There are few studies in the Philippines that analyze poverty dynamics; and studies that
analyze the effects of weather variability on food poverty dynamics are even fewer. Given that
there are some sectors that are more adversely affected by the changing weather patterns, a
study analyzing the effects of weather variability on poverty is essential. Using a simple spells
approach to understand the food poverty dynamics in the Philippines, this paper finds that
deviation of rainfall from its normal values and other key variables such as education,
employment, assets, and armed conflict affect chronic food poverty. A discussion of some inputs to policies is provided.
