Climate Risk Profiles for a Climate-Resilient Agriculture on Selected Crops in the Cordillera Administrative Region

Abstract

This research identified the climate change risks and responses along the rice, yellow corn, potato, and cabbage value chains and recommended Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) options as prioritized by stakeholders. The key climate hazards affecting agriculture in the Cordillera Region are tropical cyclones or typhoons and drought. Lowland rice farming communities are vulnerable to flooding caused by heavy rains while highland vegetable and upland corn farming communities are vulnerable to soil erosion, landslides, and strong winds. Farmers’ mitigating measures against soil erosion, landslides, and flooding include cleaning the drainage canals. Farmers with no access to water resources delay planting or adjust their cropping calendar to ensure crop survival during prolonged drought. They utilize rain-water harvesting tanks or dig deep wells and use water pumps to draw water for crops. Other mitigation measures include: construction of crop shelters or greenhouses to protect crops from strong winds and heavy rains, employing organic farming to reduce the undesirable effects of conventional farming to human health and the environment, using botanical attractants in controlling pests, and integrating livestock and crops to maximize land use and ensure food security for the household. Cost and low awareness on climate change are the major barriers to the adoption of climate resilient technologies. Most farmers have limited financial capacity and not aware of technical information on climate change. High cost of production, absence of policies to stabilize market price, non-observance of quality standards and good production practices, lack of coordination among farmers and lenient enforcement of standards by the government are prevailing concerns of stakeholders. Government programs are continually designed for farmers, but, the process and requirements hinder some farmers from availing of the programs.