as rice farmers and people engaged in seedling raising, rice processing and rice milling to set up ¡§special rice production and marketing areas¡¨ since 2005. At these areas, integrative production and marketing mechanism and branding business model are used to build a rice production and marketing system that owns competitive advantages in both domestic sales and export sales, so as to increase farmers¡¦ income. With in-depth interview and secondary data as sources, this paper uses qualitative analysis to discuss how the Fang Rong rice factory in Houpi Township of Tainan County copes with changes in external environment, and investigate its innovative transformation for the purpose of sustainable development, as well as the reasons, processes and performances of the transformation. Research results are respectively described as follows: 1. Sources of innovation: external and internal factors. The former includes Taiwan¡¦s joining in the WTO, government policy promotion, non-profit organization promotion and changes in consumers¡¦ behaviors; the latter includes senior supervisors and normal employees¡¦ awakening in the rice factory as well as farmers¡¦ arousal. 2. Innovation mode: product innovation, process innovation, method innovation and marketing innovation. ¡]1¡^Product innovation: includes breed improvement, line extension and technological innovation. ¡]2¡^Process innovation: implements source management, contract farming and SOP of rice production process, highlights securitization, rationalization and ecologization, and achieves scientific management. ¡]3¡^Method innovation: this case introduces competitive agriculture, social values and profits sharing into enterprise business ideas. ¡]4¡^Marketing innovation: combines rice industry with leisure experience. The target market changes from B2B into B2C. This case values customer relationship management, constructs diversified products, brand and packaging, exploits diversified markets and marketing channels, utilizes story marketing, and continuously gets good achievements in competitions to enhance brand awareness. 3. Benefits of innovative transformation: the innovative transformation benefits of this case include economic benefits, ecological and environmental benefits, socio-cultural benefits, quality improvement, customers¡¦ high satisfaction, high brand awareness, horizontal alliances, technological changes, as well as staff and farmers¡¦ growth. Key words: rice industry, Innovative transformation, special rice production and marketing area

The Mekong River Basin (MRB) is famous for its rice farming and export and produces more than 20 million tons of rice per year. Rice production depends on climate, irrigation, soil fertility. However, this region is adversely impacted by several environmental concerns like nutrient deficiency from sediment and saltwater intrusion. The decrease in sediment deposition in the Mekong basin is caused by a number of factors. In China, Lao PDR, and Vietnam, the hydropower generation from dams has improved people's overall living standards, leading in more dams being built or planned in the future. However, dam construction work is adversely impacting the overall salinity condition in this region by reducing upstream flow. Upstream lower flows during the dry season contributes to the increased salinity in the lower Mekong Delta. In addition to these, multiple dams in the upper and middle region of the Mekong basin are trapping sediments and decreasing it in the lower zones. This study found that the reservoirs, built by China between 2008-2015, has reduced the sediment load at all five stations considered in the study. When a reservoir is removed from the model, the sediment load is increased which showed the substantial impact of reservoir construction on sediment load in this area. The landuse pattern is another factor for variability of the sediment yield in the study area. Forest area contributes to higher sediment production whereas agricultural area results in lower sediment yield. The GFDL RCP (4.5) and GFDL RCP (8.5) future climate change projection scenarios used in this study also demonstrated substantial variability in the precipitation pattern for the study region. GFDL RCP (4.5) scenario resulted in a lower sediment yield during the dry season. On contrary to that, GFDL RCP (8.5) showed higher sediment yield due to higher precipitation during the wet season. The severe salinity impact was observed in the Cai Nuoc, Nam Can, and Thanh Phu districts. In Ca Mau province, the observed salinity is highest among the provinces of the study area during dry season (February to May), about 12-14 PPT (parts per thousand) whereas the lowest level of salinity (less than 1 PPT) was observed in the Dong Thap and Vinh Long provinces. This salinity intrusion is adversely impacting the rice production in the study area. In the year 2000, rice production in the Ca Mau province was about 100-150 thousand tons. But salinity intrusion is drastically reducing the rice production in this area, about 10-30thousand tons per year