Social vulnerability and willingness to pay for adaptation to climate change and variability of farming households in Dumangas, Iloilo, Philippines

This study analyzed the social vulnerability and willingness to pay for adaptation to climate change and variability of 520 farming households in Dumangas, Iloilo in 2011. It sought to understand the nature and causes of vulnerability of farming households, determine the adaptation measures that they employ and estimate their willingness to pay to reduce this vulnerability. Social vulnerability was analyzed using an index composed of exposure, adaptive capacity and sensitivity to climate change impacts while willingness to pay for autonomous and planned adaptation were estimated using defensive expenditure and contingent valuation methods, respectively. Sample farming households in Dumangas were shown to be generally moderately vulnerable to climate change and variability. Vulnerability was mainly caused by exposure to floods and typhoons and lack of financial, physical and information resources. Social vulnerability, autonomous adaptation and willingness to pay for climate change adaptation are closely related. Regardless of their vulnerability level, most farming households autonomously adapt to climate change and variability. Majority of households that employed more than one adaptation measure had low vulnerability levels to climate change. They also had higher stated and revealed willingness to pay for adaptation than those with higher vulnerability. Farmers perceive the fast onset climate variables (floods, typhoons, prolonged drought) as more risky than the creeping climate change variables exemplified by increasing temperature and sea levels. They believe that their adaptive capacity to climate change will be enhanced by climate-resilient livelihoods and scientific knowledge on adaptation. In order to reduce vulnerability among farming communities, the government should implement planned adaptation programs that are acceptable and relevant to these communities. Farming households should be encouraged and enable to employ as many autonomous adaptation measures that are appropriate and affordable in their individual case but are also supportive of the planned adaptation program. The government should provide information on the types and costs of autonomous adaptation methods that are appropriate for specific farmer groups. Farmers also need training on these adaptation measures. Scientific knowledge on adaptation should be augmented by financial resources through training and support for alternative climate-resilient livelihoods.