bsu synthesis report

Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet, Philippines

Vulnerability and Adaptation Capacity Assessment SYNTHESIS REPORT

2011

MGD – F 1656 Strengthening the Philippines’ Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change (UNJP/PHI/054/SPA)

Outcome 3.1 Enhanced Climate Change Adaptation Capacity of Communities

in Contiguous Fragile Ecosystems in the Cordilleras (The Philippines)

Synthesis Report |Biophysical Characterization and Socio-economic Profiling in Benguet 2

Technical Working Committee

DR. FELICIANO G. CALORA, JR. BSU Project Leader

DR. MARISSA R. PARAO Team Leader, Forestry and GIS

DR. JOHN JAMES F. MALAMUG Team Leader, Agriculture and Water Resources

PROF. RUTH S. BATANI Team Leader, Socio-Economic Profiling

PROF. MURSHA D. GAPASIN Team Leader, Agri-livelihood Profiling

DR. SILVESTRE K. ABEN Technical Expert, Horticulture

ENGR. JACKSON L. AGALDANG Technical Expert, Water Resources

PROF. STANLEY F. ANONGOS, JR. Technical Expert, Culture Mapping

DR. SALVACION Z. BELIGAN Technical Expert, Statistics

DR. CARLITO P. LAUREAN Technical Expert, Soils

PROF. ROSCINTO IAN C. LUMBRES Technical Expert, GIS

ENGR. EDGAR M. MOLINTAS Technical Expert, Renewable Energy

PROF. JOVITA M. SIM Technical Expert, Socio Economics

MR. LEON B. TANGUID Technical Expert, GIS

PROF. PAQUITO P. UNTALAN Technical Expert, Forest Surveying

JULIE B. ABADEY and LYNN J. TALKASEN

Project Support Staff

DOMELSON F. BALANGEN, DONNA MAE D. CABANILLA

MATELINE CAMFILI, URICHRIS DOYAYOG, JONES T. NAPALDET KARRYL MAE C. NGINA, NORMAN RAMIREZ

Research Assistants

This synthesis report was based on the main report, Vulnerability and Adaptation Capacity Assessment in Benguet: Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling, a study

conducted by the Benguet State University for Outcome 3.1, Enhanced Climate Change Adaptation Capacity of Communities in Contiguous Fragile Ecosystems in the Cordilleras under the program, Strengthening the Philippines Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change.


Executive Summary

The biophysical characterization and socioeconomic profiling in Benguet is one of the activities of the project on Enhanced Climate Change Adaptation Capacity of Communities in Contiguous Fragile Ecosystems in the Cordilleras under the program, Strengthening the Philippine Institutional Capacity for Adaptation to Climate Change. This component was commissioned to Benguet State University to conduct vulnerability and adaptation capacity assessment in selected municipalities of Benguet. This joint project is funded under the UN Millennium Development Goals – F thematic window on environmental and climate change (MDG-F 1656). Four municipalities representing the low, medium and high elevations were selected from the 13 municipalities of Benguet. The low elevation (200 – 999 meters above sea level (masl)) was represented by barangay Bayabas of the municipality of Sablan and barangay Taloy Sur of the municipality of Tuba. The medium elevation (1000-2000 masl) was represented by barangay Loo of the municipality of Buguias, while the high elevation (>2000 masl) was represented by barangay Paoay of the municipality of Atok. Secondary data (climate, development plans, terminal reports, research journals, etc.) were sourced out from government and non-government agencies based and or operating in the province. Biodiversity plots were established on each barangay to represent plants in the area while soil samples were collected in forested areas and adjacent farms. For the agro-socioeconomic profiling, survey, focus group discussion and key informant interviews were conducted. An analysis of climatic records indicated that prevailing climate in Benguet is generally “normal” although some manifestations of climate change in terms of temperature and rainfall were noticed. Analysis of 30-year temperature data did not show any significant change, however by comparing this with the average temperature during the last ten years, there was an increase in the average daily temperature of about 0.4 °C. It was also observed that the range in daily temperatures (difference between maximum and minimum temperatures) increased during the cold months (8.1 ºC) indicating a decrease in the minimum and an increase in the maximum daily temperatures. This sometimes resulted into crop failure. The soils series for the areas covered by the project sites were Paoay soil series for Paoay, Atok, Umingan soil series for Loo, Buguias, Burgos clay series for Bayabas, Sablan and Bakakeng soil series for Taloy Sur. Only the soils in Paoay, Atok and Loo, Buguias contain low (0.1 – 0.15%) Nitrogen levels with sufficient (58-102 ppm) levels of Phosphorus. The Potassium levels for all areas were high (172-484 ppm).


For floral biodiversity, 28 plant species, belonging to 14 families were classified vulnerable, threatened, endangered, critically endangered, rare, and nearly threatened (included in IUCN red list). The ranked diversity based on Shanon’s Index for trees were Bayabas, Sablan (3.3); Loo, Buguias (3.16); Paoay, Atok (3.01); and Taloy Sur, Tuba (2.53). The ranked diversity of the undergrowth based on Shanon’s Index were Loo, Buguias (3.38), Bayabas,Sablan (3.35), Taloy Sur, Tuba (2.96) and Paoay, Atok (2.84). For faunal biodiversity, 20 birds and 15 mammals found within the project site were listed as endangered based on the IUCN conservation status. The source of water used for agricultural purposes were springs, creeks/streams, deep well and water tanks. Forest land was the major land use in three of the four areas covered by the project. The major land use for barangay Loo, Buguias was agricultural land. Moderately steep slopes were converted to bench terrace to provide additional space for agriculture. Thus, the community-perceived hazards observed in the last five years were the following: (1) severe and moderate erosion (Paoay, Loo, Bayabas and Taloy Sur), floods (Loo) and forest fires (Paoay, Loo, Bayabas and Taloy Sur). There are two ethno-linguistic groups for the project site, the Kankana-eys for Paoay, Atok and Loo,Buguias and the Ibalois of Bayabas, Sablan and Taloy Sur, Tuba. The average household size is six members. Farming is still the main source of livelihood for Paoay, Atok and Loo Buguias. On the other hand, farmers from Bayabas, Sablan and Taloy Sur, Tuba do not rely on farming as their main source of income because they do not earn enough to support their families from this livelihood. The farmers from Paoay, Atok and Loo, Buguias have better income than those from Bayabas, Sablan and Taloy Sur, Tuba. All family members help in managing the farm, some farmers from Paoay, Atok and Loo, Buguias employed migrant workers. Gender differentials showed that women have added weeding, fertilization, harvesting and selling farm produce as additional task to household chores. They also feed and tend the backyard livestock of the family. The major crops raised in all the barangays under study were cabbage, potato, sweet potato and beans respectively. Majority of the agri-based livelihood for farmers in these sites relied on farming, most of the farmers raised chickens and hogs in their backyard for personal consumption. The production systems used were monocropping, crop rotation and intercropping. Farmers from Loo and Paoay use crop rotation and other farm practices like lime application and intercropping while farmers from Bayabas and Taloy Sur only use monocropping. The perceptions on climate change for all respondents were the following: (1) increasing temperature, (2) erratic weather, (3) changes in intensity and timing of rain and typhoons, (4) prolonged drought, (5) an increase in the occurrence of pest and diseases, and (6) disruption in the cropping calendar primarily because of the late onset of the rainy season. Majority of the farmers rely on the rain to irrigate their crops. The adaptation and coping mechanisms used by farmers to address the effects of climate change are the following: (1) increased use of insecticides and fungicides to protect their crops from pest, (2) growing other crops to replace crops that are no longer productive, (3) frequent watering to


compensate for water loss due to higher evapotranspiration rates, and (4) changes in work schedules by going to the farms earlier than usual to avoid the heat of the sun. These are some of the recommendations suggested to reduce the effects of climate change:

1. discourage farm lot expansion into the remaining mossy forest in Loo, Buguias and Paoay, Atok;

2. plant trees using the native species to protect the watershed; 3. improvement of irrigation facilities to address lack of water during the cropping season; 4. promote the use of crop shelters (net sheds, plastic sheds, etc) to protect the crops from

strong rains and intense heat; 5. recommend the use of drought resistant species as alternative crops in barangays

Bayabas, Sablan and Taloy Sur, Tuba; 6. facilitate improvement of farm-to-market roads so that transport of crops from Loo,

Buguias and Paoay, Atok to the vegetable trading post will not be affected by landslides; 7. provide skills development training to communities so that they will have additional

alternative livelihood income; and 8. integrate an ecosystem-based approach in strategic planning for sustainable agriculture at

the barangay level.


Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................ 3

I. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 5

II. THE CLIMATE .................................................................................................... 8

III. BIOPHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION ......................................................... 12

A. Soil Characterization ............................................................................................... 12

Soil Map of Benguet ................................................................................................ 12

Soil Analysis ........................................................................................................... 13

B. Biodiversity ............................................................................................................ 15

Conservation Status ................................................................................................ 15

Biodiversity Index ................................................................................................... 16

C. Water Resources ..................................................................................................... 17

Major River Systems ............................................................................................... 17

Water Sources Identified by the Community ............................................................ 18

D. Land-use and Topography ....................................................................................... 18

Major Land Uses and Topography .......................................................................... 18

Land-use and Topographic Maps ............................................................................ 20

Observed Hazards in the last 5 years ...................................................................... 20

IV. SOCIOECONOMIC PROFILE ......................................................................... 21

A. Demographic Profile ............................................................................................... 21

Source of Livelihood ............................................................................................... 21

Income Bracket ....................................................................................................... 22

Source of Farm Labor ............................................................................................. 23

V. GENDER AND CLIMATE CHANGE ............................................................... 24

A. Farm Activities ....................................................................................................... 25

B. Livestock ................................................................................................................ 25

C. Household Work ..................................................................................................... 25

D. Health ..................................................................................................................... 25


VI. AGRI-BASED LIVELIHOOD AND CLIMATE CHANGE ............................... 26

A. Crop Production ...................................................................................................... 26

Major Crops ........................................................................................................... 26

Cropping System ..................................................................................................... 27

Production Input ..................................................................................................... 28

Marketing Strategies ............................................................................................... 28

Farm Size ............................................................................................................... 29

B. Livestock Production .............................................................................................. 30

VII. CLIMATE CHANGE PERCEPTION AND ADAPTATION .......................... 31

A. Perceptions ............................................................................................................. 31

Local Terms ............................................................................................................ 31

Climate Change Awareness and Effects ................................................................... 31

Common Farming Problems ................................................................................... 32

Perceived Effects of Climate Change ....................................................................... 33

B. Adaptation .............................................................................................................. 33

Use of Pesticides ..................................................................................................... 33

Growing Other Crops ............................................................................................. 34

Frequent Watering .................................................................................................. 34

Crop Rotation and Other Farm Practices ................................................................ 34

Changes in Work Schedule ...................................................................................... 35

Seeking Other Sources of Income ............................................................................ 35

VIII. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................... 36

IX. RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................... 37

X. DATA GAPS ..................................................................................................... 38


ANNEXES............................................................................................................... 39

A. Soil Series ................................................................................................................ 39

Paoay, Atok: Paoay Loam ....................................................................................... 39

Loo, Buguias: Umingan Sandy Loam ...................................................................... 40

Bayabas, Sablan: Burgos Clay ................................................................................ 41

Taloy Sur, Tuba: Bakakeng Clay ............................................................................. 42

B. Land-Use Maps ........................................................................................................ 43

Land-use Map of Paoay, Atok ................................................................................. 43

Land-use Map of Loo, Buguias ................................................................................ 44

Land-use Map of Bayabas, Sablan .......................................................................... 45

Land-use Map of Taloy Sur, Tuba ........................................................................... 46

C. Topographic Maps .................................................................................................... 47

Topographic Map of Paoay, Atok ............................................................................ 47

Topographic Map of Loo, Buguias .......................................................................... 48

Topographic Map of Bayabas, Sablan ..................................................................... 49

Topographic Map of Taloy Sur, Tuba ...................................................................... 50

D. Observed Hazards in the Last Five Years Identified by the Community .................... 51

Observed Hazards in Paoay, Atok ........................................................................... 51

Observed Hazards in Loo, Buguias ......................................................................... 52

Observed Hazards in Bayabas, Sablan .................................................................... 53

Observed Hazards in Taloy Sur, Tuba ..................................................................... 54


1 Introduction

As one of the leading agriculture-based provinces in the Cordillera, climate change is a major concern in the province of Benguet. In the past ten years, the province has suffered six out of the seven strongest tropical storms that hit the Philippines. This, among other climate variabilities, greatly affects Benguet’s agriculture sector, which constitute to the 70 % livelihood of its people. The province of Benguet was selected to participate on the project, Enhanced Climate Change Capacity of Communities in Contiguous Fragile Ecosystems in the Cordillera. This project is a component of the Strengthening the Philippines’ Institutional Capacity for Adaptation to Climate Change which is a joint program under the UN Millennium Development Goals- F thematic window on environment and climate change (MDG-F1656). Benguet lies in the southernmost part of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). It is geographically located between 16’33” north latitude and 120’34” to 120’52” east longitude. It is bounded on the North by Mountain Province, on the South by Pangasinan, on the East by Ifugao and Nueva Viscaya, and on the West by La Union and Ilocos Sur. Benguet is 256 kilometers North of Metro Manila and serves as gateway to Baguio City and to other Cordillera provinces. The province of Benguet was categorized into three elevation classes; low elevation, medium elevation, and high elevation. The selection of the municipalities that represented each elevation class was determined through consultations and dialogue with the municipal mayors. The final selection was done by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). After the municipalities were selected, one barangay per municipality was selected as the project site. The low elevation, 200 – 999 meters above sea level (masl)) was represented by barangay Bayabas of the municipality of Sablan and barangay Taloy Sur of the municipality of Tuba. The mid elevation (1000-2000 masl) was represented by barangay Loo of the municipality of Buguias, while the high elevation (>2000 masl) was represented by barangay Paoay of the municipality of Atok.

The bio-physical characterization was based on secondary and primary data. This was necessary because of the limited duration for the conduct of the study. The following biophysical parameters were determined:

1) Climate Characterization - climatic data were obtained from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather station in Baguio City and the Agrometeorological station in La Trinidad, Benguet for the high and medium elevation areas, and the weather station in Dagupan for the low elevation areas.

2) Land-use, Topography and Hazard Mapping - base maps and topographic maps were sourced out from the Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resource Management Project. These maps were updated through field verification and were used in generating an updated land-use map and topographic map and in the preparation of a hazard map based on the observations of the community.


3) Soil Characterization – secondary data were collected from the provincial and municipal agricultural offices and on-going researches at Benguet State University. In addition, soil samples were collected from the biodiversity plots and farm lots from the different project sites. The soil pH was determined using a pH meter, while organic matter, Phosphorus and Potassium contents were determined using the S.A. Wilde’s method, Olsen’s P method and Cold H2SO4 extraction method, respectively. The descriptions on the soil profiles for the different sites were sourced out from Dr. Carlito Laurean of Benguet State University.

4) Water Resources – sources of water for agricultural purposes were determined through interviews, volume and water analysis was not done due to the short period of the commissioned study.

5) Biodiversity – three 20 m x 20 m plots for each vegetation type (pine forest, mossy forest, second growth, and brushland areas). From each plot, floral inventory was done to determine the biodiversity indices using the Shanon Index and Pielou Similarity Index. Actual wildlife inventory was however observed in the area was determined through interviews.

6) Agriculture and Livestock Production – agricultural crops and livestock production in the project sites were determined through interviews and secondary data.

Socio economic profiling was done through household surveys (10% of the population), focus group discussions (LGU’s, women’s organization, teacher’s organization, and farmer’s organization) and key informant interviews.


Figure 1. Map showing the four project sites in Benguet: Paoay, Atok, Loo, Buguias, Bayabas, Sablan, and Taloy Sur, Tuba


2 The Climate

The province of Benguet falls under the Type 1 climate, which is characterized by two distinct seasons – wet from May to October and dry the rest of the year. It is frequented not only by the northeast and southwest monsoons but also by typhoons and other tropical disturbances. The average minimum and maximum temperature is between 15.3 – 22.8 oC, the average humidity is 85.9 %, average wind speed is 105.8 km/day and the average daily sunshine duration is 5.6 hours. For the middle and high elevation areas (Atok and Buguias), the average temperature (minimum and maximum) ranges from 15.3 to 22.8 oC. The coldest month is in January and the warmest is in June during the onset of the rainy season. Annual rainfall is high with an average of 3878 mm making it a special region in meteorological terms. Sunshine duration is 5.7 hours and the average potential evapotranspiration 3.02 to 3.24 mm/day. For the low elevation areas (Sablan and Tuba), the climatic conditions are warmer, the average temperature (minimum and maximum) ranges from 25.8 to 29.7oC based on the nearest climatological station in Dagupan City. Parts of Sablan experience frequent rains because of orographic effects, which results from daytime heating of mountain slopes facing the coastal areas of the province of La Union. The average potential evapotranspiration ranges from 3.88 to 6.36 mm/day. Rainfall is heaviest from June to October which is equivalent to 96 % of the total annual rainfall. During the three-month period from July to September, the monthly rainfall ranges from 659 to 922 mm which is 62 % of the total average annual rainfall. Farmers who were interviewed claimed that the observed indicators of climate change are increase in temperature, extreme hot and cold temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and longer drought periods. Over an 11-year period recalled, no definite trend for increase in temperature was identified, it was noted however, that the warmest was 21.2 oC in 2001 while the coldest was 19.1oC in 2003.