during 2015-2017. Rice production is increasing in the upper deltaic part of the Mekong Delta region where preventive measures were taken. / Master of Science / The Mekong River Basin (MRB) is famous for its rice farming and export and produces more than 20 million tons of rice per year. The rice production is governed by rainfall, temperature, irrigation, soil fertility etc. However, this region is adversely impacted by multiple environmental concerns like nutrient deficiency, sediment concentration, and salinity. The decrease in sediment deposition in the Mekong basin is caused by several factors. In China, Lao PDR, and Vietnam, the hydropower sector has improved people's overall living standards. As a result, more reservoirs are being constructed or planned to be constructed in the future. But this dam construction work is adversely impacting the overall salinity condition in this region. Upstream flows rate during the dry season (February to May) contributes to the increased salinity condition in lower Mekong Delta. In addition to these, multiple dams in the upper portion of the Mekong basin are trapping sediments and decreasing it in the lower region. From the analysis performed in this study it was found that the reservoirs, built by China between 2008-2015, has reduced the sediment load at all five stations. When the reservoir is removed from the model, the sediment load is increased implying the substantial impact of reservoir construction on sediment load in this area. The landuse pattern is another dominating factor for variability of the sediment yield in the study area. Forest area contributes to higher sediment production whereas agricultural area results in lower sediment yield. Two future climate projection scenarios considered for this study are the GFDL RCP (4.5) and GFDL RCP (8.5). These two scenarios also demonstrated substantial variability in the precipitation pattern for the study region. The severe salinity impact was observed in the Cai Nuoc, Nam Can, and Thanh Phu districts. In Ca Mau province, the observed salinity is highest among the provinces of the study area during dry season (February to May), about 12-14 PPT ((parts per thousand) whereas the lowest level of salinity (less than 1 PPT) was observed in the Dong Thap and Vinh Long provinces. This salinity intrusion is adversely impacting the rice yield in the study area. In the year 2000, rice production in the Ca Mau province was about 100-150 thousand tons. But salinity intrusion is drastically reducing the rice production in this area, about 10-30thousand tons per year during 2015-2017. Rice production is increasing in the upper deltaic part of the Mekong Delta region where preventive measures were taken.

Most rice protection methods have currently used toxic chemicals to control pathogens and pests, which leads to environmental pollution. Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) taking advantage of natural defence reaction of plants could be proposed as an alternative, ecologically friendly approach for plant protection. Its application into rice production could minimize the chemicals quantity used and could contribute to the decrease of environmental pollution and the development of sustainable agriculture. The research was conducted to select the most effective chemical and suitable method to improve the health of rice plants infected by grassy stunt disease in net-house of Can Tho University. SAR chemicals were used at very low concentrations (in mM). Results showed that the height of rice plants treated with SAR chemicals was higher than that of plants untreated. Besides, the number of diseased plants was reduced and the ratio of firm grain and yield increased when plants were applied by SAR. Among the used substances, oxalic acid provided the best systemic acquired resistance. With oxalic acid, seed soaking was better than seed coating in systemic acquired resistance against rice grassy stunt disease. / Hầu hết các phương pháp sản xuất lúa hiện nay đều sử dụng các hóa chất độc hại trong việc phòng trừ bệnh và côn trùng gây hại, nên dẫn đến ô nhiễm môi trường. Kích thích tính kháng lưu dẫn giúp kích hoạt cơ chế tự nhiên kháng bệnh của cây có thể là giải pháp bảo vệ thực vật thay thế an toàn với môi trường. Việc ứng dụng tiến bộ này vào trong sản xuất lúa có thể làm giảm lượng hóa chất sử dụng, đóng góp vào việc giảm thiểu ô nhiễm môi trường và sự phát triển của một nền nông nghiệp bền vững. Nghiên cứu đã được thực hiện tại nhà lưới trường Đại học Cần Thơ để tuyển chọn hóa chất và phương pháp sử dụng hóa chất để tăng cường sức khỏe giúp cây lúa vượt qua bệnh vàng lùn. Hóa chất kích kháng được sử dụng ở một nồng độ rất thấp (đơn vị là mM). Kết quả cho thấy chiều cao cây lúa khi xử lý chất kích kháng tốt hơn so đối chứng không xử lý. Bên cạnh đó, số cây lúa nhiễm bệnh giảm, tỉ lệ hạt chắc và năng suất tăng khi cây lúa được xử lý với chất kích kháng. Trong số các chất kích kháng đã sử dụng, acid oxalic cho hiệu quả vượt trội. Với chất acid oxalic, phương pháp ngâm hạt cho hiệu quả kích kháng tốt hơn phương pháp áo hạt.

