This research discussed the vulnerability and adaptation potential of rice production to climate variability in three barangays (Duhat, Ilusong and Tanauan) in Plaridel Municipality, Quezon Province.
This study aims to: (1) identify the vulnerability and adaptation potential of rice production to climate variability based on the perception of the community, (2) to determine the local understanding of climate variability, and (3) to explore the current adaptation practices by the agricultural community, and (4) propose strategies and program for development.
To measure the understanding of the locals about vulnerability and adaptation, a survey was conducted using a questionnaire developed by the researcher. With household heads as the target respondents, ninety two households were surveyed using random sampling method.
The survey results were analyzed using Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software to facilitate quantitative analysis. About 96% of respondents from the three barangays were farmers. The rice production in this area has high vulnerability to climate variability because farmers are slow to shift to new and more advanced farming practices. They are resistant to upgrade to new rice varieties and they lack the requisite education, information and training necessary to adapt to climate variability.
It is recommended that all stakeholders, particularly the agriculture sector, provide adequate new rice varieties, alternative crops, hybrid varieties, agricultural technology infrastructure, incentives for training in agriculture, participatory and on-going capacity building for farmers, drought-resistant and short-duration high yielding crops development, integration of indigenous and modern knowledge on climate change adaptation, strengthening of the extension services and encouragement for the formation of farmer groups.