To establish the occurrence of changes in the climate, a comparison between the monthly average temperatures for two periods, from 1979-2009 and 1999-2009 was done. It was noted that there was a decrease of 0.4oC for August while there was an increase for the rest of the year as observed during the later period from 1999-2003 (Figure 2). Some farmers claimed that they noticed water shortage but this is not supported by available rainfall data. Benguet has the highest annual rainfall in the country; the highest recorded rainfall was in 1978 (Figure 3). These observations might be related to conditions when wells and river systems start to run dry due to the increasing number of users.


Tem

pera

ture

o C

Months

0o

10o

20o

30o

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

AVE TEMP (99-03)

AVE TEMP (79-09)

Figure 2. Comparison of average monthly temperatures (oC) between 1999 – 2003 and 1979 – 2009. The graph

shows an average decrease of 0.4 oC for the average daily temperature for August 1999-2003 and increases by 0.4oC for the rest of the year. (SOURCE: Figure 21, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet- Main Report, 2010)

Figure 3. Average annual rainfall from 1976 to 2008, where the annual rainfall was beyond 7000 mm for 1978. The wettest years were from 1977-1982 while the driest years were from 1992-1996. (SOURCE: Table 10, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet-Main Report, 2010)


The El Nino phenomenon may have been a factor in the occurrence of dry years. Figure 3 shows the abnormal or extreme rainfall events from 1976 to 2008. The wettest years were from 1978 to 1992 while the driest years were from 1992 to 1996. Climate has a strong influence on the choice of crops and cropping calendar for each municipality. Because of the cold weather in Atok and Buguias, the preferred crops grown were cabbage and potato respectively, while farmers in Sablan and Tuba prefer sweet potatoes and beans because of the warmer weather and their dependence on rain as the source of irrigation. From 1999 to 2009 the extreme rainfall occurred for the months of May 2001, July 2004 and October 2009 (coinciding with typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng, respectively). An analysis of past rainfall records also showed that the months of May to October were wet and relatively dry the rest of the year (Figure 4). For the average monthly daily rainfall, it was noted that there was an increasing trend after January which peaks in August (Figure 5). A closer examination of the average daily rainfall values show abnormal occurrences, as seen in 2004 for the month of May where the average daily rainfall was 50 mm/day while the11 year average for the same month was only 13.3 mm/day (Figure 6). Another example was for the month of August which is the peak of the rainy season in Benguet. In the year 2000, the average daily rainfall was 3.2 mm while the highest average daily rainfall recorded was 45 mm for 2007 for the same month (Figure 7). These examples show extremely abnormal events that rarely happen. The occurrence of the highly variable nature of rainfall can significantly affect water availability over specific periods during the crop growing season.

Figure 4. Average daily rainfall (mm) over monthly periods from 1999 until 2009 showing extreme rainfall events

for 2001, 2004 and 2009 based on the agrometeorological data from PAGASA-BSU La Trinidad. (SOURCE: Table 9 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet-Main Report, 2010)


JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

7 25 60

196

413

536

772 808

437 433

7734

7.71.1

9.9 10.3 12.4

50

11.3 9.616

6.711.6 13.33

1.1

50

Figure 5. Average monthly daily total rainfall (mm)from 1999-2009 showing an increase in the rainfall events after

January and peaking August then receding to start its annual cycle (SOURCE: Table 9 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet-Main Report, 2010)

Figure 6. Average daily rainfall (mm) for May from 1999 to 2009 showing the abnormal rainfall events for the

month of May 2004 where the average monthly rainfall is 50 mm while the 11 year average for the same month is only 13.33mm (SOURCE: Table 9 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet-Main Report, 2010)

Figure 7. Average daily rainfall (mm) l for the month of August from 1999 to 2009 showing the lowest average daily

rainfall compared to the average daily rainfall for August for 2007 (SOURCE : Table 9 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet- Main Report, 2010)

37

3.2

17.2 18.9

30.9

16.2

23.7

32.4

45

31.9 30.226.05

3.2

45


3 Biophysical Characterization

3.1 Soil Characterization

Soils are important nutrient sinks, by knowing its chemical and physical properties, appropriate soil management practices can be prescribed

to adapt to changes caused by climate change

3.1.1 Soil Map of Benguet

The soil map of Benguet is shown in Figure 8. It also shows the soil series of the areas covered by the project sites. The soil series for the selected municipalities of Atok, Buguias, Sablan and Tuba were: Paoay Clay loam for Paoay, Atok, Umingan soil series for Loo, Buguias, Burgos clay series for Bayabas, Sablan and Bakakeng series for Taloy Sur, Tuba.

Figure 8. The Soil Map of Benguet. The soils of Atok were classified under the Paoay soil series, the soils of

Buguias under the Umingan soil series, the soils of Sablan under the Burgos clay series and that of Tuba was classified under the Bakakeng series (SOURCE : Figure 34, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet- Main Report, 2010)


Paoay, Atok Loo, Buguias Bayabas, Sablan Taloy Sur,Tuba

0.15

0.120.1

0.11

3.1.2 Soil Analysis The nitrogen (N) content (%) of the project site was low, the ranges were from 0.1 – 0.15%, the phosphorus (P), in ppm was sufficient for Atok (102.27) and Buguias (58) but insufficient for Sablan (8) and Tuba (16.24). The potassium (K) levels for Atok, Buguias, Sablan and Tuba were high (ranging from 172-. 484.57 ppm) as seen in Figure 9. The soil pH for all areas was acidic which ranged from 5.6 to 6 and the organic matter content was low which ranged from 2-2.9 (Figure 10). The household survey represented in Figure 11 indicates that Buguias and Atok farmers were heavy users of inorganic fertilizers, chicken manure, and pesticides.

Figure 9. Macronutrient levels for NPK, where the N level (%) for all sites was low while the P(ppm) adequate

except for Atok and Buguias; the K(ppm) was sufficient for all sites. (SOURCE:Table 19 and 20 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet- Main Report, 2010)


65.5 5.6 5.6

2.8 2.9

2 2.1



102.2758

8 16.24

251.9

484.6

172237.9

Figure 10. The soil pH and organic matter content (%) of the project site showing that the soils of the project site

were acidic and the organic matter content was low (SOURCE : Table 19 and 20 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet- Main Report, 2010)

Figure 11. Utilization of fertilizers, and pesticides in the municipalities covered by the project. (SOURCE: Table 45, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

83%

56%

97%89%

9% 6%

40%

9%

Insecticide Fungicide

Paoay, Atok Loo, Buguias

Bayabas, Sablan Taloy Sur,Tuba

61%

86%

8%17%

84%79%

3% 6%

50%

6%15%

24%

54%46%

26%23%

Complete Chicken Manure

Urea Compost




3.2 Biodiversity

Biodiversity is important because it has significant influence on the resilience of an ecosystem.

3.2.1 Conservation Status The environment plays a significant role on the distribution, function and survival of organisms. With climate change, the niche and habitat of these organisms are altered such that they may not able to adapt and they may become extinct. There are 28 plant species (Figure 12) belonging to 14 families (Figure 13) which were identified to be endangered based on the conservation status classification of the IUCN, these ranged from vulnerable, threatened, endangered, critically endangered, rare, and nearly threatened. The threat of expanding agricultural areas also has a great impact on the survival of organisms. This threat is true for Atok and Buguias where the agricultural areas are limited so they have to covert the remaining forest into agricultural areas. However it was noted that the community recognizes the importance of the forest as watersheds that insures the availability of water for their crops.

Figure 12. Twenty eight (28)species which were classified as endangered under the IUCN classification collected

from the established biodiversity plots. (SOURCE:Table 21 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

Paoay, Atok Loo, Buguias Bayabas, SablanTaloy Sur,Tuba Total

1210

42

28


Figure 13. The plant families of the identified endangered/threatened species based on the IUCN classification. The

graph shows the families of the endangered species identified in the project sites (SOURCE: Table 23 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

3.2.2 Biodiversity Index For trees, Sablan had the most diverse tree species (3.3) which is a remnant of a Dipterocarp forest. This is followed by the mossy forest of Buguias (3.16) and Atok (3.01) and finally the brush lands of Tuba (2.53). For the undergrowth, Buguias (3.38) had the highest diversity index followed by Sablan (3.2), Tuba (2.86) and Atok (2.3) as shown on Figure 14. The differences between the diversity index among the trees and undergrowth species of the different municipalities may be attributed to the altitudinal differences and land-use patterns. Conversion of forest areas to agricultural land will greatly affect the species density both of trees and undergrowth.

