Assessment of climate change vulnerabilities of upland vegetable farmers in selected areas in Benguet, Philippines

Priscila Dolom; Corazon Calimag; Jean Nicmic; Pamela Joyce Eleazar; Ma. Cynthia Casin; Ma. Magdalena Villanueva; Diorella Mari Garcia; Michiko Karisa Buot

Priscila C. Dolom Forestry Development Center, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Corazon A. Calimag Forestry Development Center, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Jean C. Nicmic Forestry Development Center, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Pamela Joyce M. Eleazar Forestry Development Center, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Ma. Cynthia S. Casin Forestry Development Center, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Ma. Magdalena B. Villanueva Forestry Development Center, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Diorella Mari T. Garcia Forestry Development Center, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
Michiko Karisa M. Buot Forestry Development Center, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines

Keywords: adaptivity, exposure, mitigation, policy, sensitivity

Abstract

Farming is the main livelihood of the people of Benguet Province. This makes them highly vulnerable to climate change hazards as their security and safety depend on unstable agro-climatic conditions. Thus, the climate change vulnerabilities of upland farmers must be assessed to better aid them in coping with the worsening scenes. The study aims to identify such vulnerabilities and determine climate change adaptation and coping measures practiced by upland farmers. Policy interventions that may be relevant to eliminate or lessen vulnerability will also be identified. The typical exposure factors identified in Benguet are landslides, erosion, extreme temperatures, and climate events. The province has a sloping, rugged topography, and intensive land tillage or cropping system. This indicates that the area is sensitive to soil erosion and landslides. The area's soil and water conservation practices are not enough to address heavy rains and drought. The adaptive strategies practiced by upland farmers are using drought and water-resistant crops; waterimpounding facilities; greenhouse or crop shelter; tree planting; and planting high-value crops, such as coffee, cacao, lemon, and other fruit trees. Through policy review, comprehensive policy actions were recommended and instituted to address identified vulnerabilities, such as tree planting, information drive, and deputization of barangay officials and volunteers to perform environmental functions. Further, it is recommended that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Pambayan, and Sangguniang Pambarangay develop forestry policies with the technical assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. These recommendations are expected to avert disasters while maximizing the usefulness of the lands and, ultimately, support the upland farmers in their livelihood.