O estudo, em corpos lagunares, de transportes de sedimentos pode apresentar significativa importância e abrangência. Para que haja compreensão dos mecanismos que ocorrem na linha de costa de um corpo aquoso é fundamental o estudo de sua morfodinâmica e morfologia do sistema. Estes evoluem conjuntamente, visto que a dinâmica determina a morfologia, entretanto uma vez estabelecida a morfologia, esta condiciona a dinâmica. A evolução de corpos lagunares segue a evolução de cinco processos naturais: a segmentação, a acresção vertical, a progradação de deltas, a acresção lateral, a sedimentação marinha e/ou lacustre. Neste estudo é abordado a progradação deltaica. Deltas são acumulações de sedimentos no final de um canal, no qual há uma descarga dentro de um corpo de água. A área selecionada para este estudo situa-se no sul da planície costeira do Estado do Rio Grande do sul, na região norte da Lagoa Mangueira, onde se localiza diversos deltas artificiais presentes no corpo lacustre. Pelo fato de estar inserido no popularmente conhecido “Parque das Capivaras”, a feição estudada ficou denominada como “Delta das Capivaras”. O objetivo do estudo foi desenvolver o modelo de evolução deste delta artificial construído pela atividade das lavouras arrozeiras na margem oeste da Lagoa da Mangueira e avaliar os impactos ambientais causados pelo manejo do solo. A metodologia empregada contemplou variadas técnicas de aquisição e interpretação de dados. As atividades iniciaram com uma revisão bibliográfica e preparação da logística necessária para aquisição de informações em campo, onde foram coletados dados de sedimentologia, batimetria e testemunhos. As atividades posteriores compreenderamm análises, processamentos e tratamentos das amostras e informações obtidas, em laboratório. A integração dos dados forneceu informações importantes sobre a dinâmica e morfologia do Delta das Capivaras. Foi possível concluir que o principal agente formador do delta é o canal artificial gerado pela atividade antrópica devido ao elevado potencial de aporte de sedimentos para o interior da lagoa. A flutuação de nível é pouco representativa e a ação das ondas é secundária na formação do delta, já que o mesmo é protegido por feições arenosas e vegetação. A atividade de orizicultura na margem oeste da Lagoa Mangueira causa rápida eutrofização no corpo aquoso, esse fato mostra que a atividade antrópica causada pelo cultivo de arroz modifica bastante as características naturais desse corpo hídrico, podendo causar impactos na vida e dinâmica da lagoa. O Delta das Capivaras se desenvolveu em um local inferior a 1 km, num intervalo de tempo de décadas; e, por fim, sua gênese foi controlada principalmente pelo aporte de sedimentos. Além disso, está inserido em uma bacia de drenagem litorânea com extensão de área bastante reduzida e relevo com cotas inferiores a 10 metros, não podendo, portanto, gerar uma feição do tamanho do Delta das Capivaras, em um curto espaço de tempo. Essas características classificam o delta como uma feição artificial de escala de engenharia e não geológica. / The sediment transport in lakes is very important and has a broad scope. In order to acquire comprehension on the processes occurring in the coastline it is vital that the system´s morphodynamics and morphology are studied. These last elements evolve together, since the dynamics determine morphology, however once morphology is established, it affects dynamics. The evolution of these bodies of water follows the evolution of five natural processes: segmentation, vertical accretion, marine and lagoonal sedimentation. In this study, deltaic progradation is analyzed. Deltas are deposits of sediment at the end of a water stream, which is discharged into a body of water. The selected area for this study is located in the southern portion of the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul state, in the north sector of the Mangueira Lake, where several artificial deltas are found in the lagoon. Since it is located in the popularly known “Capivaras Park”, the feature which is analysed in this study was named “Delta das Capivaras”. This study aimed to develop the evolution model for this artificially built delta, wich was formed due to rice farming on the west margin of the lake, and also, to evaluate the environmental impacts caused by the soil management. The methodology employed in the study comprised different techniques for the data acquisition and its interpretation. The work began by analyzing related bibliography and planning logistics for the field work, where data on sedimentology, bathymetry and core sample were collected. The later activities comprise analysis, processing and treatment of the obtained samples in the laboratory. The integration of data offered important information on the dynamics and morphology of the Delta das Capivaras. It was possible to conclude that the primary mechanism for the delta development is the artificial channel generated by anthropic activity, due to the elevated potential of sediment transport towards the lagoon. The water level variation has little significant contribution such as the wave action in the delta formation, since it is protected by sand “features” such as sandy spits and vegetation. The rice cultureon the west margin of the Mangueira Lake causes fast eutrophication of the water body, proving that anthropic activity caused by that specific activity strongly modifies the lagoon´s natural features and can possibly impact life and dynamics in this lagoon. The Delta das Capivaras developed in a location less than 1 km, in a time of decades and, finally, its genesis was controlled mainly by sediment supply. Moreover, it is inserted into a coastal drainage basin with little extension area and lower elevation with dimensions less than 10 meters, wherefore cannot generate a feature like Delta das Capivaras, in a short space of time. These characteristics classify the delta as an artificial feature of engineering scale and not geological.