1

1

1

3

1

1

3

1

1

1

1

2

1

2

2

1

2

0 1 2 3 4

Alangiaceae

Anacardiaceae

Asteraceae

Cyathaceae

Cyperaceae

Drypteridaceae

Fagaceae

Leguminiceae

Melastomaceae

Myrtaceae

Nephentaceae

Orchidaceae

Rosaceae

Thelypteridaceae

Taloy Sur,Tuba

Bayabas, Sablan

Loo, Buguias

Paoay, Atok


Figure 14. The biodiversity indices (Shanon and Pielou’sSimilarity Index) for trees and undergrowth based on the

biodiversity plots established in each Barangay. Bayabas, Sablan had the highest tree diversity whileLoo, Buguias had the highest undergrowth diversity. SOURCE: lifted from Table 24, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

3.3 Water Resources

Water has both positive and negative effects in addressing vulnerabilities. The lack or abundance of water affects agricultural production.

3.3.1 Major River Systems The water resources of Benguet have direct linkages to its forest resources. The state of springs, rivers and lakes are related to the state of the surrounding forests. The water resources of Benguet are tributaries to the head waters of five major river basins that are harnessed for energy generation and irrigation. These major river systems are the Agno River, Amburayan River, Abra River, Naguillian – La Trinidad River, and Aringay River. In Benguet, the water resources support the farming industry, hydroelectric power, domestic water requirements, inland fishing industry and eco-tourism. Primary data on water resources from the project sites were not assessed because of the time limitations, the ideal duration for data collection from water resources is one year representing the dry and wet seasons.

3.01

2.84

0

2.3

3.16

3.38

0.19

2.39

3.3

3.2

3.3

3.35

2.53

2.86

2.53

2.96

0.83

0.09

0

0.14

0.88

0.08

0.17

0.1

0.95

0.08

0.95

0.07

0.94

0.09

0.94

0.1

Trees

Undergrowth

Trees

Undergrowth

Trees

Undergrowth

Trees

Undergrowth

Trees

Undergrowth

Trees

Undergrowth

Trees

Undergrowth

Trees

Undergrowth

Mos

syPi

neM

ossy

Pine

Brus

hla

nd2o

Fo

rest

Brus

hla

nd2o

Fo

rest

PAO

AY, A

TOK

LOO

, BU

GU

IAS

BAYA

BAS,

SAB

LAN

TALO

Y SU

R, T

UBA

Pielou's Similarity Index Shanon Index


84% 84%94% 92%

11%1%

21%

6%17% 12%

2% 4%10%

4% 0% 0%


Spring Creeks/Stream Deep Well Water Tanks

Figure 15. The sources of water mentioned by farmers used for agricultural purposes on the project site.

(SOURCE:lifted from Table 11, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

3.3.2 Water Sources Identified by the Community Based on the survey conducted the sources of water from the project sites were spring, creeks/streams, deep well and water tanks (Figure 15). Majority of the water came from spring in all areas followed by deep well for Atok and Buguias and creeks for Sablan and Tuba. Only Atok and Buguias used water tanks to store water for their crops. 3.4 Land-use and Topography

Land-use planning can serve as a mitigation strategy while topography will affect the adaptation strategies to climate change.

3.4.1 Major Land Uses and Topography The major land-uses identified for the municipalities of the selected project sites were forests followed by agricultural lands (Figure 16). Forest areas are the major land-uses for Atok (65%), Sablan (81%), and Tuba (61%) while agricultural areas are the major land-use for Buguias (50%). The land-use labeled as “others” refers to waterways and built up areas. The forest areas of the four municipalities are vulnerable to changes not only due to climatic factors but also due to encroachment by farmers who do this to expand their farms. In terms of the topography for the moderately steep to steep slopes, Atok had the most (55%) followed by Tuba (30%), Buguias (28%) and Sablan (25%). Buguias and Tuba have more areas which are level to gently sloping and rolling to moderately steep terrain which are ideal for agricultural purposes. Additional farming areas were developed by converting moderately to steep slopes into terraces in which crops were grown in Atok and Buguias (Figure 17).


Tuba and Sablan had the largest area with agricultural production but was not the most productive (Figure 18). This is a reflection of the ability of its farmers to adapt to changes in the climate and climate variability. Atok and Buguias are engaged in intensive agriculture and were financially better off compared to the farmers of Sablan and Tuba who were subsistence farmers.

Figure 16. The major land uses for Atok, Buguias, Sablan, and Tuba. Note that 50% of theland area for Buguias is

used for agricultural purposes(SOURCE: lifted from Table 12, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profilingin Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

Figure 17. Slope distribution from level to gently sloping, rolling to moderately steep, moderately steep to steep

slopes for project sites. (SOURCE: Table 13, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)


65%

41%

81%

61%

30%

50%

16%21%

5% 8%3%

18%

Forest Agri Other

level to gently sloping

rolling to moderately steep

moderately steep to steep

17%25%

55%

38%32%

28%25%

49%

25%33% 36%

30%



Figure 18. Total land area (ha) of the barangays covered by the project. This graph shows that Bayabas, Sablan and

Taloy Sur, Tuba have larger land area which can be used for agriculture compared to Paoay, Atok and Loo, Buguias (SOURCE: Table 12, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010).

3.4.2 Land-use and Topographic Maps Land-use and Topographic maps were generated for Paoay, Atok; Loo, Buguias; Bayabas, Sablan; and Taloy Sur,Tuba (please refer to appendix maps pages 53-60 for the GIS generated land-use maps and topographic maps). 3.4.3 Observed Hazards in the Last Five Years

Community perceived hazards are proofs of vulnerabilities experienced in the local level showing their resilience and ability to adapt to these hazards.

The observed hazards per municipality for the past five years were identified by the community. For the high elevation areas, soil erosion (medium, severe) and fire were mentioned; for middle elevation areas, landslide, flooding and fire; while for areas with low elevation soil erosion (medium, severe), flooding and fire (please refer to appendix maps pages 61-64 for observed hazards in the last 5 years). Soil erosion (severe and medium), which resulted in landslides and flooding were weather-related hazards while the occurrences of forest fires were results of man’s carelessness. From 2004 to 2008 the annual rainfall in Benguet ranged from 4552 mm to 4147 mm. This high incidence of rainfall might have coincided with the observation of the community of soil erosion, land slides and flooding (Buguias, Sablan and Tuba). On their own, communities cannot adapt to these hazards without government interventions, landslides on the road networks cut-off delivery services to the community, and soil erosion affects the farms in terms of soil fertility.


19,264

10,991

22,846 24,522

Toral Area (has)


4 Socio-economic Profile

4.1 Demographic Profile

Demographic profile gives a picture of the community and its potential livelihood activities, source of labor, and institutional support to support adaptation strategies to climate change.

Majority of the respondents were married females, mostly mothers whose ethno-linguistic affiliation were either Kankana-ey (Atok and Buguias) or Ibaloi (Sablan and Tuba) whose role has been expanded with reference to their expanded activities in farming. Most of the respondents were farmers, whose ages ranged from 14-90 years old. The monthly income bracket of the respondents ranged from 5,000 to 30,000 PhP. 4.1.1 Source of Livelihood Most of the respondents were farmers whose main source of livelihood was farming; other respondents had other sources of income (Figure 19). Other sources of income include “permanent employment”, “part-time work”, “working for others” and “buy and sell”.

Figure 19. Source of Livelihood. Although most respondents in all areas reported that the main source of livelihood

is farming, Sablan and Tuba indicated that they engage in other forms of livelihood systems to make ends meet. The other sources of livelihood are laborer, business related, teacher, government employee, miner, and care taker. (SOURCE: Table 25 and Figure 34, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)


78.60%

54.90%46.80%

26.90%21.40%

45.10%53.20%

73.10%

Farming Others


4.1.2 Income Bracket The range average monthly incomes based on crops produced throughout the year per municipality ranked from lowest income to highest are shown on Figure 20. The estimated income of the respondents was based on the crops that they grew in their farm. The respondents indicated their potential income which was spread over the 5,000 – 40,000 PhP income bracket range. The 5,000-20,000 PhP income bracket range was represented in all municipalities, while only Buguias and Atok were represented in the 30,000 PhP income bracket range. This is an indicator that the farmers in Atok and Buguias are better off compared to those from Sablan and Tuba. This could be attributed to the crop type, maturity period and sales. 4.1.3 Source of Farm Labor The main source of farm labor are the families and a small percentage from migrants specially in Atok and Buguias, the survey showed that the youngest respondent engaged in farming belonged to the age bracket 14-20 years old and the oldest is 81-90 years old.

