Highlights of the study on Vulnerability and Adaptation Capacity Assessments in the Cordillera Region - Benguet.

1. Enhanced Climate Change Adaptation Capacity of Communities in Contiguous Fragile Ecosystems in the Cordilleras

2. Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Benguet Benguet State University (FG Calora, MR Parao, JF Malamug, RS Batani, MD Gapasin)

3. Topics General Objective Study Sites Sources of Data Methodology Biophysical Characterization Socio – Economic Profiling The Climate Biophysical Characterization Soil Characterization Biodiversity Water Sources Land Use and Topography Climate Related Hazards

4. Topics Socio-Economic Profile Demographic Profile Source of Livelihood Income Structure Source of Farm Labor Gender and Climate Change Gender Differentials Agri-based Livelihood and Climate Change Major Crops Cropping Patterns Production Inputs Marketing Strategies Farm Size Livestock Production

5. Topics Climate Change Perception and Adaptation Local Terms Climate Change Awareness and Effects Common Farming Problems Perceived Effects of Climate Change Adaptation Issues, Gaps and Constraints Key Messages Recommendations

6. General Objective To conduct a biophysical characterization and agro-socio economic profiling of selected municipalities in Benguet Bayabas, Sablan Taloy Sur, Tuba Loo, Buguias Paoay, Atok

7. Study Sites Low elevation (200-999 masl) Barangay Taloy Sur, Tuba Barangay Bayabas, Sablan Mid elevation (1000-2000 masl) Barangay Loo, Buguias High elevation (>2000 masl) Barangay Paoay, Atok

8. Sources of Data Cordillera Highland Agriculture Resource Management Project (CHARMP) Community Land Use Plans (CLUP) Barangay Natural Resources Management Plans (BNRMP) Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – BSU, Baguio City and Dagupan City

9. Sources of Data National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Local Government Units (LGUs) FAO-developed CLIMWAT Program Plant inventories, soil collection, field interviews and validation, household interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews

10. Methodology

11. Biophysical Characterization Field site reconnaissance and site selection Coordination with LGUs for site reconnaissance and data collection

12. Biophysical Characterization Soil sampling and undergrowth vegetation analysis in Pan-ayawan, Loo, Buguias GPS reading being undertaken by the team

13. Biophysical Characterization Consultation with barangay officials for hazard mapping Validation of identified hazard-prone areas

14. Socio-Economic Profiling The researchers conducting a fish bowl technique in randomly selecting the respondents Trekking on foot to reach far-flung areas for survey (in Beckes, Paoay)

15. Socio-Economic Profiling FGD with the Kayabang Organization members in Bayabas A researcher conducting HH survey with one of the respondents

16. Socio-Economic Profiling Barangay officials FGD participants doing resource mapping in Taloy Sur, Tuba An FGD participants dicussing the resource map in Bayabas, Sablan

17. The Climate

18. Climate Characterization Low elevation – based on data observed in Dagupan City Mid and High elevations – based on data recorded in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet

20. Characterized by two distinct seasons

21. wet from May to October

22. dry during the rest of the year

24. average temperature ranges : 15.3 - 22.8ºC;

25. average sunshine duration: 5.7 hours;

26. potential evapotranspiration rate:2.45 to 3.71 mm/day;

28. Warmer, temperature range: 25.8 - 29.7ºC;

29. Higher average potential evapotranspiration rates: 3.88 - 6.36 mm/day;

30. average annual rainfall: 1338.8 mm

32. 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.

33. 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.

