Adaptive capacity of households, community organizations and institutions for extreme climate events in the Philippines

Date

7-2011

Abstract

Tropical cyclone is the most commonly occurring natural hazard in the Philippines causing billions of pesos worth in socio-economic losses and other forms of damages. Analysis of 59-year data on Philippine typhoons revealed that their intensity had been increasing, especially since the 1990s. It is therefore important for people, communities, and institutions to enhance their capacity to adapt to typhoon events and improve resilience to their probable risks. This research work focused on local government units (LGUs), community organizations (COs), and households in the province of Batangas and their experience with Typhoon Milenyo (international name Xangsane) in September 2006. Using data from primary and secondary sources, key informant interviews, and focus group discussion (FGDs), the study assessed their adaptive capacity was translated to adaptation behavior as manifested in their specific response to Typhoon Milenyo. The LGUs' response to typhoon and flooding was essentially 'relief, rescue, and rehabilitation' in nature. However, they recognized that there ere other adaptation possibilities that could make the communities less vulnerable to typhoon events. This indicates some gaps between adaptation practices recommended but were not done. One acknowledged gap in LGU response was better preparedness to typhoon event, showing the importance of establishing an early warning. This system would inform the public and decision makers about critical adaptation decision points such as what adaptation options are available and what adaptation strategies would be most appropriate. Other recommended strategies are medium to long-term in nature in order to mitigate or prevent damages from future typhoons. Constraints to adaption of more effective adaptation options pertain to weak enforcement of existing policies and standards (e.g., land use policy, building code), which are some of the underlying risk factors that could exacerbate vulnerability of the localities. Other barriers include unclear operational procedures; financial constraints, particularly for long-term and infrastructure development measures; and integration of climate risk management to local development plans. While LGUs rate their adaptive capacity high, their programs and policies and human resource capability were apparently low. There may be a need to further enhance this capacity for more effective and sustainable adaptation strategies. Partnership with other sectors of society is crucial, thus the current limited role of community organizations should also be intensified. The second part of the study analyzed the adaptive capacity of households and their experiences and adaptive behavior to deal with the impacts of Typhoon Milenyo. Primary data were generated from personal interviews of lowland and coastal households in two localities of Batangas. Results of the analysis showed that, overall, lowland and coastal households had the same adaptive capacity index. However, their differences emerged when it came to specific indicators. Lowland households had the highest capacity index in terms of infrastructure, followed by technology, and lowest in terms of social capital. On the other hand, coastal households fared the highest in social capital, followed by economic adaptive capacity, and lowest in skills and knowledge. The damage bought by Typhoon Milenyo varied by sector. The cost of damage to houses was highest in coastal areas, while agricultural production suffered the most in the lowland areas. Recovery period for majority of affected households was within one month, but agricultural households took a longer period to recover as the income they could have generated from their harvest was lost. During the typhoon, however, there was an increase in fish catch and scales of retail business. Adaptation strategies of the households to deal with Typhoon Milenyo were mostly structural such as reinforcing their houses and household properties as well as behavioral such as securing food, water, and other household needs including boats and livestock. Some collective action took place in he community particularly after the typhoon as relief operations were mobilized.

Language

English

Document Type

Terminal Report

Pages /Collation

56 pages

En – AGROVOC descriptors

CYCLONES; CLIMATE; NATURAL DISASTERS; FLOODING; HOUSEHOLDS; ADAPTATION; ORGANIZATIONS; LOCAL GOVERNMENT; PHILIPPINES

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