Figure 20. Monthly income bracket range (MIBR) in Philippine peso per municipality. This graph shows that the

potential income of farmers in the project sites is from 5000 to 40000 pesos. The 5001-10000 MIBR were representative of the TUBA farmers while the 15001-20,000 MIBR was representative of Sablan farmers, while the 20001-30000 MIBR was representative of Atok farmers. The farmers of Buguias were represented in all MIBR indicating that they are more adaptive to changes, followed by Atok. (SOURCE: Table 23 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

Less

than

5,0

00

5,00

1-10

,000

10,0

01-1

5,00

0

15,0

01-2

0,00

0

20,0

01-3

0,00

0

30,0

01-4

0,00

0

30.0%

24.3%

7.1%10.0%

12.9%

4.3%

25.7%

23.0%16.2%

12.2%9.5%

2.7%

42.6%

25.5%

2.1%

17.0%

8.5%

44.2%

32.7%

11.5%

3.8%

7.7%



For Atok, Sablan and Tuba, it was noted that respondents engaged in farming were increasing starting with age bracket 14-20 until 41-50 years old. This decreases for older age brackets whereas for Buguias the percentage of respondents engaged in farming appears to be decreasing from age bracket 21-30 until age bracket 71-80 years old (Figure 21). This decrease could probably be attributed to migration of residents since they have access to better livelihood opportunities outside the municipality.

Figure 21. The potential source of labor from the municipalities. This graph shows the age brackets of the

respondents and indicates the potential source of labor if agriculture will still be the main source of income in these municipalities. (SOURCE: Table 23 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

14-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 71-80 81-90

2.9%

11.4%

18.6%

34.3%

18.6%

8.6%

2.9% 2.9%

29.7%

24.3%

21.6%

10.8% 9.5%

4.1%

2.1%

14.9%19.1%

27.7%

25.5%

10.6%

3.8%

17.3%

34.6%

26.9%

9.6%

5.8%

1.9%



5 Gender and Climate Change

The role of women in farming has been intensified as a result of climate change.

Climate change affects livelihood and family resource management. The vulnerability of women as prime movers in the household can be seen in the additional task that are added to their roles as mother and house manager. More recently, the burden of farm activities has been added to their role. Based on the gender differential computations, women provide assistance to farm activities related to weeding, fertilizer application, harvesting and selling farm products (Figure 22).

Figure 22. Gender differentials of farming activities for Tuba and Sablan showing that women have added weeding,

fertilizer application, harvesting and selling farm produce to their role. Gender differentials refer to the roles women assume. Positive “+” GD means all males are performing the tasks, Negative “–“ GD means more women are engaged in this activity. (SOURCE: Table 39, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

15%

-6% -6%11%

-3% -7%

25%

13%

6%8%

25%

-9% 10%

38%

Land Preparation

Weeding Fertilizer Application

Pesticide Application

Harvesting Selling Farm Produce

Other Farm Activities



5.1 Farm Activities

In general, females are responsible for weeding, fertilizer application, and marketing and provide help during harvesting. On the other hand, males are in charge of land preparation, pesticide application and harvesting. There is an increase in the intensity of work performed by women as they also do the job of pesticide application particularly spraying and manual watering of plants. With increasing temperature, farmers have to water plants more frequently while at the same time looking for alternative source of water. In low elevation areas; women outnumber men in harvesting and marketing activities. This is may be due to small scale production compared to high elevation areas. Moreover, women take on the task of asking for loans, solicitations for household emergency needs as well as community needs. They also do volunteer work in community health care work, school related tasks, and mutual aid in the farm called aduyon or gamal and disaster scenarios.

5.2 Livestock

In all areas, all family members are involved in livestock raising activities. Female members are responsible for marketing and feeding of livestock. Pasturing of livestock used to be a male task; however, there is a general trend in the equal distribution of these tasks to both males and females.

5.3 Household Work

Household tasks like washing, cleaning, baby sitting and other care work are dominantly done by the mother and the other female members of the household. Fetching and water sourcing for the household is taken on by the female members of the household. Alternative source of income, include working as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), seeking local informal work such as household help, and ambulant vending.

5.4 Health

Provincial Health Office data reveals that females outnumber males for upper respiratory diseases, water borne and vector borne diseases for the past five years. Data in the household diseases show that the perceived cause of these diseases is erratic weather conditions. Care for the sick is taken on by women who employ both IK-based remedies and bio-medical resources available in the community. Climate variability like increase in temperature and extended drought has also increased the roles of women in terms of farm activities such as fertilizer application, watering and spraying. In addition livestock raising activities and household work still rely on women including the care for the sick. It is also noted that there is an increase of water- and vector borne diseases and most of those affected are women.


6 Agri-based Livelihood and Climate Change

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in Benguet and to assess potential impact of climate change to agriculture is important so that appropriate adaptation strategies

can be developed.

6.1 Crop Production 6.1.1 Major Crops The major crops raised on the project sites were cabbage, potato carrots, Chinese cabbage, beans, sweet potato, banana, pineapple and rice. For each municipality the major crops raised were cabbage, potato and carrots in Atok; potato, cabbage and Chinese cabbage in Buguias; sweet potato, banana and pineapple in Sablan; and beans, sweet potato and chayote in Tuba (Figure 23).

51%

44%28%

17%

17%

17%11%

10% 10%

Potato Cabbage Carrots

Chinese Cabbage Legumes Sweet Potato

Rice Banana Pineapple


Figure 23. The major crops raised were potato, cabbage, carrot and Chinese cabbage. The major crops per

municipality are also shown. (SOURCE: Table 30, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

6.1.2 Cropping System The cropping systems used in the project sites are crop rotation followed by mixed cropping and mono cropping. Crop rotation in Atok consisted of carrots, cabbage and potatoes while in Buguias it consisted of beans, cabbage, potatoes then cabbage again (Figure 24).

Figure 24. Cropping pattern used in the project sites. The bar chart shows that for Atok, Buguias and Tuba, crop

rotation is used most of the time; Sablan on the other hand use mixed cropping. (SOURCE : lifted from Table 27,Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

77% 73%59%

14% 9% 3% 2% 2%

Paoay, Atok 83%

57% 51%

25%

5%

Potato Cabbage Chinese Cabbage

Carrots Legumes

Loo, Buguias

59%56%56%

41%30%

21%18%12%12%12%12%

Bayabas, Sablan 51%

34%26%

17% 14% 9% 9% 9%

Taloy Sur, Tuba

2%

81%

17%

3%

75%

22%

12% 15%

74%

31%

57%

9%

Monocropping Crop Rotation Mixed/Intercropping



6.1.3 Production Input Some of the production inputs are complete fertilizer, urea, chicken manure, compost, insecticides and fungicides. Atok and Buguias are heavy users of complete fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides, while Sablan and Tuba rely on complete fertilizer and compost (Figure 25). The composts used in the four municipalities come from biomass collected from their farms and adjacent forests. They put these in one place and allow it to undergo the natural process of decomposition.

Figure 25. Some production inputs for Atok, Buguias, Sablan and Tuba. This figure shows that Atok and Buguias

are intensive users of complete fertilizers, chicken manure, insecticides and fungicides (SOURCE: Table 37, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

6.1.4 Marketing Strategies Majority of the farmers produced crops for commercial purpose. Majority of the crops grown in Atok, Buguias and Tuba are for commercial purposes while those for Sablan are primarily for subsistence and limited commercial purposes (Figure 25). Majority of the crops from Atok and Buguias are sold at the La Trinidad Trading post while those from Sablan and Tuba are sold at the Baguio City Market. Most of the vegetables and root crops are bought by middlemen (72.1%) who bring these vegetables and root crops to the market by hiring vehicles (48.1%) such as trucks or jeepneys for bulk delivery or by public transportation for small deliveries.

61%

86%

8%17%

84%79%

3% 6%

50%

6%15%

24%

54%46%

26% 23%

Complete Chicken Manure Urea Compost



Figure 26. Crop production objective for each site showing that crop production is mostly for commercial purpose

except for Sablan. Crop production in Sablan is primarily for subsistence with limited commercial. (SOURCE : Table 27 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profilingin Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

6.1.5 Farm Size These crops were grown on farms owned by the farmers majority of which were acquired through inheritance. Majority of the farmers own medium-sized farms which ranged from 0.25 hectares to 1.0 hectares (Figure 27).