O estudo, em corpos lagunares, de transportes de sedimentos pode apresentar significativa importância e abrangência. Para que haja compreensão dos mecanismos que ocorrem na linha de costa de um corpo aquoso é fundamental o estudo de sua morfodinâmica e morfologia do sistema. Estes evoluem conjuntamente, visto que a dinâmica determina a morfologia, entretanto uma vez estabelecida a morfologia, esta condiciona a dinâmica. A evolução de corpos lagunares segue a evolução de cinco processos naturais: a segmentação, a acresção vertical, a progradação de deltas, a acresção lateral, a sedimentação marinha e/ou lacustre. Neste estudo é abordado a progradação deltaica. Deltas são acumulações de sedimentos no final de um canal, no qual há uma descarga dentro de um corpo de água. A área selecionada para este estudo situa-se no sul da planície costeira do Estado do Rio Grande do sul, na região norte da Lagoa Mangueira, onde se localiza diversos deltas artificiais presentes no corpo lacustre. Pelo fato de estar inserido no popularmente conhecido “Parque das Capivaras”, a feição estudada ficou denominada como “Delta das Capivaras”. O objetivo do estudo foi desenvolver o modelo de evolução deste delta artificial construído pela atividade das lavouras arrozeiras na margem oeste da Lagoa da Mangueira e avaliar os impactos ambientais causados pelo manejo do solo. A metodologia empregada contemplou variadas técnicas de aquisição e interpretação de dados. As atividades iniciaram com uma revisão bibliográfica e preparação da logística necessária para aquisição de informações em campo, onde foram coletados dados de sedimentologia, batimetria e testemunhos. As atividades posteriores compreenderamm análises, processamentos e tratamentos das amostras e informações obtidas, em laboratório. A integração dos dados forneceu informações importantes sobre a dinâmica e morfologia do Delta das Capivaras. Foi possível concluir que o principal agente formador do delta é o canal artificial gerado pela atividade antrópica devido ao elevado potencial de aporte de sedimentos para o interior da lagoa. A flutuação de nível é pouco representativa e a ação das ondas é secundária na formação do delta, já que o mesmo é protegido por feições arenosas e vegetação. A atividade de orizicultura na margem oeste da Lagoa Mangueira causa rápida eutrofização no corpo aquoso, esse fato mostra que a atividade antrópica causada pelo cultivo de arroz modifica bastante as características naturais desse corpo hídrico, podendo causar impactos na vida e dinâmica da lagoa. O Delta das Capivaras se desenvolveu em um local inferior a 1 km, num intervalo de tempo de décadas; e, por fim, sua gênese foi controlada principalmente pelo aporte de sedimentos. Além disso, está inserido em uma bacia de drenagem litorânea com extensão de área bastante reduzida e relevo com cotas inferiores a 10 metros, não podendo, portanto, gerar uma feição do tamanho do Delta das Capivaras, em um curto espaço de tempo. Essas características classificam o delta como uma feição artificial de escala de engenharia e não geológica. / The sediment transport in lakes is very important and has a broad scope. In order to acquire comprehension on the processes occurring in the coastline it is vital that the system´s morphodynamics and morphology are studied. These last elements evolve together, since the dynamics determine morphology, however once morphology is established, it affects dynamics. The evolution of these bodies of water follows the evolution of five natural processes: segmentation, vertical accretion, marine and lagoonal sedimentation. In this study, deltaic progradation is analyzed. Deltas are deposits of sediment at the end of a water stream, which is discharged into a body of water. The selected area for this study is located in the southern portion of the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul state, in the north sector of the Mangueira Lake, where several artificial deltas are found in the lagoon. Since it is located in the popularly known “Capivaras Park”, the feature which is analysed in this study was named “Delta das Capivaras”. This study aimed to develop the evolution model for this artificially built delta, wich was formed due to rice farming on the west margin of the lake, and also, to evaluate the environmental impacts caused by the soil management. The methodology employed in the study comprised different techniques for the data acquisition and its interpretation. The work began by analyzing related bibliography and planning logistics for the field work, where data on sedimentology, bathymetry and core sample were collected. The later activities comprise analysis, processing and treatment of the obtained samples in the laboratory. The integration of data offered important information on the dynamics and morphology of the Delta das Capivaras. It was possible to conclude that the primary mechanism for the delta