Local experiences and coping mechanisms on climate change among smallholder upland farmers in Barobbob Watershed, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

Krystel Mae Peñaflor; Ma. Larissa Lelu Gata

Krystel Mae J. Peñaflor Department of Social Forestry and Forest Governance, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Ma. Larissa Lelu P. Gata Department of Social Forestry and Forest Governance, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines

Keywords: agriculture, innovations, strategies, weather variability

Abstract

This case study analyzed the local experiences and coping mechanisms among smallholder upland farmers within the Barobbob Watershed in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, amidst the impacts of climate change. In-depth key informant interviews and secondary data collection were administered to 30 smallholder upland farmers from three communities (Barangay Ipil-Cuneg, Magsaysay, and Masoc) within the watershed. Results showed that smallholder upland farmers in Barobbob Watershed are implementing various strategies to cope with local climate change variability. These coping mechanisms included establishing diversion canals and rain-based sprinklers, continuing farm experiments with fertilizers and watering devices, and contour farming. They also used shorter-cycle and drought-resistant crops instead of cultivating rice, especially during the drought season. However, smallholder upland farmers’ ability to cope is affected by inadequate technical and financial support from the local government. Thus, local interventions and strategies could be extended to enhance further chances of successful climate change adaptation, particularly in agricultural activities.