Figure 27. Farm size in the four municipalities (SOURCE : lifted from Table 27, Biophysical Characterization and

Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010).

3%

77%

11% 9%2%

52%

3%

43%

15% 18%

56%

12%14%

46%

31%

9%

Subsistence Commercial Subsistence then Commercial

Commercial then Subsistence


39%

56%

5%

19%

73%

8%

59%

27%

12%

74%

11%6%

43%49%

7%

Small Scale (0.25 ha) Medium Scale (0.25-1 ha) Large Scale (>1 ha)

Paoay, Atok Loo, Buguias Bayabas, Sablan Taloy Sur,Tuba Total


6.2 Livestock Production Most farmers concentrate on crop production. Livestock and poultry are raised for personal consumption, for special occasions such as cultural and local feasts and as work animals (carabao). A survey of livestock and poultry by the Department of Agriculture -Benguet is shown in Figure 28.

Figure 28. Survey of livestock and poultry in Atok, Buguias, Sablan and Tuba (Source: Table 21, Biophysical

Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

52 12123

88 15 14

554

120 10

170

1500

1000

50

2500

250 510 250

116

3630

12937 49 116 100

100

Swine Carabao Cattle Goat Sheep Native Chicken

Layer Chicken

Duck Other Poultry



7 Climate Change Perception and Adaptation

7.1 Perceptions

Community perceptions of climate change are based on actual experiences and not necessarily supported by science, it is important to explain these observations in relation

to the science of climate change to the community so that they will make informed decisions on appropriate adaptation strategies.

7.1.1 Local Terms The local terms used in relation to climate change are:

Dallalo refers to hailstone which is observed in Atok and Buguias, but mostly in Atok; Andap refers to frost which is observed in both Atok and Buguias, but mostly in Atok; Puwek refers to typhoon and is used in the province of Benguet; Kalgaw refers to drought, which was reported to be longer as observed by the communities; Tog-in or teg-in refers to cold temperature; and Man-atong refers to hot temperature or very warm temperature.

7.1.2 Climate Change Awareness and Effects Majority of the respondents were aware about climate change. Their main source of information came from radios which they bring when they go to their farms early in the morning. The respondents had a negative perception of climate change because it affected their livelihood. The changes they observed in the climate are related to temperature, rainfall and wind patterns. The occurrence of hailstone and frost were also reported in Atok (Figure 29). All of these were observed in the past five years. 7.1.3 Common Farming Problems The common farming problems reported by the respondents in descending order were incidence of plant pest and diseases, no capital/money and lack or no irrigation, low crop market price, high cost of farm inputs, crop loss due to typhoon, weather related and crop mortality (Figure 30).


Figure 29. Observed changed in the climate.The top 4 observations were (1) increase in temperature, (2) warmer

noons and colder afternoons, (3) longer droughts and (4) irregular rainfall. (SOURCE: lifted from Table 35,Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010).

Figure 30. Common farming problems described as characteristics as reported from different representative

barangays of selected municipalities. The top three farming problems for all areas were increased incidence of plant pest no capital, diseases, lack/no irrigation (SOURCE : Table 32, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

74%74%

63%47%56%

16%

29% 3% 64%10% 13%

Increase in Temperature Extreme Hot noons and Extreme Colds (am/pm)

Irregular Rain Pattern Stronger Rainfall

Irregular Typhoon Pattern Stronger Typhoon

Change in Wind Direction Stronger Wind

Longer Droughts Occurrence of Hailstones

Thinner Frost

increased incidence of

plant pest and disease

24%

Lack/no irrigation16%

Crop loss due to typhoon

9%

Crop Mortality2%

Weather related5%

High cost of Farm Inputs10%

Low Crop Market Price11%

No Capital/money

23%


7.1.4 Perceived Effects of Climate Change The perceived effects of climate change as reported by respondents in descending order were lesser water yield, increased incidence of human disease, lesser crop yield, increased/introduction of new plant pest and diseases, increased forest fire, and increased/ introduction of new animal pest and diseases (Figure 31). It should be noted that except for the incidence of forest fires all perceptions are related to climate change. The incidence of forest fires was either due to accidental or intentional burning. The result of which would be clearing more areas for farming.

Figure 31. Percived effects of climate change based on identified atttibutes for the identified representative

barangays of the selected municipalities. The top three percieved effects were lesser water yield, lesser crop yield and increased/introduction of new plant pest and diseases. (SOURCE : lifted from Table 34, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

7.2 Adaptation

Response to climate change to sustain agri-based livelihood depends on the farmers’ financial flexibility and common sense in adapting and developing their own adaptation strategies. 7.2.1 Use of Pesticides To insure a harvest for the current cropping season, farmers use insecticides and fungicides to control pest and disease outbreaks. Other farming practices for pest and disease management is the manual removal of the pest or infected parts of the plants (Figure 32). The manual removal is practiced only in Sablan and Tuba.

18%5%

20%

27%

23%

7%

Increase /Introduction of new plant pest and diseases

Increase /Introduction of new animal pest and diseases

Leser Crop Yield

Lesser Water Yield

Increase incidence of human disease

Increase forest fire incidence


Figure 32. Farming practices involving practice of organic agriculture, use of pesticides and fertilizers. The pie

chart shows that majority of the farmers do not practice organic agriculture, most use insecticides and fertilizers a few use compost and resort to manually removing the pest or infected plant part,(SOURCE : lifted from Table 37 Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

7.2.2 Growing Other Crops Another adaptation strategy is the use of alternate crops. Atok is trying cutflower production, testing lowland vegetables like okra, eggplant and some fruit bearing trees. 7.2.3 Frequent Watering Frequent watering is resorted to because of the irregular rainfall pattern, but this activity is labor intensive and causes additional stress to the limited water resources due to the increase in users. The sources of water in the area are from springs, deep wells, creeks/stream/rivers and water tanks. Of the four municipalities only Atok and Buguias have water tanks where they can store water for their crops. 7.2.4 Crop Rotation and Other Farm Practices To mitigate these diseases, a variety of methods are employed by the farmers of the two municipalities. Most apply crop rotation and liming. Other mitigating measures include fallow period for the soil to rest, removal of old soil and/or mixing it with new soil, manual removal of infected plants or plant parts and others with 1.0, 2.0, 1.0 and 2.0% responses, respectively. However, even with these measures, the problem still persists per cropping in the locality (Figure 33).

24%

18%

17%

17%

13%

4%3% 3% 1%

Does not Practice Organic Agriculture Insecticides

14-14-14 Fertilizer Use Chicken Manure

Fungicides Compost

Practices Organic Agriculture Urea

Manual Removal


Figure 33. Mitigating measures employed by farmers against fungi-caused diseases, these are crop

rotation, liming, fallow period, old soil removal, and manual removal only for Atok and Buguias. (SOURCE: Figure 35, Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet - Main Report, 2010)

7.2.5 Changes in Work Schedule Changes in work schedule, farmers go to their farms earlier to avoid the intense heat at mid day, was observed. Their work schedule starts at 5am until 9am then 3pm until it becomes dark. 7.2.6 Seeking Other Sources of Income When the farmer’s income is low due to low production due to pest infestation or low prices, and they are unable to finance the next cropping, farmers seek other employment to augment their family income and save capital for the next cropping.

6%

11%

14%

8%

3%

6%

3%

Crop Rotation Liming Fallow Period Old Soil Removal Manual Removal



8 Conclusion

The commissioned study on the biophysical characterization and socio economic profiling of selected municipalities represented by pilot barangays established that there are changes in the climate which significantly affects agriculture, health, biodiversity and the role of women.

Agriculture is affected in terms of changes in (1) farming activities or routine, the farmers have to work earlier to avoid the heat of the sun which has become more intense, (2) farm inputs in terms of increased use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to correct low fertility and reduce the effects pest which has increased (3) looking for alternative livelihoods other than farming because farm production is not enough to support the family, (4) source out farm labor outside the family since the children are studying so hiring migrant workers is done, (5) choice of crops and cropping systems such as crop rotation, monocropping or intercropping and identifying alternative crops that are tolerant to drought and increasing temperatures.

Biodiversity is affected because the niche and habitat of plants and animals are irreversibly altered, the growing space (plants) and territories (animal) and other resources (water and nutrients,) are affected. As these progresses more plants and animals will be included in the endangered list and eventually they will become extinct.