development is the artificial channel generated by anthropic activity, due to the elevated potential of sediment transport towards the lagoon. The water level variation has little significant contribution such as the wave action in the delta formation, since it is protected by sand “features” such as sandy spits and vegetation. The rice cultureon the west margin of the Mangueira Lake causes fast eutrophication of the water body, proving that anthropic activity caused by that specific activity strongly modifies the lagoon´s natural features and can possibly impact life and dynamics in this lagoon. The Delta das Capivaras developed in a location less than 1 km, in a time of decades and, finally, its genesis was controlled mainly by sediment supply. Moreover, it is inserted into a coastal drainage basin with little extension area and lower elevation with dimensions less than 10 meters, wherefore cannot generate a feature like Delta das Capivaras, in a short space of time. These characteristics classify the delta as an artificial feature of engineering scale and not geological.

O estudo, em corpos lagunares, de transportes de sedimentos pode apresentar significativa importância e abrangência. Para que haja compreensão dos mecanismos que ocorrem na linha de costa de um corpo aquoso é fundamental o estudo de sua morfodinâmica e morfologia do sistema. Estes evoluem conjuntamente, visto que a dinâmica determina a morfologia, entretanto uma vez estabelecida a morfologia, esta condiciona a dinâmica. A evolução de corpos lagunares segue a evolução de cinco processos naturais: a segmentação, a acresção vertical, a progradação de deltas, a acresção lateral, a sedimentação marinha e/ou lacustre. Neste estudo é abordado a progradação deltaica. Deltas são acumulações de sedimentos no final de um canal, no qual há uma descarga dentro de um corpo de água. A área selecionada para este estudo situa-se no sul da planície costeira do Estado do Rio Grande do sul, na região norte da Lagoa Mangueira, onde se localiza diversos deltas artificiais presentes no corpo lacustre. Pelo fato de estar inserido no popularmente conhecido “Parque das Capivaras”, a feição estudada ficou denominada como “Delta das Capivaras”. O objetivo do estudo foi desenvolver o modelo de evolução deste delta artificial construído pela atividade das lavouras arrozeiras na margem oeste da Lagoa da Mangueira e avaliar os impactos ambientais causados pelo manejo do solo. A metodologia empregada contemplou variadas técnicas de aquisição e interpretação de dados. As atividades iniciaram com uma revisão bibliográfica e preparação da logística necessária para aquisição de informações em campo, onde foram coletados dados de sedimentologia, batimetria e testemunhos. As atividades posteriores compreenderamm análises, processamentos e tratamentos das amostras e informações obtidas, em laboratório. A integração dos dados forneceu informações importantes sobre a dinâmica e morfologia do Delta das Capivaras. Foi possível concluir que o principal agente formador do delta é o canal artificial gerado pela atividade antrópica devido ao elevado potencial de aporte de sedimentos para o interior da lagoa. A flutuação de nível é pouco representativa e a ação das ondas é secundária na formação do delta, já que o mesmo é protegido por feições arenosas e vegetação. A atividade de orizicultura na margem oeste da Lagoa Mangueira causa rápida eutrofização no corpo aquoso, esse fato mostra que a atividade antrópica causada pelo cultivo de arroz modifica bastante as características naturais desse corpo hídrico, podendo causar impactos na vida e dinâmica da lagoa. O Delta das Capivaras se desenvolveu em um local inferior a 1 km, num intervalo de tempo de décadas; e, por fim, sua gênese foi controlada principalmente pelo aporte de sedimentos. Além disso, está inserido em uma bacia de drenagem litorânea com extensão de área bastante reduzida e relevo com cotas inferiores a 10 metros, não podendo, portanto, gerar uma feição do tamanho do Delta das Capivaras, em um curto espaço de tempo. Essas características classificam o delta como uma feição artificial de escala de engenharia e não geológica. / The sediment transport in lakes is very important and has a broad scope. In order to acquire comprehension on the processes occurring in the coastline it is vital that the system´s morphodynamics and morphology are studied. These last elements evolve together, since the dynamics determine morphology, however once morphology is established, it affects dynamics. The evolution of these bodies of water follows the evolution of five natural processes: segmentation, vertical accretion, marine and lagoonal sedimentation. In this study, deltaic progradation is analyzed. Deltas are deposits of sediment at the end of a water stream, which is discharged into a body of water. The selected area for this study is located in the southern portion of