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Climate Change, Changes in Cropping Systems and Food Security Implications in the Sta. Cruz Watershed, Laguna


This study sought to explain the food security-environment interactions brought about by changes in the cropping systems as a result of climate change in Sta. Cruz Watershed. Different climatic hazards confronting the watershed at three elevation levels (low, medium, high) were identified and the changes in the agricultural systems resulting from these climatic hazards for the past 20 years were assessed. The impact of the climate hazard on agricultural performance was also evaluated and adaptation strategies implemented by the farmers were examined. Crops grown in all elevations were exposed to two closely related climate hazards, typhoon, and flooding. In the low elevation areas (10-20 meters above sea level, masl), annual crops like rice and vegetables were at higher risks due to flooding. Submergence of annual crops for more than 5 days can result to high yield reduction or even total crop loss. In the medium (20-470 masl), and high (above 480 masl) elevation areas, typhoons with strong winds are of greater concern. This caused lodging to annual crops and felling of perennial crops. While perennial crops like coconut, lanzones and rambutan may withstand typhoon, strong winds can uproot many fruit trees. Frequent felling of fruit trees and slow replanting can eventually cause the reduction in tree population. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns tend to have influenced the infestation of rice black bug in the low and medium elevation areas and coconut scale insect infestation in the medium and high elevation areas. Fruiting pattern has also been inconsistent due to changes in rainfall patterns. Crops grown and cropping patterns remain the same for the past 20 years although modern varieties have been widely adopted. It is evident in the three elevation areas that the identified climate hazards increased the potential for soil erosion and reduced soil quality leading to lower agricultural productivity which can have a negative impact on food security. Farmers in the watershed continue to experience crop losses due to climate hazards but have yet to develop effective adaptation measures to reduce the negative effects of the hazards. Adaptation strategies that will reduce soil erosion, maintain soil productivity over time and contribute to the resilience of cropping systems should be introduced so farmers can respond to the challenges of climate change and food security.

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