The role of women has been expanded in relation to farming especially for subsistence of marginal farmers. Since the head of the family cannot tend the farm on his own, some farming activities are delegated to women, such as weeding, fertilizing, harvesting and marketing the farm produce.

Climate mitigation and adaptation strategies are essential to cope with a constantly changing environment. However adoption of mitigation and adaptation strategies also depends on the ability of the farmer to acquire materials needed to implement the mitigation or adaptation strategy.


9 Recommendations A. Community-based agri-livelihood and management options:

1. Adoption and practice of “protected” agriculture through the use of crop shelters (rain shelters, net shades, etc.);

2. To use modern irrigation equipment and improved water management techniques to improve efficiency of use of water;

3. To develop water resources to provide irrigation water during the dry season and supplemental irrigation during short drought periods in the rainy season;

4. To shift the cropping calendar or change in cropping patterns; 5. To practice “modern” agriculture; 6. To explore the potential use of crop shelters ( net sheds, plastic sheds etc) to serve as protection

from strong rains; 7. Information on forest fire prevention should be disseminated to the community during their

barangay meetings. This can be done through formal invitations sent by the barangay to the DENR or the college of forestry at Benguet State University;

8. Tree planting should be done on the designated watershed areas in Paoay, Loo, Bayabas and Taloy Sur. Native species is recommended to be used in the tree planting of the community;

9. Farmlots should be identified and registered with the barangay so that, they can ensure that no expansion or encroachment is made into the remaining forest areas;

10. Barangay officials closely work with the municipal agriculturist and request an analysis of the soil fertility levels on a regular basis so that they will decide whether the use inorganic or organic fertilizers is necessary;

11. An ecosystem-based adaptation approach be considered in the strategic planning for sustainable agriculture at the barangay level;

B. Government support: 12. To study specific crop requirements (climatic, agronomic, etc.) so that the more appropriate

ones are identified and selected; 13. 14. The cultivation of unknown and new edible plants and herbal medicines should be studied and

propagated. This will enrich the local food sources and household remedies; 15. Propagate indigenous or endemic trees to sustain the remaining forest in the area; 16. Look for drought resistant leaf and root vegetables specially in Bayabas and Taloy Sur; 17. Develop small water impounding systems to store water for irrigation purposes; 18. Closely study the cropping calendar for each crop and correlate this with climate data; 19. Develop community managed irrigation system using efficient systems such as drip

irrigation, water storage infrastructures or small water impounding systems; 20. Capacity building to reduce effects of climate vulnerabilities on individual’s source of

livelihood e.g. training on how to use information from the AWS; 21. Strengthen organizational capability in responding to the needs of the community; establish

mechanisms of ensuring info dissemination; capacity building to farmers to guide them on farm decisions; capacity building in leadership and management capabilities to improve transparency and efficiency of organizations;

22. To provide avenues for affordable credit facilities to support crop production; and 23. To provide skills development training to communities so that they will have additional

alternative livelihood income.


10 Data Gaps To further enrich the information regarding the biophysical characteristics and socio-economic profile of the selected sites, the following data are needed:

1. Hydrologic Data - information on water quantity and quality is very critical to determine the supply and demand aspect.

2. Climatic Data – there are only two weather stations available in the province of Benguet, the one in Baguio and the other in BSU, La Trinidad Benguet. Climate data is important for scenario building and adaptation strategies development

3. Crop yield (monthly and annual) – data on crop yield is critical so that it can be used in simulation or modelling

4. Basis of crop selection – information on how farmers decide what crop to plant is not available, information on decision systems will be helpful in customizing adaptation strategies that will have a high adoption percentage

5. Cropping Calendar Records – the cropping calendar is not available 6. Health and Wellbeing of Women in the Household – the role of women in farming has increase as

a result of climate change, it is therefore important to monitor and evaluate their contribution to developing and adoption of adaptation strategies to climate change

7. Indigenous Knowledge on Climate Change - indigenous people have over generation accumulated technologies, skills, practices and beliefs which at the time had no scientific basis but when analysed, was based on sound scientific principles, these wealth of knowledge has not been properly documented, there is a need to document these rituals and practices that are related to climate change adaptation

8. Access to Secondary Data – the information and data is archived in government and non- government agencies but the problem of accessing has to be resolved through formal channels. a. Community Land Use Plan, Natural Resource Management Plan, Barangay Natural Resource

Management Plan, Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development Protection Plan, Disaster Risk Reduction Management

b. Climatic and Hydrologic Data c. Updated soil data (fertility, characterization, etc.)


Annex 1: Soil Series Paoay, Atok: Paoay Loam Soil Name : Paoay Series Location : Brgy. Paoay, Atok, Benguet 16° 37’ 56” N, 120° 45’ 47” E Elevation : 2397 meters above sea level Landform : Interfluve Slope : Rolling to moderately steep (18-30%) Land use : Farm land Climate : Data from Baguio Meteorological Station about five km southeast of the site) at 1501 m

elevation, for the period 1951 to 1970; Four dry months (December-March); mean annual rainfall is 3,422 mm; mean annual temperature is 19.2 °C; mean monthly maximum temperature is 25.0 °C in April; mean monthly minimum temperature is 13.1 °C in January.

Parent material :Weathered Quartz, Diorite, Conglomerate Drainage : moderately well drained Erosion : moderate Brief General Description of the Profile The soil is deep with color from dark yellowish brown to brownish yellow. Texture is loam to sandy loam. Generally the soil is loose when moist, sticky and plastic when wet, and hard to extremely hard when dry. The whole profile is very strongly acid to extremely acid. Root distribution is normal.

Profile Description

0-9 cm

Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) moist and brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) dry, loam; weak granular; non sticky and non plastic wet, loose moist; many fine pores; many very fine roots; very strongly acid (4.51 pH), 4.20% OM, 0.21% N, 150.18 ppm P, 83 ppm K and 12.50 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

10-17 cm

Yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) moist and yellow (10YR 7/8) dry, sandy; weak granular; non sticky and non plastic wet, loose moist; common fine and few coarse pores; common very fine roots; extremely acid (4.0 pH), 2.94% OM, 0.15% N, 146.67 ppm P, 74.0 ppm K and 8.20 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

17-33 cm

Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) moist and brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) dry, sandy loam; weak sub-angular; non sticky and non plastic wet, loose moist, hard dry; many medium pores; few fine roots; extremely acid (3.77 pH), 3.48% OM, 0.17% N, 155.79 ppm P, 65 ppm K and 7.0 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

33-58 cm

Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) moist and brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) dry, sandy loam; moderate angular blocky; sticky and plastic wet, loose moist, very hard dry; common coarse and many medium pores; very few fine roots; extremely acid (4.06 pH), 3.10% OM,0.15 % N, 162.11 ppm P, 61.0 ppm K and 5.70 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

58-82 cm

Yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) moist and brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) dry, sandy; strong angular blocky; slightly sticky and slightly plastic wet, very firm moist, hard dry; few coarse pores; very few fine roots; extremely acid (4.28 pH), 2.70% OM, 0.13% N, 16.67 ppm P, 65.00 ppm K and 6.0 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

82-100 cm

Brownish (10YR 6/8) moist and yellow (7.5YR 5/8) dry, sandy; structure less; slightly sticky and slightly plastic wet, very firm moist, very hard; many fine and few coarse pores; extremely acid (4.35 pH), 1.16% OM, 0.06% N, 12.87 ppm P, 56.75 ppm K and 4.70 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

100+ cm

Brownish (10YR 6/8) moist and yellow (7.5YR 5/8) dry, sandy; weak prismatic; slightly sticky and slightly plastic wet, extremely firm moist, extremely hard; extremely acid (4.01 pH), 1.39% OM, 0.07% N, 10.41 ppm P, 61.0 ppm K and 3.90 m.e/100 g soil CEC.