the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul state, in the north sector of the Mangueira Lake, where several artificial deltas are found in the lagoon. Since it is located in the popularly known “Capivaras Park”, the feature which is analysed in this study was named “Delta das Capivaras”. This study aimed to develop the evolution model for this artificially built delta, wich was formed due to rice farming on the west margin of the lake, and also, to evaluate the environmental impacts caused by the soil management. The methodology employed in the study comprised different techniques for the data acquisition and its interpretation. The work began by analyzing related bibliography and planning logistics for the field work, where data on sedimentology, bathymetry and core sample were collected. The later activities comprise analysis, processing and treatment of the obtained samples in the laboratory. The integration of data offered important information on the dynamics and morphology of the Delta das Capivaras. It was possible to conclude that the primary mechanism for the delta development is the artificial channel generated by anthropic activity, due to the elevated potential of sediment transport towards the lagoon. The water level variation has little significant contribution such as the wave action in the delta formation, since it is protected by sand “features” such as sandy spits and vegetation. The rice cultureon the west margin of the Mangueira Lake causes fast eutrophication of the water body, proving that anthropic activity caused by that specific activity strongly modifies the lagoon´s natural features and can possibly impact life and dynamics in this lagoon. The Delta das Capivaras developed in a location less than 1 km, in a time of decades and, finally, its genesis was controlled mainly by sediment supply. Moreover, it is inserted into a coastal drainage basin with little extension area and lower elevation with dimensions less than 10 meters, wherefore cannot generate a feature like Delta das Capivaras, in a short space of time. These characteristics classify the delta as an artificial feature of engineering scale and not geological.

Prior research has concluded that climate change is having an overall negative impact on rice production worldwide. The vast majority of climate change impacts on rice production result from fluctuations in precipitation and temperature, which lead to flooding, water scarcity, and increases in insects and pests, diseases, and weeds. As a small developing country, Guyana is highly vulnerable to climate change despite its insignificant contribution to global warming. Guyana heavily relies on rice cultivation for food, employment, and export earnings. While generally increasing, rice yields have fluctuated over the last two decades. For example, in 2016, rice yields declined by 12.7 percent due to a drought. This dissertation explores the relationship between fluctuating yields and climate change, and how farmers are adapting. Of particular importance are the impacts of climate change on small farmers (those cultivating less than 4.45 hectares or 11 acres) and their ability to successfully adapt. Small farmers are especially vulnerable to a changing climate because they often lack the necessary knowledge, support, and resources to effectively respond and adapt. Given the large percentage of rice farmers engaging in small-scale production in Guyana, this study investigates the impacts of climate variability on rice production and the extent to which the production and productivity of small farmers are affected. It also identifies the coping strategies small farmers employ to combat the effects of climate change and the extent to which these strategies are successful. Given that climate change is expected to vary across different regions of the world, the first aim of this study is to show how the climate in Guyana has changed. At the country level, evidence from descriptive statistics, a linear trend model, and a two-sample t-test shows that minimum and maximum temperatures have increased over the last 111 years. The aggregate data is less clear on changes in precipitation over the last 111 years. However, analysis of farm-level data provides strong evidence of shifts in rainfall patterns. Among 189 small farmers interviewed, 182 (96.3%) perceived changes in rainfall patterns, 170 (89.9%) perceived changes in temperature, 169 (89.4%) perceived changes in extreme weather events, 185 (97.9%) perceived changes in insects and pests, 73 (38.6%) perceived changes in diseases, and 168 (88.9%) perceived changes in weeds. Changes in precipitation have included an increase in intensity and out of season rainfall, which has impacted harvesting due to poor dams, wet fields, and the lodging of plants. The primary responses farmers have adopted include adjusting planting dates based on water availability and the cultivation of different rice