Role of institutions in managing agriculture-related climate risks: Angat Reservoir case study, Bulacan, Philippines

Issue Date

6-2008

Abstract

Using the Angat-Maasim River Irrigation System (AMRIS) as a case study, this paper described the normative and positive functions of the various national and local institutions in coping with climate variability. It traced the decision making process in the water allocation and delivery in the AMRIS; and the roles of the national institutions, the AMRIS, the irrigators' associations and the local governments in the decision process. It also illustrated the impacts of the decisions made by institutions on the farmers' agricultural production and the operations of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

The finding suggest that a participatory approach is used in the water delivery decision, i.e. by the NIA and the Irrigators Associations; but the water allocation decision is beyond the control of the NIA. A biophysical model is used in the water delivery and allocation decision, but farmers also contributed their local indigenous knowledge in the process. However, huge losses in farmers' rice production and NIA income were recorded during extreme climate events due to the current institutional decision making process. These losses could be minimized and agriculture sector could be more insulated from climate variability if more scientific based decisions come into play. This however requires more reliable forecast from the weather agency and more proactive behavior of support institutions.

Source or Periodical Title

Journal of Environmental Science and Management

ISSN

0119-1144

Volume

11

Issue

1

Page

26-39

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

tables, map, graphs, charts

Language

English

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