Loo, Buguias: Umingan Sandy Loam

Soil Name : Umingan Series Location : Magmagaling, Bugiuas, Benguet

16° 46' 42" N, 120° 49' 54" E Elevation : 1580 meters above sea level Landform : Alluvial fan Land Use : Farm land Parent material : Collovium-Alluvium Drainage : Well-drained Erosion : Slight Brief General Description of the Profile The soil is moderate with color from very dark grayish brown to dark yellowish brown. Texture is from silt clay to clay loam. Rock fragments are present in all horizons ranging from 10% to 20%. Structure is generally subangular blocky. The whole profile is very strongly acid to slightly acid. Profile Description

0-18.5 cm

Dark brown (10 YR 3/3) silty clay; dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/4) dry; moderate, fine, subangular blocky; slightly hard, friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; many, medium to coarse roots; many coarse, tubular pores; 20% rock fragments; very strongly acid (5.08 pH), 2.60% OM, 0.13 % N, 175.44 ppm P, 92.0 ppm K and 20.0 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

18.5-36.2 cm

Very dark grayish brown (10 YR 3/2) silty clay, dark brown (10 YR 3/3) dry; moderate, medium, subangular blocky; hard, firm, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; many, medium to coarse roots; many, coarse, tubular pores; 15-20% rock fragments; strongly acid (5.40 pH), 2.54% OM, 0.13% N, 40.12 ppm P, 112.25 ppm K and 21.20 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

36.2-61.8 cm

Dark brown (10 YR 3/3) clay loam, dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/4) dry; moderate, coarse, subangular blocky; hard, firm, sticky and plastic; many, medium to coarse roots; many, medium, tubular pores; 15-20% rock fragments; moderately acid (5.66 pH), 0.82% OM, 0.04% N, 30.64 ppm P, 69.5 ppm K and 19.90 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

61.8-88.5 cm

Dark yellowish brown (4 YR 3/4) silt loam, dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/6) dry; weak, medium, subangular blocky; loose, loose, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; common, few to medium roots; common, common, fine, interstitial roots; 10-15% rock fragments; neutral (5.66 pH), 0.82% OM, 0.04% N, 30.64 ppm P, 69.50 ppm K and 19.90m.e/100 g soil CEC.

88.5 cm+

Dark yellowish brown (4 YR 3/4) silt loam, dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/6) dry; weak, medium, subangular blocky; loose, loose, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; common, fine roots; few fine vesicular pores; 10% rock fragments; slightly acid (6.28 pH), 0.75% OM, 0.04% N, 11.70 ppm P, 65 ppm K and 22.0 m.e/100 g soil CEC.


Bayabas, Sablan: Burgos Clay Soil Name : Burgos Series Location : Ngano-an, Boboc, Benguet

16° 27' 22" N, 120° 49' 34" Elevation : 1,150 meters above sea level Landform : Fall face Parent Material : Andesite Drainage : Well-drained Erosion : Severe Brief General Description of the Profile The soil is moderate with color from brown to strong brown. Texture is from sandy loam to sandy clay. Structure is granular to subangular blocky. Presence of rock fragments increases as depth of profile increases. The whole profile is extremely acid. Profile Description

0-10 cm

Brown (7.5 YR 5/4) sandy clay loam, reddish yellow (7.5 YR 7/8) dry; strong, coarse, granular; friable, hard, slightly sticky, plastic; common very fine roots; few very fine vesicular pores; 25% rock fragments; extremely acid (3.96 pH), 2.19% OM, 0.11% N, 21.64 ppm P, 97.25 ppm K and 9 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

10.1-21.3 cm

Dark brown (7.5 YR 4/4) sandy clay loam, strong brown (7.5 YR 4/6) dry; moderate, medium, subangular structure; friable, hard, slightly sticky, plastic: few, very fine roots; few, very fine vesicular pores; 40% rock fragments; extremely acid (3.7 pH), 2.29% OM, 0.11% N, 9.36 ppm P, 102 ppm K and 11.40 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

21.3-33.2 cm

Strong brown (7.5 YR 4/6) sandy clay, strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6) dry; moderate, fine, subangular blocky structure; friable, hard, slightly sticky, plastic; few fine roots; few fine vesicular pores; 40% rock fragments; extremely acid (3.62 pH), 1.16% OM, 0.06% N, 9.59 ppm P, 74 ppm K and 7.80 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

33.2-62.4 cm

Dark brown (7.5 YR 4/4) sandy clay, strong brown (7.5 YR 5/6) dry; moderately medium subangular blocky; firm, hard, slightly sticky, slightly plastic; few fine to medium roots; few moderate vesicular pores; 50% rock fragments; extremely acid (3.45 pH), 0.68% OM, 0.03% N, 10.88 ppm P, 61.00 ppm K and 6.5 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

62.4-87.5 cm

Reddish yellow (7.5 YR 7/6) sandy loam, reddish yellow (7.5 YR 7/8) dry; moderate, medium, angular blocky; firm, friable, non-sticky, non-plastic; fine to medium roots; few common interstitial pores; 50% rock fragments; extremely acid (3.57 pH), 0.50% OM, 0.02% N, 28.07 ppm P, 69.5 ppm K and 8.20 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

87.5+ cm

Brown (7.5 YR 5/4) sandy loam, strong brown (7.5 YR 5/8) dry; moderate, medium, subangular blocky; hard, friable, non-sticky, non-plastic; fine to coarse roots; few, medium interstitial pores; 70% rock fragments; extremely acid (3.80 pH), 0.44% OM, 0.02% N, 35.09 ppm P, 61.0 ppm K and 8.80 m.e/100 g soil CEC.


Taloy Sur, Tuba:Bakakeng Clay Soil Name : Bakakeng Series Location : Lamut, La Trinidad, Benguet 16° 26’ 48” N, 120° 37’ E Elevation : 1681 meters above sea level Landform : Seepage Slope Slope : Undulating to rolling (18-30%) Climate : Data from Baguio Meteorological Station about 5 km southeast of the site) at 1501 m

elevation, for the period 1951 to 1970; Four dry months (December-March); mean annual rainfall is 3,422 mm; mean annual temperature is 19.2 °C; mean monthly maximum temperature is 25.0 °C in April; mean monthly minimum temperature is 13.1 °C in January.

Parent material : Igneous Rock Drainage : Well-drained Erosion : Slight Brief General Description of the Profile The soil is deep with color from dark reddish brown to red. Texture is from clay loam to silty clay. The whole profile is extremely acid.

Profile Description

0-18 cm

Dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4) moist and brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) dry, clay loam; weak granular; slightly sticky and non plastic wet, loose moist, slightly hard dry; many fine and medium few coarse pores; many very fine roots; extremely acid (4.05 pH). 8.15% OM, 0.41% N, 13.88 ppm P, 226 ppm K and 17 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

18-35 cm

Dark reddish brown (2.5YR 3/4) moist and red (2.5YR 4/6) dry, silty loam; moderate sub-angular; slightly sticky and non plastic wet, very friable moist, hard dry; few medium pores; few very fine roots; extremely acid (4.17 pH), 1.25% OM, 0.07% N, 7.13 ppm P, 91 ppm K and 10.50 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

35-57 cm

Dark red (2.5YR 3/6) moist and red (2.5YR 4/6) dry, silty clay; strong sub-angular; sticky and plastic wet, very friable moist, very hard dry; very few medium and few fine pores; very few very fine roots; extremely acid (4.08 pH), 0.93% OM, 0.05% N, 6.20 ppm P, 80 ppm K and 11.70 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

57-77 cm

Red (2.5YR 4/6) moist and red (2.5YR 4/6) dry, silty clay; strong angular; sticky and plastic wet, friable moist, very hard dry; extremely acid (3.87 pH), 0.93% OM, 0.05% N, 6.47 ppm P, 46 ppm K and 9.10 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

77-88 cm

Dark red (2.5YR 3/6) moist and dark red (2.5YR 3/6) dry, silty clay; moderate angular; sticky and very plastic wet, firm moist, hard dry; extremely acid (3.85 pH), 0.87% OM, 0.04% N, 7.09 ppm P, 50 ppm K and 13.6 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

88-102 cm

Dark red (2.5YR 3/6) moist and red (2.5YR 4/6) dry, silty clay; moderate angular; sticky and plastic wet, very friable moist, very hard dry; extremely acid (3.90 pH), 0.64% OM, 0.03% N, 6.94 ppm P, 37.5 ppm K and 14.80 m.e/100 g soil CEC.

102+

Red (2.5YR 4/6) moist and red (2.5YR 4/6) dry, silty clay; moderate prismatic; slightly sticky and non plastic wet, firm moist, very hard dry; extremely acid (3.87 pH), 0.77% OM, 0.04% N, 9.81 ppm P, 30 ppm K and 13.20 m.e/100 g soil CEC.


Annex 2: Land-Use Maps Land-use Map of Paoay, Atok


Land-use Map of Loo, Buguias


Land-use Map of Bayabas, Sablan


Land-use Map of Taloy Sur, Tuba


Annex 3: Topographic Maps

A 3.1 Topographic Map of Paoay, Atok


Topographic Map of Loo, Buguias


Topographic Map of Bayabas, Sablan


Topographic Map of Taloy Sur, Tuba


Annex 4: Observed Hazards (In the Last Five Years Identified by the Community) Observed Hazards in Paoay, Atok


Observed Hazards in Loo, Buguias


Observed Hazards in Bayabas, Sablan


Observed Hazards in Taloy Sur, Tuba

bsu synthesis report

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