varieties. Changes in temperature have resulted in hotter days, accelerating the evaporation of water from fields. In response, farmers replenish water in their fields, when available. Excess rainfall and resulting flooding, drought, and heavy winds have been the primary extreme weather events observed. Excess rainfall and associated flooding submerges, uproots, and/or kills young plants. The lodging of plants due to heavy winds and flooding has been the main impact. In response to flooding, farmers have pumped water out of their fields. There is very little that farmers can do in response to heavy winds. The primary change in insects and pests reported by farmers has been an increase in paddy bug infestations, which cause damage to the grains resulting in lower quality and quantity at harvest. As a result, farmers are engaging in more preventative spraying. An increase in brown spot disease was also reported. Brown spots are primarily found on the leaves, damaging and/or stunting the growth of the plants by reducing the amount of food they manufacture through photosynthesis. Farmers have responded by engaging in preventative spraying and the rotation of fungicides. Increases in red rice and duckweed have been the major changes in weeds observed. Both weeds compete with rice for space, sunlight, nutrients, and water. Additionally, red rice reduces the quality and by extension the price farmers receive. Farmers are responding by spraying more herbicide and using a contact chemical to burn red rice. Multivariate analysis of farm-level data found that land tenure, tractor ownership, membership in an agricultural organization(s), secondary non-agricultural income, and farms located in regions two and four have positive correlations with annual yields. Perceived changes in rainfall, farm size, livestock ownership, participation in rice extension training, and household members help with rice farming were found to have negative correlations with annual yields. Policy recommendations to improve rice production and farmers' resilience include improving research and development capacity; tax exemption for agricultural inputs and equipment; improving extension services; improving the management of irrigation systems and water resources; enhanced access to credit, insurance, and subsidies; improving weather forecasting and climate monitoring; and improving the management of drainage infrastructure. The analytical framework used in this research produced a rich dataset and interesting results that are important to our understanding of farm-level impacts and responses to climate change. As such, it may prove useful for studying climate change impacts in other developing countries that have similar characteristics and face similar risks from climate change as Guyana. / Doctor of Philosophy / The vast majority of climate change impacts on rice production result from variations in rainfall and temperature that lead to flooding, water shortage, and increases in insects and pests, diseases, and weeds. Guyana is highly exposed to climate change. More importantly, the country relies heavily on rice farming for food, employment, and foreign income. Of particular importance are the impacts of climate change on small farmers (growing less than 4.45 hectares) and their ability to successfully adapt. Small farmers are especially helpless because they often lack the necessary knowledge, support, and resources to effectively respond and adapt. Given the large percentage of rice farmers engaged in small-scale production in Guyana, this study explores the impacts of climate variability on rice production and the extent to which the production and output of small farmers are affected. Analysis of farm-level data shows that changes in rainfall have included an increase in intensity and out of season rainfall which has affected harvesting due to poor farm-to market roads, wet fields, and lodging of plants. The main responses involved adjusting planting dates based on water availability and the cultivation of different rice varieties. Changes in temperature resulted in hotter days which increased the loss of water from the field. In response, farmers replenish water in their fields, when available. Excess rainfall and resulting flooding, drought, and heavy winds have been the main extreme weather events observed. Excess rainfall and associated flooding submerges, uproots, and/or kills young plants. The lodging of plants due to heavy winds and flooding has been the main impact. In response to flooding, farmers have pumped water out of their fields. There is very little that farmers can do in response to heavy winds. An increase in paddy bug infestations damaged the grains resulting in lower grain quality while an increase in red rice and duckweed increased the competition for space, sunlight, nutrients, and water. Farmers engaged in more defensive spraying and used a contact chemical to burn red rice.