34. 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

36. There is an increase of about 0.4ºC in temperature from average values computed from 1979-2003 and 1999-2009;

41. Paoay soil series.

42. The soil is deep with color from dark yellowish brown to brownish yellow.

43. The soil 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.

46. Burgos Clay series

47. The soil is moderate with color from brown .

48. The soil texture is from sandy loam to sandy clay.

49. The structure is granular to sub angular blocky,

50. There is presence of rock fragments increasing as depth of the profile increases.

52. Soil Analysis 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.

53. Soil Analysis 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

54. Biodiversity There are 28 plant species belonging 14 families which were identified to be endangered based on the conservation status classification of the IUCN, These ranged from vulnerable, threatened, endangered, critically endangered CITES, rare and nearly threatened

55. Conservation Status Conservation status of 28 species identified under the IUCN classification for the different municipalities collected from the established biodiversity plots

56. Plant Families The plant families of the identified endangered/threatened species based on the IUCN classification

57. Biodiversity Indices The biodiversity indices (Shanon and Pielou’s Similarity Index) for trees and undergrowth per municipality

58. List of Endangered, Threatened and Vulnerable Species

59. List of Endangered, Threatened and Vulnerable Species

60. List of Endangered, Threatened and Vulnerable Species

61. Low Elevation Mid Elevation High Elevation

62. Water Sources The sources of water mentioned by farmers used for agricultural purposes on the project site

64. Atok, Sablan, and Tuba: Forest

65. Buguias: Agricultural

68. Atok and Tuba: moderate to steep slopes

70. Area covered by the four municipalities Land Area

71. Land Use and Topographic Maps Land use map : Atok Topographic Map : Atok

72. Land-use Map: Buguias Topographic Map : Buguias

73. Topographic Map: Sablan Land-use Map : Sablan

74. Topographic Map : Tuba Land-use Map : Tuba

75. Climate Related Hazards Climate related hazards within the last 5 years of economic impacts in the area were mapped Note: All study sites were vulnerable to severe and moderate erosion due to heavy rainfall, loose soil and rugged topography Flooding is only common near river banks except in Paoay All study sites were vulnerable to fires as a result of hotter weather conditions

76. Community Hazard Map as identified by the community of Paoay The hazards identified The were: Climate Induced Hazards Severe and moderate Erosion was observed near road side Flood Frost* Man induced Hazards Forest Fires , these occurred due to thrown cigarette butts and camp fires Insufficient water supply*

77. Community Hazard Map as identified by the community of Loo Climate induced Hazards Floods Severe and Moderate Erosion Frost* Human induced Hazards Forest Fire Insufficient water supply*

78. Community Hazard Map as identified by the community of Bayabas Climate induced Hazards Severe and Moderate Erosion Flood Human induced Hazards Forest Fire Insufficient water supply*

79. Community Hazard Map as identified by the community of Taloy Sur Climate induced hazards Severe / Moderate Erosion Human induced Hazards Forest Fire Insufficient water supply*

80. Socio Economic Profile

82. 41-50 , 27.6%

83. 31-40, 23.9%

84. Residency

85. 21-30, 17.3%

86. 31-50, 17.3%

87. Occupation

89. < 5000 pesos ,34.2%

90. <10000 pesos, 25.9%

93. <4 household members and >10 ~ low income

94. Poverty line P 6,713/mo; many are poor but do not go hungry

95. Majority of farmers still have off-farm works in Bayabas and Taloy Sur unlike in Paoay and Loo

97. Source of Farm Labor The potential source of labor from the municipalities.

98. Gender and Climate Change

99. Gender Differentials 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.

100. Agri-based Livelihood and Climate Change

101. Major Crops Major crops in the project sites

102. Major Crops Major crops by municipality

103. Cropping Patterns Cropping patterns used in the project sites.

104. Production Inputs Some production inputs for Atok, Buguias, Sablan and Tuba

105. Marketing Strategies Crop production objective for each site showing that crop production is mostly for commercial purpose except for Sablan

106. Farm Size Farm size in the four municipalities

107. Livestock Production Survey of Livestock/poultry in Atok, Buguias, Sablan and Tuba

108. Climate Change Perception and Adaptation

109. Local Terms The local terms used in relation to climate change were “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

