Environmental risk perception factors influencing risk communication behavior of upland farmers in the Dampalit watershed, Makiling Forest Reserve, Philippines

Issue Date

2012

Abstract

The Molawin-Dampalit watershed is one of the four major watershed zones in the Makiling Forest Reserve (MFR) located in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. It serves as a critical water source and provides livelihood to many upland farmers in the area and nearby communities. Studies have shown that increasing human population and accompanying activities/actions lead to degradation of the watershed in particular, and the MFR in general. Upland farming is a risky activity and farmers always have had to cope with a variety of risks. However, the concept of environmental risk is relatively new to most of them. Various researches have highlighted the need to understand how people perceive environmental risks. This paper postulates that upland farmers are affected by environmental risks and that their ability to cope was influenced by six social factors of environmental risk perception (control, familiarity, fairness, memorability, dread, as well as diffusion in time and space). Their communication behavior towards environment risks was measured by their ability to use communication sources, its truthfulness and credibility, and information use. A one-shot interview schedule was administered to randomly selected upland farmers. Focus group discussion, key informant interviews and review of secondary documents were also done. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation were used in data analysis. This study concludes that risk communication behavior is influenced by familiarity and dread as environmental risk factors. Familiarity makes them prefer mass media. Dread predisposes them to refer to interpersonal sources. This paper then suggests the use of risk communication strategies and approaches not just to convey information but to facilitate rational alertness so that the affected farmers can make informed judgements about the appropriate actions to take.

Source or Periodical Title

Ecosystem & Development Journal: A Journal on Tropical Forests and Natural Resources

ISSN

2012-3612

Volume

3

Issue

1

Page

14-26

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations ; table

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

WATERSHEDS; FOREST RESERVES; ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS; COMMUNICATION; PHILIPPINES

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