Vulnerability and adaptation strategies of Pantabangan-Carranglan watershed communities to climate variability and extremes
2005
Peras, R.J.J.
The study assessed the vulnerability and adaptation strategies of the communities in the Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed (PCW) to the impacts of climate variability and extremes using vulnerability indices. The study used household survey, which was complemented by secondary data gathering and focus group discussion. Spearman correlation and a step-wise regression were used to analyze the results. Results revealed that the vulnerability of PCW communities to the impacts of climate variability and extremes in terms of food, water, livelihood, and health are greatly influenced by socio-economic factors. Total vulnerability was related to number of organizations joined, farm size and monthly food expenditures. Meanwhile, the regression analysis identified the following variables as predictors of farmers' vulnerability: monthly food expenditures, farm distance to market, ethnic affiliation and household size. Employing adaptation strategies is ver y important in reducing the household's vulnerability to the impacts of climate variability and extremes. Among the common adaptation strategies employed include among others reduction in food and water consumption, availment of loans, praying, storing of food, water and medicine, and seeking support from community and kin. To reduce vulnerability, it is recommended to use drought-resistant species, construct small water impounding structure (SWIS), improve the water sources, systems and distribution, implement long-term livelihood programs, improve medical services and facilities, repair damaged road networks, and explore the possibility of engaging in Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects.
Показать больше [+] Меньше [-]