Abstract
This study profiles rice farmers across the province of Camarines Norte in the Philippines, highlighting demographic and socioeconomic characteristics relevant to climate vulnerability. The farmers are predominantly middle-aged males, with varying levels of education, mostly engaged in small-scale farming. Household sizes are moderate, with family labor constituting a primary workforce. Agricultural activities remain the main source of income, with limited diversification into non-agricultural sectors, thereby increasing economic sensitivity to climate risks. Access to resources, institutional support, and community networks vary but generally indicate moderate adaptive capacity. This study assesses the biophysical and socioeconomic sensitivity and adaptive capacity of rice farmers across the municipalities. Findings reveal that while rice farmers exhibit moderate sensitivity to frequent and prolonged rainfall, overall sensitivity to rising temperatures remains very low across municipalities. Biophysical sensitivity is highest for acute hazards like tropical cyclones and drought, whereas slow onset events evoke more variable and generally lower sensitivity levels. Socioeconomic sensitivity is amplified by strong dependence on climate-vulnerable agriculture, with limited income diversification increasing vulnerability. Adaptive capacity is moderate, supported by family labor, climate change awareness, community resources, and early warning systems, yet technological adoption remains inconsistent and often rated as only moderately effective. Concern about slow onset hazards like temperature rise is present but overshadowed by immediate threats such as drought and cyclones. These findings highlight a critical need to enhance targeted climate education, strengthen adaptive strategies, and improve access to effective technologies to build resilience against both gradual and sudden climate stressors in rice farming communities.
Presenters
Roger Jay De VelaProfessor, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department, Camarines Norte State College, Camarines Norte, Philippines
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Assessing Impacts in Diverse Ecosystems
KEYWORDS
Impact chain, Slow onset events, Sudden extreme events, Climate stimuli
