Climate and security risks and their implications for sustainable livelihoods: The case of Maguindanao in conflict-ridden Philippine Bangsamoro

Abstract

Intensifying climate change exacerbates humanitarian challenges, especially in parts of the world with a history of violent conflicts. This paper describes the nexus between extreme weather events and their implications for security and livelihoods in Maguindanao province in the Philippine Bangsamoro. It brings front-and-centre an analysis of how climate and security risks impact sustainable livelihoods, unpacking Maguindanao-specific livelihood vulnerabilities and how weather extremes and conflicts exacerbated them. This paper delivers primary empirical evidence on these linkages, showing how prolonged droughts and intense precipitations leading to flooding and incidences of violent conflicts affected the marginalised communities in Maguindanao and their livelihoods. While communities have responded to these challenges through different livelihood adaptation strategies, this paper reveals the need for leadership by local and the Bangsamoro governments in addressing the current and potential issues associated with these strategies. Left unaddressed, climate fragilities can threaten sustainable livelihoods, spiralling further in downward trajectories, poverty traps, and worsened inequalities.