110. Local Terms “Kalgaw” refers to DROUGHT, which was reported to be longer as observed by the communities “Tog-in or teg-in” refers to COLD TEMPERATURE “Man-atong” refers to HOT TEMPERATURE or VERY WARM temperature

111. Climate Change Awareness and Effects 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

112. Common Farming Problems . Common farming problems described as characteristics as reported from different representative barangays of selected municipalities

113. Perceived Effects of Climate Change Percived effects of climate change based on identified atttibutes for the identified representative barangays of the selected municipalities

114. Adaptation Use of pesticides Growing other crops Frequent watering Crop rotation and other practices Changes in work schedule Seeking other sources of income

115. Adaptation Strategies – Organic Farming Farming practices involving practice of organic agriculture , use of pesticides and fertilizers

116. Mitigating Measures-Pest Management Mitigating measures employed by farmers against fungi-caused diseases

117. Issues, Gaps and Constraints

118. Issues Coordination With LGU’s, Barangay, DA-CAR, DA-MLA , BSWM,DENR,PAGASA,MGB Implementation 8 month incubation period Concept – September 2009 Implementation - April 2009 Budget Allocation/Release Pre-Financing How to liquidate fund which are not released

119. Issues Access to Secondary Data (CLUP , NRMP,BNRMP,ADSDPP,DRRM Incomplete data Provincial Level Municipal Level Land Ownership

120. Gaps Hydrologic Data Climatic Data Crop yield (monthly and annual) Cropping Calendar Records Updated soil data ( fertility, characterization, etc) Health and Wellbeing of Women in the Household Indigenous Knowledge on Climate Change Information on Basis of Crop selection

121. Constraints Terrain Undulating to steep Long and tiring hikes to households and farms during field visits Project sites have combination of low and mid or mid and high) Weather Strong rains affected data collection and field visits Change in Leadership Repeating IEC to newly elected officials and reiteration commitments

122. Key Messages 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 Biodiversity Biodiversity is important because this has a significant influence on the resilience of an ecosystem

123. Land-use and Topography Land-use can serve as a mitigation strategy while topography will affect the adaptation strategies to climate change Observed Hazards Community perceived hazards are proofs of vulnerabilities experienced in the local level showing their resilience and ability to adapt to these hazards

124. Agribased Livelihood Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in Benguet, the potential impact of climate change to agriculture is important to assess the appropriate adaptation strategies can be developed

125. 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 strategies

126. Adaptation Response to climate change to sustain agribased livelihood depends on the farmers financial flexibility and common sense in adapting and developing their own adaptation strategies

127. Recommendations Adoption and practice of “protected” agriculture through the use of crop shelters (rain shelters, net shades, etc.); To use modern irrigation equipment and improved water management techniques to improve efficiency of use of water; To study specific crop requirements (climatic, agronomic, etc.) so that the more appropriate ones are identified and selected;

128. To develop water resources to provide irrigation water during the dry season and supplemental irrigation during short drought periods in the rainy season; To shift the cropping calendar or change in cropping patterns; To practice “modern” agriculture;

129. Recommendations To explore the potential use of crop shelters ( net sheds, plastic sheds etc) to serve as protection from strong rains 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.

130. Recommendations 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 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.

131. Recommendations 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 necessar An ecosystem-based adaptation approach be considered in the strategic planning for sustainable agriculture at the barangay level.

132. Recommendations 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 Propagate indigenous or endemic trees to sustain the remaining forest in the area. Look for drought resistant leaf and root vegetables specially in Bayabas and Taloy Sur

133. Recommendations Develop small water impounding systems to store water for irrigation purposes Closely study the cropping calendar for each crop and correlate this with climate data Develop community managed irrigation system using efficient systems such as drip irrigation, water storage infrastructures or small water impounding systems

134. Recommendations 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.

135. Recommendations 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

136. Recommendations To provide avenues for affordable credit facilities to support crop production To provide skills development training to communities so that they will have additional alternative livelihood income